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The brightly lit room was filled with shadows, the only sources of light coming from overhead chandeliers. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting mythical creatures and symbols, creating an aura of magic and mystery.
This place gave me the creeps. It reminded me of those stuffy old libraries where you’re afraid to breathe too loud. I half expected some cranky librarian to shush us any second.
In the center of the room stood a large wooden table, surrounded by three imposing figures. Brad and I could see the Council sitting at the front of the room on a raised platform, their faces stern and stoic, their bodies adorned in flowing robes that seemed to shimmer with magic. Their eyes flickered with concern and inquisitiveness.
These folks looked like they’d stepped right out of a fantasy novel, all regal and mysterious. I wondered if they practiced those stern expressions in the mirror every morning.
The air was clotted with friction, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. Whispers echoed off the stone walls like scurrying insects, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Holy hell, this was intense. I felt like I was in some kind of magical courtroom drama.
“All right, let’s present our case and hope they understand,” I said to Brad, who gave my hand a squeeze.
His touch steadied me, reminding me why we were here. We had to expose the truth, no matter how scary it felt. I took a deep breath, channeling my inner confident witch.
I faced the three Council members. The first, High Chancellor Sorin, had piercing green eyes and a crown of silver hair that framed his severe expression. Beside him, Magister Eldric, a broad-shouldered man with a beard as dark as night, exuded a quiet intensity. The last, Lady Morgana, was younger, with fiery red hair and a gaze that seemed to see right through me.
“Members of the Council,” I said, my voice carrying across the hushed room. “We’ve got a serious dumpster fire on our hands.” I lifted the crystal ball. “And you’re gonna want to see this.”
Okay, maybe not the most elegant way to start, but at least I had their attention. I could practically feel their curiosity radiating off them like heat from a bonfire.
Brad nodded at me and then addressed the Council with his usual empathetic tone, “With respect, this evidence cannot be ignored.”
I triggered the crystal ball recording, an orb of memories and truth, and it sprang to life, projecting the holographic images of Councilman Voss and Ingrid caught in candid treachery. They spoke of leading the supernatural uprising, their words weaving a tapestry of betrayal that hung heavy in the chamber.
Watching the High Witch and Councilman Voss’ faces in the crystal ball made my stomach churn. These were people we’d trusted, leaders of our community. And here they were, plotting to destroy everything we held dear.
I leaned forward, my hands gripping the edge of the table. “Since the Archmage’s disappearance, this uprising has been fermenting in the shadows, plotting to establish a regime where freedom is but a myth.” I swept my arm across the room, gesturing to each Council member. “It’s not just about power, it’s about control, choking the life out of our world’s diversity and magic.”
The Council members shifted uneasily in their seats, exchanging worried glances.
I hoped my words hit home. This wasn’t just some petty disagreement, it was the future of our entire magical society at stake.
“And you have evidence of this and a betrayal?” asked High Chancellor Sorin, his voice sharp with disbelief. “The Council’s role as the governing body of the magical society has never faced such a dire threat. We’ve maintained balance for centuries, but this insurrection could topple everything we stand for.”
“Be mindful though,” I said quickly, “the crystal ball can only replay events its witnessed once. After that, the memory fades—like a really expensive Snapchat.”
Magister Eldric’s fist slammed onto the table. “Bring in Councilman Voss and High Witch Ingrid.”
The guards marched from the room, and we waited in tense silence. Minutes ticked by, each second stretching out unbearably. Brad and I exchanged worried glances as the tension in the room grew thicker.
Finally, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. The guards returned, their expressions grim and troubled.
“They’re not here,” one guard reported, a hint of urgency in his voice. “We’ve searched the entire building and sent word to check their homes. It’s as if they’ve vanished.”
The revelation sent a ripple of shock through the room. It was as if the earth had swallowed them whole, leaving behind only the echo of their conspiracy. A collective gasp rippled through the council members, their faces mirroring the growing concern.
My heart sank. Of course they’d vanished. Why would anything in my life ever be simple? I should’ve known better than to hope for an easy resolution.
“Vanished?” I could feel Brad’s hand tighten around mine. “That sucks.”
“Highly,” Brad agreed, eyebrows knitting together.
The Council members exchanged worried glances, the severity of the situation sinking in.
Magister Eldric turned back to us, his expression hardening. “We need to act swiftly. This insurrection must be stopped before it can gain more power.”
This was really happening. The supernatural uprising we’d been dreading was finally here, and it felt like a punch to the gut. I’d always known Ingrid and Voss were shady, but this? This was next-level villainy.
