The City Witch Read online

  The mahogany hardwood floors were shiny and bold, completely brand-new looking. To my left and right, there were several bunches of couches and lounge chairs grouped together, and they looked perfect for studying or hanging with friends. Leading from the front doors, right down the middle of the grand foyer was a velvety red carpet that was at least ten feet wide. Up ahead, the carpet forked to follow the pathway up the double grand staircase.

  But my favorite part was straight back. Nestled under the stairs was a massive stone fireplace that stretched all the way across the space between the two staircases. Soft orange flames flickered over the logs. I grinned and skipped over to it. As I approached, the flames grew taller and brighter. The embers burned vibrant red. I sighed and felt some of the tension leave my body.

  In front of the fireplace, there were a few super cozy-looking couches with big fluffy blue pillows and a shaggy blue rug— Oh my God. I took another step forward, and a small giggle escaped my lips.

  “What’s so funny, Butterberry?”

  I glanced up at him and pointed in front of us. “You see the blue things?”

  He nodded. “The décor?”

  “Those aren’t pillows and rugs.” I grinned. “They’re those creatures from the Old Lands.”

  Deacon’s eyes widened. He chuckled. “Oh my Goddess, they looked like pillows! Jeez. They must really like the fireplace. There’s got to be three dozen of them lying here.”

  My cheeks burned from how hard I smiled. I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures, then sent them off to Henley with a message that said, So glad you told us to let them stay. SOMA now has house pets.

  “I’m glad you called her the other day,” Deacon said softly. When I looked up, his eyes had darkened and he stared into space. “She needed that. She’s struggling more than she’ll admit.”

  I took his hands in mine then popped up on my toes and pressed my lips to his. When I pulled back, I smiled. “I saw a meme online that said ‘It’s okay to fall apart sometimes. Tacos fall apart and we still love them.’”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Wow. You’ve got to tell Royce that one. He’ll love it.”

  “They’re here! They’re here!” Amelia’s voice rang out from above us.

  I looked up and found her leaning over the rail. “We’re here.”

  She waved her hands. “Come up!”

  When we got up the stairs, Amelia bounced and clapped her hands. Then before we could say anything, she turned and bolted through the open doorway. We followed after her and right into what looked like student services. The same velvety red carpet ran straight up the middle of the wide room, up four stairs, and then down a hallway. Up ahead on the right was an open office that had a counter running along two of the sides. Across from it on the left, was a wall made entirely of stained glass.

  In the space between were two sections of tables and chairs, and they were super cozy-looking. A shadow passed behind the stained glass, and then part of it swung open. Heather and Cheryl strolled out.

  Heather was looking down at the clipboard in her hand, so she didn’t spot us. But Cheryl grinned and waved, then she tapped Heather’s arm.

  “Yes— Oh, Deacon! Emersyn! You’re back!”! She smiled and I hated that my first instinct was to feel suspicious. She walked over in her black heels I was sure were Louboutins. “How are things in Eden?”

  My stomach turned. “Not great. We need Tenn and Tegan back like now.”

  “Emersyn was able to buy them the time they needed to set up more protection spells.” Deacon sighed. “One of the Wands students had some crazy spell she wanted to try, but it sounded like something Tegan would pull, so we went with it.”

  Heather blinked. “Oh, that’s…good?”

  “Which Wand— Wait.” Cheryl held up both hands. “Lennox?”

  “Yup,” I said with a smile.

  “Sounds about right.” Cheryl chuckled. “Well, I pray it works, then.”

  There was a moment of silence as the weight of that comment hit us all. Eden was under attack, and without Tennessee and Tegan, our magic was limited. Sure, we had plenty of it as a whole, but we were already down a few key players. Timothy’s ice magic was ridiculously deadly. Larissa used to brew up deadly potions. Kenneth knew everything, so he’d have ideas we couldn’t think of. He’d probably also have an idea just what the hell these witches had become.

  Paulina needed to get back to Eden. I pulled out my cell phone and shot her a text. Hey Paulina, when are you back in Eden?

