Legacy of the Witch: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 4) by Christina Garner

Author:Christina Garner [Garner, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: cWc publishing
Published: 2024-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

Shay spent the walk from the theater to The Wandering Witch trying to shake off the pressure Britt had just laid on her.

Avery is right. This system is ridiculous.

The fate of an entire town shouldn’t fall on one family line. Family lines died out all the time—in fact, it was more likely a line would end than survive. Who came up with this nonsense?

She passed Love Baked In, surprised to see a man in coveralls filling a paint sprayer. Poppy hadn’t mentioned she was planning to repaint the bakery. To Shay’s eye, the current paint job looked almost brand new, but what did she know? Decorating wasn’t her forte.

Shay entered The Wandering Witch to find it bustling, customers strolling down rows of incense, candles, and other items, though most were tourists and had no idea magic was not only real, but they were soaking in it. Even some Hollywood Lakes residents were unaware that witches existed—mostly those who hadn't hit midlife. The truth was primarily kept secret so young people didn’t spend their early years waiting to develop abilities that might or might not emerge. A handful of younger people had stumbled upon the truth, and others suspected, but none developed powers before midlife.

“Shay.” Jade Michelson, the store’s owner, walked over. She wore a colorful dress, and her long gray hair was swept away from her face. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

It had only been a few weeks, but in a town as small as Hollywood Lakes, that counted as a while. In Los Angeles, she might go six months—or longer if multiple freeways were involved—without meeting up with a friend.

“Been busy getting the inn back in shape.”

“So I hear.” Jade’s smile creased her eyes. “I’m so happy more people will get to enjoy the inn. Your grandmother would be proud.” Shay’s insides warmed, and Jade added, “Don’t let me keep you. What can I get for you?”

“I’m looking for purple lotus drops. Have you got some?”

“They’ve been on backorder for weeks,” Jade said. “But you’re in luck. Some just came in today.”

She disappeared into the back room and reemerged, holding a small box. Shay waited for Jade to ring her up, then tapped her phone to pay.

She was about to leave when Jade draped her hand over the box, preventing Shay from taking it.

“I hear you’ve got a date with Finn tonight.” She flashed a knowing smile.

Shay’s cheeks grew hot. She’d thought news traveled fast in Hollywood.

Is there a town crier I don’t know about?

Shay nodded reluctantly, catching sight of something over Jade’s shoulder. “Hey, isn’t that a thunderclap cube that kid is bouncing in his hand?”

Jade glanced up, alarmed. Thunderclap cubes were known to be volatile. And loud. “That case should be locked.” She strode over to him. “Please don’t handle the⁠—”

The swing of the door cut off Jade’s words, and Shay hurried toward her car, barely noticing the busker on the corner wasn’t playing his usual guitar but instead plucked a lyre.

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