Bitterburn (Gothic Fairytales #1) - Ann Aguirre Page 0,51

attend, and then I’ll be reading in the library should you need me.”

Private matters—in the east wing. Pain touches my temples, born of impatience and frustration. I don’t say anything but the whisper is back.

You must discover what he’s hiding. It’s the only way you’ll be safe.

That whisper does not represent my instincts toward self-preservation. Now I can recognize the lure of it, trying to trick or entice me. I imagine a door slamming in my head and I hear that awfulness no more.

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Njål kisses my cheek after breakfast, like we’re a normal couple separating for a day’s work. On that odd if cheerful thought, I finish two of the rough dresses I tacked together yesterday. Now I have four to wear, along with better quality undergarments than I’ve ever owned before. Now, though, it’s time for me to tackle a bigger task. I had put it off because it looked complicated, but according to the book of charms, I should have warded this place to make it mine first thing. That’s evidently what a witch does when she moves into a new residence.

I didn’t have the courage to try since it looked so complex, but with the garden responding to my magic, it would be cowardly not to attempt it. I’ve skimmed the section about trying this when there might be older magics in place, so I’m aware of the risks. This could explode spectacularly, and not in the metaphorical sense. But if I survive, I should learn something about what I’m dealing with. Reckless? Certainly.

But being careful doesn’t change the world.

19.

I collect The Witch Within the Walls from the library, first.

Then I gather components needed for a ward, and fortunately, all the supplies are present in the kitchen, dried herbs perfectly preserved. Following the next step, I burn the herbs with an open flame, until fine ash remains. Now I’m supposed to add a few drops of my blood. That’s similar to what I did in the side garden, but the components and binding chants are different. My pulse skitters as I prepare the protective mixture, or whatever it’s called. There’s probably a proper witchy term, but I don’t know it.

If Njål knew what I was attempting and how risky this could be, he would likely stop me, all the more reason to muster my courage and get it done swiftly. No more hesitation. Today, I’ll find out if I can leave the keep, if I’ll be frozen when I return.

I don my gray cloak. Fear dogs my steps down the hall and into the courtyard, where I find Agatha and Bart racing around. They bleat and fall in behind me like I’m leading a goat parade, and we go all the way to the portcullis, a massive black iron obstacle. I don’t even know how to raise this thing.

“Will you open the gate for me?” I ask politely.

Like that will work. And it doesn’t.

Bitterburn keeps what it claims, and I suppose I’m no exception, but I refuse to give up this easily. I’m not a prisoner. I’m not cursed. And this place has answered my requests.

After some searching, I discover a pulley to one side. I haul with all my strength, and eventually the portcullis raises enough for me to crawl out. The goats follow. I wait for that feeling, the lead in my feet like Njål mentioned, but I only feel odd about leaving. What if Njål notices that I’ve gone and thinks—oh, never mind. Surely I won’t be gone that long.

I turn to address the goats sternly. “Do not eat what I drop, you understand? This is serious business and if you interfere there could be consequences.” Bart bleats in a querulous tone, and I interpret it as a serious inquiry. “I’m not sure what will happen, but I expect it won’t be good. For all I know, wayward magic might turn you both into people, then you’d have to wear shoes and get jobs. How horrid would that be?”

Agatha seems suitably chastened, ready to treat this occasion with the solemnity it requires. They both follow from a respectful distance. So far, everything is fine. The portcullis is open behind me, as if granting me permission to do this and return.

“Let none pass that would do harm. These walls shall keep us safe and warm. My will is strong, and I say it clear. I am now the mistress here.” The first time I intone the words, I feel faintly