“Impossible,” declared High Chancellor Sorin, his disbelief mirroring our own shock. “They were under constant surveillance.”
Yeah, right. As if constant surveillance had ever stopped anyone determined enough. These weren’t amateurs we were dealing with, they were powerful, cunning, and apparently way better at keeping secrets than we’d given them credit for.
“Unless,” I said slowly, piecing it together, “they somehow knew they’d were about to be exposed and bolted. This whole thing reeks worse than month-old gym socks.”
The pieces were falling into place in my mind, each revelation more unsettling than the last. How long had they been planning this? Had we really been that blind, or were they just that good at deception?
“I wholeheartedly agree, Miss Holland,” Magister Eldric said stiffly. “Councilman Voss’ cunning is matched only by his ambition for power. And Ingrid... her visions have always hinted at darker aspirations.”
No kidding. Voss had always given me the creeps, but Ingrid? She was supposed to be one of us. The betrayal stung, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I wondered if there was still some good in her, buried beneath all that ambition.
“Whatever their reasons,” Brad said, his voice a calm counterpoint to the rising panic, “we must act swiftly. This is bigger than any one of us.”
Brad’s steadiness grounded me, reminding me why I’d fallen for him in the first place. But our forbidden romance seemed trivial now, compared to the looming threat.
As the reality of the situation seeped into the room like a cold draft, the Council members, High Chancellor Sorin, Magister Eldric, and Lady Morgana, exchanged grave looks, and I felt the urgency pressing down upon us all.
I thought of my parents, wondering what they would do in this situation. Would they be proud of me, standing here among the most powerful witches and warlocks in Emberwick Crossing? Or would they be terrified for my safety? The ache of their absence hit me anew, and I wished more than ever for their guidance.
Giving up wasn’t an option. We had to fight, had to find a way to stop this insurrection before it destroyed everything.
“Is there anything more?” Lady Morgana said.
I shifted under Brad’s supportive gaze and took a deep breath. “Actually, there is one more thing. It’s about the Covenant of Veiled Boundaries.”
My palms were sweaty, and my heart thundered in my chest. This was it—the moment I’d been dreading and anticipating for weeks. The Council’s faces swam before me, a sea of stern expressions and raised eyebrows. I swallowed hard, trying to quell the nervous energy bubbling up inside me. What if they laughed? What if they dismissed me outright? No. I had to do this. For Brad. For us. For every witch and warlock who’d ever fallen for someone they weren’t supposed to.
The Council members leaned forward, their expressions sharp. This archaic rule had long been a thorn in my side, and now it was time to challenge it.
My hands clenched at my sides. “Look, this law—it’s ancient, and it’s unfair. It keeps people like me from being with...well, people like Brad.” I gestured towards him.
I could feel Brad’s presence beside me, solid and reassuring. His warmth gave me strength even as doubt gnawed at my insides. The Council’s piercing gazes made me want to shrink away, to dissolve into the floor. But I stood my ground. I had to. This wasn’t just about me and Brad anymore. It was about challenging an outdated system, about pushing for change in a world that desperately needed it.
High Chancellor Sorin’s posture stiffened. “I understand that, Miss Holland, and the Covenant serves to prevent distractions and conflicts of interest within our ranks.”
Of course, they’d fall back on the old excuses. But I wasn’t about to let them off that easily. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what came next. The words I’d rehearsed a hundred times in my head threatened to jumble together, but I forced them out anyway.
I stood before the Council table. “But that’s just it! Who says love is a distraction? Dammit, I’d argue it makes us stronger! And if we’re facing an uprising, don’t you think we need all the strength we can get?” My voice sounded high and shrill.
I winced inwardly but kept my chin up. No backing down now. I’d come too far, risked too much. The memory of all those stolen moments with Brad, all the times we’d had to hide our feelings, fueled my determination. We deserved better. We all did.
Brad stepped up beside me. “Council members, our friendship has only ever inspired our dedication to protect this community and we’re in love. At least, I know I am.”
My breath caught in my throat. Brad’s words sent a rush of warmth through me, momentarily drowning out my anxiety. He loved me. He’d said it out loud, in front of everyone. I wanted to turn to him, to throw my arms around him and never let go, but I couldn’t. Not yet.
Magister Eldric stroked his beard thoughtfully. “We must consider the implications. The Covenant was established for a reason.”
I bit back a frustrated groan. Always with the implications, the reasons, the excuses. Couldn’t they see that the world was changing? That we needed to change with it? I took another deep breath, trying to channel my frustration into something more productive. I couldn’t lose my cool now, not when we were so close.
