“Not just a normal friendship bracelet. These are imbued with magic.”
“Magical friendship bracelets?”
“Welcome to witchy summer camp,” I teased. “These ones are exactly what you’d think—they symbolize friendship. They’re meant to remind you that you’re not alone here. And if ever you need me, rub these stones and I’ll know to come find you.”
“Wow.” She gaped down at the bracelet as I slid one on, and she followed suit. “That’s actually really nice of you.”
She flipped her arm over, trying to tighten it.
“Let me,” I offered, tying the loose threads. My fingers slid along the inside of her wrist, and the hairs on her arms rose at the accidental touch. I grinned. “There.”
“Fine, then.” Her lips curved ever so slightly. “These bracelets are a deal between us now too.”
Intrigued, I asked, “What is that?”
“I’ll stay if you stay,” she said, and one of the stones turned a brilliant lavender. She gasped then looked at my bracelet, which had turned the same color, binding us to our deal.
“Look at you,” I said. “We’ll have you flying on broomsticks in no time.” I stood, took her duffel bag, and slung it over my shoulder. “Come on, let’s get back to camp. I’ll stay if you stay.”
“Okay,” she said, pressing her lips together to keep from smiling.
I followed her back down the path with a giant grin on my face. Maybe this summer wouldn’t be so bad.
I decided to let Gwen enjoy this moment and not tell her that we’d have to confiscate her phone and delete her vlogging confessions about our camp when we got back to the cabins.
One rule at a time.
7
Gwen
Sabine pointed me to the Flower Moon cabin before she had to report to the mess hall. I stared at the delicate wildflowers rambling all around the sign like something out of a cottagecore wet dream.
I glanced longingly across the path to the more gothic and macabre Blood Moon cabin, wishing I’d been assigned to that one instead. Each of the cabins seemed designed for a completely different kind of witch. Some were spooky, some were elegant, and some were covered in garlands of herbs, while others had astrological symbols painted on their exterior walls.
Would it be weird for the new girl to take a tour of all the cabins? I needed to cure my FOMO.
A breeze rustled through the trees, bringing the slightest bit of relief from the sun. Hopefully, I’d learn whatever magic trick Sabine had used on her water bottle because I was not equipped for the summer heat. I smiled to myself and plucked a petalfrom the string of dried daisies hanging from the wood sign and sighed, remembering the gorgeous witch with auburn hair and freckles. I’d never thought cargo shorts and Converse were a turn-on, but I had a feeling camp was going to change my mind.
If Sabine had told me she was part fairy, I wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised. She was the epitome of a woodland sprite. Sabine seemed like an earthy, wildflower kind of witch, whereas I could see myself all in black, mixing potions or casting hexes.
I wondered if they’d teach us those . . .
I pushed the door open, meeting the eyes of my seven perplexed cabinmates. I remembered some of them from the rec center, but others were brand new to me. They all wore a similar uniform of green T-shirts, shorts, and either Birkenstocks or sneakers. All of them were wearing friendship bracelets, and I was grateful to Sabine that at least I had one of those now.
I’ll stay if you stay.
I heard her warm voice echo in my ears as I toyed with the bracelet. I liked the idea that even without my phone—which she had rudely confiscated—this bracelet meant that I could always call for help.
“Gwen! Hey!” a familiar voice called as Faith pushed her way through the other witches to get to me. “I saved you a bed in my bunk!”
She hooked a thumb over her shoulder. I saw the welcome packet and T-shirt that she had collected for me sitting on the nightstand.
“I hope you don’t mind that I took the bottom. I like to feel more . . . confined when I sleep.” She gave me a toothy grin.
“Right. Thanks.” I gave her a nervous smile. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Faith waved away the statement. “Of course I did, silly! It’s what friends do.” She picked up the shirt and tossed it to me. “Iwas looking for you everywhere and figured you’d have to come back here eventually.”
