totally taken over his body. The demon’s being held by a binding spell, but it won’t keep him contained forever.”
“If he’s that far gone, nobody can help him,” Lucas protested.
“There’s a witch there that might be able to save him. But she lives in town, and as fae, we can’t cross the ward,” Emma pleaded. “If you can take it down for us, just for a second, we might be able to save his life.”
Lucas and Nadine shared a look— as if contemplating if we were telling the truth. “Who do you want to see?” Nadine asked.
“Hattie.”
Their eyes flashed in recognition of the name, but Lucas said, “You’re a fae. You’re obviously lying. This has to be a trap.”
“Lucas, if this man’s dying, we have to help,” Nadine insisted.
Lucas gave a cold laugh. “Do you know how many witches have died because of fae? We don’t have to do anything.”
“Please. I don’t care that you’re a witch, only if you can do something to save my mate,” Emma begged. She was on the verge of tears now. “The coven is our only hope. Wouldn’t you do anything to save the person you love?”
Nadine gave a wary glance to Lucas. Finally, he spat, “Fine. But if this is a trap, don’t blame us when all hell comes down on you.”
“Trust us, we don’t want to be here any longer than you do,” Stefan said. “We wouldn’t be asking witches for help if we hadn’t exhausted every other option.”
Nadine led the way back to the ward. Lucas remained behind the group, as if to watch and make sure my friends didn’t try anything.
Nadine spread her palm wide, and I observed as a small slit in the ward opened, easily visible beside a dying oak tree. It was big enough for one person to slip in at a time. “Here. This will get you inside.”
“Can we get out once we leave?” Kiara whispered.
“The hole in the ward will last until morning. Once that happens, you’re on your own,” Lucas said.
“Trust me, the last thing we want to be is trapped inside a witch village,” Stefan said as he slid past the ward, dragging my body behind him. “We’ll be gone long before sunrise.”
Emma ducked through. “You guys want money or something?”
“We’re just trying to help. Pay us back later,” Nadine said.
I couldn’t imagine a world where a fae would give a favor to a witch, but Emma nodded and stepped through. “Where can we find Hattie?”
“She lives in an apartment above her shop. The place is called The Jolly Pumpkin,” Lucas whispered. “It should be pretty deserted— everyone’s at some big event on the other side of town. If you’re lucky, you should get in and out unseen. Good luck.”
I was surprised he actually wished us well, but maybe the sight of my deteriorating husk had changed his mind— blood was beginning to ooze out of my mouth and eyes.
Octavia Falls was a quiet little town. The street lamps illuminated the road, casting an eerie glow. Apple trees grew on both sides of the street, and as it was November, the leaves that fell from their branches landed in big piles next to the sidewalk.
Gothic houses, two stories tall with big walk around porches, surrounded the area until we got to Main Street. There was every shop imaginable that a witch could ever need. Metaphysical stores that sold magical ingredients stood beside cauldron shops and places to buy tickets for corn mazes. There was a coffee shop next to a candy store, and further down, a brewery sat beside a cider mill. Advertisements for palm readings, the farmer’s market and wineries lined the streets. Wooden carts on the side of the road were covered with herbs and other potion ingredients.
Yarrow and St. John’s Wort grew in every pot around here. The Miriamic Coven was very concerned about keeping fae out.
As promised by Lucas, the area was deserted. But I wasn’t sure it’d stay like that for long.
My friends soon found themselves at the entrance to The Jolly Pumpkin. The outside of the shop was painted orange, with a green roof and black shutters. I took in the shop’s decor as they dragged me inside. Potions, wands and crystals were on display, along with tarot and oracle cards. On the other side of the store were shelves full of candles, maple syrup, scarves, ornaments, fall decorations and books. Candy apples and toffee were sold in a glass case at the front. It was certainly