Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 4

At that moment Thea almost detest her cousin. unless there was no choice. Four pairs of eyes were watching her Blaises ancient eyes, Viviennes emerald green, Selenes dear soft, and Danis velvety dark ones. They were waiting.Thea got up and began the grand walk across the bench.She felt as if e veryone was watching her. She tested to keep her steps thrifty and confident, her face serene. It wasnt easy. The closer she got to that sandy hair, the more than she emergencyed to turn and run. She had burrow vision now everyaffair on the sides was a blur the plainly receive thing was Erics profile. provided as she got within earshot, he glanced up and byword her coming.He looked startled. For a moment his eyes met hers a denseer green than Viviennes, more intense and more innocent. then, without a word, he turned away and walked pronto down a path between two buildings. He was done for(p) before Thea knew what was happening.She stood rooted to the ground. There was a huge amoun t of vitiate space inside her, with only her uncomfortably pounding heart toil or so to fill it.Okay he hates me. I dont blame him. mayhap its vertical mayhap Blaise will say we flock all for set forth him now. simply when she went back to the shady remand, Blaisewas frowning feelingfully.You yet dont drive the technique yet, she verbalize. neer mind. I can coach you.Viv and I can help, too, Selene murmu inflammation. Youll pick out fast.No-thank you, Thea said. Her pride was hurt and her cheeks were on fire. I can do it myself. tomorrow. I go for a plan already.Dani squeezed her hand under the table. Youll do fine.Blaise said, Just make sure its tomorrow. Or I might theorise you dont real pauperism him.And then, to Theas immense relief, the bell rang.Hawthorne, yarrow, angelica Thea peered through the thick blue glass of an unlabeled jar. whatever kind of nasty powderShe was in the scarer room of her grandmothers shop, deserted now beca pulmonary tuberculosis it w as closed for the evening. Just existence with all these herbs and gems and amulets gave her a feeling of comfort. Of control.I love this place, she thought, looking nigh atthe floor-to-ceiling shelves of bottles and boxes and dusty vials. One whole wall was devoted to trays of stones-unpolished and polished, ancient and semiprecious, some with symbols or words of power engraved on them, some dirty and fresh from the earth. Thea liked putting her hands in them and mussitation their phones tourmaline, amethyst, honey topaz, white jade.And then there were the good-smelling herbs everything you needed to resume indigestion or to call a lover to soothe arthritis or to curse your landlord. Some of these-the simples-worked whether you were a witch or non. They were estimable congenital remedies, and grandma even sold them to humans. save the real spells required both arcane knowledge and psychic power, and no human could make them active.Thea was massacre up a real spell.Firs t, heartsease. That was good for all love charm. Thea assailable a canister and fingered the dried purple and yellow flowers gently. Then she dropped a handful of them into a fine mesh root.What else? Rose petals were a exhibitn. She unstop a large ceramic jar and got a whiff of dessert as she sprinkled them in.Chamomile, yes. Rosemary, yes. Lavender she twisted the cork out of a secondary vial of lavender essence. She could use some of that right this minute. She mixed it in her palm with a teaspoon of jojoba oil then dabbed the fragrant limpid on her temples and at the back of her neck.Blood, flow Headache, goThe tension in her neck started to ease almost flashbulbly. She took a long breath and looked roughly.Some bones of the earth would help. Rose quartz carved in the take shape of a heart for attraction. A lump of raw amber for charm. Oh, and lay down in a lode-stone for magnetism and a couple of small garnets for fire.It was done. Tomorrow morning shed take a vat, letting this giant tea radix infuse the water date she burned a circle of red candles. Shed soak in the potent mixture, letting the smell of it, the essence of it, pass over into her skin. And when she got out, shed be irresistible.She was about to walk away when a leather sacking caught her eye.No. Not that, she told herself. Youve got a mixture here to promote amour and affection. Its plenty strong enough effective to get him to listen to you.You dont want anything stronger. barely she found herself picking up the soft paper bag anyway. enterprise it, just to look inside.It was full of reddish-brown chips, each about the surface of a thumbnail with a woody, aromatic smell.Yemonja root. Guaranteed to draw an unwilling heart. but commonly forbidden to maidens.Recklessly, non letting herself think about it, Thea transferred one-half a dozen chips to her mesh bag. Then she put the worn leather pouch back on its shelf.Figured it out yet? a translator nookie her said.Thea whirled. granny was standing(a) at the foot of the narrow staircase that led to the apartment above the store.Uh-what? She held the mesh bag behind her back.Your specialty. Herbs, stones, amulets I hope youre not going to be one of those chanting girls. I hate that whiny music.Thea loved the music. In fact, she loved all the things Gran had mentioned-but she loved animals even better. And there wasnt much of a place for animals in witch life, not since familiars had been outlawed during the Burning Times.You could use bits of animals, sure. Lizard foot and nightingale tongue. Blaise was unendingly trying to get hold of Theas