I leaned forward, sensing their hesitation. “Times change. And so should we. If we cling to outdated traditions, how are we any better than those who seek to overthrow us?”
There was a moment of silence, heavy with contemplation. I held my breath, searching their faces for any sign of agreement. The silence stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity. My legs trembled beneath me, but I refused to show weakness. Not now. Not when everything was on the line.
Lady Morgana’s shoulders relaxed. “Perhaps it is time we reevaluate some of our more antiquated regulations.”
A glimmer of hope sparked in my chest. Were they actually considering it? I wanted to cheer, to jump up and down, but I forced myself to remain still. The suspense was killing me, making my skin prickle with nervous energy.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, the Council members exchanged glances.
High Chancellor Sorin’s chin lifted. “The law shall be revoked. Your relationship with Mr. Adams will no longer be governed by the Covenant of Veiled Boundaries.”
Relief washed over me like a cleansing rain. “Thank you.”
Brad took my hand and squeezed.
I couldn’t believe it. We’d done it. Actually done it. The urge to pinch myself was almost overwhelming. This had to be a dream, right? But no, Brad’s hand in mine was real, solid, anchoring me to this moment. We were free. Finally, truly free to be together. The implications of what we’d just accomplished hit me all at once, leaving me dizzy with joy and disbelief.
***
WE THANKED THE COUNCIL members and then burst out of the Council chambers, giddy with victory. Brad’s hand found mine, our fingers intertwining as we strolled through the sunny streets of Emberwick Crossing towards our homes. My heart raced from the electricity of his touch.
Holy crap, we did it. The Council had actually listened to us! I couldn’t believe it. After all those nights of worrying and planning, it felt surreal to walk hand-in-hand with Brad in broad daylight. No more hiding, no more stolen glances. My chest swelled with a mix of relief and excitement. I wanted to skip down the street, to shout from the rooftops that Brad was mine. But I settled for squeezing his hand tighter, relishing the warmth of his skin against mine.
I thought of my parents, wondering if they’d be proud of the witch I’d become. Would they approve of the risks I’d taken for love? Of the stand I was about to take against dark forces threatening our world? I hoped so.
At my doorstep, I pushed it open, noticing the unusual quiet. The silence was eerie. No snarky comments, no judgmental meows. And I was glad, since I had other plans that didn’t involve a sarcastic feline audience.
“Agatha must be out terrorizing the local bird population again,” I said, stepping inside.
Brad chuckled, following me in. “Or plotting world domination. You never know with that cat.”
The house felt different without Agatha’s judgy stares, but I couldn’t complain. Alone time with Brad? Holy hell, yes please.
We’d been alone before, sure, but this was different. No more looking over our shoulders, no more guilt. Just us, finally free to be together. I struggled to keep my cool, to not jump into his arms right then and there.
“Can you believe it?” Brad’s voice was low, filled with wonder. “We actually did it. The Council denounced the Covenant.” His arms snaked around my waist, pulling me close.
I leaned back, savoring his warmth. “Mmm hmm. No more sneaking around. No more pretending.”
Gods, his arms felt good. Strong, secure. I’d dreamed of this moment for so long, imagined it a thousand different ways.
“No more pretending,” he echoed, his breath tickling my ear.
We were free. Actually, truly free to be together.
I turned in his arms, drinking in the sight of him. Spiky hair I’d always wanted to run my fingers through. That crooked smile that made my knees weak.
How many times had I stopped myself from touching him like this? From really looking at him, memorizing every detail? Too many to count. But now? Now I could stare all I wanted. Touch all I wanted. The realization hit me like a tidal wave of happiness.
“Brad,” I whispered, “I love you. Have since we were kids, flinging spells in the backyard and dreaming of being great witches.”
The words tumbled out before I could stop them, not that I wanted to. They’d been bottled up for so long, aching to be said. And now that they were out there, hanging in the air between us, I felt lighter. Freer. Like I could finally breathe after holding my breath for months.
Brad’s lips crashed into mine, longing poured into a single, electrifying kiss. My fingers tangled in his hair. His hands roamed my back, leaving trails of fire in their wake. Each kiss deepened as we fondled and caressed, lost in the moment we’d both craved for so long.
Hellfire, the man could kiss. It was like every cheesy romance novel come to life, but better. Because this was real. This was us. No more fantasizing about what it would be like. No more stolen pecks in dark corners. This was Brad, here, now, kissing me like his life depended on it. And I was right there with him, pouring months of pent-up love and desire into every touch.
