Page 11 of Cursed by the Love Witch (A Monstrous Holiday #2)

11

DARCEE

I did not know what it was, but I knew who had sent it.

It appeared in the center of my room just as dawn was breaking. The soft glow woke me up, and now I find myself face to face with the largest crystal I have ever seen. It sits in the center of my room, refracting the morning light. My walls are awash in rainbow-colored light beams as the stone glimmers.

The obsidian block pulses with power. Its opaque surface is pristine—smooth and round—and seems otherworldly. Its dark color contrasts sharply with the light pastels my room is filled with. Tentatively, I crawl out of bed and take a step towards it. The sun has now fully risen. Its golden light seeps through my windows and lands squarely on the stone.

There is silence for a moment—my beating heart roars in my ears. Then, a loud crack ripples through the room. I gasp as a deep gash forms at the top of the crystal. It spreads like a spider’s web down the sides—snapping and breaking until it falls open.

Inside is a swath of amethyst. The jagged edges of the shattered stones stick up like broken teeth. The sunlight pours over each crystal, casting my room in glowing, purple light. More cracking echoes around me as I watch the amethyst take shape. With a gentle hum, it moves of its own accord, rearranging into a series of flowers made from the hard crystal.

My eyes narrow in on the massive bouquet and the lone piece of parchment resting atop the still blooms. It is enclosed with a wax seal depicting a raven resting next to a skull—Bael’s seal.

Power tickles my fingertips as I reach for it. I can hear voices whispering in the room around me—spurning me on to take it. Cool air pours from the mess of stones. My bare arms prickling with goosebumps. Holding the note, I take a deep breath and snap the wax.

Bael’s elegant script greets me:

‘Your beauty is bewitching, and your soul is kind. Please allow me the honor of calling you mine. You have haunted the hidden depths of my soul. I yearn for your touch that would make me whole. I’ll wait forever at the mercy of your whims, longing for the day I can hold you in my limbs.’

An infectious giggle bursts out of me. Goddess, he is so cute—and a little cheesy, but that makes my heart melt further. I tuck the note against my chest and close my eyes. It even smells faintly of him. I inhale greedily.

It's my first love note ever, and it’s from Bael. Who would’ve thought? The reality of why he sent all this to me threatens to ruin the moment, but I won’t let it. I need to play along and to do that, I must embrace this courting ritual. It’ll be nice to pretend it’s real for a little while.

Opening my eyes, I reach for an empty box on my desk and lay the note in it. I’ll discard all the evidence once this is over.

Another powerful hum cuts through the air. The crystal flowers begin to shimmer and shake, glowing with a new intensity that leads to a riotous explosion of colors. Purple glitter dances through the air in a misty cloud before the crystal bouquet transforms into one of real lilacs.

Their fragrance perfumes my tiny dorm room. The plants begin to sprawl out into a magnificent display. Tears burn my eyes as I touch the soft petals. They are my favorite flowers. How could he possibly have known that? It must’ve been a lucky guess.

Lifting the blooms from the crystal, I deposit them into a large glass vase and fill it with new moon water; the petals glimmer and swell. I stare at them as warmth spreads throughout my body.

My peaceful morning is interrupted by a sharp knock at my door. Hastily grabbing a robe, I throw it on and open the door. I’m expecting to find someone—secretly hoping that it’s Bael. However, when my eyes are greeted by nothing but an empty hallway, I’m immediately confused. That is, until the mouthwatering scent of chocolate hits me.

Glancing down, I’d recognize the familiar glossy black box from the local bakery anywhere. Taking it back into my room, I settle it atop my desk and pluck the note from the top.

Something sweet is written in Bael’s script.

Taking off the top, a fresh wave of butter, sugar, and chocolate perfection invades my lungs. The glossy, golden brown tops of the pastries sparkle up at me. Licking my lips, I pick one up and bite into it. The crunch gives way to a buttery, soft perfection, and sweet chocolate coats my tongue.

I moan at the taste. They’re still warm.

Collecting his second note, I put it in the box with the other one and secure the lid. I don’t need anyone discovering these while I’m out. Taking another bite of the pastry, I stare out at the castle’s grounds through my window. I’m in danger , I think.