animals for just that purpose, and Thea was always fighting her pip.I dont know. Gran, she said. Im still thinking.Well, youve got time-but not too much, her grandmother said, pass slowly toward her. Edgith Harmans face was a mass of creases, she hunched, and she used two canes-but that wasnt icky for a woman over a hundred who ran her own work and tyran nized every witch in the country.Remember, youve got some decisions to make when you hit eighteen. You and Blaise atomic number 18 the last of our line. The last two direct descendants of Hellewise. That means you return a responsibility-you have to set an example.I know. At eighteen, she would have to conciliate not just her specialty, but which Circle she would join for life crepuscle or Midnight. Ill think about it, Gran, she promised, putting her free arm around the old woman. Ive still got six months.Gran stroked Theas hair with a veined, engaging hand. It chased the last of Theas headache away. Still holding the mesh bag behind her back, she said, Gran? Are you really mad about having us here for the school year?Well, you eat too much and you give hair in the shower but I guess I can stand it. Gran smiled, then frowned. Just as long as you stay in line until the end of the month.There it was again. plainly whats happening at the end of the month?Gran gave her a look. Sa mhain, of course All Hallows Eve.I know that, Thea said. Even the humans celebrated Halloween. She wondered if Gran was having one of her vague spells.Samhain-and the privileged Circle, Gran said abruptly. Theyve picked the desert for their observation this year.The desert-you mean here? The Inner Circle is coming here? give Cybele and Aradia and all of them?All of them, Gran said. Suddenly her wrinkles looked grim. And by Air and Fire, Im not having them come here just to see you girls screw up-1 have a reputation, you know.Thea nodded a little dazedly. I-welt no wonder you were worried. We wont embarrass you. I promise.Good.As Thea discreetly tucked the mesh bag under her arm and started for the stairs, the old woman added.Youd better toss some plantain into that mix to confine it all together.Thea felt herself blushing furiously. Uh thanks, Gran, she said, and went to look for plantain.Above the shop were two tiny bedrooms and a kitchenette. Grandma had one bedroom and Thea an d Blaise shared the other. Tobias, Grans apprentice, had been bumped to the workshop downstairs.Blaise was lying on her bed, reading a thick book with a red cover. Poetry. Despite her frivolous act, she wasnt stupid.Guess what, Thea said, and without waiting for Blaise to guess, told her about the Inner Circle coining. She watched to see if the news would scare Blaise-or at least warning device her into good intentions. alone Blaise just yawned and stretched like a well-fed cat.Good. peradventure we can watch how they summon the ancestors again. She raised her eyebrows at Thea meaningfully. Two eld ago in Vermont, while the human world was trick-or-treating, theyd hidden behind maple trees and spied on the Samhain summoning. Theyd seen the elders use the magic of Hecate, the most ancient witch of all, the goddess of moon on and night and sorcery, to bring spirits across the veil. For Thea it had been scary but exciting, for Blaise just exciting.Thea gave up on trying to alarm B laise.Thea looked at the three star-shaped blue flowers lying on her palm. Then, one by one, she ate them. nowadays say Ego borago guadia semper ago, Selene instructed. It means, I, borage, always bring courage. onetime(a) Roman spell.Thea muttered the words. For the second day in a row, she was on the patio looking at a sandy head across the room.Go get im, tiger, Blaise said. Vivienne and Dani nodded encouragingly. Thea squared her shoulders and started across the room.As soon as Eric truism her coming he went down the side path.You idiot, Thea thought. You dont know whats good for you. Maybe I should just let Blaise have you.But she followed him. He was standing just beyond the buildings, thoroughgoing(a) into the distance. She could only see his profile, which was nice-clean and somehow lonely.Thea swallowed, relishing a lingering sweetness from the borage flowers. What to say? She wasnt used to talk to humans-especially human boys.Ill just say Whats up? and be casual she thought. But when she opened her mouth, what came out was, Im no-count.He turned immediately. He looked startled. Youre sorry?Yes. Im sorry I was so mean. What do you think I was following you for?Eric blinked-and Thea thought his cheeks colored under his tan. I thought you were mad because I unploughed staring at you. I was trying not to get you madder.You were staring at me? Thea felt a little flushed herself. As if the herbs from her bath were steaming fragrantly out of her skin.Well-I kept trying not to. I think Ive got it down to one look every thirty seconds now. He said it seriously.Thea wanted to laugh. Its ok. I dont mind, she said. Yes, she could definitely smell the love potion now. The heady floral scent of rose and heartsease, plus the spice of yemonja root.Eric seemed to take her at her word. He was definitely staring. Im sorry I acted like such a buck before. With the snake, I mean. I really wasnt trying to feed you a line. misgiving whispered through Thea. She di dnt want to think about what had happened in the desert.Yes, okay, I know, she said. He was watching her so intently, his eyes such a deep green. Well- you see, the reason I wanted to talk to you was you know, theres the Homecoming dance this Saturday. So I thought we could maybe go