Night Witch (Weatherstone College, #2)(29)

I was only safe now because when I’d unintentionally used my affinity, I’d been at Weatherstone behind their warding, which prevented the council from knowing. The few who were aware of my long-forgotten affinity might suspect there was a reaper at Weatherstone, but they never discovered who it was.

Haley pressed on: “What about when you’re back at school? They expect a spellcaster.”

“I can manage basic magic still—the same as freshman year. I’m just going to have to keep pretending my energy is hard to release.”

Haley didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t argue with me further. “We have your back no matter what.” She gave me a hug, holding on for a few seconds longer than normal. “I love you both. Keep in touch.”



* * *




After Haley left, for the rest of winter break, Sara and I fell into a routine. I went to work and she followed. Even with daily skate lessons, she was woeful, but it was nice having her around.

My parents kept tiptoeing around me, and while my siblings came home for one night to celebrate Dad’s trial dismissal, the rest of the time they remained with their coven or at Weatherstone. Both, I was sure, preferrable to dealing with the weird tension in the house.

Logan wasn’t around either, with his father dominating his time, but he called me every night, and I wondered how I’d ever sleep again without his deep voice whispering sweet stories into my ear. He’d stuck to his promise of slowly building a bond between us, and I was falling hard and fast.

Though, as nice as a slow build was, if we didn’t get to hard and fast soon, I might actually combust.

A few days before school was about to start, I found myself alone with Mom in the kitchen. “What really happened that night in the graveyard?” I asked her, unable to keep avoiding all topics related to reapers. “You say you’re not like me, so how were you there? How did I call you?”

She sucked in a deep breath, and I thought she was about to leave the room, but as the shock slipped from her features, she settled her breathing. “I wish I knew. I was in the middle of reading Mom’s letters when I felt a pull toward you. A tugging in my gut. Moms are connected to their children’s magic in ways only another mom would understand. Though I’m sure your gran had a small hand in getting me where I needed to go.”

I’d read through Gran’s letters too, but there’d been very few revelations outside of her suppression potion. She’d been careful in case they fell into the wrong hands.

They were all gone now, thrown into the fire by Mom as a precaution against my secret ever getting out.

“How could they just wipe a fifth affinity from existence?” I whispered, finding it hard to believe this was my life.

“You’re quite possibly the last night witch slash reaper alive,” Mom said, just as quietly. “Powerful magic is at play to hunt your kind down. They’re afraid of this power, sweetheart. They’re afraid of what you are and can do. You can never let anyone know about this. You shouldn’t even go back to Weatherstone.”

My mind rebelled against the notion. “So, no future for me at all? I just give up now because of some centuries-old prejudice against this affinity?”

Mom swiped hard at her eyes. “No . . . goddess no. I won’t allow it. I said you shouldn’t go back to college. Not that I was going to stop you. But you must be aware of the risks. The suppression potion is so important. You can’t ever forget to take it.”

“Okay,” I agreed hoarsely. “I’ll pretend to be a weak spellcaster, the same as last year. I can do it. I can keep this secret.”

Providing Belle’s father didn’t already know and was launching a plan to attack me.

Best I didn’t mention that to Mom.

“What killed Logan’s mom?” I asked, hoping that her sharing mood would extend a little further. As much as I’d like the past to stay in the past, this unanswered question could be what would tear Logan and me apart.

She hesitated before taking a deep breath. “I have a theory, but I’m not sure I should speak on it. Not while there are feuds and oaths lingering in the magic of our world. I don’t want to speak it into existence.”

I read between the lines of what she was saying. Rafael was powerful, and we had no idea how well he had us under surveillance. Though, that would mean he was aware of my relationship with his son, unless Logan had his own means of keeping his father’s magic away.

“I love you, Mom,” I said, thankful that we’d managed to talk like we used to. Even if only for a few minutes. “Thanks for accepting and protecting me.”

She reached forward and hugged me hard. “I love you, Paisley. We will make sure you’re okay. No matter what else happens.”

I nodded, throat too tight to say anything else.

That night when I got into bed and settled under the covers, I sent off a text to Logan, who was no longer Stalkcaster in my phone.

Paisley: Why did you transfer to Weatherstone last year?

Logan: Your power bloomed. I wasn’t leaving you unclaimed.





Whatever magic we’d woven as children was indelibly imprinted on my being.

A permanent mark.

Logan had told me it was the same for him.

Paisley: Is everything okay with your dad? You’re safe, right?