“Honestly, that would be kind of cool. But we're not saving the world. Just the citizens of Emberwood."
He grins. "Still counts. I'm putting it on my résumé."
“You should. And also start working on our soundtrack. What would we even put on there?”
Before he can answer, my phone buzzes. Then his does, too. We both look down.
Mica:In position with two coven members. This old mill smells like wet wood and regret.
I scroll further up the thread. “Sebastian checked in from the cemetery ten minutes ago. He’s ready.”
“And Rowan is at the standing stones with two witches from Thornhill. Her parents sent them to ensure she’s good.”
Another text comes in…
Wylder:I dropped Clara and Weston at the stream convergence point north of town. Brice and I are in position as well.
Izzy:Ashcroft Manor backyard. Hiding in the bushes. Orion says hi, and also that if Laurel catches us, we're blaming you.
Orion:She's joking.
I exhale a laugh and type back.
Poppy:Noted. Don't get caught.
Asher stretches his arms overhead. “It’s sad to think Laurel would be so petty that she’d interfere or even threaten witches from her coven because they’re trying to do the right thing.”
“Sad, yes, but Laurel isn’t interested in doing the right thing. She only cares that I broke the glass and now everyone hears the alarm bells.”
We sit there quietly for a moment before Asher squeezes my hand. “Are you good?"
I slip my phone into my jacket pocket with my other hand. "Yeah."
"You sure? Because I know how freaked you get when Tharuzel is in the picture. How is your mental jewelry box?”
“Locked tight and quiet. My thoughts and my will are my own.”
“Good to hear. If that changes?—"
“Yeah, I know." I stand, brushing imaginary dust off my jeans. "I’m solid, Ash. Let’s change the subject. You’re making me nervous."
He stands too, and hugs me from behind, resting his chin on the top of my head. “Sorry. I just worry.”
I pat his arms where they come around me. “I know. But for this moment, I feel strong and I want to get this done.”
“That’s good because I kinda want to call it off and for us to go hide in our onesies and watch S’Nark crackle in the fireplace.”
I snort. “That’s weird, right?”
“Really weird. But hey, I guess we’re here, everyone's in place, and it would be super awkward if I had to text them all and be like, 'Sorry, folks, rain check on the exorcism. Please return to your regularly scheduled magical anchoring at a later date.’"
I lean my head back against his chest and close my eyes. “You're ridiculous."
"And yet, you love me."
“No accounting for taste.”
He gives me a tight squeeze and then kisses my head. “Good luck, pop star.”
