Page 34 of A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison

34

B efore Bisma woke, she knew: her magic was gone.

Or it was somewhere she could not access, as if she had been bled dry, every bit of it given to the Enchanted Forest with none left for her to keep. She could feel a faint echo of it, the way she felt the magic of the Forest, but it was far away.

She was completely drained, tired down to her bones. In that half-consciousness her heart broke, and so she fell back asleep, not wanting to wake just yet.

Hours later, her body tried to wake again. She wanted to refuse it—she was still so tired—but then she felt somebody warm beside her, she inhaled the scent of cloves, and she decided she’d actually really rather be awake.

Bisma opened her eyes. She was in her bed in the treehouse. Sunlight poured in from the window, and the air had a chill to it as it did on late-autumn mornings. It was almost winter now, and the weather was making sure they knew it.

She took in a deep breath, the crisp air refreshing in her throat. Bisma turned, and lying beside her was Xander. His hair was a mess, and his arms were around her, their legs entwined as though they were one person, not two.

She moved her hand from his neck down to his heart and felt it thump against her hand. She remembered that final moment, the magic pouring out of her, the two of them fighting a forest fire, together.

He had saved her home. He had saved her—in more ways than she could count.

‘Xander,’ she whispered. She rubbed her thumb over his heart, trying to wake him.

He took in a deep breath, groaning. ‘Mmm?’ he asked. He still didn’t open his eyes.

‘Are you awake?’

He grazed his nose against hers. ‘I sure hope so,’ he whispered back.

Before she could properly wake him up, there was a sound at the door to her room. Bisma turned to see Mei standing there with a blanket in her hands. Her face was shocked, her dark eyes wide.

‘Mei—’ Bisma began, but it was too late.

Mei turned to the stairs and bellowed, ‘SHE’S AWAKE!’

Footsteps pounded up the stairs as five girls all ran into Bisma’s room, crowding around her bed. When Xander finally opened his eyes, it was to the sight of half a dozen girls staring at him.

‘Oh.’ He blinked. ‘Hello.’

‘You’re FINALLY awake,’ Luna said, on her knees to be eye level with him and Bisma.

‘Here, hold Deeba,’ Azalea said, propping the toddler atop Bisma and Xander.

Deeba giggled.

‘Baji, I’ve been asking this for DAYS and no one is answering me,’ Nori started, pulling at Bisma’s sleeve.

‘Oh, here we go again,’ Luna muttered, rolling her eyes.

‘Why is there a BOY in your bed?’ Nori demanded. Her eyebrows were furrowed with indignation. The treehouse was a clear boy-free area.

‘Umm …’ Bisma trailed off.

‘Oh, this should be good,’ Azalea whispered to Luna, both giggling.

Bisma gave them an unamused glance.

‘Nori, I already told you,’ Mei said, sighing. She was sitting on the bed by Bisma’s feet. ‘It’s because Baji was scared and needed someone to sleep with.’

‘So why not sleep with one of us?’ Nori asked, confused. ‘I give the best cuddles!’

Azalea snorted. ‘Because you snore.’

‘I DON’T SNORE.’ Nori was outraged. She turned to Bisma. ‘BAJI, DO I SNORE?’

Absolutely; her snoring shook the walls. ‘No, of course you don’t …’

‘Hush now!’ Luna scolded. ‘Stop bothering Baji! And I told you all to be on your best behavior in front of Xander. He’s our guest!’

‘Here she goes again,’ Azalea said, rolling her eyes. ‘Baji, I’m glad you’re awake because Luna has been on an absolute power trip these past few days.’

‘ Days? ’ Bisma disentangled herself from Xander enough to sit up, and Deeba took the opportunity to crawl onto her lap. Xander tried to rest his head on Bisma’s lap as well, but Deeba promptly kicked him in the face.

‘Um. Ow .’

They ignored him.

‘It’s been three days since the fire,’ Mei said. ‘When we saw the fires stop we came home and found you here, asleep.’