I melted into his embrace, enjoying the delicious heat of his body against mine. His touch made my skin come alive, igniting a passion I’d never felt before. The smell of his cologne, sandalwood and citrus, filled my senses and made my head spin.
“Sage,” Brad whispered, his voice husky with desire. “Damn, you’re a good kisser.”
I pulled back, drinking in the sight of his flushed cheeks and swollen lips. “You are too, Bradley. , we are finally free to be a couple now. We should have spoken to the Council sooner. Why did we wait so long?”
The question nagged at me. All that time wasted, tiptoeing around our feelings. But then again, maybe we needed that time. To grow, to be sure. To make this moment all the sweeter.
He chuckled, the sound sending pleasant vibrations through my body. “Because we’re both idiots?”
Idiot or not, he was my idiot now. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Speak for yourself,” I teased, leaning in for another kiss.
This time, it was slower, more deliberate. Brad’s lips moved against mine with a tenderness that made my heart ache. His hands cupped my face, thumbs caressing my cheeks as if I were something precious. I sighed contentedly, pressing myself closer to him. My hands slid down his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. It matched the frantic rhythm of my own, a surge of desire and affection. Brad’s kisses trailed along my jaw, then down my neck. I tilted my head, giving him better access as I gasped at the sensation.
“Brad,” I breathed, my fingers digging into his shoulders.
He nipped at my collarbone, then soothed the spot with his tongue. “You’re so beautiful, Sage. So perfect.”
I pulled his face back to mine, capturing his lips in another fiery kiss, our tongues exploring and tasting. I reveled in the way he tasted like mint ice cream. My hands slid under his shirt, caressing the defined muscles of his back. Brad groaned, the sound sending a vibration of lusty desire through me. His own hands slipped beneath my top, his calloused fingers leaving goosebumps on my exposed skin.
We broke apart, both panting heavily. Brad rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm on my face. “I love you, Sage,” he said softly, his gaze intense and full of emotion. “I’ve loved you for years, and I can’t stop saying it. I love you.”
My heart soared at his words. I cupped his cheek, my thumb brushing over his lips. “I love you too. More than I can say.”
His answering smile was radiant, lighting up his entire face. He pulled me close again, this kiss softer but no less passionate. It was a promise, a declaration, a beginning. When we finally parted, I couldn’t stop smiling. Brad’s hair was mussed from my fingers, his lips swollen from our kisses. He still looked utterly kissable, and I had to resist the urge to pull him back in for more making out.
“So,” Brad said, a glint in his eye. “What happens now?”
I grinned, running my hands down his arms. “Well, Mr. Magical Architect, I think we have some exploring to do.”
The thrill of possibility zipped through me. After all the rules and restrictions, we were finally free to be together.
The Covenant of Veiled Boundaries had loomed over us for so long, casting shadows on our relationship. But now? Now we could step into the light as a couple without fear of repercussions.
“Is that so?” He raised an eyebrow, his hands settling on my hips.
“Mmm hmm,” I hummed, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. “And I can’t wait to start.”
“Gods, Sage,” he murmured against my lips. “I never thought—”
“Me neither,” I cut in, grinning even wider.
He laughed, the sound sending butterflies dancing in my stomach. “Just two rebels with a supernatural uprising cause.”
“Two rebels in love,” I corrected, pulling him in for another kiss.
Love. The word tasted like honey on my tongue. It was a balm to all the fears and doubts that had plagued us. We still had a world of trouble ahead, but right now, in this moment, everything felt possible.
“You’re incredible, you know that? Brilliant, beautiful, and brave as hell.”
I felt my cheeks flush at his words. “Flatterer,” I teased.
I wondered if he knew just how much his words meant to me, how they bolstered my confidence when I needed it most.
“It’s not flattery if it’s true. You stood up to the Council, Sage. You changed centuries of magical law. All because you believed in us.”
“We did it together,” I reminded him. “You and me against the world now.”
Brad’s smile widened. “I like the sound of that.”
His words echoed my thoughts, and I felt a surge of determination. We were a team now, officially and irrevocably.
As we stood there wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew I loved Brad so much that I’d never let anyone stand in our way of being together again. Now, I just had a supernatural apocalypse to stop.
I was Sage Holland—spell creator extraordinaire, with a talent for crystal ball scrying and a flair for magical interior design. I’d faced loss, loneliness, and an outdated magical bureaucracy. A supernatural uprising? Bring it on.