The Broken Witch Read online

  Chapter Twelve

  Tegan

  Being a witch came with many, many perks. But one of those—at least for me—was not needing a towel. I just willed the water to dry and it did. Instantly. Now when I got out of the shower, I didn’t freeze. It’s the small things.

  “Tegan, you in there?” Emersyn shouted from inside our bedroom.

  I threw on my favorite oversized shirt and opened the bathroom door. “Yup. What’s up?”

  She sat on the corner of her bed and tied the laces of her little white sneakers. Her long platinum blonde hair was up in a high ponytail. “Royce just asked me to go with him to get a costume for the dance tonight.”

  My heart sank. It was the day of the dance, the most witchy dance of the year, and Royce hadn’t gotten a costume. I hated the reason behind it.

  I picked my comb up and ran it through my long black hair. The purple tips were now like a light pink. “Good. I’m glad he reached out to you. Help him cheer up a little bit.”

  She stood and looked over at me, then scowled. “Seriously? You and your water tricks. You don’t even need to blow-dry your hair? That’s not fair.”

  I grinned and shrugged. “Honestly, I never actually learned how to blow-dry it.”

  “Why am I not surprised.” She laughed and walked to the door. With her hand on the knob, she glanced back at me. “Do you need anything else for tonight?”

  “Nope. I’m set, but thanks. Hey, you’re still getting ready here, right?”

  She arched one blonde eyebrow. “And leave you to my makeup unsupervised? I think not. I’ll be back in a bit to doll you up.” She grinned and disappeared down the hall.

  “Dark and evil, right?”

  “You got it, Doctor Evil,” she yelled back.

  I laughed and shook my head. Growing up with a single dad and no sisters, I never got the whole makeup tutorial. Not that I ever needed or wanted it. I was more of an all-natural kind of gal, with some black eyeliner added on. But I had big plans for the dance. Deacon and I were helping Braison get Paulina’s attention...but I was also trying to get Henley’s attention. It’d been almost a week since we pulled her back through the Gap, and I was still clueless on how to save her.

  The Book of Shadows had my answers. Keltie told me. Henley told me. Even the Angel Gabriel told me. If we failed now, it would be because I wasn’t smart enough to figure it out. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the box sitting on my bed until I went to lie back down. I frowned and narrowed my eyes on it. I put my hands on the box, but there was no negative energy.

  “What are you?”

  I opened the flaps and found a note, written in bright red in an unfamiliar handwriting. It read: A FINISHING TOUCH FOR A QUEEN LIKE YOU TONIGHT. XOXO HENLEY

  What the hell? I tossed the note aside and pulled the shimmering object out. It was cold to the touch and smooth. My jaw dropped. It was an old, vintage-looking arm band made of antiqued silver. It was beautiful. I stared at it in awe for several moments. The band itself had little swirly shapes, rather similar to the glyph on my chest actually. In the center was a red oval-shaped crystal that seemed to pulse with energy inside. On each side of the stone was a dragon made of the same metal as the band. Directly above the stone, sticking up above the band, was a silver pentagram. Below the stone, two silver chains swooped down from the band’s center and connected to the back. But my favorite part was the little silver sword dangling between the chains under the stone. It looked just like Tenn’s sword, but it had a smaller version of the same red crystal as on the band.

  “Whoaaaa. This is awesome.” I grinned and bounced over to our full-sized mirror. The metal was cool to the touch. The red crystals glistened in the sunlight through my window. “Normally I couldn’t accept a gift like this, but I really, really want it.”

  I’m talking to myself way too much these days.

  I slid the band around my left bicep, since that arm wasn’t my dagger arm. Plus, it was the only arm I could let be out of my costume because of the soulmate glyph stretching down my bicep. Wild, raw magic shot up and down my arm, tingling against my skin. I waited for it to hurt, but the pain never came. The magic swirled around my arm like it was trying to find a way in.

  “That’s...interesting.” I frowned and stared at the pentagram at the top of the arm band. Then it clicked in my head, and I heard Henley’s warning. The demons were trying to control my mind. There was some kind of magic on this piece of jewelry.