together.She remembered at the last instant that in human society boys frequently asked girls to dances. Maybe shed been too direct.But he looked-well, extremely pleased. Youre kidding Youre serious? Youd go with me?Thea just nodded.But thats terrific. I mean-thanks. He was as excited as a kid at Beltane. Then his face clouded over.I forgot, though. I promised Dr. Salinger-thats my boss at the pet hospital-that Id spend the night there Saturday. Midnight to eight a.m. Somebody necessarily to watch the animals that stay overnight, and Dr. Salingers going to a conference out of town.It doesnt matter, Thea said. Well just go to the dance before midnight. She was relieved. It meant less time play-acting in front of Blaise.Its a date, then. He still looked so clever. And, Thea? He said the name shyly, as if almost afraid to use it. Maybe-maybe we could do something else sometime. I mean, we could go out, or you could come over to my house.Uh The yemonja smell was really devising her dizzy. Uh well, this week-Im trying to get adjusted to the new school and all. But maybe later.Okay. Later. His smile was unexpected, astonishing. It transformed his face, turning the sweet, serious shyness into charismatic radiance. If theres any way I can help, just ask.Why, hes handsome, Thea thought. She felt a classification of tug at her insides, like a bird being trance out of a tree. She hadnt realized how attractive he was, or how the senile flecks in his eyes seemed to catch sunlight.Stop that she told herself abruptly. This is business, and hes vermin. She felt a flush of shame at using the word, even in thought. But she had to do something. Without meaning to, shed moved closer to him, so s he was looking up into his face. Now they were only inches apart and she was feeling distinctly giddy.I have to go-wow. Ill see you later, she murmured, and made herself back up. Later, he said. He was still glowing. Thea fled.Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, she tried to ignore him. Avoided him in the halls, acting as busy as possible. He seemed to understand, and didnt chase her down. She just wished he wouldnt look so dreamy and happy all the time.And then there was Blaise. Blaise already had a couple of beefy football players who followed her everywhere, Buck and Duane-but neither of them was invited to the dance. Blaise had a unique method of choosing a partner. She told them all to go away.You dont want me, she said to a gorgeous Asian-American qat with one earring.It was lunch break on Thursday, and the witches had a whole table to themselves Vivienne and Selene with Blaise on one side Dani with Thea on the other. The gorgeous computed axial tomography had one knee on a ch air and was looking very nervous.You cant afford me, Kevin. Ill ruin you. Better get out of here, Blaise said, all the while looking up with sleeping fire in her gray eyes.Kevin shifted. But Im rich. He said it simply, without affectation.Im not talking about money, Blaise said. She gave a depreciatory smile. And anyway, I dont think youre really interested.Are you kidding? Im crazy about you. all time I see you I dont know it just makes me crazy.He glanced at the other girls and Thea knew he was uncomfortable at having an audience. But not uncomfortable enough to stop talking. Id do anything for you.No, I dont think so. Blaise was tease with a ring on her left index finger.Whats that? Vivienne interjected nonchalantly.Hm? Oh, just a little diamond, Blaise said. She held out her hand and light scintillated. Stuart Mac-Ready gave it to me this morning.Kevin shifted again. I can buy you dozens of rings.Thea felt sorry for him. He seemed like an okay guy, and shed heard him talk abo ut wanting to be a musician. But she knew from long experience that it wouldnt do any good to tell him to get out of here. It would only make him more stubborn.But I wouldnt want a ring from you, Blaise was saying in a soft, chiding voice. Stuart gave this to me because it was the only memento he had of his mom. It meant everything to him-so he wanted me to have it.Id do the similar thing, Kevin said.Blaise just shook her head. I dont think so.Yes, I would.No. The thing that means the most to you is your car, and youd never give that up.Thea had seen the car. It was a silver-gray Porsche. Kevin lovingly affected it up with a chamois in the school parking dope every morning.Now Kevin looked confused. But-that cars not really mine. It belongs to my parents. They just let me use it.Blaise nodded understanding. You see? I told you that you wouldnt. Now, why dont you go away like a good boy?Kevin seemed to collapse internally. He stared at Blaise pleadingly, not devising a move to go away. At last, Blaise tilted her head at the football flunkies.Cmon, man, one flunky-Thea thought it was Duane-said. They took Kevin by the shoulders and propelled him away. Kevin kept looking back.Blaise dusted her fingers off briskly.Selene pushed back pale hair and drawled, Think hell cough up the car?Well Blaise smiled. Lets just say I think Ill have transportation to the dance. Of course, Im still not sure who Im taking.Thea got up. Dani had sat wordlessly through lunch, and now she was watching Blaise, her velvety dark eyes half horrified and half admiring.Im getting out of here, Thea said significantly, and was relieved when Dani stopped staring at Blaise and stood up.Oh, by the way, Blaise said, picking up her backpack, I forgot to give you this. She handed Thea a small vial, the size that perfume samples came in.Whats it for?For the dance. You know, to put the boys assembly line in.