Oddballs & Magick

WrittenbyNina,Andrea,NikandRobyn

Bythelightofthemoon,alonelycreaturesatattheedge ofaheartshapedpool.Tinydancingmeadowflowers surroundedhim,tickledbyasoftbreeze.Thefeelingof windthroughhisfurwassoothing—oneofthefewperks ofhisnovelform.Nolivingcreaturedaredtocomenear him,letalonetouchhimaffectionately.

Hesatthere,staringathisreflection,hopingthatthe longerhespentfamiliarisinghisfeaturesthelesserhis repulsionwouldbe.Toolongarmsandlegswereattached toatallbuthunchedtorso.Hiscoarsefurwasn’tdense enoughtocoverhimcompletely,sogreyishskincouldbe seenshiningthrough,overlayingwirymusclesandbony structures.Hishandswerenolongerslenderandlongfingered,butbroadandalwaysslightlyclawed,endingin sharpnailsthatcouldgashopenskintoexposeunderlying organs.Thelackofhairmadehistailseemratty,andhis facewasawolfishmask,alwayscaughtinanangry grimace.

Andhestillblamed her.Theblackhairedwitch, whomhehadalwaysthoughttobeamonstrosityherself, wasthereasonhewasnowtrappedinthisform,being neithermannorwolf. Cursedwench—shedoesn’teven knowI’mstillalive. Shehadbeenhistransfiguration teacher,traininghimandhisfellowstudentstotransform ducksintogeese,birdsintobutterflies,butneverallowing themanythingtrulytranscendental.Andyet,shelikedto bragtoherstudentsaboutpowerfulmagiciansnotunlike herself,whocouldtransformintoanylivingcreature. Thesestorieshadenticedhimsothatonedayhehadtorn afewpagesoutofthedarkmagicbooksshealwayscarried around,andhadsetofftoexperimentbyhimself.His resentmentdistortedthesememoriesnowbelongingtoa lifelonglost. Sheowesmealife,hethoughtbitterly, gazingatamirroredversionoftheworldthatwasreflected ontheglassywater’ssurface.

NewArrivals

byNina

Theirfeetstompedthestonefloorsinunisonastheyenteredthehall.Too caughtupintheirexcitedchatter,Opheliawasleftunseenthroughthe balustrade.Orwasshe?Justbeforethegroupvanishedfromhervision,the glimpseofaheadturnedtoherdirection.Agrinappearedonherface, revealingdangerouslypointedenamelaccessories—perhapsthistimeshe wouldmakeafriend!

Newcomersusuallyheldthemselvesinhighregard.Odd,consideringthey wouldhavetoprovetheirabilitiestoensuretheirstay.Judgedbythe straightposturesandsternfacestheyseemedtotakeitallveryseriously indeed.Mothsflutteredaroundtheclassroomlanterns,andtoadshopped acrosswoodentablesurfacestooccasionallylandonthefloorwithanasty splat.Sheglidedpastthetablesalongsidethewalltogetnearerastudent whowashavingahardtimetransfiguringhistoad.Thefrownbetweenhis tensebrowattractedheraswouldaballoonblownuptoobig. Let’ssee whathappenswhenwepokethisone.

Asherfrogsleapedontohistable,onebyoneintroducingmorechaosto hisalreadycrowdedworkspace,soonhiserraticmovementswereaimedat them.Aloudcroaksounded,andsuddenlyagirlsatonhistable,looking aroundhaphazardly.Theboyyelledandfellback,whichwasOphelia’s invitationtostepforward.

“Can’tyoutellthedifferencebetweenafrogandatoad,egghead?”

Sheleeredathim.

“NeithercouldNigellahere,whichiswhyI’vetakenheronforsome extracurriculars.”

Hiseyesanxiouslyfixatedonthesinisterformthathadappearedoutof theshadows.Theythenwenttothegirl,whowaslookingatherhands confusedly,andfinallytotheotherfrogsmakingtheirwaybackto Ophelia’ssleeve. Gods,iftheladdoesn’trelaxsoonhiseyeswillpopout oftheirsockets.

“I–She–,”thepoorthingstarted.

Shecockedherheadtotheside.

“Getbackhere,Nigella.”Andwithonetapofherlongnailonthegirl’s head,theresatatinygreencroakingfrog.

“You’vedonewelltoday,”sheshothereyesbackattheboywhoshrank together,“unlikethisninnyhere.Youshoulddirectyourfocusoutward,not tenseitallupinsideelseyouwillimplode.Exhaleandenvisionthemoth.”

Shakingly,heclamberedbackontohisfeet,andmovedhisattentionto thefattoadstaringchallengesathim.Hetookadeepbreathandwavedhis wand. Poof.Acloudoftinydismemberedwingsflutteredthroughthesky. Asorrowfulsight. Peoplelikehimreallyshouldn’tbeallowedtolearn magic,they’readangertoothers.

“Congratulations,you’vemadeitintoourtutoringgroup.Findmein theatticafterclass.”

AnEyeForAnEye

byAndrea

Asuddendraftofwindpushedthedoorwideopenwithaloud,moaning creak.Theodoraprickedherearswhilesheenjoyedthemoonlightonher bareskinwithclosedeyes.Shecouldstillhearthelazyfootstepsofwhatwas-his-name,echoingsharplyfurtherandfurtherawayinthecircular, equallydraughtystairway.Butapricklingsensationatthenapeofherneck urgedhertoopenhereyes,justasshewilledherhairtochangebackto ordinaryblonde.ShecameeyetoeyewithanintriguedSébastien,whohad stoppedmid-stepinthehallway,disturbedbytheopeningofthedoor.He hadanunstopperedflaskinhand,andatrickleofreddelicacymadeitsway downhischin.Hecockedaneyebrowashelookedherupanddown.She couldfeelablushspreadingacrosshercheeks.

“Hasn’tanyonetoldyouit’srudetostare?”shesaidasshereachedfor theblanketthathadfallenonthemossyfloorsomewhereinthelasthour. Hejustgaveheracheekywinkandcontinuedhiswaytowardsthe staircase.

Theodoraletoutawaveringsigh. It’sfine,sheconvincedherselfasshe wentonasearchforsomeunderthings.Sheendedupwithanoldpairof maleshortswhenahandfulofwarblersflewinandtookpositiononthe woodenheadboardofherbedstead,chirpingbrightlyasiftosharethelatest gossip.Ifonlyshecouldunderstand.Shehadtokeepontrying,butthe timehadcometousemoredrasticmeasures.Shecalledoneforthtothe weatheredmahoganydeskinthecornerofherroom.Herthroatwas instantlysore,butshewouldn’ttakeapotionforit.Sheconsideredita smallpunishmentforthecrimeshewasabouttocommit.

Ayoungbrightyellowwarblerlandedonheroutstretchedhandasshe reachedforahairpinwithherotherone.Itsnuggledupinthecupofher hand,thewarmthofitsbodywarmingherslightly,butnotforlong.She didn’tdarelookitintheeye. Eversoweak.

“I’msorry,littleone,”shemutteredsoftlyasshedeftlypiercedthe hairpinthroughitstinyheart.

Shepushedbackthetearsandwilledhermindtoturnblanksoshe couldnumblygettowork.Butitwasn’tlongbeforeafamiliarfaceswam forwardinhermind.Almostonautopilot,shereachedbelowforoneofthe drawersandretrievedasmallglassvial,unstoppingitone-handedand fillingittothebrinkwiththetinywarbler’sblood. Hemightlikethat.A pleasedsmileformedonTheodora’slips.

EchoesOfOphelia

byNik

WhenSébastienfirstheardofhishalf-sister'smostrecentdeath,he’drolled hiseyes.Hepickedupsnippetsofconversationontheothersideofthebar hewasat.Heshrugged,chuggedhisBloodyMaryandmotionedtothe barkeepforarefill.Hehadheardthesestoriescountlesstimesbefore. What didshedonow? Hereturnedtohisconversation.

"Haveyouheardaboutthisnewrestaurant,Séb?It'ssupposedtohave anincrediblebloodpuddingonthemenu.”

Asthesunbegantorisehehurriedhome,stumblingbutgracefulas ever,hishipsswayingwitheverystep.

Theyoungmansittingoppositehimwasvisiblyuncomfortableinthe restaurant.Hebegantosweatwhenthewaiterpouredhisglassofblood wine.He'drefusedmostofthedishesandhelookedmuchpalerthanwhen theycamein.Sébastienalwaysforgothowuncomfortablevampirescould makehumans.Thisdatewasnotgoingwell.

Sébastienimpatientlytappedhislongblacknailsonhiswineglassas hetriedtolistentosomevampiressittingbehindhim.Theywere discussingthedeathofOphelia.Theothervampireshadalwaysconsidered Opheliatobesomethingofanoddball:halforc,halfvampire.Sébastien hadlearnedtoignoresuchgossip.Centuriesago,whenhewasstillaboy, hewouldattackanyonewhosaidabadwordabouthissister,bitingthem untiltheirbloodburnedhisthroat.Hissisterwasdifferent,andheadmired herforthatveryreason.

Ashepickedupmorefragmentsofhowshe’dmetherdemisethistime, hebecamesuspicious. Whatissheupto?Whoisafterher? Hisdate clearedhisthroattogetSébastien'sattention.