  But thanks to my soulmate, I’d already protected myself. Their spell didn’t work. But they won’t know that. My phone vibrated on my nightstand. I walked over to pick it up and realized I’d missed several texts and a message from my soulmate.

  The message from Tennessee in that app read, Kitten. Do I want to know what you’re wearing tonight?

  I bit my bottom lip. Nope. Except I couldn’t tell him that. Babe. Does this mean Katherine is letting you out??

  Then I opened my texts. The first was from Deacon. Okay. He’s all set. You ready to make some waves tonight?

  You won’t find cold feet on me, partner in crime, I sent back.

  The last text was from Braison. I’m freaking the hell out. Are you sure about this? You think it’ll work? I’m meeting you in the parking lot at 7 right?

  I chuckled. Just breathe. We got this. It’ll work, and you’ve got nothing to lose. Yes 7 in the lot.

  A cold shock tingled down my arm. The demons magic was strong, but I was stronger. Messages from all three boys popped up on my screen. My stomach turned. But they’re not strong enough to resist this on their own. I had to do my job to protect them, like the real Henley said. I had no idea what the demons were planning, but obviously something at the dance. Which meant I had work to do.

  I dialed Larissa’s number and waited for her to answer. “We have to make that potion now, then serve it at the dance.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Emersyn

  “Wait...what is your plan?” I glanced over at my twin in the passenger seat of our mother’s car. “What are you doing to me? Why did you wait to tell me this as we’re pulling into the parking lot?”

  “It’s just an act to help Braison get Paulina’s attention. Don’t worry. Deacon is still all yours.” Tegan rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. She shook her head. “And I’m telling you now because I didn’t want you to be nervous and anxious waiting for today to come.”

  I groaned and pulled into a parking spot up near the front. The student lot was conveniently located next to the school gymnasium where the dance was being held, so I wouldn’t have far to walk in my costume…which I was now feeling insecure about. I was going as a butterfly. I thought it was a nice representation of me coming out of my cocoon. But now that we were at the dance, my stomach was the one that felt like a butterfly. Students skipped by our car in all their fabulous costumes, most of which definitely shattered any kind of dress code. I was going to be the most dressed girl in attendance.

  “Are you ready to go in?”

  “I have to wait for Braison,” Tegan said. “But I’ll meet you in there in a minute.”

  My stomach dropped. “You’re not walking in with me?” My voice came out way higher than I approved. I didn’t want to walk in by myself. My cheeks warmed and my fingers trembled. I looked around at the students going by. They’re all in costume too. I won’t be weird.

  “Em, you look amazing,” Tegan said softly.

  I looked over at her and frowned. “And you’re wearing a trench coat. It’s ninety degrees outside. I don’t even want to know. Don’t tell me.” I turned the car off and opened my door.

  “Emersyn Howe Bishop.” Tegan grabbed my wrist and squeezed. “You are a fire-spitting, smoke curling Empress. You’re a badass. You’re gorgeous. You look hot, and you didn’t even need to show all your skin. I promise you outshine all these scantily clad girls. Your costume is perfect for you, and all of your real friends are going to love it. Get in there and shine lik
e the diamond that you are.”

  I smiled and swallowed the burn of threatening tears in my throat. She always understood me. I never had to explain myself—she just got it. “Thanks, Tegan. I’ll go make sure there’s nothing breakable or sharp in Tennessee’s hands.”

  Tegan’s red-lipped grin grew wide and wicked. Her pale green eyes sparkled, and I knew she was up to something devious. The dark makeup swirled around her face made her look sinister and sneaky. In that moment, I realized why she dressed as an evil fairy queen, because she was about to play with people’s emotions.

  She chuckled like a villain from a movie. “That’s probably a good idea.”

  “May the Goddess have mercy on us all for whatever you’re about to do.” I shook my head and got out of the car before I could talk myself out of it.

  Tegan’s evil laugh echoed in my mind for several feet. I had no idea why I was so nervous and self-conscious. I was a witch. I was the Empress, one of the three most powerful Cards in The Coven. I had terrifying magic. I spit fire at a dragon. There was no reason for my fear. I pushed my shoulders back and practically ran toward the gym. I didn’t slow down until I reached the front steps…then I heard clapping. I frowned and looked toward the sound.