‘Soooo romantic!’ Luna cooed.

‘Ew, stop, I’m going to gag,’ Azalea interjected.

‘The Forest must have carried us home,’ Bisma said, ignoring them.

‘You both looked terrible,’ Azalea informed them. ‘But now you look a little better, though you could probably use some more sleep. And food.’

‘You know, more sleep would be nice,’ Xander said, nestling deeper into the bed. His face was half covered by the blanket, and he closed his eyes.

‘Fine, you can take a short nap but only because we haven’t made breakfast yet,’ Luna said, picking Deeba up. Mei stood as well, and they all made to leave. ‘But be down in thirty minutes. Or else.’

As quickly as they came, the girls all shuffled out, and once they were gone, Bisma felt Xander pull at her foot. She yelped, sliding down beside him, and he made quick work of wrapping her into his arms. He closed his eyes, ready to sleep again.

‘How are you sleeping?’ she asked, lightly smacking him.

‘We have twenty-nine minutes.’ He sighed.

But she was already wide awake. She could have gone down to her sisters and let him sleep peacefully, but when did she ever let him have any peace?

‘I can think of something better to do,’ she whispered, licking his throat. His eyes shot open.

‘Oh, definitely a better idea,’ he said, shifting so he was propped on his elbows above of her.

She laughed. ‘Not sleepy anymore, hmm?’

‘Not in the least,’ he said, kissing her long and sweet.

Giddiness bubbled inside her, and she smiled against his mouth. Remembering something, she giggled, then pulled back.

‘By the way,’ she said, holding his face in her hands. ‘I figured out you were the one writing me those letters.’

‘Finally caught on, did you?’ he said with a smirk. ‘Imagine my surprise when that first letter showed up in my room, stained with dirt. I knew it was from you immediately, though I figured you hadn’t ever meant for the letter to be sent.’

‘Why did you write back?’

‘I wanted to be close to you, even if it meant I was just a stranger sending you letters.’ He kissed her palm. ‘I wanted to be your friend.’

‘I really needed a friend,’ she said, her voice soft. She looked deep into his eyes. ‘Not just a friend—you. I needed you, Xander.’

‘And now you have me,’ he said, his eyes dark as he kissed her neck. ‘You’ll always have me,’ he swore.

She pulled him closer, bringing her lips to his once more.

They made very good use of their twenty minutes until finally it was time to get out of bed, for they were both starving.

They freshened up and Bisma changed. Downstairs, she heard the girls laughing and chatting and bickering, and her heart soared to have her home back. The Forest seemed to be in great spirits as well; outside the birds sang, and the wind joined in with the melody. Sunlight created patches on the floor, and she pressed her toes against the warm wood.

Holding Xander’s hand, Bisma went down the winding stairs and joined her sisters in the kitchen, which was in absolute chaos as the girls all prepared breakfast. Deeba had her hand in a jar of jam, while Nori arranged the flowers. Mei was instructing Azalea how to cut the potatoes, while Luna set the table.

The treehouse was back to normal, and there was no sign of any damage done from the fires. They must have put it out before it reached here, and Bisma wanted to cry with relief. Everything was as it should be—better, actually, because Xander was here, too. She wanted to wrap herself in him once more but refrained from making Azalea gag again.

They sat round the table, squeezing in. Azalea passed round the eggs while Luna poured tea, and Mei opened a new jar of orange marmalade for the toast as Nori popped cubes of sugar into everyone’s teacups.

‘You can have my chair,’ Mei told Xander, batting her lashes at him.

‘Aw, thank you, lovely,’ he said, giving her a dazzling smile.

‘We’ll have to get another chair,’ Mei said, holding Deeba in her lap in Deeba’s chair.

‘What happened to the strict No-Boys-Allowed-in-the-Treehouse rule?’ Azalea asked, arching a brow.

‘I think we can make an exception.’ Bisma gave her a look. ‘Seeing as Xander did help save our home.’