"Sorry.I'mhungry.Forrealfood,youknow.SoI'mgoingtogo."

Theyoungmanleftjustasthewaitercameoutwiththelastcourse.The bloodpuddingwasdelicious,andSébastiendidn'tmindthathisdatedidn't staytofinishhisplate.

Thatveryeveninghesetouttofindhissister.Ittookhimafewnights,but hegotsomegoodleadsandeventuallyfoundoutthatshehadsettledwith hercoveninanoldmanorhouse.Whenhegotthere,hefellinlovewith theplace,allitsquirksandodditiesmadehimfeelathome.Hewas relievedtoseeOpheliadoingwell.

Sébastienwanderedaroundthemanorgarden,abottleofbloodwinein hishand.Atombstoneunderanoldoaktreecaughthiseye.Themoonlight shonebrightlyonit,illuminatingthelichenthatcoveredthegravestone.He sighed.Thefreshairfeltgoodonhisskin.Hesatagainstthestonefora while,sippingfromthebottle.Fernsrushedinthewind.Atinycreature emergedfromamongtheferns.ItgreetedSébastienandsatdownbeside him.Outofbreath,thegnomelithispipe.

JustAMomentOfPeace,Please?

byRobyn

Onamistybutbrightafternoon,veiledsunlightstreamedthroughthe tattered,apple-patternedcurtainsandintothekitchenofthesylvanmanor thewitches(andnowSébastien)calledhome.Beatrix,havingjustwoken upafewminutesago,glaredatthecurtains.Theywerehideous.Witha twirlofherfinger,thefabricrustledandunfurledintoarefined,frilled purple,withnotasingleappleinsight.Perfect.Alittlemoththatwas perchedatopherotherfingerspokeatthesight,itsvoicesmall,yetdeep andfullofauthority.

“Wonderful,Bea.Simplywonderful.”

“I know,Cedric.It’sbecause I pickedit.”

Beatrixturnedbackandregardedthemothonherfinger,holdingitup toeyeleveltospeaktoitwithalazysmile.Itwasoneofher(many)doting fathersthathadflutteredintocheckonherforthedayandhowshehad beensettlingit.Frankly,shewasabitsickoftheirattention.Shebarelyhad amomenttoherselfthesedays,evenifitmeantshecouldhavemost anythingshewantedifshejustaskedforit.

“IreallywishyouwouldcallmeDad.”

“AndIreallywish you wouldstopasking,Cedric,”shescowled.“Do youknowhowmanydadsIhavetokeeptrackof?IfIcalledyoualldad, you’dallgetmuddledupinmyheadandbecomesomeawful…magical abomination.”

Themothtookflight,flutteringoffofherfingerandovertoanotherone ofthekitchenchairs,leavingBeafreetotakeabiteofthickly-cut, strawberryjamtoast.Withapoofofsmokeandglitter,theresatapointy eared,whitehairedfairyinhisfullglory.Beaquirkedaneyebrow,barely reactingtothefamiliarspectacle.

“IknowhumansaresuspiciousofusCedric,butshowingupasa postmanoranalchemistwouldbefarmoreinterestingthanadustyold mothforthehundredthtime,”Beacommented,raisinghermugofcoffee toherlips.Cedricwasusedtothecomplainingandcontinued,wondering ifperhapsthelotofthemwerespoilinghertoomuch.Hereachedforward, slidingasmalldog-eareddiaryacrossthetabletowardsher.

“YouleftthisatTheLyreagain.”

ThemomentBearecognisedwhatthebookwas,shemadeaviolent grabforitandclutchedthediarytoherchest.

“Whatthehell?!Youdidn’treaditdidyou?!”

Cedricraisedhishandsinashowofpeace.

“Notaword.”

“Good…Thankyou,”shesighedafteramoment,brushingastrandof hairfromherfaceandvisiblyrelaxing.“Ifthat’sallthen…asyoucansee, I’mfine.Youcanflyalongandtelleveryonethegoodnews.Opheliawill bebacksoonandIneedtomakeastartondinner.”

ShemadeashooingmotionwithherhandatCedric,whosimply noddedgracefully…and poofed intoamothoncemore,chaoticallyflitting andtwirlingtowardtheopenwindowandoutintotheworldagain.

UnwantedAdvice

byNina

“Youknow,youmightwannatrydiallingdownthetoughloveabitthere, sis.”Opheliawasleaningoutofheratticwindowasfarasshecould withouttopplingover.Insteadofansweringhimshetookanotherdrag fromhersmoke.Whywerepeoplesoinsistentinemptyingtheirmindsfirst thinginthemorning?Personally,shefoundthenightofferedalotmore claritywhenitcametodoinganythinkingatall.

Hewentonanyway.

“Doyoureallythinkithelpsputtingthemonedgeasthey’retryingto learnsomethingnew?”

Hemeantwell,Sébastien.Thatdidn’tmeanshehadtoallowhimto pokehisperfectlychisellednoseintoherbloodybusinessafterhavingbeen absentfordecades.Sheblewouttwostreamsofgreensmokethroughher nostrils.

“Magic,”shesneered.“Theyarelearningaboutpowerfulmagic.It’s bettertofilteroutthoseunabletohandlethepressureandresponsibility now,beforetheyposearealdangertotheworld.”Herbrother’seyesturned softwhentheyfixateduponhergrumpyface. Damnit.

Sheslammedthewindowshutbeforeglaringdaggersathim.

“Sun’sup.Aren’tyousupposedtobeinacoffinplayingdead?” Hesnorted.

“Areyouthreateningme?AmIgettingtooclose?Youarerightof course,Ishouldgetsomerest.Goingondatesisincrediblywearisome. Menthesedayscan’tevenhandleabitofbloodanymore.”Hesighed,“oh, don’tImissthetimeswheremattersofthefleshusedtobeonpublic displayinsteadofclinicallycensored.”

Andwiththatsentimentalstatementhestruttedoutofherroom,only stoppingtodaintilypickupthetinycupTheodoraleftforhimearlier.It wasunbelievablehowfasthemanagedtocharmeveryonelivinginthe manorandhavepeopletreathimlikehebelongedhere.Opheliarolledher eyes. Fuckingqueen.

Hermorningritualdidnotusuallyinvolveothersbesidesherfrogs. Preciousenergywasnottobewastedonwhatothersmayormaynotbe doing,andbesides,thepeopleshelivedwithappearedcomfortablesharing absolutelyanythingatabsolutelyanytimeanyway.Alittletoocomfortable even.No,theactivitiesOpheliachosetodowereexecutedmindfully.She wouldwakeupfromashortnight’ssleep,feedandscrubherfrogs,havea cupofburntblackcoffeeandasmokeherself,thenreadhercroaking pupilsachapteroutofabookontransfiguration.Preferablyinstancesthat hadgonehorriblywrongtoscaresomesenseintothem.

Someofherfrogswereoriginallyhuman,likeNigellaandSteve,and theywouldbeagain,too.Sheknewexactlywhatshewasdoing.Someof

thestudentsshetaughtjustneededabitofhumbling,sometimenotbeing sodamn human.Ofcoursetheywouldn’tbetaughthowtotransfigure humansuntiltheyhadmadeitthroughtheirbasiceducation.Justsmall itemsandcreaturesfornow.

AsOpheliapreparedhermorningclass—dissectinghamstersand birds—outsidethemanormanycreaturesscuttledbackintothedark recessestheyhadappearedfromthroughoutthenight.Betweentheliving dead,theirhousesurewasalivelyplace.

MultipleEscapes

byAndrea

“Yes–Sir,I’veaccomplishedtheshift,”Theodorasaidsubmissively,eyes castdownfromthewaveringfigureinthemirroronthewallinfrontofher. Shequietlylistenedtothenewinstructionshehadforher.Ayellowwarbler cameflyinginthroughthebrokenwindowandlandedonherbedpost.The littlethingstartedchirpingthetime.ThesoundwasmorepleasantthanSir Anakin’smonotonousvoice.Thebirddidn'tseemtominditsbrother’s mangledbodylyinglimponTheodora’sdesk,oritsimplycouldn’t understand.Shedidn’thavetimetoburythelittlethingyet.Themanor gardenwouldbeanimmensegraveyardbythetimeSirAnakinwas throughwithher.ThewarblerhoppedonTheo’sshoulderandchirped again.Itstartledheroutofherstupor.Wasitnoonalready?

“Iunderstandcompletely,”sheansweredfleetingly.“Ifyou’llexcuse me,Sir…”Shepeeredupatthemirror.

SirAnakinwasstaringdownather.Hissharpcheekbonesgavehisface aharshlook.Histhickblondeyebrowsdidn’tsofteniteither.ButTheo thoughtshecouldseeahintofcontentmentinhisfaceaboutwhatshejust accomplished.Hebetter,forshemasteredthisshiftinjustoneday. Oh gosh,Ican’tthinkbadlyofhim,hewillknow.

Theocasthereyesdownagainandbracedherself,butSirAnakinonly dismissedherwiththebarestofnodsandvanishedwithasizzlesounding muchlikeanevaporatingflame.Thesecondhevanished,Theofeltmoreat ease.Shepettedthelittlewarbleronitsheadandfedhimanearthwormshe pickedfromajaronthebroken,dirtywindowsill.

