out a relieved exhale when it feels like I’m just as I was before. My chest constricts in an uncomfortable way for a moment, and I observe the feeling, dismissing it when nothing worse happens. It’ll probably take time to feel all the way normal again.
“Where are we?” I question as we pass a streetlight that’s illuminating wild grass and some mystery expanse of land that stretches past the light, far out into the darkness.
“We’re about forty minutes from my home,” he tells me, and I nod even though I’m unsure how I feel about that. He buckled my unconscious body into his car, and we’ve been driving for who knows how long. Seems like a weird thing to do. Then again, he’s a witch, and I’m discovering that weird is just part and parcel.
“The biggest ley line near me is two hours away in Gallywough. I would have waited for you to wake up, but it was getting late and we would have been vulnerable just sitting there so close to a line,” he offers, obviously picking up on my discomfort.
My chest tightens again, and I’m not sure if it’s a warning of something or some residual effect of what my body just went through. I rub at my sternum and wince at the strange sensation.
“Do you need some water or something? I have a couple bottles stashed behind the seat.”
“No, I’m…” I trail off as we pass another streetlight that’s illuminating a sign for an exit that’s forty miles away. “I’m fine, I think, I just feel...off,” I explain, not sure how to put into words what’s happening with me.
“That’s normal,” Rogan explains as he shoots me a sympathetic look. “Ley lines can act like chargers; you might feel like every cell in your body is lit up with a shit ton of magic for a while.”
I take stock of myself. Is that what I’m feeling? Is it adrenaline and a surplus of magic and energy that’s creating this anxious undercurrent that’s running just below my skin? It’s hard to say since I’ve never ridden a ley line before, and I’m not sure what recovery is supposed to be like, but whatever is happening, I’m not a fan. I feel almost itchy with anticipation, and it sucks.
“So I’m strung out on magic, no biggie,” I announce with a shrug, but my voice is pitched higher than normal, meaning this is absolutely a biggie, and I just might be starting to freak out about it.
“Breathe, Lennox,” Rogan commands as he shoots me concerned looks while still trying to pay attention to the road.
I can feel panic scratching through my body like it’s some terrifying monster that’s ready to rip me to shreds. “Distract me,” I pant out as I try not to claw at my throat and the seat belt that suddenly seems too tight against my chest. The window next to me rolls down a little, and cool, moisture-heavy air caresses my face and tries to calm me. “Just talk, tell me what a day in the life of a Blood Witch looks like. Or...whatever...just tell me something,” I plead, desperate to think about anything else other than how I feel and all of the crazy things that have happened in the last twenty-four hours.
Concern laces his green gaze, but he listens. “Uh, well, my day varies, depending on what clients I have scheduled,” he starts, his deep voice filling the car. “Some are sick and need weekly healings or potions delivered regularly to help with various things from ailments to beauty treatments to health regimens.
“I work monthly with a blood donation center to weed out possible issues with donations and apply blessings on what they’re delivering. Some doctors refer patients to me if there’s a struggle to pinpoint an issue. I also work with a local coven here and there. We like to combine our resources and create more potent brews and talismans.
“It all really just depends. Elon and I work together for some clients, but he runs a separate business as well. We try to do Tincture Tuesday where we get together and sort out what we need to make for the following week,” he explains with a quiet chuckle that morphs into a sad sigh, his voice and this information exactly the distraction I needed.
“Hmmm, what else?” he hums, checking on me out of the corner of his eye as the road curves to the right. I lay my head back against the headrest, closing