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I WAS RECLINING ON the edge of my velvet chaise, my fingers depicting the intricate patterns on the ancient rug below. Agatha lounged lazily across the sun-drenched windowsill. Her yellow eyes flared with interest. I’d confided in her about the secretive murmurings I’d caught between two Council aides.
“The Echoing Locket, you say?” Agatha yawned. “Sounds like a delightful bore, young witch.”
I sighed, dragging a hand through my blue highlighted hair. “I know it’s more than it seems. And I’m certain whoever wants it is up to something shady.”
“Pfft, shady is an understatement, Sage. More like nefarious, malicious, downright dastardly! Trust those instincts. They’ve served you well so far.” Agatha stretched languidly, claws catching on the sill.
I rolled my eyes at Agatha’s dramatic outburst. “Okay, okay, I get it. But what could they possibly want with some old locket? It’s not like it’s the key to ultimate power or anything.”
“Oh, you naive little witch,” Agatha purred, her tail swishing cheekily. “Never underestimate the allure of a mysterious artifact. It’s like catnip for power-hungry warlocks.”
I chuckled at her analogy. “So what? We just sit back and let them get their grubby hands on it?”
“Absolutely not!” Agatha leaped down from the windowsill, her expression gleaming with insolence. “We investigate, we snoop, we uncover their dastardly plans!”
I quirked an eyebrow at her. “And how exactly do you propose we do that, oh wise feline?”
“Simple. We infiltrate their inner circle, charm our way into their good graces, and then BAM! We expose their nefarious schemes to the entire magical community.”
I shook my head, a wry smile on my lips. “You make it sound so easy. But I doubt they’ll just welcome us with open arms.”
My limbs shook at the thought of confronting such powerful figures. Councilman Voss and Professor Elderwood weren’t exactly known for their cheery hospitality. And here I was, plotting to outsmart them with nothing but my wits and a snarky cat. Mom and Dad would’ve had a field day with this one.
“Pfft, have a little faith in your own abilities, Sage. You’re a seventh-level witch, for crying out loud! Use that interior design magic of yours to dazzle them into submission!”
I laughed at the absurdity of it all. “Right, because a well-placed throw pillow is the key to unraveling a sinister plot.”
The image of Councilman Voss tripping over an artfully arranged ottoman flashed through my mind. If only it were that simple. My fingers were itching to grab my crystal ball and scry for answers. Except even magic had its limits when it came to untangling the web of danger we’d stumbled into.
“Hey, don’t knock the power of a perfectly coordinated color scheme,” Agatha said, her whiskers twitching with amusement.
Before I could reply, a sharp knock at the door cut through our conversation. I rose to answer, finding Evie Blackthorn on my porch, her face etched with urgency.
“Magical disturbances are wreaking havoc across town again,” she blurted out.
A knot formed in my stomach. Just when I’d thought things couldn’t get more complicated. I fought the urge to slam the door and hide under my bed like I used to as a kid. I wasn’t that scared little girl anymore. I was a witch with a job to do, even if it meant magical adulting.
“Great, just what we need.” I frowned, rubbing my temples. “Do you think it’s connected to the Echoing Locket?”
“What is that?” Evie replied, sweeping a lock of jet-black hair behind her ear.
Agatha crept up from behind me, slinking gracefully to my side.
“What do you know of this locket, Agatha?” Evie asked.
“Only rumors. I heard it can replay past spells, like a mystical recorder. If someone had their hands on it...”
“Then they could unravel secrets or even frame someone for dark magic they didn’t commit,” I finished her thought, feeling a chill even with the sunlight streaming in through the windows.
With that kind of power, someone could rewrite magical history itself. And knowing our luck, it’d probably end up in the hands of the magical equivalent of a toddler with a flamethrower... like Councilman Voss, my newest enemy.
“Maybe.” Evie nodded gravely. “Who would want such a dangerous artifact, and why now?”
Agatha’s tails swished. “Power. Control. Revenge. Pick your poison. But whatever their motive, we must tread carefully.”
I glanced between my familiar and best friend. “We’ll need to investigate without drawing attention to ourselves.”
Easier said than done. Subtlety wasn’t exactly my strong suit. I’d once turned my entire dorm room back in college neon green during a failed attempt at a camouflage spell. Yet with the fate of the magical world potentially hanging in the balance, I’d have to channel my inner ninja. Or at least try not to trip over my own feet.
“Leave the shadow work to me,” Agatha purred with a smirk. “I’ll find out what those aides are hiding. And, Sage, curiosity didn’t kill the cat—it made her cleverer. But for witches, the stakes are always higher.”
“Then we’ll just have to be smarter than a cat.” I looked at my feline companion. “Do you know the Echoing Locket’s origins?”
Agatha yawned. “The Echoing Locket, my dear witches, is said to have been forged by the infamous Archmage Zephyria during the Great Magical Schism.”
Zephyria was practically a boogeyman in magical circles. The kind of witch you’d use to scare apprentices into behaving. And now her legacy was about to bite us all in the ass. Just perfect.
My jaw dropped. “Zephyria? But she vanished centuries ago!”