Afteraquicksearchforhercoat–foundbeneathapileofsketchesof skeletalconstructionsandmusclesofvariousbirdsandsmallanimals–she rushedoutofherroomanddescendedthespirallingstairs,skippingevery twosteps.Arrivinginthekitchen,herstomachgrumbledloudly.Hereye fellonBeaandtheplateinfrontofher.Theohesitatedforasplitsecond, thenshesnatchedhalfofBea’ssandwichawayassheracedpast.

“THEO!IfIevergetmyhandsonyou,IswearI’llturnyourheadinto aGOURD!”Beayelled,browsfurrowedandherfaceadangerousred. ButTheodorahadalreadyexitedtheManor.

Halfanhourlater,Theodorawasseatedinaredcushionedchairinthe middleofaratherposhoffice,fidgetingwithaloosethreadofwoolonthe armresttocalmhernerves.Amiddle-agedladywithgreyhairtiedupina neatbunlookedherupanddownoverherhalf-moonspectacles,one eyebrowperchedinahigharc.

“Whatisthatonyourhands?”sheasked,barelymakinganeffortat hidingherdisgust.Shescrunchedhernose.Theolookeddownather hands.Driedbloodcrustedunderhernailsandsmearsofredwereclearly visibleonherfingertips.

“Oh,uhm…”Theo’sfaceturnedhotinembarrassment,“...paint.”She forcedaninnocentsmileonherface.“YeahIliketopaint.”Thatwasan ordinaryhumanhobby,wasn’tit?However,thelady’seyebrowwouldhave shothigherifitcould.

“Well… Theo-do-ra,”shestartedassheexcessivelystudiedTheo’s veryshortresumeonthedeskinfrontofher.Theladysighedaudiblyand leanedbackinherchair.“Idon’tthinkyouwouldbetherightfitasa receptionist.”Shedaredtodeliveritwithanarrogantsmileandcrossedher arms.“Youdon’treallyhavethelook,ifyouknowwhatImean.”Theo’s shoulderssaggedastherealisationkickedin.

Thenextthingsheknew,shewasrunningoutofthehotel,tears streamingdownherface.Shecouldbarelyseewhereshewasgoing,but shemiraculouslymadeitbacktothemanor.Stumblingintothehallwayin distraught,behindheratrailofyellowfeathers,shepushedthrougha handfulofstudents–leavingthemchasingaftertheirfrightened,loudly croakingtoads–beforemakingitallthewayupthetowerandlocking herselfinherbedroom.Buriedinherpillows,shestartedsobbing uncontrollably,utterlyunawareofthemirrorinthecornerofherroomthat waveredslightly.Ohwell,itcouldhavesimplybeenatrickofthelight.

WitchingHours

byNik

Asnightfell,thewitchesgathered,butSébastienchosetosteerclear, givingOpheliatheroomsheneeded.Inanefforttogainhertrust,he decidednottowatchhertooclosely.Althoughhewastemptedtostay, Theodora'shair,nowauburn,lookedparticularlyradianttonight.

Hesoughtrefugeinthegarden.Smallpuffsofsmokedancedabovethe tallgrass.SébastienlaydownnexttoGunnar.

"Canyouseethem?"

GunnarlookedupatSébastien,whoseemeddistracted.Thevampire methiseyesandshrugged.

"Yes...andsocanyou,evidently."

Thegnomeshookhisheadandtookadragfromhispipe.

"No,Ican'tactually,butIhearthematnightwhenthemusicdies down."

Sébuncorkedabottleofthickredwine.AndnowthatSébastienhad takenafewpuffsonhisfriend'spipe,hewaspositivelylight-headed.How wasitthathehadbeenonearthforsolongandhadnevertriedthis?

Thefullmooncastshadowsonthetombstonesonthemanorwall.

"I'mnotreallyalive,Gunnar.Notreallydeadeither,butmoredeadthan alive,Iguess.”Hisspeechwasslurred.“I'vealwaysbeenabletoseethe ghostsofthosewhosespiritswandertheearth.Infairness,I'vecometo knowsomeofthemquiteintenselyovertheyears.Beingundeadhasits perks.”SébrolledoveronhissidetolookatGunnar.“Wait,didyousay youcanhearthembutnotseethem?"

Gunnarnodded.Sébastiengrinnedmischievously.

"Now,thatsoundslikeitcouldbequiteanintriguingescapade,don't youthink?Noneedforblindfolds,justaspectralsymphonyasthe backdroptoaphysicaladventure,”Sébpointedout.

Gunnarraisedaneyebrowathim.

"Theycan’tactuallytouchme,Séb.”

“Oh,right.Whatashame…”

GunnarchuckledatSébastien'sresponse,takinganotherpuffofhis pipe.Sébastien,stillsprawledonthegrass,staredupatthestarrysky.He sighed.

"It'slikelivingintwoworlds,youknow?Thelivingandthedead. Caughtinbetween,belongingtoneither."

“Yes,butI’llbedeadinaundredyears,andyou’llstillbehere.”

Sébastiennoddedinagreement,feelingasenseofcamaraderiewiththe gnome.

“Yes,ifnothinggoeswrongI’llbehereforever.”

Thethickredwineandtheenchantedatmosphereofthemanor'sgarden makeeverythingfeelsurreal.

Gunnarpointedatadistanttombstone.

"Youseethatoneoverthere?Theonewiththeivycrawlingupits sides?"Sébastiensquinted,tryingtofocusonthegravestone.

"Yeah,whataboutit?”Hereadthenameonthestone.Asthey exchangedaknowinglook,thedistantmusicofthewitches'gathering begantofade,andthenighttookonanetherealquality.

PlayingtheSpinner

byRobyn

Beasmelledfire.Therewassmokestinginghereyes,causingthemtowater andtheglowofcindersdancingthroughthehazeofhertears.She attemptedtoraiseherhandtoshieldherselffromtheheatbutitwastoo muchandshehissedinpain,drawingbackfromtheawful,ungodlysight infronther.

“No..!Why?Howcouldthishappen?!”shelamented,fallingtoher kneesindefeat.Thecakeshewasbakingforherandherfellowwitches’ upcomingcovenmeeting,reducedtoashes.Itwasafateworsethandeath itself.Somehow,afterspendingallafternoontakingtheutmostcarewith mixing,measuringandmostimportantlybuyingtheingredientsforher signaturecake,shehadcarelesslyfallenasleep,nappingawayasher creationburnedmerrilytoacrisp.Asshekneltthereinfrontoftheoven watchingthegrimspectacle,Beaclenchedherfists,angerbubblingupin herchest.Thatwasitthen.Theirmeetingwasruinedandhersisterswould neverletherheartheendofit.Opheliawouldhavesomethingsnarkyto sayatherexpenselikealwaysandTheowouldsulkaboutthebroken promiseofcake.Shedeserveditafterthatincidentwiththesandwich anyway.

“Gods…Godsdamnit!”Withatemperhotterthanthefierygingerhair atopherhead,Beasnatchedhermugofteaandwhirledaround,pitchingit againsttheoppositekitchenwallashardasshecould,theceramic shatteringintosharp,whiteshardswithaloudcrash.Peculiarlythough, beforeanyoftheshardshitthefloortheyshimmeredinredandtwirled lazilyintheair,fallingandfinallymeetingagainatthebaseofthewallwith alloftheteapouringbackintothereformedmugasifitwerefreshly brewed.

“There,goodasnew.Really,Beatrix,youmustwatchthattemperof yours.Theplasterinhereispeelingenoughasitis.”Sébastien,asif appearingfromtheeveningshadows,raisedhisnosetosnifftheair, recoilingslightlyfromtheovenwhenhenoticedexactlywhatthecauseof theparticularsmokyscentwas.

“Ohdear.Sothatwasyou,wasit?IthoughtIsmelledroastnutmeg,but itlookstobeabitmoreroastedthanIbargainedfor.Ahaha,”helaughed cooly,reachingapalehandforwardtoturntheovenoffwithanabrupt click.Beapouted,simmeringgentlywithherfistsclencheddowninfront ofher.Shestampedafoot.

“You’resoveryfunnySéb.Really.Arealclassact.Thisisserious.” “Ofcourse,forgiveme,”hegrinned.

Beasighed,findingitverydifficulttoremainangrywiththissuave vampirelurkingaboutandshesoonstraightened,blowingastraystrandof hairoutofherface.

“Sorry…I’msorry.Ididn’tmeantodisturbyou.Ilettimeslipaway

frommeandnowI’vemadearightmessofthings.Wehaveameeting tonightandthegirlsareexpectingrefreshments.Youdon’tknowanyspells orenchantmentstounbakeacake,doyou?”

“Regrettablynot.”hereplied,watchingBeainreservedinterestather question.Eversincemovinginwiththisquirkylittlecovenafterhissister’s latest‘death’,Sébastienhadtakenakeeninterestinexactlyhoweachwitch chosetocarryouttheirlittletasksdaytoday,happytobeanobserver ratherthanactuallyhelpinginanyway(unlessitsuitedhisfancyof course).Helikedtofocusonhisownlittleromancesandnewwaysto whileawayhisnights.