The notion sends a delicious thrill through me, but I can’t bring myself to care.

That afternoon, I find myself in Mistress Saege’s room earlier than usual.

Due to my new tutoring lessons, I switched my hour with Saege to my free period before necromancy. She did not question the change. Merely gave me a pile of grimoires she needed my help sorting through and cataloging. After I finished, I began working on my grimoire and recording the sleeping potion I made.

While it was administered to the wrong person, it worked remarkably. It could be helpful to me in the future. I dip my pen in the ink pot and scroll on the worn piece of parchment. Off to the side, Mistress Saege is behind her desk with a few vials of brightly colored liquid floating around her. Her lace bell sleeves drag along the surface of her desk as she waves her wand delicately.

“How was your weekend, my dear?” she asks casually.

Oh, you know, I just have a centuries-old necromancy professor sending me gifts because he believes himself in love with me. I accidentally slipped him a love potion that will no doubt lead to my expulsion. How was yours?

Instead of saying all of that, I give a noncommittal shrug.

“Quiet, mainly. Gave me time to make more rose water.”

Mistress Saege nods, but her eyes have a conspiratorial glimmer to them.

“Marius was asking about you on Friday,” she says casually.

I sketch a brow. “Who’s playing love witch now?”

The wrinkles around her eyes deepen as she grins.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, my dear.”

Shaking my head, I let out a soft chuckle.

“Marius doesn’t want me. He thinks he does because I’m the only woman at this school who rejected him.” I gently close my grimoire. “I decided I was bored of him first, and he can’t stand it.”

“But you liked him?” she pries.

Mistress Saege has always felt like the big sister I never had. I enjoy our open dialogue. I’ve confided in her more times than I can count, and each time, her advice has been—well—sage.

“For a time,” I say softly. “Though?—”

A large crash sends me nearly flying out of my seat. The vials Saege was levitating fell to her desk but luckily remained whole. I whip my head to the side, and my breath is stolen.

Bael is here. How had I not heard him come in? His hair gleams in the light. Violet eyes meet mine, and their intensity causes my blood to heat. Full gray lips are set in their usual straight line, but there is something sensual about them now. His black cape spills behind him.

A pile of broken glass rests at his feet—one of Saege’s unused large spell jars.

“My apologies,” he says, voice low. It feels like fingers gliding over my skin. “I bumped into it.”

His eyes never leave mine even as Mistress Saege rises and comes to stand between us. I lick my suddenly dry lips and remain stuck to my chair.

“That’s quite alright,” Saege says, waving her hand and removing the glass. “I hadn’t even heard you enter.”

As if remembering himself, his spine straightens. He nods at me politely.

“Miss Thistle,” he says before fixing his stare on the other witch. “The Head Mistress said you had something for me.”

Saege’s eyebrows lower before her eyes fly open with a nod.

“Oh, yes. Yes! Thank you for coming on such short notice. I know you have a class coming up. Let me grab it from my office. I’ll only be a moment.”

With that, Saege turns into a swirl of white fabric. We both watch her take the spiral staircase to her office on the above floor. The door shuts with a gentle click and the air around us shifts. His eyes devour me whole as he prowls closer. My breathing turns ragged, and my frilly pink top and skirt suddenly seem too stifling.

His scent hits me, and a fresh wave of desire rolls through me. Have I always felt this way towards him? Was it buried underneath disdain because I thought he hated me? While a spell manufactures his desire, it’s becoming alarmingly apparent mine is all too real.

I clear my throat.

“Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful. And the pastries were delicious.” Heat engulfs my cheeks. “But the love notes were my favorite. No one’s ever given me one before.”

His pupils nearly blot out all traces of purple.

“Good,” he says simply.

My lips twitch

“Possessive.”

His hands come down on either side of me at the desk. Leaning down, I have to tilt my face to meet his gaze. The warmth radiating from him licks my skin.

“When it comes to you? Always.”

A soft moan leaves me as I rise in my seat. What is this? I’ve never felt desire like this—raw and unchecked. It moves me towards him and eradicates all thoughts of self-preservation. There’s playing along, and then there’s wishing he’d meet my mouth with his.

Which is what I’m actively doing.

“Bael,” I whisper, licking my lips.

