Redd and I lingered in the town square, appreciating the warming air and soaking up some of the dual suns’ rays as we sat on a bench, shoulder to shoulder.
Critters scurried by without a care in the realms, the squirrels emerging from their burrows to enjoy the milder weather.
“So, we haven’t really gotten the chance to talk much,” Redd said, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered, caressing the shell of my ear so gently it made me shiver. “I tried to see you as soon as I came back, but you weren’t here. You know where I was, where did you run off to?”
I gasped, straightening with excitement. “Oh, gods! I can’t believe I haven’t told you yet! Kizzi and I traveled to Willowvalley to figure out who sent those ghastly beetles after me.”
His eyebrows rose. “Holy shit. And? Did you?” He hesitated for a minute, examining my face before smiling gently. “Of course you did, what am I even saying?”
I grinned at him. “I did. It wasn’t your fault after all! I told you!”
“It wasn’t, you’re sure? How is that possible?” His eyes roamed over my face intently. “Tell me everything.”
I was practically buzzing with anticipation. “I will, over a cider and a bowl of stew. It’s a long story.”
“Deal. Go home, change, do what you need to do, and meet me at Ginger’s Pub in an hour.” He stepped forward and planted a tender kiss on my forehead before stepping back again.
“Perfect, I’ll see you there.” I turned to depart, but his earlier words registered in my mind. “Don’t think you’re off the hook–I want to hear all about your spontaneous trip too.”
He rolled his eyes playfully. “I’ll be sure to tell you every boring detail, don’t worry. I know how much you love a good story.”
I smiled broadly, fangs flashing. “I would expect nothing less.”
Today’s cider flavor was strawberry basil. Not myfavorite, but still incredibly delicious.
Redd didn’t even hesitate when ordering himself his own cider–it seemed my superior preferences were rubbing off on him. As they should.
I absentmindedly pushed my salted rice around with my spoon as I explained my recent adventures. “It really went down as smoothly as I could have hoped. You know the other witches in town that Kizzi hangs around with?” I asked.
He nodded, swallowing a huge bite of buttery chicken. “Sure. I built a bookshelf for Ani’s grimoires a few weeks ago. And I’ve helped a few of the others as well.”
“Well, get this. Apparently, Kizzi has been working with the group of them, and they’ve been doing some investigating. Don’t ask me for any details because the workings of the witchy mind arewaytoo confusing for me to explain.”
“Understandable. They’re very smart ladies.”
“Excuse you! I’m smart too, but I’ll let that one slide. I know what you mean.” I shot him a quick glare. “Like I was saying. They did a ritual on the beetles from my shop and traced the magical signature to another town!”
Redd looked impressed, his eyebrows quirking. “Wow, I didn’t even know that was possible. Where did it come from?”
“Guess.”
“Please don’t make me,” he deadpanned.
“Come on, guess!”
He stared at me blankly, taking a slow swallow of cider.
I snorted. “Fine, fine, you’re no fun. It came from Willowvalley– that swampy, sludgy town that nobody goes to unless they must.”
He set his goblet down with a thunk. “Huh. I don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t that.”
“I know, right! What a stupid town.”
“So, who was it?”
I groaned dramatically. “Well, remember how you thought this series of unfortunate events was somehow your fault?” I asked.
“Yes…”