“Damn.”Bealightlykickedattheoven,herbrightredshoescausing theoldthingtorattleandsputteroutanothercloudofdarksmoke.“Iput alittlesomethingspecialinthisoneandeverything,”shefrowned,leaving hercreationtothewolvesasshemovedtobusyherselfwithdishes.“A goodluckspellandsomewellwishes.They’vebothlookedsorushedoff theirfeetwiththemove,andIwantedtodosomethingniceforthemand sprinklejustadashoffortuneintotheirday.Andnowit’snobetterthana brickofcharcoal.”SheflickedherheadaroundtospeaktoSébastien, suddenlylookingconcerned.“Youdon’tthinkthat’sabadomen,doyou?”

“Thefatesworkinfickleways,littlehoneyBea.Perhapstheydidn’t taketookindlytoyouattemptingtowrestcontrolfromthemandplaythe spinner.”hemused,idlytwirlingoneofthewiltedflowersthatwashalfdeadinthevaseonthetable.

“Oh…Oh,youknow,maybeyou’reright.Oops.”Beasetdownthe mixingbowlshehadbeenscrubbingandshookoffherhandstodrythem whereinshebegantonervouslychewonhernail,hopingthatthiswasall thefateshadinstoreforher.Regardlessofherfuture,herimmediatefuture waslookinggrimifshedidn’tfindacakebeforesunset.Afteramomentof quietcontemplation,shenodded,seemingtocometoadecision.Witha flickofherhand,apalelightfilledthekitchenandSébastiensquintedin annoyance,shieldinghiseyes.Therewasthesoundofabubblepopping andwhenthelightfaded,Beawasgone,replacedbyasmall,ginger-haired fairyhoveringlawlesslyinplace,herwingsdelicateandbeautiful.

“IthinkIsawsomehumanssettingupforabirthdaypartyintown today.IfI’mquick,theywon’thaveevenlitthecandlesyet!Seeyoulater, Séb!”Beagrinnedmadlyandflewaloopintheairbeforevanishingina burstofglitteringlight.Sébastiensmiledandlazilyraisedahandin farewell,watchingthegrubbylittlethiefdisappeartogoandruin someone’sspecialday.

“Takecare,littlefairy.”

AFebruaryFullMoonInKnob’sHollow byNina

Themanorgardenwascastinshadesofbluebysilverymoonlight.Three witchessilentlymovedaroundthespace,settingituptotheirexactneeds fortonight’sgathering.Thefirstintheirnewnest!Awoodentablewas coveredwithamouldytableclothtrimmedwithlace,garlandsofvarious materialswerehungfromwonkytreebranches,andabonfireholdinga bubblingironcauldronwaspositionedinthemiddleofthetiledpatio.Did itcontaindinner?Perhapsthepreparationsforapotion?Andwhatpurpose servedtheplatepiledhighwith… fingers?!

OpheliawatchedBeatrixwaddletowardsthetableholdingwhatlookedto beanenormouscreamcakecoveredinmarzipan.Herstomachcontracted bythemeresightofit,soshequicklylookedaway.Shefocussedonthe antiqueinstrumentssetoutbeforeher:aharpsichord,aflute,andasmall handdrum,allfoundintheatticstorage.Eachofthempassedthroughher clawsasshehummedatune,enchantingtheinstrumentssothatthey playedmusicthatmusthavebeenwrittencenturiesago.

“Anychancetheselittleonescanjointheparty?”

Acushionwithdismemberedanddissectedbirdsofvariouskinds enteredherview.ShelookeduptofindTheolookingatherwithhopeful eyes.

“Itshouldworkiftheirsyrinxisstillintact.LetmeseewhatIcando.”

Carefully,usingtwobonyfingers,Opheliapickedupawarblerwithits bellyslicedopen,heldthetinybeakclosetoherfaceandwhistledatune. Surelyenough,thetinywarblercarrieditonassheplaceditbackonthe cushion.Theobeamedasmileather.

“Thankyou,Oph.”

Inresponse,Opheliaproudlybaredallhershinyfangsanddisplayeda grinthatanyothercreaturewouldhavefoundfrightful—butnothersisters.

“EWE—Ophelia, really? Fingers?!That’ssoarchaic!Anddidyou havetoputthemrightbymywonderful,uglylittlecake?Iworkedsohard gettinghimforusandyou’rejustgoingtogetafingernailinhishair.”

“Yourcreamyabominationisasoffensivetome,knucklehead.Could havelookedbeforeyouplacedit.”Opheliaknewthatbeforethenightwas overshewouldfeelcompelledtotryapieceofthemonstrouscakedespite feelingsickafterwards.

“Pooruglylittlecake…”werethewordsmutteredasBeamovedthings around.Shestillhadtroublewrappingherheadaroundtheconceptof creaturesdislikinghumanfood.Surelyagoodamountofsugarmade everything better?

Finally,withtheirspacesetup,thecovengatheredaroundthecauldron showingamurkybrowngoo.Onebyone,thewitchesdroppedin

somethingdeartograntthemgoodfortuneforthemonthtocome.

Beatrixwastheonetoinitiatetheprocessbythrowinginsomejuicy lookingfreshberriesandarabbitpaw—alsofresh,judgedbythecaked darkredcrustatitsseveredend—turningthepotionabrightpeachy orange.

Next,Theodoratookoutapocketknifeandraisedittoherhead.With aswiftsliceshecutoffalockofhernewlybrownhairandletitfallinto thepotion.Shethenpickedupatinyheart—perhapsthewarbler’s—and droppeditin,turningthepotionforestgreenwhileemittingaghostly chorusofbirdsong.

Lastly,Opheliasteppedforward,tothrowinapileofwrittenessaysin varioushandwritingsandahandfulofcarvedenameltriangles.Thepotion turnedneongreen,spewingoutsparksinalldirections.Ifonehadakeen ear,thefaintmoansandcriesofdistressedstudentscouldbeheard,rising outofthepotionandblendinginwiththenightair.Thewitchesthenjoined handstoformaclosedcirclearoundthecauldron.

“ThreedaughtersoftheMoonhavecometogethertohonourthespirits ofallthosewelovedandlost,orofthoseyettobefound;thosewholive intheshadows,thosewhohuntandthosewhohaunt,”statedOphelia solemnly.

“Wethankeverythingthatfeedsandprotectsus:everythingdeador alive,anythinginbetween,andanythingunseen,”chirpedBeatrix.

“Wecometoaskourguidestohelpusmoveboldlyintothemonth ahead;inreturnwewilldowhatwedobest:spreadourmagic,loveor dread,”sangTheodora.

Sizzlingshapessnakedoutofthecauldronandforabriefmoment joinedthenightlygathering.Snackswereeaten,potionsweresipped,and thewitchesmerrilysanganddancedaroundtheirnewsanctuary.

Anyluckyobserverwouldhavedescribedthespectacleashauntingly beautiful.Theownerofthepairofpryingeyeshidingintheshadowsonly thoughtitrepulsive.Andhedidn’tthinkofhimselfasluckyeither.Ashis gaunteyeswatchedthewitchesdancearoundthespacewithwavy movements,castinglongshadowsontheirsurroundings,achillrippledout fromhiscoldheart. Sothisisyourcoven,hethought.Hehadexpected themtobeasuglyasshewas,butwassurprisedtofindthempleasantto lookat.Pretty,even.Especiallytheplumponewithamopoffieryhair. Clawed,hairyfingersgrippedwhathungheavilybetweenhislegs.His entirebodywastensewithexcitementandterror—thistimehecould not letanythinggetinthewayofhisvengefulplot.

HumanActivities

byAndrea

Orangeandyellowlightsalternatedon Theodora’sfrownedfaceinanirregularpattern. Onthefossilisedtableatinyflamedancedwildly ontheirregulargustsofwind.ThistimeTheodora didn’tbothertousemagic.She’dlitanordinary drippycandle,setinaratherrustyholder.Itwas coldanddraughty,butithelpedherconcentrate. Withthetipofhertonguestickingslightlyoutof hermouth–somethingshefoundanuncharming habit–shelookedwithsquintedeyesatwhatwas infrontofher.Thefaint,lingeringsmellofburnt cakewasaconstantpresencejustoutsideher focus.

Opheliaenteredthemanor,hersenses immediatelyonhighalert.Shehunchedherback andclawedherhandswhilesheslowlystalked towardstheotherpresenceintheroom.She smelledtheairwithoutmakinganysound. Well hellothere…Didsomeoneleaveasnackforme, oristhismybrother’snewplaything?Let’shave asniff. Shecreptforward,herformcastinga beastlyshadowonthewall.Fullyextendedbat wingssproutedfromhershoulders.Shetowered menacinglyoverthehumansittingundisturbedat thetable.Shetookanothersniff,and…lether armsdropabruptly.

“Oh–Theo,it’syou,”Opheliasaid underwhelmedandslightlyembarrassed.“You lookterrifyingly…human.”Theo,unfazedas ever,hadn’theardhercomein.ShegaveOphelia atiredsmileandmindlesslywatchedherwalk towardsthedoortothehall.

