Page 21

Twenty-One

ELSPETH

A few horse-drawn carriages rolled past us, weaving through Thistlegrove Forest on the dirt road. We’d passed many cottages, all of them with wooden signs either posted in the ground or nailed to the houses. I’d seen so many of them, I finally marched up to one to see what it said.

“It’s their surname,” Adelaide said from behind me.

I shuddered, not able to imagine something so permanent as making a sign with your last name on it and nailing it to your house.

“Come on.” Adelaide grabbed my hand. “Let’s get back to the road.”

I slipped on a slick spot, but Adelaide kept a firm grip on me. I was used to wearing my boots, not these dainty slippers.

Other witches flew overhead on their brooms. Mama used to fly on a broom, taking us on rides when we were little, but after we got cursed, she stopped. I think she worried about flaunting her magic.

The sun sank in the lavender sky, the faint outline of stars dotting the expanse.

“Wish we had a carriage,” Auggie muttered, stumbling as she tripped over a small rock. Her form-fitting gold dress shimmered as she walked, teeth chattering.

“Well, if we’re making wishes, then I wish we weren’t doing this at all.” Prue pushed her spectacles up her nose, an uncharacteristic sheen on her upper lip. She tugged at her long-sleeve maroon gown, which hugged her curves nicely.

I hoped tonight might encourage her to get out of her shell more.

A horseless carriage creaked by us, slowly rolling to a halt. We all stopped, shooting each other unsure glances.

The door swung open, a witch with corkscrew gray hair sticking her head out. “Need a ride?” she asked.

“No—” I started at the same time Auggie shoved past me and said, “Yes.”

The witch smiled as Auggie stepped into the carriage.

“Auggie,” I whisper-yelled.

“Well, come on,” the witch said. “We’re holding everyone else up.” I looked behind her carriage to see a few horse-drawn ones rolling down the road.

“Let’s go, then,” I said, and we all piled in.

The witch closed the door, and warmth swept over me—none of us were wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. I adjusted the fabric of my pale green dress. The gold skinny straps kept falling over my shoulders, and I had to keep pushing them back up.

“I’m Morty Hallow.” The witch smiled kindly at me, Adelaide and Auggie sitting on either side of her, while Mama, Prue, and me squished onto the other side.

“Nice to meet you.”

We all made our introductions.

“We really appreciate the carriage ride,” I said.

“Oh, it’s no problem. You poor dears looked so cold walking in the dark. And I have this big carriage all to myself.” She gestured to it, then leaned forward. “I’ve heard quite a lot about the Moonflowers.”

I stiffened, my gut immediately clenching. What did she mean by that? Was that why she offered us a ride? So she could figure out our secrets? Or maybe she already knew, and she was about to tell us. Blackmail us.

My mind whirled with all the dire possibilities when Morty said, “ About your soups? I’ve heard they’re addictive.” She waggled her eyebrows.

My pounding heart slowed. “Thank you,” I managed, looking at Adelaide. “My sister is a talented cook, and Mama is great at using her potions affinity to create some wonderful flavors.”

“Have any of you visited the Darkstone Manor before?” Morty asked. “It’s quite a sight to behold. One of the most beautifully built manors in the Witchlands.”

I shook my head, Prue’s earlier questions rolling through my mind. I wondered why Draven didn’t stay in his own manor. It didn’t make sense. Unless he’d done something to get himself banned. But then I wasn’t sure how he’d be there tonight.

“Why doesn’t Draven live there?” Prue burst out, her knees bouncing.

I shot her a look.

“No one knows,” Morty said. “There are rumors, of course. Everyone in Thistlegrove loves to gossip, but Draven isn’t exactly forthcoming about his feelings. I don’t think he has a single friend other than Elm Kingsley and Riven Shiu.”

“The famous bard?” Auggie squeaked.

“The very one. Of course Riven is hardly ever here, so that doesn’t help. Elm isn’t here too often either. In fact this is the longest he’s ever visited. I wonder what the reason could be.” Morty tapped her chin, and Adelaide’s cheeks turned pink. From the tone of her voice, it sounded like Morty knew exactly why Elm was extending his stay.

It had to be because of Adelaide, which meant if she didn’t return his affections, he might leave soon, and then all hope would be lost. My forlorn sister might never recover. I had to ensure she danced with Elm tonight. I just didn’t know how.

“Do any of you have your eye on any suitors? Anyone you might want to save a dance for?”

“We all know who Adelaide wants to dance with,” Auggie said with a smirk. “I’m sure Elm will be waiting for you with open arms.” She made a smoochy face.

Adelaide elbowed her.

“Ow,” Auggie said.

“Oh?” Morty turned her gaze on my sister .

“Oh yes,” Mama said. “He’s quite taken with her. There have been a few bumps in their relationship, but nothing they can’t overcome.”

“Mama!” Red stained Adelaide’s cheeks. “I don’t think Morty needs to know the details.”

Mama waved her hand. “It’s just girl talk, Addy.”

I gave Adelaide a sympathetic smile, but maybe this would be the push she needed to dance with Elm, to reconnect with him.

“I was actually just hoping to dance with my sisters tonight,” Adelaide said, voice tight.

Mama’s face fell. I knew she was hoping this would end in marriage for Adelaide. Maybe it would, and that would be amazing for Adelaide to finally have her magic back. But I just wanted to see my sister smile again. I couldn’t handle moody Adelaide anymore. Not when I already had to deal with moody Auggie, moody Prue, and moody Mama.

“Well, what if your sisters all have partners to dance with?” Morty asked. I wondered why she cared so much about Adelaide and Elm dancing. Maybe she was just making polite conversation.

Prue audibly gulped. More than anyone, she could use a partner to dance with. Someone to make her realize there was more to life than just her books.

“I’ll be dancing with whoever asks,” Auggie said. “Why limit my possibilities?”

Morty turned her sharp gaze on me. “And what about you? Any suitors you have in mind?”

“Definitely not Draven Darkstone,” Auggie murmured with a laugh.

I could kick her right now.

“That’s right! I’ve heard about your arguments.” Morty said it with delight, like our fights were something wonderful.

Mama tsked, and Auggie snorted.

Adelaide crossed her arms, a frown appearing.

“That’s not true!” I said. “We’re fine. We had a few disagreements, but we’ve worked things out.”

“You have?” Adelaide asked.

“Yes,” I said, exasperated.

“So you’ll dance with him?” Auggie asked, a challenge in her eyes.

Everyone stared at me expectantly. This was a disaster. If I said no, it would undermine everything I’d been telling Adelaide. All my lies. But the alternative... I might have to actually follow through and dance with Draven Darkstone.

“Well?” Auggie said.

“Yes,” I responded weakly. “I’ll dance with him.”

And just like that, my night went from bad to worse.