  Deacon cleared his throat. “Okay, well, Mother, so far this place looks incredible. Want to show us around?”

  Heather shook herself then nodded. “Yes. Thank you. So, we are pretty much all set. Claudia and her team are doing some final touches, but we’ll be ready for registration tomorrow. Assuming we get the approval from The Coven first.”

  My phone buzzed in my hand. I looked down and found a text from Paulina that said, Damn it. There’s trouble, isn’t there? No one will tell us what’s going on! They keep saying ‘do as Tenn told you.’

  I smirked. They keep telling me that, too. D and I just got back to nyc, but Eden was under attack from Joseph. Henley and Lennox did some spells, but idk if they’ll hold up.

  WHAT?! OMG. Okay. Braison and I just checked one of Constance’s leads, but we’re only a few hours drive away. We’ll head to Eden now and check in.

  Relief washed through me. That was two more Cards in Eden, and a lot more comfort. Thanks. D and I are a 2 hour flight away at any time, so you let us know. Also – what did you find with her lead??

  “Emersyn?”

  I jumped at the sound of Deacon’s voice and looked up to find them all down the hall waiting for me. “Oops! Coming.”

  “Okay, so here to your right is Student Services. The receptionist is helping Claudia, so you’ll meet her in a bit.” Heather smiled then pointed to her right. “Behind these stained glass walls are the guidance counselors, one per Suit.”

  My phone buzzed again. So the girl who triggered magic is in a coma, with severe burns over her entire body. As in, she’s all bandaged up. If the Mark is on her, it’s impossible to see.

  I frowned. Is she a witch?

  Oh yeah. For sure, but doesn’t mean she’s a Card. She CLEARLY suffered trauma, so it’s hard to say if that’s why her magic came out so strong. It happens. Before I could respond, Paulina sent another text. The stepmom is def human. Dad is too, or it’s super repressed. I don’t suspect this girl knew she was a witch.

  My stomach rolled. Is there anything we can do for her injury? Like outside of human medicine?

  I’m not sure. I’m going to ask Katherine and Mona when I get to Eden.

  “Everything okay?” Deacon whispered in my ear and tugged on my hair.

  I smiled up and him. “Yes, sorry. It’s Paulina.”

  “Oh, gotcha.” He took my hand then pulled me along the hallway, toward where the others were waiting for us. “Mom wants to show us around campus and introduce us to the staff.”

  Two hours later, I couldn’t remember a single name I’d heard. There’d been too many of them. All I knew was that each one I’d met seemed both genuinely excited to be there and in total shock of meeting me. The former was awesome; the latter was awkward.

  “Well, you guys did an incredible job.” Deacon chuckled and looked up at the front of the school. “I can’t believe you pulled this off in three days.”

  “Neither can your father,” Heather said with a cheeky grin.

  We stood out front on the sidewalk, taking one last final look at the outside of the school. I was with Deacon—I couldn’t believe it was finished and ready to go. I love magic. Sure, they’d had a whole week before we got back to get the staff hired and the curriculum planned. But it was still impressive.

  “Yeah, Heather. Really. The Coven owes you one for sure.” I looked over to her and smiled. “Tennessee is going to be so pleased.”

  Heather flushed. She tucked her blon
de hair behind her ears. “Thank you. This school is important to us…after last week. I know I would’ve had Deacon here, when Edenburg was too far away for my comfort.”

  I nodded. “That’s why we’re doing this. And I was thinking, I’d like to make a memorial for everyone we lost last week here on campus.”

  Heather gasped. “That’s a wonderful idea. Wh-where would you like it? And what kind?”

  I pursed my lips and thought it through. “You know, I think I’d like to let Caroline and them decide. This is their home, their people. They knew them better than I did.”

  Deacon wrapped his left arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple. “That’s a great idea.”

  The three of us fell into a sad silence, and I knew what we were all thinking about. This school was more than just a school. This was a safety net…a safe haven…a chance to save everyone else from the mistakes of our past.

  Deacon bent down and picked up a rock. He juggled it a few times in his hand, then pulled his arm back and threw it right at the school. It soared through the air like a rocket then slammed into one of the stained glass windows. It smashed into pieces.