“SorryifIspookedyou!”Opheliacalledover hershoulderbeforethedoorclosedshutbehind her.Oncethesilencehadreturned,Theoletouta defeatedsighandsatbackinherchair.The creakingwoodadisruptivesoundintheotherwise silentkitchen.TheKnob’sDailylayinfrontof her,openedonthepagewithadvertisementsand jobopenings.Anearly-perishedquilllaynexttoit onthetable.Asmalldropofinkdangledfromits

tip,daringtomakethejump.ButTheodidn’tsee. Sheblanklystaredattheencircledvacancies,her armsslackbyherside.Theflameofthecandle causedlongshadowstodancearoundtheroom, castingoddshapesofladles,whisksandawide rangeofBea’spansonthewalls.Awaveofsleep washedoverher.Thepatternsweremesmerising, and…soothing.Theodoraswayedheavilyinher chair.

“Theo?–Oomph.”

Herweightwassuddenlylifted.Herbody startedbouncingupanddowneversogentlyina steadyrhythm.Balancedfootstepssoundednear, onlytheirechofadedawayintothehalls.Her headlolledtotheside,butwasproppedbackup withasmalladjustmentofastrongbicep supportingher.Thesmellofnight-bloomingfloral scentsandatangofmetalfilledherdreamsuntil shefeltaslightasafeatherandwasfloating, utterlyrelaxedandcarefree,onthesoftestof clouds.

DarkAwakening

byNik

Sébastien'ssleephadbeentakenoverbyaworldofvividandmesmerising dreams.Therealmofslumberbecameatapestrywovenwiththreadsofhis deepestfears,desiresandthemysticalforcesthatsurroundedhisexistence. Ashestirredfromthedepthsofslumber,thevividdreamsthathad appearedbeforehiseyesbegantoslipawaylikegrainsofsandthroughhis fingers.Theenchantingvisions,thewhispersofspiritsandtheethereal danceofwitchesallfadedintoanintangiblehaze.

Therewasamoment,afleetingheartbeat,whenthedreamslingeredat theedgeofhisconsciousness,leavinghimwithasenseofyearningand curiosity.FragmentsofscenesflickeredinSébastien'smind.

ThememoryofBea'scharredcaketurnedtomaggots,aculinary mishapthatfilledtheairwiththescentofburntcorpses.Thehaunting imageofmysticalinstrumentsatthewitches'gathering,eachnoteechoing eerilyinthenight,harmonisingwithwolf-likehowls.Thegravestoneinthe manorgarden,itsstonesurfaceclaspedbyhairyclaws,analarmingand unsettlingsight.IvywindingitswayaroundGunnar,thegnome,asif natureitselfsoughttoclaimhim.Theodora'sonceserenefaceturnedinto ademonicvisage,asuddenandjarringtransformation.Hisheadfilledwith thescreamsofOphelia'spupils.

AsSébastienopenedhiseyestothecolddeadnight,thedream,onceso vividandthrilling,retreatedlikeaghostintotherecessesofhismemory.

"Idon'tfeelwell,"Sébsighed."Toomuchwine.Probably..." Hisheadachewasalmosttoomuch,hestruggledtokeephiseyesopen. Intrusivethoughtsclawedtheirwaytotheforefront—avividimageofthe gravestonefromhisdream.Heshivered.

Thevampireenteredthemanor'skitchen,desperateforsomethingtodrink.

"Youlookterrible."Opheliatriedtostifleagiggle.

Alowrumblinggrowlcamefromhisthroat.

"Shutup."Hedidn'trespondwithhisusualsarcasm.

"Roughnight?"Sheraisedaneyebrow,hopingtohidetheconcernon herface.

"I'mparched.That'sall."Hegaveheranannoyedlook."Andwe'reall outofblood!"Heslammedthecupboarddoor.Aburningangergrewinhis chest.Hebaredhisteethandstormedoutoftheroom.

"...um,"Ophelialookedstartled,"okay..."Herbrotherrarelylost controlofhisemotions,hehandledeverythingwithakindofcheeky composure.Shestoodatthewindowandwatchedhimrushoutside.

Herbrotherscannedthegardenfrantically,lookingforsomethingto sinkhisteethinto.Anunfortunaterabbitcaughthiseye,andafterhehad suckeditdry,hecomposedhimselfsomewhat.Heknewitwouldn'tlast.He neededhumanblood.

Atthatmoment,Sébfeltaninexplicablepulltowardsthegravestone behindthemanor.Whispersfilledhishead,callinghim.Luringhimtothe cemetery.Heshookhishead.Priorities.Herantothemanor'sgate,leapt ontoatreestump,thenarock,thenthegate,beforeleapingandflyingoff intothenight.

BrokenMirror

byRobyn

“Next.”Therewasarushofairandaflashofcolour. “Mmmm…Next.”

Anotherflashofcolourandarustlingoffabric.

“Oh, gods no.Next.”

OneofSindri’sdarkpurpleeyestwitched;theirprettyblondeponytail swayingineachrushofmagicasBeademandedyetanotherfresh,stylish outfitforherday.Somethingtomakeherco-workersjealous.

“Beatrix,darling.We’vebeenatthisforalmostanhournow.Ifyou keepthisup,you’llbelatefor-”

“Isaid next,Sindri!”

Thefairykingglowered,butobliged,snappingtheirfingers.Therewas anotherrushofmagicandBea’soutfittransformedagainintosomething theyprayedwouldsuittheirdaughter’stastes.

“Ugh,fine.Ifthat’sthebestyouhave,it'llhavetodo.”

Sindriandtheirfellowkingsweredefinitelyspoilinghertoomuch. Somethinghadtochange.Lessonshadtobelearned.

Bealeftthehouseonherbikethatsunnymorning,readyforanotherdayof waitingtablesandservingdrinksatTheLyre.Itwasn’tparticularly excitingwork,butherco-workerskeptthingsinterestinganditwasa perfectplacetospyonwhatthehumansofKnob’sHollowhadbeengetting upto.Gossipwasrampantatthesmokylittletavern,especiallywhenthe drinkswereflowingandthemoodwas just right.Shewasinanexcellent mooddespiteSindri’sbumblingsearlierandtherestoftheworldwouldbe hardpressedtoruinit.Sheandhercovensisters’ritualhadgonebywithout ahitchlastweekandbecauseofitshefeltluckyascouldbe,readytotackle anythingthedaycouldthrowather.

HoweverasBeascreechedtoahaltatthebottomofthehill,therewas asuddenrumblingoverheadandallthesunlightseemedtodryupinthe spaceofafewseconds.Shedidn’tthinkmuchofituntiltheheavens openedandwithoutwarningafiercerainstormbucketeddownfromthe sky.Beawasdrenchedinseconds,herfierycurlsnowsoddenandclinging tohercheeksasshepedalledasfastasherlegscouldcarryher.

“This…is…nothing!”shepanted,tearingdownthestreetsofthe village,splashingthroughtheriversonthepavementsandroadsuntilshe finallycametoahaltinfrontoftheLyre.Thankgoodness,atleastshewas hereandcoulddryoffbythefireandgetout…of…the… Justassuddenlyasithadstarted,thestormvanished,replacedbyclear blueskiesandwarm,goldensunlight.

“Unbelievable…”

Despitethisunfortunateturnofevents,Beawouldn’tletalittlebitof wateranddampclothingruinhermood.Notachance.Lockingherbike

againstthefenceofthetavern’sfrontgarden,shemadeherwayinside.If that’salltodayhadforherthenshewouldcomeoutontopnoproblem. Pieceofcake.

Laterthatevening,asthemoonhadlongsincerisenintotheeveningsky, thedoortothewitch'sabodeslammedopenandinitswakestoodBea. Soakingwetagain.Whataday.Whatanawful, awful day.Notonlyhadit beenthebusiestdayBeahadeverworked,butdrinksandfoodhadbeen thrownoverheratleastthreetimestoday,shehadn’tbeentippedandhad evenhadtherevoltingmisfortuneofbeingchattedupbyafartoofriendly barpatronthatcouldn’tkeephishandstohimself.She’dmakehimregret thatthough.Tomorrowwhenhewokeupandhisteethwerefallingout, he’dregretitforsure.Asifthiswasn’tenough,afterBeahadfinishedher shiftandlefttheLyre,readytoatleastenjoytheridehome,shewas mortifiedtodiscoverthatherbikehadbeenunceremoniouslystolen.Cut rightoffoftheLyre’sfencewithnoteventhechainleftbehind.Andthen itstartedrainingagain.Asifthefatesthemselveswerelaughingather.

Shewashomenowthough.Thiswashersanctuary.Nothingcould touchherhere.Shewoulddryoff,findsomethingtoeat,thencrawlintoher warm,fluffybedandpretendthiswholedaydidn’thappen.Shemadeher waytoherbedroomandlockedthedoorbehindher.Bea’sroomwasarun down,gloomylittlespacemaskedbyluxurioustrinketsandfurnishingsshe hadcollectedinheryearsanditgavethewholeplaceamystifying,cosy atmosphere.Shehaddecorateditwithjarsofdancingfireflies,dreamy purpletapestriesthathunglooselyfromthewallsandonthelargestof thesewallswasanintricatecircleofmagicalsymbolsandpatterns,all drawninchalk.Beastoodinthecentreofherroomandstaredatthemagic circleinfrontofher.Raisingherhand,shespokethewordsshealwaysdid wheninneedofservice.