He had sacrificed his magic for it—for her .

‘Come on, girls, let me be allowed,’ Xander said, pouting at them. ‘This breakfast looks delicious, by the way.’

‘If he’s allowed to visit, does that mean I can have Haru over?’ Luna asked excitedly.

‘Hmm.’ Bisma pretended to think, then took a bite of her buttered toast. ‘No.’

‘What!’ Luna cried. She actually stomped her foot. ‘That’s so not fair!’

‘I’m Baji, so I’m in charge,’ Bisma said, taking a sip of tea. Mmm , delicious.

‘And we don’t want this place overrun by boys,’ Mei said, making a face.

‘Yuck!’ Nori said.

‘Besides, even if Xander is allowed to visit, he won’t be here all the time,’ Bisma said. ‘This is still our home, just for the Unwanted Girls, and nothing will change that. Ever.’

She gave Xander an apologetic look, but he held his hands up. ‘Just happy to be here whenever you want me. Who made the marmalade? It’s excellent!’

‘Oh, I did!’ Mei said, pleased by the compliment.

Xander asked her—and each of Bisma’s sisters—loads of questions, easily winning them all over with his charm.

It warmed Bisma’s heart to see him with them, and they painted a cozy picture huddled around the table, laughing and bickering light-heartedly. Everything was perfect. Just perfect.

So perfect, in fact, that Bisma’s thoughts did not cross to all that happened. Not until a rabbit hopped up the stairs and into the kitchen, a letter between its teeth.

‘What’s this?’ she asked, taking the letter. Nori picked the rabbit up to feed it strawberries, while Bisma unfolded the letter.

‘That’s my mother’s handwriting,’ Xander said.

Bisma moved the page so he could read it along with her.

Dear Bisma,

I am sorry for not writing sooner, but there was a great deal I wished to be sorted before I reached out to you. I can understand completely why you and Xander should keep your distance. I saw one of your sisters in town yesterday and asked after you both, but your sister refused to say anything other than you were both resting after your ordeal, which I cannot blame her for. You must both hate me, but let me assure you I had no idea what Frederick was doing.

I created the poison at Fred’s request because he had explained to me that the police in Whitebridge planned to use it to track down smugglers. Xander did not tell me what happened to your sisters or I would have realized sooner. I apologize for the hand I have played in the suffering of your family, but please know it was not my intention at all. I am glad to hear your sisters have all recovered and that you are safe.

Truly, I would never hurt you; I hold you in great esteem. For one, my son adores you, and I adore him. For another, I am indebted to you. Some months ago, my dearest friend, who was like a sister to me truly, asked me for help with something and I refused her. I later found out she went to you for help and that you did not refuse her. She has passed now, and I wish I had helped her when she asked, but it comforts me to know she was not entirely alone during that time—you were there for her when I should have been, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

I could never have imagined Frederick would resort to such violent lengths to achieve his goals, but please rest assured that he will not harm you again. He is not to step foot into Old Town for as long as he lives and the expansion project commissioned by the Crown will not endanger the Enchanted Forest. I have spoken with Lady Charlotte on the matter and ensured that the Enchanted Forest will be protected by law. Apparently, the water supply to the town passes through the Forest, so to harm the Forest is now considered a direct attack on the town itself, which the mayor takes very seriously, I can tell you.

I am not sure if you care for the details, but they will expand Old Town to the west. Frederick will deal with the nasty business of provincial lines and speak with the king himself if need be, but the Enchanted Forest will not be touched. Your home is safe.

You may wonder how I have accomplished this and what guarantee there is that Frederick will behave. As you know, I am his elder sister. When my father died, he split his inheritance between us, but his will had the caveat that should either one of us harm the other, their right to the inheritance would be void. Well, Frederick nearly got Xander killed in that little fire of his, so if he does not behave, he will lose his fortune, and I assure you that is enough to motivate him to stay in line.

