Page 18 of Cursed by the Love Witch (A Monstrous Holiday #2)

18

DARCEE

M y heavy pack only adds to my uncomfortability.

The evening sun is low, casting heavy shadows on me and all the other necromancy students gathered in the courtyard. The weekend has come, and it is time to venture into the Bog . Prue stands beside me, her pack laden with various supplies to gather what we’re looking for.

Outside, I note for the first time how small our class is. Amongst the whispering students is Bael, a piece of parchment in hand, as he checks us each off for attendance. His eyes dance over me, a secretive smile on his lips, before he moves on to check the next student.

We’ve spent every night together this past week. He comes to me as a raven, flying in after I’m already in bed and wrapping me in his arms. The nightmares are gone when he is with me—sleep is either dreamless or of him.

We keep things tame in the mornings, cuddling close in the early dawn hours. That is where we share stories of ourselves. Bael tells me of his loving childhood—of growing up different but always the center of his parents’ world. I keep my past vague enough, and he doesn’t pry. I tell him stories of Prue and all the happy couples I’ve brought together. He praises my skill.

When it is time to get up, he leaves me with a chaste kiss. One I feel until I see him later for our tutoring session. Prue hasn’t questioned me about them or her opinions of my very pink aura. I know she has questions for me, and I can’t avoid them forever.

Bael's and I’s connection has only grown stronger. The potion has shown no signs of lessening. I expect him to wake up alarmed each night in my bed, demanding to know what he’s doing in there. Or for him to grow irritated at me during tutoring and grace me with a disdainful glower. Neither happens.

In fact, after a week of lessons, I retook my first and second exams and received a passing grade. We will finish the last one before the final grades are submitted. No matter how I perform on my final exam, I'll graduate on time if all goes well with this last test.

Bael has been pleased with my improvements. If our nights and mornings together are chaste, the tutoring sessions are where we indulge. He is steadfast in his promise to keep things professional while teaching me. Yet, after both tests, he rewarded me with his mouth on my aching flesh. I’ve lost count of the times he’s made me come over the past week.

I long to feel his cock buried inside of me—for our connection to grow more profound—but then I remember why I can’t let it.

We’ve shared so much with each other. He told me of his travels before becoming a professor. I’ve told him of my desire to become a professional love witch and open my own shop. Each day that passes, I sink deeper into him.

I’ll miss him terribly when this is over. I don’t know if I’ll ever sleep peacefully without his arms around me.

Bael clears his throat, and everyone’s attention snaps towards him.

“Students, for your final exam, you will need to travel into the Bog .”

I try not to physically recoil at the idea. I hate the Bog . The smell, the nightmarish creatures who call it home, the overgrown trees, and the swampy grounds that will leave my bare legs caked in mud. It will be a trek to get there, and this pack is already causing my back to ache.

Bael adjusts the small bag on his shoulder, looking completely unruffled and handsome.

“It is there you will find the evernight mushroom . Its properties will be needed to complete your reanimation brews next week.”

Before, the thought of tampering with a corpse made my stomach roll. Now, I’ve come to understand the beauty in such things. There is balance in all magic, and while necromancy and I will always be the opposite, I have a newfound appreciation for it, thanks to Bael.

“It is up to you to locate and retrieve the fungus properly. We will camp on my property, where my wards protect you. The evernight mushroom will glow at dusk and only be visible for a few hours. Work fast to retrieve it, and don’t lose your way in the Bog .”

Turning from the group, Bael leads them forward. A few eager students race towards the front, engaging Bael in animated conversation. He nods thoughtfully, offering up one-word responses. I can’t help but laugh.

My high ponytail does nothing to help the sweat on my brow. I had to purchase new clothes just for this hike. None came in pink, so I’m dressed in olive green shorts and a fitted white top that’s supposed to be breathable. My feet are laced into sturdy brown boots I will never wear again.

Slowing my pace, I linger at the back of the group. As if he senses me drifting away, Bael glances back to ensure I am okay. I give him a slight nod and resume walking forward. My heart squeezes in my chest. To have this secret affection between us is a thrill—if only it were real.

