Sophia’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She brushed a lock of hair back from her cheek with an elegant finger. “We’ll see how useful she continues to be.”
As we set off, she checked the time and tapped an impatient rhythm on the door handle with her manicured nails. The polish was chipped from the fight last night, and she couldn’t conceal all the cuts on her skin. The air around her seemed to crackle, making wisps of my hair lift from my shoulders.
“Drive faster,” she snapped. “If those witches get there before us, this will all be for nothing.” Her voice was so icy and cruel, like she might as well have slapped her daughter across the face.
Oaklyn’s knuckles whitened, but she obeyed, pressing harder on the accelerator. She glanced at me in the rearview mirror, a silent apology in her eyes.
Last night, in the warmth of Oaklyn’s arms, our cause felt so right—fighting for equality, for a world where magic isn’t hoarded. But in the cold light of dawn, with Sophia in our midst, a strange pang hit me in the gut. Something like homesickness. Like I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.
“When we get there,” Sophia said, examining her chipped nails, “I’ll handle any witches. Oaklyn, you’ll use the net. The girl can help you if needed.”
The girl. My spine prickled.
“Her name is Hazel,” Oaklyn said quietly.
Sophia turned slowly, her gaze like ice. “What was that?”
“Nothing,” Oaklyn muttered, shrinking lower in her seat.
She’s never so diminished and afraid as she is in the presence of her mother. And God, I hate Sophia for that.
“Once we have a chimera, we’ll need to move quickly,” Sophia said, turning back to the window. “The ritual requires precision.”
“Ritual?” I asked. What were they planning, exactly?
“So I can absorb the bio magic,” Sophia said without looking back at me. “Did you think we were collecting it for fun?”
“I thought…” I began, then recalibrated. What did I think? That we’d somehow distribute magic fairly to everyone who wanted it? That Sophia would give some to Oaklyn and me first?
“You thought what?” Sophia’s voice was dangerously soft.
“I’d like to understand the process. How does the transfer work?”
Sophia squinted at me. “Curious little thing, aren’t you?”
I shrugged. I’ve never seen real magic before. Not like this.”
Sophia laughed. “Oh, you’ll see magic today.”
Wyatt whined behind me. I reached back to stroke his fur, finding comfort in him. He licked my hand.
We exited the highway, and as we began weaving south toward the park, Sophia straightened. “Finally, I’ll get what I deserve,” she breathed.
I can’t help wondering what that will be. I know she’s talking about magic, but is that really what this woman deserves?
I know people aren’t simple, and nobody is all good or bad. I know Oaklyn has done terrible things, but I also know who she is beneath that. Katie has always been a good friend, but going after Sophia when I asked her to wait was a shitty thing to do.
As for me? I’ve always thought of myself as good, but I just betrayed my best friend. Even if my reasons felt right at the time, that doesn’t make it any better.
I suppose we all get what we deserve at one time or another.
We’re close to the park now. The net is ready, and I’ve memorized the trail map.
It’s time.
I’m going to watch and wait…and when the moment comes, I’ll do what’s right—whatever that turns out to be.
Chapter 23
