Page 52 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)

FIFTY-TWO

T he first hint of sunrise painted the eastern sky as Molly unlocked the back door of the Bewitched Bakery. She paused on the threshold, breathing in the crisp autumn air. Frost glittered on the cobblestones, and fallen leaves crunched beneath her boots as she stepped outside to collect her thoughts before the day’s whirlwind began.

Across the town square, neighbors already bustled about with ladders and decorations. Mr. Wilkinson, the elderly gnome who owned the hardware store, directed a small crew hanging enchanted lanterns from lamp posts. Each lantern captured a different constellation inside its glass walls, twinkling with soft, magical light.

Molly hugged herself against the morning chill. The Fireman’s Ball had always represented community solidarity in Whispering Pines, but this year carried extra significance. After weeks of escalating sabotage at the fire station, tonight stood as both celebration and defiance.

“Morning, Molly!”

She turned to see Celeste crossing the square, auburn hair glowing like copper in the early light. Beside her walked Ivy, her arms laden with herb-filled sachets that released fragrant protection magic with each step.

“You’re both up early,” Molly called back, smiling at her friends.

Ivy raised her bundles. “Protection spells wait for no witch. Especially not today.”

Molly pulled her cardigan tighter, a memory of Gus’s venomous glare flashing through her mind.

“We should head to the community center,” Celeste suggested, breaking through Molly’s dark thoughts. “The others are gathering to layer protective wards.”

The three witches walked through town, past shopfronts decorated with silver and blue bunting. Outside Phantasm Pharmacy, Daisy arranged a window display of protection amulets, her bright pink hair visible from half a block away.

“Selling safety with style,” Daisy announced when she spotted them. “I’ll join you at the center in an hour.”

The community center’s grand hall buzzed with activity. Volunteers draped midnight-blue fabric along the walls while others arranged tables around a gleaming wooden dance floor. Above, star-shaped lanterns hung from the vaulted ceiling, mimicking the night sky.

Ellie waved from across the room where she tested perception charms on the decorations. Tabitha knelt by the entrance, inscribing protection sigils into the threshold. In the center of the empty dance floor stood Sera, eyes closed, face serene as she conducted order magic through the space.

“Perfect timing,” Ellie called. “We need your truth magic, Molly.”

For the next hour, Molly moved methodically around the hall, weaving spells of clarity and truth into the decorations. Her magic specialized in revealing deception—a skill particularly valuable tonight. As she worked, her fingertips left faint golden traces that faded into the fabric, now enchanted to resist manipulation.

“Anyone else worried about what Gus might try?” Tabitha asked during a brief break, her voice low.

Molly nodded, grateful someone had voiced the concern lodged in her throat. “He made threats about the ball specifically.”

“That’s why we’re preparing,” Sera replied, her usual composure unruffled. “Multiple layers of protection from different magical disciplines. He won’t break through.”

Molly hoped Sera’s confidence proved justified. As she resumed her spellwork, she pictured Warrick’s face from last night—his golden eyes intense with emotion as he’d confessed his love in her kitchen. The memory reinforced her determination to protect tonight’s celebration.

By mid-morning, Molly needed to return to the bakery. Her Fire & Spice cupcakes required hours of precise magical infusion. She bid farewell to her friends, promising to see them later.

“One moment,” Ellie called, hurrying over with a small blue vial. “Beauty boost for tonight. Just add three drops to your bathwater.”

“I wasn’t planning anything elaborate?—“

“Trust me,” Ellie interrupted with a knowing smile. “Tonight’s special.”