Page 70 of Magical Melee

The woman huffed but came over with the tin.

I rang her up, and she frantically exited the store before a young couple came in.

They were wide-eyed and overly ecstatic. The guy leaned on the counter as his gaze flicked between me and Stella. “So… where can we see real witches around here?”

Stella didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, they’re everywhere. We’re practically tripping over them. Why, Maeve, here, is one of our most powerful—aren’t you, darling?”

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. “Uh, yep. Totally. But I’m more of a behind-the-scenes witch. You know, low profile. Won’t see me flying around on a broomstick.”

“No, she just makes magical drinks for her husband’s workouts.”

The guy smiled, and my brows arched.

“Ex-husband.”

The guy nodded as if I’d just revealed some grand secret. His girlfriend elbowed him, rolling her eyes. “Come on, honey. Let’s go before you ask about vampires.”

The boyfriend looked disappointed. “But—”

“Out,” she said, dragging him toward the door with a bag full of tea I rang up.

Judging by how much people spent here, Stella could have retired long ago.

As they left, Stella leaned over and whispered, “You’re a natural at this.”

“Customer service or dodging ridiculous questions?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Both,” she said with a wink.

The line eventually thinned out, and by the time the last customer had left, I felt like I’d run a marathon. I collapsed onto a stool behind the counter, wiping my hands on my apron.

“Is it always this busy?” I asked.

Stella shrugged and poured a cup of tea for us both. “Depends on the day. Some days, it’s slow; other days, it’s like a carnival in here. You handled it beautifully, though.”

“Thanks,” I said, sipping the steaming brew of pumpkin ginger tea. “But honestly, I’ve been dying to talk to you about something.”

Stella’s expression shifted slightly, her playful demeanor giving way to curiosity. “Oh? What’s on your mind?”

I glanced around the empty shop, making sure we were truly alone. Frank was sleeping behind the counter, and only his soft snoring gave him away.

“It’s about the cottage,” I began. “And Twobble.”

Stella chuckled, setting her cup down. “Ah, the little rascal finally made himself known, did he?”

“That’s putting it lightly,” I said, shaking my head. “He practically broke into my house this morning, bouncing on me like a squirrel on speed. And then he started showing me all these hidden features of the cottage, like a false floor that led to this… underground vault.”

Stella’s eyes widened slightly. “He showed you the vault? Already?”

“Yeah,” I said, leaning forward. “There was this pedestal with runes, and when I touched it, I saw… things. My dad, when he was younger. Then, a stormy night appeared with a figure in the shadows. It was intense. I don’t know what any of it means.”

“Wow.” She eyed me oddly. “I’m surprised you’re here to tell me about it.”

My blood turned cold. “Why’s that?”

Stella nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. “The vault is a powerful place. It holds the memories and energy of every caretaker who’s lived there. It sounds like it’s starting to reveal its secrets to you. But… this is all so fast.”

I frowned, unsure that I would ever understand what was happening.