You may also wonder why I do not simply take Frederick’s fortune or have him arrested. The truth is, having him arrested would be difficult, seeing as he is the king’s favored architect. As for his fortune, it will be of more use to you this way: he will pay you and your sisters a monthly allowance. Additionally, Xander mentioned to me once that you hoped to study in Whitebridge someday; Frederick will pay for your schooling as well—in fact, for anything you should require. Do extort him for all his fortune is worth, dear.

I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.

All my very best,

Eleanora Chapman

P.S. Perhaps you and Xander might join me for dinner tonight?

‘Goodness,’ Bisma said, folding the paper and setting it on her lap.

‘Goodness, indeed.’ Xander sighed.

She turned to look at him. ‘How do you feel?’ she asked.

‘How do I feel?’ he repeated, blinking. ‘How do you feel?’

Bisma thought about it for a moment. The truth was, she felt … calm. She had her home, her sisters, and Xander. With all that, she found she didn’t really need revenge if Fredrick was being punished. And with the monthly allowance she could look after her sisters properly.

‘Eleanora clearly meant no harm,’ she said. Eleanora did not harbor a grudge toward Bisma for what had occurred with Leilani, as Bisma had assumed. ‘And Frederick will be free, yes, but the Forest is safe and he can spend his whole life repaying me and my sisters for what he’s done, which does not seem like such a bad deal.’

‘What happened to my bloodthirsty Bisma?’ Xander asked, confused. ‘I thought for sure you would concoct elaborate poisons to make them both suffer.’

She laughed, leaning back into her chair, then sighed. ‘I’m thinking of taking early retirement. The monthly allowance will do far more for the girls than my revenge.’

‘How sensible of you,’ Xander said, positively shocked.

‘How do you feel?’ Bisma asked again.

‘I believe my mother meant no harm,’ he said. ‘Of course there are no excuses for Uncle Fred, and from this day forth I will cut myself off from him, which is a loss.’ He looked at Bisma, smiling. ‘Though not so much a loss at all when I have you.’ He glanced at her sisters. ‘And all of you.’

‘Are we supposed to be following what’s happening?’ Azalea whispered to Luna.

‘I don’t think so,’ Luna whispered back.

‘I’ll explain later,’ Bisma said to them, and they went back to their breakfast.

‘This could be good, actually,’ Xander said. ‘You’ll finally get to study in Whitebridge—perhaps we’ll get the chance to go together, after all.’

‘I can’t go now,’ she said, her voice low. ‘Luna isn’t eighteen for another three years.’

‘I don’t mean now,’ he said, taking a sip of tea. ‘I’m sure the offer stands for whenever you wish to accept it.’

‘What about you?’ she asked. Would he be leaving so soon, just when she had finally gotten him?

He let out a small laugh. ‘I am in no hurry to leave Old Town so long as you are here,’ he said. ‘We can have our adventure in three years the same way we might have it tomorrow.’

She blinked at him stupidly. ‘You’re thinking of having a future with me?’

‘Of course,’ he replied, giving her a funny look. ‘You are my future, Bis. What on earth would I do without you?’

‘Oh.’ Her heart glowed. ‘Well, in that case, I suppose we’ll have dinner with your mother tonight.’

‘Splendid! I hope she has the cook make a good roast.’

‘Baji, are you and Xander done talking?’ Nori asked, her voice loud with irritation. ‘Can you pay attention to us now?’

‘Yeah,’ Mei agreed. ‘We have a hundred thousand things to tell you!’

‘Me first!’ Azalea said.

‘Me!’ Deeba shouted with glee. ‘Me, me, me!’

They all laughed.

‘Yes, I’m listening, love,’ Bisma said.

They sat round the table for an hour longer, drinking tea and telling stories and bickering over biscuits. Outside, the wind whistled, rustling the leaves, and the sun shone bright. Surrounded by warmth, Bisma felt so utterly whole—so utterly happy.

She had lost her magic, but she had gained everything else: her home, her family, her future, her love.

For now, that was enough.