“Awduronfysomamarwol.Mynychufi.”shemurmured,afaintorange glowemanatingfromherpalmuntilshewithdrewherhandandfoldedher arms.“Andbequickaboutitthistime,won’tyou?I’llbepartfrogifyou takeanylonger.”

Allwassilent.Themagiccircledidn’treact,notevenashimmer. “...Hello?”Beasnipped,startingtogrowimpatient.“Yourloveliestof branchescallsforaid!”

Shestampedherfoot.Nothing.Herpatiencefinallysnapping,Bea clenchedherfists…andscreamed.

“Cedric!Sindri!Aelfedene!Comehereandhelpmeright NOW!”

Finally,Bea’swallrippled,asoutfromthelinesofthemagiccircle flutteredasheetofparchment,writteninelegant,goldenhandwriting.She quirkedaneyebrow,collectingthelittlescrapofpaper,andbroughtitclose

toread.

‘Dearestdaughter,ourmostwonderfulBeatrix, We’recuttingyouoff.Nomorevisitsandnomoregiftsuntilyou learntofendforyourselfandmakeusproud.

AllourLove, KingsoftheFae,(Dad)xxx’

Ohyes.Somethingdefinitelyhadtochange.Upintheirtowers,thefates laughedon.

Surprise!

byNina

Thismorning’sclasshadbeenunexpectedlyfruitful.Notonlyhadall studentsmanagedtotransfigurecatsintodogs,buttheirgrouphadgrown tonowcountelevenpupils.Itwasdifficulttooperatebelowthehuman radarandlocatesupernaturals,butalifelivedintheshadowsrequiredone tobecomecraftywhenitcametobuildingcommunity.

Opheliastoodbesidethecellardoortoseeherstudentsout,buttoher surprisetheyallmovedtothedustyoldcabinetinthecorner.Herjaw saggedasshewatchedthemtricklethroughthedoorsonebyone.Shethen grinned,happytobesurprised,andsetofftothekitchenforadrink.Onthe tableshefoundsomebottlesof PremiumSanguis—herbrother’sfavourite bloodwine.Hewasn’taroundtoprotestwhenOpheliauncorkedoneofthe bottlesandpouredherselfaglass.Onesipcoatedhermouthina deliciouslyviscouslayerofred,andshesmackedherlipsinsatisfaction.

“Iknowwhatyou’vedone,”soundedsoftlybehindher.

Opheliaspunaroundsofastdropsofredsplatteredthefloor.Behindher stoodoneofherstudents.Ameeklookinggirl,facehiddenbehindcurtains ofdullbrownhair.

“Whatareyouskulkingaroundfor?”Opheliaasked. Andhowdidyou managetosneakuponme? “Don’tyouhaveanafternoonclass?”Asshe regainedhercomposure,hergoodmoodwasreplacedbyannoyance.

“IknowwhatyoudidtoHarwin.”

“...Harwin?”

“Iknowyoukilledhimbecauseofwhathedid.”

Thegirlbarelymovedasshestoodinthedoorway,lookinglikeasad littleghost.AfeelingofuneasestartedtospreadthroughOphelia’sbody. Shevaguelyrememberedherappearance. Coulditbe?Butno,Ican't rememberherhavinganyfriends,letalone—

“Everyonethinksyou’redeadtoo,butIknowyoursecret.”

Allthehairsonherbodystoodupright,andalowgrowlstartedinthe backofherthroat.Don’tletherseeyouscared!Shemadeherselfastallas shecould,andslowlystalkedclosertothegirl,toweringoverherasshe spokethroughgrittedteeth.

“Look,girl,whateveritisyouthinkyouknow—youbetterunlearnit. Andifyouwishtoholdontoyourskin,youbetterstoptheseemptythreats unlessyouarereadytochallengemedirectly.”Thegirlwascleverenough tocowerbelowOphelia’sgaze,butshedidn’tbreakofftheeyecontact.

“Iknowhowtostopit.Sodoothers.Youshouldbecareful.”Thegirl thenturnedaroundandscuttledawayfromthekitchen,leavingOphelia tenseduplikeagargoyle.Afteramomenthereyeswenttotheglassof bloodwineclenchedinherhand.Shedowneditandimmediatelypoured herselfanother.Forsomereasonshecouldnotrecallthegirl’sname.The daywascertainlytakingafewunexpectedturns.Withawearysighshe sankdownontothekitchenbenchandrestedherheadupontheworntable

surface.

BetweenthebottlesofSanguisshespottedatinbox.Inside,shefound whatmustbeherbrother’stobacco.Itsmelledfreshandearthy.Alreadyin anindulgingmood,sherolledherselfasmoke,lititwithasnapoffher fingers,andtookalong,deepdrag. Damn—that’sgood.Sébastienhad alwayshadatasteforfinethings.Thefeelingsofdreadleftherbodyasthe worldgraduallybecamemorecolourful.Whatinsevenhells was thisstuff?

Ophelia’seyesslowlyopened.Shewaslayingwithherheadonthekitchen table,armsslumpedathersides.Alotoftimemusthavepassed—itwas nowcompletelydarkoutside.Surelyitcouldn’tbethatlatealready?The kitchenhadtransformedtobecomeawrigglyvision.Allsurfaceswere undulatingbeforehereyes,emittingaurasofvariousstrengthsandcolours. Everythingseemedtobetalkingtoher,too.

“Cansheseeus?”soundedfromsomewhereabovethecupboards.Her faceturnedtolocatethesourceofthevoice,butallshecouldseewere dustycornersandcobwebs.

“Don’tthinkso,”saidanothervoice,“butshemusthavesensed something.”

Rude,totalkaboutherasifshewasn’tthere.Andshecertainlyhad sensedsomething,buttosaywhatexactlywasanimpossibletaskwhen everythingscreamedforherattention.Thevoiceswerehermainproblem.

“Icanhearyou,soI’llsurelyfindyou,”Opheliadeclared.Shedragged herselfupfromthebenchandstartedopeningthecupboards.Ifsheknew whatkindofcreatureshewasdealingwith,shecouldtryarevealingspell.

“Don’tthinkso,”saidanothervoice.

“Yousoundverysureofyourselfforsomeonelivinginmyhouse.”

Ahollowlaugh.“We’velivedheresincelongbeforeyou,child.”

Shecroucheddowntolookbelowthetable.Nothing.Puzzled,shegot backup.Beingacreatureofthenight,hervisionwasusuallyunaffectedby darkness.Somethingaboutthedenseblackoutsidethekitchenwindow seemedunnatural.

“Didyouturnoffthelights?”

Noanswer.Maybeshewasgoingalittleloony.Althoughshethought shecouldhearafaintbreathingthatwasn’therown.

“Thinkshe’sseenit?”

Seenwhat? Withagruntsheangrilyswipedastackofpotsoffthetable. Adustycloudpuffedup,possiblyflour,andsomethingflittedaway.

“Gotyou!”shegrowledasshetooktwoheavystridestowardsthe window.Andthenshewasfacetofacewithamonster.Gauntyelloweyes transfixedherthroughtheglass,andallshecoulddowasfreezeinplace. Thetall,hunchedshapeseemedtobeshroudedbydarkness.Thiswas not thesourceofthevoices.

Surprise?

byAndrea

“Phelia!Bea!”Theoyelledatthetopofherlungsasshehoppeddownthe mainpathinthecrumblingcourtyardlikeahappyballofenergy.“Igotsit–IGOTSIT!”Herentirefaceglowedindelight,sheworeasmilesobigher cheekswereaching. Splash.Splash.Mudsplatteredupwitheveryhopand landedonherskirt.Theremusthavebeenarainstormearlier,butnowa winterysunwaspeekingouttowelcomeherhome.Thetinybrown dropletsofmuddecoratedherswaying,wineredskirtandsparkledinthe softraysoftheafternoonsun.Shedidn’tseemtomindthem.Shewould walkaroundnakedintheforestifitwasn’tfrownedupon.

Inthemiddleofthecourtyard,amidstbuddingsnowdrops,Theoclosed hereyesforamomenttoenjoytheextraordinarywarmthofthebleak wintersun.Sheletitslowlywarmhercheeks.Asshepeeredthroughher eyelidsshecouldseethepuffsofairevaporateinfrontofher.Thisday couldn’tgetanybetter.Hadthepotionfinallyworkedforher?Shemust admitshedidfeelverygroundedthatnight.Maybethespiritshadfeltitas well.Ithadbeenawhilesinceitfeltsogood,afterall.Butshethoughtit wasonlythatparticularnightforlastnightinthekitchen,whileshewas siftingthroughjobsinthelocalpaper,itdidn’tlooklikethespiritsnoticed heratall.Allthejobslistedseemedfaroutofreachespeciallyafterthelast jobinterviewwiththatgrey-hairedsnob.Ithaddrainedherenergyandkept eatingawayatherevenaftertheofferingatFebruary'sfullmoon.Andhow shegottobedlastnightalsoremainedamystery,butmaybethathadbeen ablessing,becausethismorningshewokeupfeelinglikeafloweraboutto bloomforthefirsttimeinitsshortbutbeautifullife.Justlikethecountless snowdropsaroundherinthecourtyard.Sheevenheardthefirstcoaltits chirpingtheirsongsoflove.Wasspringalreadynearing?