  Royce leaned against the brick wall beside the stairs, grinning like the Cheshire cat and clapping his hands. “Girl. You are fire.” He spun his finger in a little circle.

  Heat filled my cheeks, but I twirled as he’d asked and raised my arms to show off my wings, which were attached to the underside of my metallic long sleeves. “You like?”

  “I love. A butterfly. That’s perfect.” He sauntered over to me. “Where’s your twin?”

  “She’s coming in a second.”

  He arched one eyebrow. “Wants to make an entrance?”

  You have no idea. I shrugged like I had no knowledge of anything. “You’re a goth?”

  Royce blushed a soft pink and looked down at his costume. He had on black skinny leather pants, which I had no idea where he’d found. The black shirt and black boots were two things I’d also never seen him wear. If it weren’t for the black eyeliner and fake piercings, I would’ve thought he was dressed as Tennessee.

  “For Henley.” He shrugged. “Tegan says she’s still in there, so…”

  I smiled and wrapped my arm around his. “C’mon, let’s go have some fun.”

  When we walked through the front doors, all I saw was fog and glitter. A disco ball sent blasts of colorful light across the dance. Music blared from the other end of the room. Students were already on the dance floor. On the left and right sides, there were tables set up for people to use. I took a few steps in while scanning the room for our friends. The fog swirled in front of us, and a wave of raw power swept over me so hard my hair actually rustled. A second later, Tennessee emerged looking like a lion on the hunt as he eyed the crowd.

  Royce whistled. “I forgot how dangerous that boy looks.”

  Great. He already looks like he’s ready to kill someone.

  I licked my lips and walked up to him with a smile. Whatever Tegan had planned, her soulmate was not going to like it. “Hey, Tenn! How are you feeling?” We hadn’t seen him since we got back from Eden. Katherine had asked for us to stay away from the infirmary and let him heal.

  Tenn’s scowl lightened when he saw us. He even gave a little half smile, which was a lot coming from him. “Hey, guys. I’m feeling better, thanks.”

  “What’s with the sling, then?” Royce asked.

  Tenn rolled his pretty, mismatched eyes. “Paranoid precaution from Katherine.”

  “Smart woman,” I teased. Red-hot fire seared through my chest. I clenched my teeth and breathed through it. Deacon.

  “I gotta say, boss, you really stepped it up for the costume this year. It’s nice to see you in all black for a change.”

  Tenn grinned and it was almost as devious as his soulmate’s. But the two sharp fangs protruding from his perfect teeth looked extra eerie. “Hey, I’m wearing a new jacket and fangs.” He looked practically the same as always, right down to his black sword hanging from his right hip.

  “Yo, Tennessee!” someone shouted from off to the right.

  Tenn nodded and gestured for us to follow him over. When we got there, we found the rest of our crew hanging around the bleachers against the side wall, tucked away in the shadows of the dance. Well, not everyone. I knew of two people who’d yet to make their appearance. And Henley, of course. She should be here with us. She’d love this.

  “What’s wrong, butterfly?”

  I looked up and found Easton watching me with a huge grin. He had two black strips across his cheeks and a navy-blue football jersey with the number twelve on it. Lily clung to his arm wearing nothing but fancy black underwear. Literally. It had straps that crossed over her toned stomach. My jaw dropped. Her body was incredible. I always knew she was gorgeous, but her figure was supermodel level. Especially with the massive black wings strapped to her back. She looked like a Victoria’s Secret mod—oh.

  “Oh my Goddess. Are you Tom Brady and Giselle?” I asked, ignoring Easton’s question completely.

  “Yes, and they’re adorable.” Willow rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

  “I can’t even,” Chutney groaned. “We had to settle for these.”

  By these she meant the Ninja Turtles. Chutney, Willow, Peabo, and Atley were rocking the turtle power. I smiled and looked around at the others. Cooper was the Pope. Larissa was staring at her phone dressed as a pirate. Paulina rocked her Catwoman bodysuit in ways I knew Braison would go crazy for. Maybe Tegan is onto something.