Bael constantly talks about his excitement for graduation. He can’t wait for us to stop sneaking around and for me to finally be his. This will be our last week together, and while part of me wants to savor these final moments, it may be time to start pulling back, even if the thought abhors me.

Next week, I’ll make the antidote and give it enough time to charge before graduation. I’ll find a way to slip it to him after the ceremony.

The terrain around us darkens as we enter the Wicked Woods . Gnarled branches interlock overhead. Ancient roots burst through the ground like fingers, snagging at our ankles. I nearly lose my footing several times but manage to stay upright. My eyes are trained on Bael. His tall frame parts through the thick thatch of trees until we are on a smoother path.

His graceful gait is entrancing. I watch his large hands come up and hold up a branch for the student behind him to pass under. I know just what those hands feel like on my skin. How tender they can be as they hold me while I sleep. Not to mention the intense pleasure they can bring when slipping inside?—

“Your aura is so pink I can hardly see you,” Prue whispers at my side.

I gasp and lose my footing on the slippery ground. Her hand cups my elbow, steadying me. Her blue eyes are serious as we stand face to face. The group quickly files around us to pass under the low-hanging tree.

Prue crosses her arms over her chest, the straps of her pack digging into her shoulders.

“What’s going on, Dar? Something has been off since the equinox. I thought the potion mix-up had rattled you, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Look, Prue, it’s nothing just?—”

“Don’t lie to me, Darcee. Whatever it is, you can tell me. We’re best friends.”

Her blue eyes swim with compassion. Kindness washes over her face. I take in her dark hair that’s braided loosely down her back. She wore it the same way at orientation five years ago. She singled me out to pair off, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We’d share stories of our class crushes and gossip about the mean professors. We were roommates until we were approved for single dorms.

No one knows me better.

That is why I tell her everything. It all spills from my lips like a flood. I can’t stop as I bare everything. From the moment I found Mistress Saege crying to the truth behind the sleeping dram mix-up. I tell her about Bael, what we’ve done together, and how I’ve come to care for him so much that I hope next week never ends.

When I am done, we are all alone on the path. Prue has remained silent during my whole tale. Her eyes widen slightly, and her mouth parts. She snaps it shut. The silence continues to stretch, and I squirm under her gaze.

“Say something. Anything,” I beg. “Tell me how awful I am and that you’re going to report me to the Head Mistress.”

That snaps Prue out of whatever shocked stupor she was in. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she slightly shakes her head.

“I’d never do that, and you aren’t awful.” Her hand rests gently on my arm. “I think you made a foolish choice and acted rashly.”

“I’m giving him an antidote and stopping whatever is between us.”

“But you like him,” Prue whispers.

I nod, a sad smile on my lips.

“More than I ever thought possible. More than I should.”

“And if he takes the antidote and still wants you, would you try again with him?”

Foolish hope rises within me, but I know what will happen when he receives the cure. Fresh tears spring to my eyes.

“Oh, Prue, once he takes the antidote, he’ll return to hating me—probably even more so now.”

Biting her lip, Prue glances around, but we’re still alone. We’ll need to catch up with the group or be hopelessly lost. Her eyes land back on me as she shifts from foot to foot.

“Listen, you're my best friend who permitted me to read your aura, remember?”

I nod, confusion making my brows lower.

“One of the fundamental rules is that we aren’t allowed to discuss one person’s aura with another unless we get their consent. It’s a very invasive thing to do,” she says. “However, I’m willing to break that sacred covenant because I love you.”

I can’t help but grin.

“We are such bad witches,” I giggle.

Prue’s eyes dance with mirth.

“I know.” She pauses, once again glancing behind her. “Maybe there is a chance for you and the High Warlock. After he takes the antidote.”

“What do you mean? Prue, you remember how he always acted towards me. I was an annoyance at best.”

Prue shakes her head.

“His aura was always black. Truthfully, I’d never seen one so dark before. And then occasionally—if I’d blink, I’d miss it—it would change when he’d look at or speak to you.”

“Change how?” Dangerous hope causes my heart to race.