“Precisely.” Agatha’s tail swished. “Legend has it she crafted the locket to preserve her most powerful spells before her mysterious disappearance.”
Evie leaned forward, her brow furrowed. “If that’s true, whoever possesses it could wield magic beyond our comprehension.”
I paced the room, my fingers drumming against my thigh. “But why resurface now? And who’s pulling the strings?”
Was Zephyria herself behind this? Had she been hiding in plain sight all along, biding her time? Or was someone else trying to claim her power for themselves? Either way, we were in way over our heads.
“My money’s on Councilman Voss,” Evie said. “I heard he’s been sniffing around restricted archives lately.”
I scoffed. “Typical. Always chasing power he can’t control.”
Voss. The name alone made my skin crawl. I’d never trusted that smug, fire-wielding jerk. If he got his hands on the locket, we’d all be burnt toast—literally.
Agatha stretched lazily. “Don’t forget Professor Rowan Elderwood. That windbag’s obsessed with historical magic.”
My stomach roiled at the thought. Both were formidable opponents, each with their own brand of cunning.
“Both are as shady as a grove of midnight oaks,” I groused, my thoughts racing faster than the fluttering wings of a hummingbird.
Evie nodded in agreement, her lips pressed into a thin line.
The air buzzed with an electric charge, and the odor of ozone permeated the room. A shimmering glyph appeared before me, pulsating with a message that bore the unmistakable seal of Councilman Voss.
“Holy hell, what does Voss want now?” I exclaimed, reading the message demanding my presence at his office. “To kill me?” The half-joke slipped out, but it wasn’t entirely beyond the realm of possibility with the stakes so high.
“Don’t go, Sage,” Evie said, her expression grave. “Voss is unpredictable.”
“I know, but I’m curious,” I replied, though my bravado didn’t quite reach my heart.
“About what? How he’s going to kill you?” Evie spat. “Just ignore him, girl. Don’t go into the lion’s den unprepared.”
“And Evie’s right,” Agatha said, leaping onto the windowsill, her yellow eyes glinting. “But so is stupidity.”
I rolled my eyes. “Guys, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not a kid anymore. I can handle Voss.”
Evie crossed her arms. “You sure about that? Last time you faced him, you ran screaming.”
“That was because he lost his temper,” I murmured, heat rising to my cheeks.
Agatha snorted. “And that’s an excuse to chase you and throw ball of fire at you?”
“Look,” I said, pacing the room. My hands convulsed, tingling to cast a protection spell. “I know it’s risky, but what if he has information about the supernatural uprising?”
Evie’s mouth dropped open. “You think he’d just hand that over?”
“No, but he might let something slip.” I grabbed my bag, shoving a few crystals inside. Just in case.
“Sage,” Evie grabbed my arm. “At least let me whip up a quick potion. Something to give you an edge.”
I hesitated. The clock ticked loudly, reminding me of Councilman Voss’ impatience. “Fine. But make it fast.”
Evie rushed into my kitchen. We could hear opening cabinets and banging around in there.
Agatha leaped down, tail swishing. “I’ll come too. Someone needs to keep an eye on you.”
“Great,” I muttered. “A cat for back-up.”
“Hey,” Agatha hissed. “This cat can kick some serious ass.”
I couldn’t argue with that. As Evie mixed her potion, I tried to steady my breathing. Councilman Voss was dangerous, sure. But so was I. And I had friends watching my back.
Let him try something. I was ready.
Evie thrust a vial into my hand. “Drink this. It’ll sharpen your senses.”
I eyed the swirling purple liquid. “What’s in it?”
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” Evie winked.
I knocked it back, grimacing at the taste. A tingling sensation spread through my body, my skin prickling with heightened awareness.
“Wow,” I blinked, the room suddenly in sharper focus. “This is intense.”
Agatha sniffed the air. “Smells like trouble to me.”
“Says the cat who’s coming along,” I quipped.
“Someone’s gotta watch your back,” Agatha retorted. “Merlin knows you need it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Anytime, young witch.”
Evie grabbed my shoulders. “Voss is slippery. Don’t let him get in your head.”
My stomach clenched. “Got it.”
“And if he tries anything...” Evie’s expression frowned with worry.
“I’ll turn him into a toad?” I suggested.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a dung beetle, but sure.”
We shared a grim laugh, then I slung my bag over my shoulder.
“Ready?” I asked Agatha.
She stretched lazily. “Born ready, young witch.”
I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. “Let’s go.”
We stepped out onto the porch, Agatha weaving between my legs. I locked the front door. Evie wished us luck, then got into her car parked at the curb. The cool evening breeze kissed my skin as we made our way towards Councilman Voss’ imposing abode.
Agatha trotted beside me, her black fur blending seamlessly with the shadows. Her yellow eyes glowed in the dim streetlight, catching every trace of movement in the quiet town.
“You know,” I said, “most familiars don’t insist on accompanying their witches everywhere.”
Agatha’s whiskers twitched. “Most familiars aren’t as clever as I am. And don’t forget, I was assigned to you, and someone needs to keep you out of trouble...and alive.”
