Curses and Cauldrons by Lizzy Prince

Author:Lizzy Prince [Prince, Lizzy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

21

ROMAN

Josephine hasn’t left my thoughts in two days.

“Are you going to say anything? We’ve already run three miles, and you’ve barely muttered two words.” Bram startles me out of my thoughts.

The two of us run together at least twice a week. Sometimes more if he’s feeling the darkness creeping in. He says the physical activity and pushing his body helps keep the anger at bay.

I’m not fit company today, though. I’ve been replaying every encounter I’ve had with Josephine in my head on a loop. Dissecting why she’s different. Trying to figure out what it means that I can touch her. Wondering about how her family is using their magic, which should be none of my business. Yet, I can’t stop thinking there’s something very wrong going on.

Of course, there is. We’re all cursed. And we simply accept that this is normal.

“How did we end up like this?” I’m sure that’s not the answer Bram’s expecting, but it’s a thought I can’t shake.

The rhythmic beat of our footfalls on the path through the woods is a comforting sound. Usually. Today my mind is swimming with too many questions, and it reminds me of a ticking clock. I wish I knew what it was counting down to.

“Well, for some of us, it’s genetics, but I won’t say that I don’t work hard for this.” Bram gestures toward his body, and I roll my eyes. It’s early morning, and the sun is just starting to filter through the bare branches of the trees. We’re running along the lake that’s part of the resort.

“Have you heard of magic sharing between family members?” I don’t bother acknowledging his ridiculous remark.

“What, like group spellwork?” Bram hops over a fallen log without missing a beat.

I slow to a walk, wiping my forehead with the hem of my shirt. At this rate, I’m going to trip over my own feet. That’s how distracted I am.

“Josephine mentioned that her family performs the new moon ceremony together. I’ve never heard of that before.”

“To be totally honest, we really don’t know what their coven does. For all we know, renewing their power as a family could be standard.” Bram jogs in place, like he’s not quite ready to walk.

“Maybe.” I hedge, not really believing that. We grew up hearing about the sanctimonious, puritanical Lumen coven. The judgmental bastards who look down their noses at us because our magic is different from theirs. Except that’s not been my experience with Josephine. Is she really an anomaly in her coven? Her friends were worried about her the other night. They cared enough to call me without hesitation. It spoke of an open-mindedness that I’ve always been told the Lumen coven doesn’t possess.

Then again, these pronouncements came from my coven, which is riddled with its own set of problems. It’s almost as if humanity can be full of shitty people, regardless of what side of the river they grow up on. Surprise.

“Did you ever ask your mom about your curse?” Talking about Bram’s mom is a sensitive affair, but I can’t ask my parents.

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