“It would?—”

A shrill whistle cuts through the air. Both of us look up to see Zander quickly approaching. He has his thick-rimmed glasses on today. Maneuvering under the branch with ease, he stomps towards us. His expression is relieved as he looks over Prue and me.

“There you two are. We were wondering where you’ve been. The High Warlock is none too pleased you’ve fallen so far behind.”

Prue casts me a glance, but I focus on Zander as he urges us further down the path. Zander goes under the branch first and holds it aloft for Prue. Her eyes bore into mine as she mouths, later , before ducking under the branch. Zander keeps it up for me, and we walk at a breakneck speed to catch up with the rest of the group.

The foliage turns darker. Creatures scurry along the ground and climb the trees to rustle in their leaves. The winding path and the setting sun make the woods seem more ominous.

I’m grateful when we break into a clearing. Up ahead is the rest of the group. Bael’s eyes are wild, and a vein in his neck is throbbing. Concern is written in every line of his face. His hands twitch as if they seek to grab me. My heart melts a little—upset that I worried him when he couldn’t come for me.

“Nice of you two to rejoin us.” His voice is clipped, but I hear the relief in it all the same.

Prue and I stand shoulder to shoulder and take in our surroundings. A lone cottage sits a little ways up on a hill. Smoke billows from the chimney while a small pond sits next to it. It is a modest structure made of graying wood with a large garden at the back—Bael’s home.

It’s exactly as I would imagine it to be.

What would spending the night here be like instead of in my cramped dorm room? It feels like we are in another world this deep in the woods. If our relationship was real, I can imagine myself retreating here at the end of every evening. Bael and I would be living a simple life, spending our nights in each other’s arms before we part in the morning for our jobs. It is a lovely dream—and will always remain just that.

With a wave of his hand, Bael gestures to the clearing around us.

“Now that we are all here, you should all pick a spot in this clearing to set down your packs and set up your tents. Once you have done so, please take your jars and hunt for the fungus while some light remains. A reminder that the mushrooms admit a poisonous gas after midnight and will need to be properly secured for storage.”

Crossing his arms over his large chest, his expression remains serious.

“Once you have all collected your mushrooms, return here, where a light dinner will be served. We will spend the night here and then trek back to Axwyne in the morning.”

There are a few snickers from the crowd as shoulders bump together. Bael pins each of us with a stare.

“I will remind you all that you’re adults. I will not be doing tent checks. If there is an emergency, you may come to my cottage. Other than that, I trust you all to make good decisions and remind you that the creatures in these woods are nocturnal and always hungry. If you leave this clearing, my wards will not protect you from them.”

A shiver goes through me. The students around me spring into action, and I look for a spot furthest away from the woods. Glancing over to my left, I notice Prue and Zande have set their tents up close to each other. Setting down my heavy pack, I sigh with relief. Fishing out my jar with the screw-top lid, I wave my hands over the rest of my belongings and watch my tent erect itself.

By the time I secure all my belongings inside, Prue and Zander are nowhere to be found. I’ll need to speak to her and learn what she meant to tell me. Could there be hope for Bael and me once this is dealt with? I’m not counting on it. I’ll give him the antidote and slip away as quickly as possible. Watching the tenderness in his gaze return to disdain will shatter my heart.

Picking up my jar and small harvesting bag, the setting sun helps me refocus on the task that’s brought me here. The clearing empties quickly, and I do not know where to start looking. A cluster of students files into the woods directly behind my tent, and I follow them.

They move with ease through the overgrown trees. Stray branches catch my hair, and roots trip me—my bag of tools jingles with each step. The group I was following slowly gets eaten up by the thick trees, and it’s not long before I’m walking with no clear direction.

Something slithers in the trees above me, and I nearly jump out of my skin. A furry creature scurries against my boot. I feel something lock around my arm, and I yelp, ready to smack whatever it is.

Violet eyes stop my movement. Bael’s hand encases my elbow, and I relax. My eyes dart around us, but we are alone, entirely concealed by the dark trees.

“I was worried about you,” he whispers. “I thought you had been?—”

“I’m fine,” I interrupt, my voice sharper than I mean it to be. My conversation with Prue has left me raw.