  I gasped and spun on him. “Deacon! What the hell?”

  “Deacon Aubrey English!” Heather hissed.

  His jaw hung open and his eyes were wide. He blinked and shook his head. “There’s supposed to be a protection barrier on the school!”

  Heather groaned. “Not from baseballs!”

  He shrugged. “Have you not seen The Sandlot? You want a bunch of hooligan New Yorker children breaking into the school to get their baseball back?”

  I rolled my eyes and turned away so he couldn’t see me laugh.

  “Damn it, Deacon.” Heather shook her head, but I saw the smirk as she spun away from him. She pulled out her phone and hit a few buttons, then held it to her ear. “Claudia? Yeah. My son smashed a window with a baseball… Yep…we’re out front. Yeah, you can hit him first.”

  Chapter Eight

  Emersyn

  “Stedman…what’s going on?” I leaned forward and tried to look out the front windshield. “Is there an accident or something?”

  Stedman frowned and leaned over the steering wheel. “Actually, Miss Emersyn, I do believe this is traffic for the school.”

  “What?”

  He chuckled and pointed at the cars not moving in front of us. “I recognize these cars ahead of us, and I can see quite a bit of foot traffic on the sidewalk.”

  My face fell but my pulse kicked up a notch. For the school. It can’t be, can it? It was Tuesday morning, the day of registration. Once Deacon and I approved everything yesterday afternoon, Heather had sent out the alert, and Constance had as well. All of arcana knew the School of Magical Arts in Manhattan was officially open for business. No pressure.

  “I wouldn’t normally ask this of Heather, but would you prefer to get out and walk?” Stedman turned and smiled at me. “You’re not in ridiculous heels, and I do not believe this line of cars is moving any time soon.”

  I grinned. “Thanks, Steds.” I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

  He chuckled. “Do you need me to stick around?”

  “Nope, thank you. Deacon’s already here and said he wanted to take the subway home.” I opened my door and slid halfway out. “So, wish me luck on that.”

  “There are fire extinguishers aboard, my dear. Just in case you panic.” He winked.

  I laughed and climbed the rest of the way out, then shut the door behind me. The school was just around the corner, so I waved to Stedman then skipped ahead. The morning was bright and sunny, but the wind ripping up the street was ice-cold. I pulled my wool coat around me tighter and hurried around a group of teenagers then turned the corner—and froze.

  There was a line.

  At our school.

  Just like Stedman had said.

  I blinked and glanced over my shoulder. That group of teenagers I passed were in line for the school. I forced myself to keep walking. The line stretched down Amsterdam Avenue at least several blocks, if not longer—but I couldn’t see that far. Holy shit. I turned and followed the line all the way up to the front steps in shock. Everyone in this line was about my age. Most of them were by themselves, but quite a few had parents with them. All of their faces matched their auras—excitement.

  “Are you here for SOMA?” some guy in the line right next to me asked.

  “Yes,” I heard myself say even though I was too preoccupied by the sheer amount of people in line to register. “What time did registration open?”

  “Half hour ago,” the guy answered.

  My eyes widened. “Thirty minutes? The line is this long already?”

  The guy chuckled. “You think this is bad? You should see the youth line.”

  “Youth line?” I looked to him just as he pointed across the street to where an unmoving line of little kids stood with their parents. “Oh my god.”

  “Yeah. The Devil Card came out and divided us into two lines. The high schoolers are here, and we’re only about five blocks long, I’ve heard.” He whistled. “But them? My little brother and my parents are ten blocks down Amsterdam.”

  My stomach turned. I needed to get in there and help, see what we could do to get things moving a little faster. I pulled out my phone and started to call Deacon as I went up the steps when the guy yelled out to me again. I glanced back and arched an eyebrow.

  He pointed behind him. “The line starts five blocks down, remember?”

  I smiled and shook my head. “Oh no, I’m not waiting in line.”

  The boy in front of him scoffed. “Why? ‘Cause you think you’re prettier than us?” he asked in a thick New Yorker accent.