Theodoraletoutacontentsigh.Hersmilebroadenedagainasshe rememberedwhereshewasgoing.

“Oh…BEEE-A,”shesanginahighpitchandstartedhoppingtowards thekitchen.“O-PHEEEEEEE-LIA!”shesanginanevenhigherpitch. Eventhetitsjoinedinandcreatedabeautifulchoirofjoyfulscreams.

Theoskiddedtoafullstopashereyessuddenlyfellonthekitchen.The joyandeuphoriainherchestmadewayforarushofadrenaline.Withouta singlemomentofhesitationsheburstthroughthekitchendoorwithher handstretchedoutbeforeherandsawOpheliastandingthere,wideeyed andfrozeninplace.AdarkpresencemadeTheoshudderinherskin.Long caninesunfoldedassheturnedherheadandsnarledtowardsthepresence.

“Don’t.Touch.My.SISTER!”shescreamedasabrightlightemitted fromthepalmofherhand.

HappyReturns

byNik

Sébastienhadthoughtthatoncehehadconsumedsomehumanblood,he wouldbeonthemend.Buthestillfeltveryunwell.Inadesperateattempt toescapethehauntingresidueofhisdreams,Sébastiengaveintothelure ofhisvampiricnature.Hisnightsunfoldedinahazeofsensualencounters, eachoneafleetingattempttoburytheetherealvisionsthatclungtohis mind.Thevelvetytasteofbloodmingledwiththeexquisiteflavoursof agedwine,thattemporarilymutedthespectralwhispersinhismind.Butas heenjoyedallofthepleasuresofhisnocturnalexistence,anunderlying emptinesshintedatthefutilityofthesedistractions,andtheshadowsofhis dreamswaitedforhimlikeghostsinthecornersofhisconsciousness.

Enoughwasenough.Afterafewdays,Sébreturnedtothemanor.He stoodinthearchwayofthegate.Hetookadeepbreathandputhisfoot overthethreshold.Hiswholebodytensedashewalkedtowardsthedoor. Everythingseemedfine.Hewasabouttoopenthedoorwhenavoice startledhimsomuchthathejumped!

"Woah,there...Calmdown,mate!"GunnarlookedatSéb sympathetically."Areyouallright?"

"Yeah,sorry,just...lostinthought."Sébtriedtosmile."Howhaveyou been,Gun?"

"Iamwell,thankyou.Although…hadtoburyafriendofmine,found herafewdaysagoatthemanorgate,coveredinblood.Probablycaughtby afox,youknowhowitgoes.It'sonlynatural."

Sébnodded.Hetriedtolooksympathetic.Hecertainlytriednotto thinkabouthowhehadkilledthatrabbitafewdaysago.

"Howhaveyoubeen?Youwereawayforafewdays."Gunnar continued.

"Um,youknow.Well.Busy.Alwaysbusy."SébavoidedGunnar'sgaze. Gunnartiltedhishead."Areyousure,mate?"

"..."Sébfeltasifhewastryingtoovercomeaphysicalbarriertogetthe wordsout."I'mnotfeelingsogood,actually."Hetookadeepbreath."So, yeah.Beentryingtodistractmyself,youknow."Aslightgrinappearedon Séb'sface.

Gunnargiggled."Youdog!"

"Yeah,butitdidn'twork.SoI'mback."Theybothsmiled."Sorryabout yourfriend,Gun."

Thetwofriendswalkedthroughthegarden,andSébbegantofeelless andlessanxious.

"I'vehadbaddreams,reallyterrifyingones.Ihaveneverexperienced anythinglikethisbefore."Gunnarnodded.

Sébcontinued."Reallyshakenmeup,Iguess."

Theytalkedandtalked,aboutprettymuchanythingforhours.They weresoengrossedintheirconversationthatSébstartedtoburnatthefirst raysofsunlightthathithisskin.

Hegotupquickly,"Seeyoutomorrow?"

Sébraninside,rushingthroughthecorridor,pastthelivingroomand thekitchen.Herusheddownthestairstothebasement.Hewasstrangely excitedaboutgoingtobed,oratleasttohiscoffin.Hehadthefeelingthat thiswouldbehisfirstrealnight'ssleepinalongtime.

FlamesBurnBright

byRobyn

Beahadspentallofyesterdayeveningandalloftodayhiddenawayinher room,alarge‘GOAWAY’signhangingoverthefrontofherdooradorned withwildflowersandpaintedwithstrange,spottedmushrooms.Hersisters hadlearnedbynowexactlywhatthatsignmeant,evenbeyondthebold, redwordsplasteredacrossit.BotheringBeawiththatsigninplacemeant hexeshurledandcursescast,aswellaswhateverelsethehalf-fairyhad nearbythrowntowardyourhead.Bea’sroomhadbeendeathlysilent,save forthemuffledsoundofmunchingandtheoccasionalquietsob.Her fathersnowhavingessentiallyleftherfordeadtorotintheworldofthe mortals(atleastinhereyes),Beahadtodealwithherstresstheonlyway sheknewhow:snackingandindulginginbadromance.

Beawasn’taparticularlyromanticpersoninanysenseoftheword.She hadfartoomanythingsgoingoninherownlifetoworryaboutsomeone else’sproblems,andallinallhumansdidn’tquitesuithertastes.Theywere all…lumpy.Still,thatdidn’tmeanshecouldn’tembroilherselfina wonderfullytragicandsyrupyromancemovieshouldthemoodtakeher anditwastheperfectwaytoventrightnowwithoutdestroyinganyofher property.Someoneelse’sproperty…well…Shemightflitterintotownin thenextfewdaysandseewhatsortofmischiefshecouldcausetoblowoff somesteam.

Shehadn’tmadeasoundwhenSébastiencamehomefromhisnighton theprowl,evenifshehadbeenconcernedabouthimoflate.Shedidn’t makeasoundwhenOpheliawasholdingherlessons,norwhenshewas eavesdroppingthroughherdoorattheconversationshewashavingwith

oneofhercreepystudents.Shewassilentstill,whenTheodoracame barrelinginthefrontdooryellingaboutsomethingoranother.Anewjob, perhaps?Ifthatwasthecase,shewasecstaticforher.Itwasagoodexcuse togetheroutofhertowerforonce,but…Beacouldn’tbringherselfto congratulateherrightnow.Notwhenherworldwasfallingapart.

However…Whensheheardscreamscomingthroughherwallfromthe kitchen,shesprungfromherbed.Whoeverwasshouting,theirtonecaused Bea’sbloodtoruncold.Throwingherdooropenandbarrellingintothe hallway,herhairactuallyhangingloosearoundhershouldersforonce,she staredwide-eyedintothekitchen.

“Girls?What’sgoing—”

Shesawitalmostimmediately.Adreadfulcreaturewhosegazeshefelt deepintohersoul.Shewastransfixedwithfearforbutamomentuntilthe lightemanatingfromTheo’shandandthesoundofglassshattering snappedheroutofitandshefollowedsuit,springingintoaction.

Withaburstoflightandthesoundoftwinklingstars,Beatransformed intoatiny,fieryfairyandblitzedforwardpastTheo’shead,two-handinga tinyblack-ironfryingpan.Herweaponofchoicewhenshehadsome frustrationstoworkout.

“Feyandfickleflamesburnbright,protectmysistersonthisdark night!” Withamighty clang,Beabonkedthemonsteroverthehead, surprisinglystrongforhertinyform.

HunterBecomesHunted

byNina&Andrea

Alotofthingshappenedatonce.Aburstoflightflashedandallthewindow panesexplodedoutwardintinyknives.Somethingwhizzedpasther head—atwinkling—thenametallic clang! Ophelia’searswereringing. Hadshebeenhit?Throughblurredvisionshewitnessedthemonster behindthewindowmoveerratically.Thedarknesshadevaporatedandshe couldseeshaggyfurpiercedbyglassshards.Hewasbleedingheavily. Largeclawstriedtoreachherthroughthewindow,butitwasasthoughan invisiblebarrierpreventedhimfromreachingher.Goodthing,becauseshe couldn’tmove—whycouldn’tshemove?!

Desperate,shewatchedadisfiguredfaceappearinthewindow,andat thesametimetheybothspottedthetinyfairywingsstickingoutfrom underneaththecastironpan.No!Teethwerebaredinthewolvishhead, andthepanwasslowlyliftedtorevealanunconsciousBea.

“Don’tyoudaretouchher!”Thewordscameoutweaklyasshecould barelymove.Thelittlefayformofhersisterwassnatchedandheldupto hismuzzle.Hesniffedherintently.

“Ifit’samealyouneed,youbetterlookon,”Opheliatriedagain.

Theheadturnedtoregardher.Mooneyesamidstdarkness—a werewolf?

“Ineedhermagic,”raspedhisvoice,lowandrumbling. Heneedsher magic?Doesthatmeanshe’snotinphysicaldanger?

“Ifyoucomein,wecanseeifwecanhelpyoutogetherwithour combinedmagic.”Hisfaceturnedintoanangrygrimace.