Bael lowers his brows, his eyes roaming my face before releasing my elbow.

“There’s a stream up ahead,” he says. “That’s where you’ll find most of the mushrooms.”

“Thanks,” I say, turning away from him and hurrying forward.

I pray he’ll drop it and leave me alone, but he steps beside me. He guides branches out of my way and leads me down a path with smoother terrain. I say nothing, my thoughts racing. I should’ve done this from the beginning—push him away. However, my plan to ignore him fails when he approaches me again.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

I don’t meet his gaze.

“Nothing. Just eager to find this mushroom and get the fuck out of here.”

His finger lifts my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“I know when you’re lying to me, Darcee.” He takes a step closer, our bodies brushing. The air turns heavy. “My backdoor will be unlocked this evening if you can escape the others.”

My mind is all over the place. The unfairness of the situation spears its claws into my heart. I want him so badly, yet the only way to keep him is to give him the antidote that will make him hate me. The weight of the situation bears down on me, and my first instinct is to lash out.

“Is that all I mean to you?” I snarl. “A dirty little secret—no more than a toy you can play with and then hide back on the shelf.”

Bael rears back at my anger. His fingers tighten on my chin.

“Firstly,” he says, voice deepening. “The secrecy was your idea. I’d happily drag you into the middle of the clearing and fuck you in front of the whole class. I don’t care who knows about us—I want everyone to know you are mine.”

Madness dances in his gaze. I’ve glimpsed the primal part of him he alluded to in his office. Excitement dances through my blood and causes a dull ache between my thighs.

“I understand you want to wait until I am no longer your professor. But I won’t have you thinking for even a moment, you mean so little to me. You are everything—I feel honored to have found you. Every moment with you is a gift I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”

“Bael,” I whisper. His candor steals my breath.

His body drifts closer to mine, his hand splaying along my back.

“I’ve wanted you for so long. Ever since?—”

A twig snaps a few paces away, and we jump apart. Three students hurry past with their jars filled with mushrooms. They give us a passing hello before their footsteps get swallowed up by the woods.

Bael turns back towards me, but I take another step back.

“I’m going to collect the fungus and get out of here before it gets too dark. We’ll talk later.”

Bael nods, his lips grazing my forehead before he slips away. The shadows of the woods swallow him up. The sun is quickly fading, and by the time I hear the rushing of water, it’s nearly completely set. My boots are caked in mood as I stomp to the end of the rushing stream. It smells putrid, like all the fish in it have suddenly died. The stench is nearly unbearable. Luckily, the silver glowing bodies of the evernight mushrooms are unmistakable.

Setting down my jar and opening my pack, I retrieve a small knife and tweezers and harvest the fungus. As I work, my thoughts drift back to Bael as they always seem to do these days. Every time we are together, his desire is palpable. It’s hard to believe a potion—even created by a phenomenal love witch like myself—would craft such a deep connection. He alluded to wanting me for a long time, but that doesn’t make sense. Love potions don’t create false memories.

The more I give in to these heady moments with him, the more I risk the state of my heart once this is over. If there’s one thing my family taught me, it is that those we love always hurt us the worst. It’s unfair to put my past trauma on Bael—even more unjust that this relationship is one-sided, thanks to my irrational decision-making. I should be guarding my heart, but I’ve given it away freely to the one person who will undoubtedly break it.

I finish securing the top of my jar, which is nearly overflowing with mushrooms when something catches my eye. Beyond the misty edge of the stream, something shimmers along the dark water’s surface. An iridescent glow ripples from below. The sight transfixes me, and my body leans closer of its own accord.

That’s when it strikes.

Oily tentacles shoot out from the surface of the water. I scramble back, but not quick enough. Slimy suckers wrap tightly around my calf and upper arm. Fire burns my skin as the monster secretes some sort of venom. A scream tears from my lungs as it pulls me towards the water. I’m flipped onto my stomach, mud splattering my face. I dig my free hand into the ground to try and save myself, but the mud is too slippery.

All I can do is scream and thrash as the creature drags me towards my watery death.