The scone was still warm, perfectly crispy with a tangy bite of citrus. I groaned around my mouthful. “Did Mitz make this one?” Mitz ran the bakery in town, and that alone made her one of my favorite folk in the entire realm.
Fiella nodded, swallowing heavily and taking a swig from her steaming mug before speaking. “Of course. You think these angelic creations came from the coffee shop? Nope, that’s good old fashioned fae handiwork.”
“She’s Old Gods blessed.” I shoved the rest of the scone in my mouth with a happy hum, tucking the handkerchief into my tunic.
“So, care to explain the situation in the corner over there?” The vampire pointed to the cauldron steaming menacingly, mocking me. I glared at it.
“Those damned sprites again. I was trying to brew up a large batch of energizing potions, they must’ve snuck some extra ingredients in when I wasn’t looking. I don’t even know what it’s become at this point, but it makes me nervous. And it’s going to be a nightmare to clean up.”
A large bubble rose to the surface and popped, splattering miniscule specks of liquid onto every nearby surface. I stuck my tongue out at it while flipping it my middle finger.
Fiella smoothed her hands over her arms and shivered. “I can feel a lot of magic in here. More than usual. Did you put extra oomph into it or something?”
I shrugged. “I might’ve. It was a big batch—I was planning to store the extras to prepare for when Mayor Tommins inevitably clears me out again.” He really bought a ridiculous amount of them. It was a miracle that his heart hadn’t given out by now, that much stimulant couldnotbe good for anyone.
“If you say so. It just… feels weird.”
I flapped my hand at her. “You worry too much. It feels perfectly normal here to me.”
But that wasn’t necessarily true. I always tuned out the magic around me, I would be overwhelmed if I didn’t. I did notice that my spells were coming more naturally in recent weeks, though. My potions, too, took less strain. I assumed I was just becoming more talented. I was an excellent witch… But maybe they were coming a littletooeasily.
Magic was a tricky thing. It was everywhere, sure, but only in remnants. Magic wasn’t nearly as abundant as it was when the Old Gods roamed the realm. Or so the texts said. These days, it was a limited resource. Crumbs of magic could be found in old relics, clinging to trees, gathering in quiet places. It condensed in areas of extreme emotion, it slithered through forgotten corners of the realm. Wisps of it followed around every living creature, some folk more than others, but most didn’t realize it. Witches were the most attuned.
Most of the remaining magic in the realm could be found within the bodies of the magical folk—witches, wizards, and the few lucky others.
Fiella stood, breaking me from my thoughts. “No offense, but I need to get out of here. I’m afraid I’m going to touch something I’m not supposed to in this mess.” She looked around distastefully. “And that thing is giving me the heebie jeebies.”
She glared at my cauldron, flashing her fangs in a threatening snarl.
I laughed at her antics. “Fair enough! Have a good day! Sell lots of shit and smooch your man for me!” I blew her an exaggerated kiss, grimacing when I realized I’d touched my lips directly to my sludge-tainted hand.
“Sure, Kiz. I love you to the moons!”
“I love you to the suns! Even if you’re a pansy about a harmless ruined cauldron brew.”
She chuckled under her breath as she left, pulling the door shut behind her with a muffled thud. She opened it a moment later, sticking her head inside. “Oh! I almost forgot. What are you bringing to the annual Moonvale potluck? It’s only a few days away.”
I had completely forgotten about the potluck. With all the madness happening lately, it had slipped my mind. “Shit! Something easy, I guess. Maybe stew?”
Fiella snorted. “You think anyone will eatyourstew when Ginger will be bringing hers? Not likely. You better think of something else. I’m bringing blood smoothies.”
I gagged. “Nobody is going to drink those except for bloodsuckers. That’s revolting.”
Fiella flashed a fanged grin. “That’s exactly the point. More for me. And Redd too, I guess. And the others. Whatever, there aren’t any rules against it.”
“I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry.” My mind whirled through the possibilities.
“Meet at Ginger’s Pub for dinner?”
“Of course.” I would definitely not be cooking for myself.
Fiella gave me a thumbs-up and shut the door again, heading to her trinket shop. She was always a late riser, starting her days when the rest of us were already up and moving.
If I was being honest, I was a horrendous cook. I could brew potions and poultices and tonics like nobody’s business, but the edible stuff was a completely different story. Flavor was the hardest part—no amount of magic could improve the taste of something foul.
Unfortunately, a new rule had been implemented for the annual Moonvale potluck this year and it was very clear; you could only indulge in the feast if you brought something to contribute.
I would certainly bringsomething. Would it be delicious? Definitely not. But would it be edible? Probably. Maybe.