  I smiled and glanced to her right, and found Deacon staring right at me. He was dressed in crimson leather and had devil horns on his head. They glowed like neon lights. His purple eyes were full of heat and reflected his horns. Even from a distance, I could see his chest rising and falling as he breathed. His jaw dropped a little as he eyed me up and down. My cheeks flushed with warmth. I looked down and fidgeted with the hem of my metallic skirt. I hated how much his attention affected me.

  “It’s time!” Larissa yelled and jumped to her feet. She pulled out a massive purple bottle and unscrewed the top. “Okay, guys. Take a sip and pass it down.”

  Willow took the bottle with a frown. She sniffed it. “What is it?”

  “For protection,” Larissa said. “Tegan and I made it this morning.”

  “Hey, Tegan told me she found a spell in the Book of Shadows for birth control…” Lily wagged her eyebrows. “Did you make that yet?”

  “Excuse me?” Cooper’s face paled. “Why the hell does Tegan need that?”

  Lily shrugged. “Not my problem. But I want that potion.”

  I peeked up at Tennessee, unable to stop myself. He stared at the ground like he wasn’t paying attention to us. He might not have been; he certainly acted the part. But I saw the way he glanced at my brother.

  “Relax, Coop.” Royce rolled his eyes and plopped down in a chair.

  “What in the hell…” Paulina cursed in Spanish. “What is she… Are they…together?”

  Oh God. Is that Tegan? I turned to look and my jaw dropped. I had not been fully prepared for the sight in front of me. Tegan stood at the entrance of the gym with her arm hooked around Braison’s. Other students stopped what they were doing to literally gawk at them. Oh…my…Goddess. Braison looked awesome, dressed as a fairy knight with extravagant armor and pointed ears. He even seemed to have cool makeup on. But I knew everyone’s eyes were locked on my twin.

  Tegan’s costume left little to the imagination. It was…impressively promiscuous. Her outfit consisted mostly of a black mesh body suit that was cut high on her hips and only had lining in the important places. The top cut down so low in a V-shape that she was somehow showing more cleavage than Lily. There was a belt made entirely of flowers and thorns wrapped high around her waist. Narrow strips of black lace overlapped and hung down in a very bohemian-like skirt. It barely grazed mid-thigh. I was impress
ed with her ability to show her body off without revealing her soulmate glyph. Her right arm and shoulder were covered in black leather. The material spread across her chest and wrapped around her throat like a choker. Bright-colored flowers were sewn in along the edge.

  On her left arm, she had on a fancy-looking band that coiled around her bicep. It had chains hanging down and red sparkling crystals. Her legs were covered with little vines that had colorful wild flowers all over. The Sapiens would think they were the coolest pair of stockings ever. We knew better. She’d manifested all of the flowers on her. Including the ones on her crown, which were surrounded by spikey, clear quartz crystals. Her long black hair floated around her shoulders in waves, with her fairy pointed ears sticking out. Her lips were the exact same shade of vixen red as her pointed-toe pumps that wrapped around her ankle. Oh wait, those are flowers, too.

  She looked incredible. And every bit the evil fairy queen.

  “What the hell am I looking at right now?” Cooper yelled.

  Uh-oh. I turned back to find my brother fuming. His hands were balled into fists at his sides. Royce whistled and shook his head. Deacon covered his mouth with his hand and tried to hide his laughter. Paulina looked like she might actually be sick. I glanced over to Tennessee and recoiled. His eyes sparkled with his magic. His body started to shimmer with light. My survival instincts screamed for me to run away, but instead I took a step closer. I pressed my hand to his stomach and pushed. He glared at me for a second like he was going to attack, except then he seemed to realize what I was saying: be cool, people are watching. He cursed under his breath and took off out of sight.

  “TEGAN BISHOP,” Cooper all but growled. He moved toward her. “What the hell are you wearing?”

  Tegan grinned and flipped her hair over her shoulder. Her pale green eyes sparkled like silver in the disco lights. “How dare you speak to a queen like that.” She winked then dragged Braison onto the dance floor.