We crossed Moonstone Bridge, its ancient stones thrumming with residual magic beneath our feet. The cobblestone streets gave way to narrower alleys, buildings leaning in overhead like gossiping neighbors. The fragrance of herbs and incense wafted from hidden gardens and open windows, a reminder of the magical undercurrent that ran through Emberwick Crossing.
As we neared the heart of the old town, Councilman Voss’ mansion loomed ahead, an opaque silhouette against the star-studded sky. My steps faltered for a moment, my legs trembling.
Agatha pressed against my leg. “Sage, you’re more capable than you think. Just try not to turn him into a butterfly.”
I snorted, grateful for her irreverent humor. “No promises,” I said, squaring my shoulders.
We drew near the wrought-iron gates of Voss’ estate. We entered his house and went straight to his study, which was as dimly lit as the future I was trying to predict. Dust motes floated in the scant beams of light that escaped heavy velvet drapes, while the walls were lined with shelves crammed full of books bound in leather and spells sealed in jars. Each object seemed to hum with hidden intent, setting my nerves on a razor’s edge.
“Ms. Holland,” Voss greeted, rising from behind his mahogany desk, his disingenuous smile making me uneasy. “And...”
“Agatha,” I supplied curtly, not missing a beat. “My familiar.”
“Ah, yes. How quaint.” Councilman Voss cleared his throat. “I must apologize for my uncouth behavior during our last encounter. I was caught off guard.”
My jaw clenched. Yeah, right. The memory of flames licking at my heels as I fled his property flashed through my mind.
Uncouth behavior? That’s putting it mildly. I really wanted to cast a silencing spell on this snake.
“Caught off guard?” I shifted my weight, arching an eyebrow. “Is that what we’re calling attempted arson these days?”
Agatha’s tail swished against my leg. “Careful, young witch,” she hissed. “Don’t poke the snake.”
Councilman Voss’ smile tightened. “I assure you, Ms. Holland, it was a misunderstanding. I merely reacted to what I perceived as a threat.”
I scoffed. “I’m flattered, Councilman, but I think we both know who held the upper hand that night.”
His fingers drummed on the desk. “Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. I’d like to extend an olive branch, if you’ll allow it.”
My spine stiffened. This guy was about as trustworthy as a demon with a contract. I plastered on a smile. “How generous of you.”
“I know.” Councilman Voss nodded. “In fact, I have a proposition that might interest you.”
Agatha’s claws dug into my ankle. I bit back a yelp. A proposition? From this guy? I’d rather make out with a troll. Still, curiosity gnawed at me like a gluttonous pixie.
“I’m listening,” I said, keeping my intonation level.
He leaned forward. “I’ve heard whispers of your... unique talents, Ms. Holland. Your gift for spell creation is quite impressive.”
“Yeah. So?” I said. Trusting Voss was like trusting a snake not to strike.
He clucked his tongue. “I’ve heard about your little entanglement with Brad. Terrible complications for someone of your position.”
My reply was ice-cold. “That’s none of your concern.”
Heat crept up my neck. How dare he bring up Brad? I wanted to turn him into a toad and watch him hop away.
“Ah, but it could be,” Councilman Voss said, leaning back against the edge of his desk. “I might have a way around the Covenant of Veiled Boundaries.”
My heart skipped a beat. “How?” The question was out before I could stop it.
Damn it. I’d taken the bait like a rookie witch. But the possibility of being with Brad without sneaking around was almost too good to be true. And that’s precisely why I shouldn’t trust it.
He smiled again, all teeth. “Join my team. Help me, and Brad can be yours, no more skulking in shadows.”
“Help you with what, exactly?” I countered, trying to mask the high pitch of my voice. “Your vague offers are about as comforting as a curse.”
“Details, details,” Voss waved his hand dismissively. “We can iron those out once we’re on the same page.” His eyes were like chips of ice. “There are... benefits to being on my team.”
“Uh-huh. And what about the Council hall renovation?”
“Merely taking an interest in your work,” he said, drumming his fingers on the mahogany surface of his massive desk. “Tell me, how is the progress coming along?”
“Fine,” I answered curtly, feeling Agatha’s tail brush against my ankle in an obvious signal of caution.
“Any unexpected discoveries? It’s an old building. Full of history. Secrets, even.”
“No, nothing.”
Councilman Voss knew something, and whatever it was had its claws in deep.
“And knowledge can be as much a burden as a tool,” he said, and though his drawl remained smooth, I sensed the underlying edge of steel. “And some tools can cut the hand that controls them.”
“Is that another threat, Councilman?” I challenged, my tone as sharp as shards of glass.
“Merely a friendly warning.” He shrugged. “After all, we wouldn’t want anything unfortunate to happen, would we?”
“Of course not. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
His gaze lingered on me a moment longer before he dismissed us with a wave. As Agatha and I left his office, my body started to relax.
“Watch your back, Sage,” Agatha whispered. “Voss is playing a dangerous game.”
“I know,” I replied.
The Echoing Locket, Brad, the Council hall—they were all connected somehow, and Alden Voss was right in the middle of it. Whatever was going on, I needed to find out before it found me.