His pained groan is music to my ears. Our mouths drift closer, and I feel his breath against my mouth. That’s it—just a bit closer and?—

“Found it!” Saege calls from above.

We spring apart, and Bael takes two large steps from my desk. The older witch descends the stairs quickly. A white envelope extended towards Bael. Her eyes glance between us, saying nothing for a moment before nodding.

“Raen said you know more about this than anyone.”

Bael opens it and reads the letter before tucking it in his pocket.

“Tell the Head Mistress I’ll look into it.”

A shrill bell cuts through the room. On wobbly legs, I rise and collect my books. I say my goodbyes to Saege, who looks at me strangely. Her eyes drift to Bael, who has come to stand beside me.

“I’ll escort you to class, Miss Thistle.”

I nod and follow him to the door.

“See you tomorrow!” I call over my shoulder.

The sea of students swallows us up. Having Bael at my side causes the others to keep their distance. I can still feel his heat rolling towards me in waves. His scent of smoke, earth, and midnight air overwhelms me. I want to drink it and let it become a part of me.

I am just as affected as him. It’s impossible—but these feelings are strong.

Did Mistress Saege sense something between us, or am I just paranoid? I can’t be sure. The burning intensity in Bael’s gaze is hard to miss. If you are looking for it, the signs are evident in the attention he pays me.

A strong hand tugs on my sleeve, and I look up at Bael. He nods towards a desolate corridor off to the side.

“This way. I know a shortcut.”

I follow his tall frame into the quiet hall. The golden afternoon sun streams in from the window off to the side. We stand facing a brick wall, and Bael reaches out. His palm glows with purple fire as he presses a brick. There is a soft groan and then a symphony of clicks as the bricks rumble open. Dust falls between them as they peel apart, revealing a hidden passageway.

My laugh is one of surprise. Bael extends his hand towards the darkness.

“After you.”

I duck into the dim corridor—the only light comes from the staircase above and a lone torch on the wall. The floor is uneven, and my heel gets trapped under my cape. I slide—losing my footing—my books toppling to the floor with a slam. I brace myself for impact until I feel warm hands grabbing my waist.

Bael holds me upright and slowly walks me back against the near wall. The opening closes with a rumble, encasing us in silent darkness. My breathing turns sharper as I stare at him. The dim light casts his face in jagged shadows. It makes him look dangerous. A fresh wave of desire rolls through me, turning me hot and wet between my thighs.

Goddess, this is not good. My hands curl into the front of his shirt and pull him closer. His hands begin to roam over my body. Violet's eyes search mine, and I nod, encouraging him to touch me more. Our laborious breaths are the only sound in the corridor.

He presses against me. The muscles of his chest and back are taut. My hands slip under his shirt and pull him even deeper into me. That seeking hardness presses against my stomach, and I moan. He growls, his head falling to my shoulder.

“Darcee,” he snarls. I whimper as his nose skims up my neck. “I was meant to do this properly. To take things slow.”

His hands drift higher up my ribs. Thumbs graze the underside of my breasts through my bra. After a few more minutes of touching, I could climax.

“It’s hard when you are so tempting,” he continues. “Everything is so hard.”

“Bael,” I whisper. I need any sort of relief I can find.

“You are a madness—my madness. One I’m more than willing to succumb to.”

“Yes,” I whisper.

His lips skim the skin of my throat before he pulls back. Our hands rove over each other, but it never goes further. Our movements are thoughtful, as if committing each other to memory.

This is wrong—he’s my teacher and under the effects of a love potion—but I want him all the same. If he said the word, I’d happily strip out of my clothes and let him have his way with me. Something that would make this whole situation worse.

Thankfully, he doesn’t ask. The bell rings again overhead, and we both need the wake-up call. With one last deep inhale at my neck, Bael pulls back. My chest rises and falls as I watch him stoop down and collect my books. Dusting them off, he hands them out to me. My hands shake as I take them.

He nods at the stone stairs above us.

“You go up first. I’ll follow in a few minutes.”

I nod and shakily take the stairs. The world around me is a blur. Worry tickles icy claws down my spine. How will I survive our first tutoring session without taking things too far?

When it comes to Bael, I am just as much at his mercy as he is at the mercy of my love potion.