  “Look at ‘dos Chanel boots. Bet she thinks she’s too rich for a line,” the guy two people up snarled.

  About a dozen people around us nodded in agreement and grumbled.

  “I didn’t say that.” I looked down at my thigh-high boots and frowned. “I wore these because it’s cold.”

  Is this happening right now?

  A girl laughed in a short burst. She bounced around from foot to foot, visibly shivering. “We’re all cold. Back of the line, Barbie Doll.”

  “Barbie? Seriously?” I rolled my eyes. I was getting real sick and tired of people judging based on my looks. It wasn’t like I’d decided to be born blonde.

  “Yeah, seriously,” a shorter girl snapped. “You think you’re the Empress or something?”

  I pulled my left sleeve up until my Mark was completely visible. Then I looked up and smiled. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

  I heard an echo of gasps and saw nothing but wide eyes and dropped jaws. Part of me wanted to give them attitude right back, but I needed to be better than that. I was the Empress after all. The few teens who’d sassed me looked pale and terrified. No one spoke.

  I sighed and stepped closer to them. Then I flicked my wrists and summoned a basketball-sized ball of flames. With my other hand, I wiggled my fingers and pushed my magic, sending heat over the line. Everyone sighed.

  “I think we got off on the wrong foot, eh?” I smiled at the line and winked. “I’m not getting in line because I’m not a student here. My job was to get the school set up, so I apologize for not being clearer. I’m just a little shocked by how many of you are here.”

  The short girl who’d snapped was still shivering so I moved closer with my fire.

  She blushed. “Thank you. We’ve all been out here for hours.”

  “Hours?” I groaned. “Okay, this is not good. Y’all have got to be freezing. And there’s children out in this?”

  They all nodded. I cursed and pulled my cell phone out then dialed Deacon’s number.

  He answered on the first ring. “It’s madness here already.”

  “I know. I’m out front.” I sighed and walked to the edge of the sidewalk then looked up and down the street. “Deacon, there’s fifteen blocks of people out here in line to register. It’s too cold out here.” I bit
my lip as an idea started to brew. “Where’s Claudia? Where are you?”

  “I’m inside by Student Services. Claudia was on the second floor in the infirmary with the school’s Lead Healer.” He said something to someone beside him, then came back to me. “But her phone is next to me, so don’t bother calling her.”

  I turned to the first guy who’d talked to me, the nice one. “Hey, what’s your name?”

  He eyed me suspiciously. “Sawyer Brown.”

  “Deacon, I’m sending a guy named Sawyer Brown up to find Claudia. Let him through, okay?” I waved for Sawyer to step out of line. “When he comes back, let him skip the line to register, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Send him up.”

  I ended the call and looked to Sawyer. “Can you do me a huge favor?”

  “Of course, Empress.”

  “Go on up to the second floor to the infirmary and find the Lead Page named Claudia. Do you know who she is?”

  He nodded. “I’ve seen her face, yeah.”

  “Perfect. Tell her I sent you, and that we’ve got people lined up outside freezing their asses off.” I summoned three more flame balls then flicked for them to spread out across the stairs. “Tell her I left some fire out here, but she needs to come work her magic for everyone in line. Okay? Then Deacon is waiting for you in Student Services to register.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, definitely. Thanks.” He sprinted up the steps and out of sight without hesitation.

  I turned back to the rest of the crowd and cringed. “Y’all, I’m sorry you’re cold. I did not expect this kind of turnout. But we’re gonna get some heat down here, and I’m gonna go in and see if I can help speed this line up.”

  “Thanks!” they all yelled and gave me thumbs-up.

  Right. Next step.

  I hurried up the steps and was a few feet from the doors when a huge shadow passed over me. The crowd behind me gasped and screamed. Fire filled my palms, but when I glanced up, I found a massive stone-colored dragon swooping over my head. I sighed and shook my head as Silas landed right on the front stoop of a New York City school. There was a swirl of gray fog, and then a handsome teenage boy stood before me. He wore dark jeans and a white shirt that was just transparent enough to see tattoos etched into his tan skin.