Witch In Charge - Celia Kyle Page 0,42

dragon I can cook my meat at the same time I’m killing it. I can reach the eternity of magic through my size and strength, the resonance of my body… Oh yeah, and I can fly. Well, I used to fly.”

His eyes slid away from hers and she saw his pain. Her heart went out to him and she realized breaking curses really was so much more than just magic. It was righting wrongs, which seemed like true magic.

“Okay, Kelly, come out of the circle,” Owyn said.

She hurried over to him and took the book he held out to her. She turned a few ancient pages, marveling at the intricate handwriting and interesting drawings.

“This is amazing!”

Owyn nodded.

“It’s my family grimoire. Much better than the generic one you have. These spells can be very difficult for beginners, so I want to see what level you’re at.”

Kelly held the book reverently in her hands and glanced over at Spencer. It was like an electric current ran through her and she just knew something wasn’t right here.

“I think we should go outside, Owyn.”

“Why?”

“It’s…just a feeling”

Owyn nodded. He obviously approved of her instincts. They all headed down the wide staircase to the open field behind the main building. Spencer looked up at the stars with such longing it almost broke Kelly’s heart. The breeze ruffled his hair, and she knew he was feeling the thermals, almost as keenly as if he still had wings.

You will fly, I swear. Tonight you will fly.

Kelly felt her will as an extension of herself. She was going to break this curse. It was a certainty. She did not allow any room for doubt in her mind.

What I will, will be.

“Okay.” She pointed to a spell. “What about this one, Owyn?”

He shrugged. “Give it a try. I’m just here to watch.”

She gulped, looking back at Spencer. She realized this was like a pop quiz. He really was dropping her into the deep end.

She wriggled her fingers and chanted the words. Magic moved around her and she held her breath, waiting for the big explosion.

Absolutely nothing happened. Spencer, who had closed his eyes, opened one eye, then the other.

“Wait, wait.” Kelly flipped the pages. “Just wait. Let me try this one.”

Again, she chanted and waved her hand, this time with more decisiveness. There was a bolt of light and she stepped forward eagerly.

Spencer stood in the same spot, dusting off a thick cloud of fairy glitter. Kelly winced, hurrying back out of the circle.

“Kelly,” Owyn said gently. He held a hand up to Spencer and gave him a look, as Spencer had been almost ready to give Kelly a talking to.

“I can’t do this, Owyn.” Her lip trembled. “I’m only making things worse.”

“Relax, Kelly.” Owyn put a hand on her arm. “Feel the words. Focus on your magic. Try again when you have your center.”

Kelly lowered the book, turned back to Spencer, and closed her eyes. She felt her magic running deep, as deep as her bone marrow. The words swelled in her heart and she opened up, feeling the magic flowing through her. There was just one problem. She didn’t have enough juice.

Nearby there was a large power source and she drew on it without thinking. She gathered the spell like a thin shroud and hurled it at Spencer, feeling it billow out to settle on top of him.

Light blasted out of the circle, spinning through Kelly’s body, making her tingle. She covered her eyes as the brightness peaked, then watched as the light died down.

A massive golden dragon stood before her. He roared into the sky, blowing flame. When he tilted his head, his amber eyes were full of joy. Kelly felt blessed to share it with him. He unfurled his massive leathery wings and launched into the sky, diving on them before looping into the air. With a bright smile, Kelly turned to Owyn, ready to celebrate.

He was on his knees, holding his head. He looked pale, weak, and sick.

“Oh my god, Owyn!” She bent down, looking into his eyes. “Are you all right?”

“How did you do that?” Owyn wheezed, clearly confused as well as diminished.

“Do what?”

“You used my powers. You literally sucked magic out of me to use in the spell.”

“I did?”

“You did. It’s almost unheard of for a young, inexperienced witch to be able to do that. It’s a very complex and advanced skill.”

“I didn’t even really know I was doing it.”

“That’s exactly the problem, Kelly,” Owyn said, allowing her to help him to his