“Notyours—youarecursed!”Hegrowledandlookedatherindisgust. “Wha—”Beforealogicalreplycametoher,themonsterturnedonhis heelandboundedoff.AllshecoulddowaswatchBeadisappearwithhim intothedarkness.

MeanwhileTheo’sbloodreachedaboilingtemperature.Hercanines prickedherlowerlipbutshecouldn’tretractthem.Shecouldn’ttapinto hermagic.Sheletoutafrustratedgruntwhensherealisedshecouldn’t evenliftherfeet.

“Whatinhellwasthat?”shegrowledthroughgrittedteeth.Hercanines madeherspeechslurry.ShetoppledoverandcaughtherselfonOphelia’s shoulderasthespellsuddenlylifted.

“Itknewyou?”Theoaskedaftersheretractedherfangs.Shestudied hersister’sfaceintently.Ophelialookedawayseeminglyindifferent,like shealwaysdidwhenconfrontedwithaproblemshemayhavecaused.It wasimpossibletotellwhatwasgoingoninsideherhead.

Theo’seyesdarkenedandnarrowedtoslits.“Whereisittakingher?” Buttherecamenoreply.Withafrustratedsigh,Theostompedthrough thedoorintothegardentothespotwherethemonsterstoodjustseconds ago.Itwasawfullyquiet.Thecoaltitsthatsangwithheruponarrivalhad

longsincefled.Splattersofbloodcoveredthegrassandstainedthewhite snowdropsadarkred.Itwashauntingtoseehowtwodetailscouldmakea placesuddenlyuninviting.

Theodorashudderedbutstraightenedherbackwitharesolutegrunt. Sherefusedtofeelafraidinherownhome.Sheknewwhatshehadtodo, nomatterhowdangerousthetransformationwouldbe.Withherhands soakedinthemonster'sblood,shepaintedhereyesandchestbefore reachingouttotheground.Iftherewerestilltitsorwarblersaround,they wouldrecognisethechantcomingfromherlipsimmediately.

Opheliawatchedhersisterthroughtheshatteredwindowwithboth horrorandawe,asthesoundofcrackingbonesechoedlikethunderclaps throughthesilentgarden.Theprocesswasnothingliketransfiguration.

Theodoratriednottoscreamasthesharpflashesofpainshotthrough herbody.Painshehadfeltathousandtimesbefore,butnevergotusedto. Tearsburnedhotonhercheeksasherbonestructurechangedfirst.Then cametheelongatednose,claws,tail,andlastlythefur.Withinjusta minute,afullsizedwolfstoodbeforeOphelia,pantingheavilywithits tonguehangingout.Thewolfshottheblackhairedwitchanelectrifying lookbeforeitstartedsniffingthemonster’sblood.

AsTheosniffedandscoutedthegroundsoutside,Opheliapreparedforthe huntinheratticroom,gettingangrierwitheveryminutespentalone.She grabbedahandfuloftotemsfromheraltarandletthemfallintoher pouch—allthewhilemutteringangrily.

“WhatisitIdotoattractcreeps?”shegrunted,andfoughtthe recollectionthatwasstartingtoforminhermind.Theragebuildingwithin hershieldedherfromahurtfultruth.Sheknewthemonsterpersonally.

AheavychestwasthrownopenandOpheliatookoutherlittlebookof darkspells.Belowitappeared Human-AnimalTransfigurationForNonShifters.Actingagainstherurgetoslamthechestshut,shealsograbbedit, andtheybothdisappearedintoherbag.Turningtoleaveherroom,she caughtherowneyeinthemirror.

“IT’SALLYOURFAULT!”sheyelled,andherbloodturnedwhitehot. Tremblingwithrage,shefelttheskinonherbacktearasleatherywings appeared.Hereyesbecametwoglowingredcoalsandshehissedfuriously athermirroredself.Then,thewitchembracedhershadowform,rushed downthestairsandoutintothegroundstowardsTheo—allinbriefestof momentslikeagustofwind.

Theodorahadjustpickedupthetrailwhenshenoticedhersisterjoining herinhershadowshape.Shebeckonedherwithherfurryhead.Inbeast form,herdiscontentseemedtohavemultiplied.Sensingtheirdiresituation

hadsomethingtodowithOphelia,herfeelingstowardshersisterweren’t particularlyheartwarming.Shehopedthatherangercouldcomeinhandy whenconfrontingthemonster.Therewasalwaysawaytohealthily channelrage.

Oncetheyleftthemanorgroundsanditscemetery,thesurrounding landwascoveredindensegrowth.Wonkyancienttrees,hawthornand raspberrybushesmadeforatoughandpricklyforest.Thisposedno problematalltothetwobeastlyformsmovingthroughthenight.Awinged shapeglidedthroughtheair;thewolfrushedunderandoverbranchesand brush.Thetrailwastakingthemdeeperanddeeperintotheoldgrowth forest,towardsthemonster’sden.

Afterawhile,theirenvironmentbecamelighterastheyreachedasmall forestclearing.Asharpglancefromwolf-TheomadeOpheliaslowdown— theydidn’twanttoalertthemonsterprematurely.Opheliahaltedinthe shadeofalargetree,andwaitedforTheotoresumeherhumanformto communicateverbally.ChangingbackmeantTheolosthersuperiorvision, andtoseeOpheliaclearly,shepushedherfaceclosetohers.

“Uhm…”Opheliamovedherheadbackinvoluntarily.Theocockedher headinquestion.

“...personalspace.”

Theotookastepback.

“Whatnow?”Opheliahissed.

“Icanprobablylocatehisdeninwolfshape.Thescentgotmuch stronger.Youshouldprepareyourspell.”

Inresponse,Opheliagrabbedatotemfromherpouchandhungit aroundherneck.Awerewolfcarvedinmoonstone.

“Ready.TheincantationfollowswhenI’mnearenough.Uhm…can youchangewithoutmakinganynoise?”Opheliaaskedassherecalledthe lovelysoundofcrackingboneswhenTheoshifted.

Theonodded.“Itwilltakelonger.”Beforeshestartedtransforming herself,shehesitated.

“Whatisit?”Opheliaasked,annoyed.

“IassumewebothknowthatretrievingBeaunharmedisourpriority.” Theolookedathergravely,andOpheliafeltherchesttighten.

“Noneedtoremindme.”

“Good.”Theoslowlychangedbackintoherwolf—agonisinglyslow, judgedbyhersoundlessscreamsassheprolongedthepainfulprocess— andstalkedtheedgeoftheclearing.Despitehersubtlety,Theo’sstrut containedsilentanger.

Opheliafollowedherinvisiblyamidstthetreetops.Sensingnoother presencecloseby,Theodoracrawledintotheclearing.Fromtheforestedge itlookedlikeanordinaryclearingwithsomewildgrassandafewscattered

blueberrybushes,butTheoknewtherewasmoretothepicture.Theearth emittedtheslightestofvibrations,barelysensiblethroughthesoftcushions ofherpaws.Thescentseemedtosinkintotheearthinthemiddleofthe clearing.ForthefirsttimeshealsopickedupthescentofBea.

AsTheoneared,aholeappearedintheground,tacticallyconcealed behindalowbushofberriesandsomeslightlylongertuftsofgrass.She growledsoftlytoOphelia,whointerpretedthemessageassafetocome down.Opheliathenwatchedhersisterdisappearbeneaththeearthand gulpeddownanemotionshewasn’talltoofamiliarwithbeforeshe followedher.Afterslidingdownseveralmetres,Theocametoastopina vastroughlydugoutdarkcavewithmultipletunnelholesinallshapesand sizes.Thiswasn’tanythinglikesheanticipated.Shesniffedthedullairfor severalmoments,Opheliawaitingimpatientlybesideher,beforecomingto theconclusionthatBea’sscentwentintoadifferentdirectionthanthe monster’s.Withoutanywords—Theocouldn’ttalkanyway—thetwo sisterscametotheconclusiontheywouldhavetosplitup.

AChase

byNik

Sébastienawoke,hissensesimmediatelyattunedtothesilencethat envelopedthehouse.Blinkingawaytheremnantsofsleep,herealisedthat somethingwasterriblywrong.Theusualbuzzofactivitythatfilledthe manorwasconspicuouslyabsent,replacedbyaneeriesilencethathung heavyintheair.

Sébastienswunghislegsoverthesideofthecoffinandstoodup,his barefeetcrunchingsoftlyagainstthecoolstonetiles.Helookedaroundthe dimlylitcellar.Somethingwaswrong.

Frowning,Sébastienquicklydressedandmadehiswaythroughthe silentcorridorsofthehouse,hisfootstepsechoingintheemptyhalls.He calledouttohissister-Ophelia!-buthisvoiceseemedtobeswallowedby thesilencethatsurroundedhim.Hepickedupthecorkofawinebottle fromthefloorandbegantofidgetwithit.

Witheachemptyroomhechecked,Sébastien'sconcerndeepened. Bea'sroomwasdeserted,her'GOAWAY'signhangingominouslycrooked fromthedoor.Theodora,notinthetower,herspellbooksandpotions untouched.EvenOphelia'sroomwascompletelysilent.

Ashesearchedthehousefromtoptobottom,Sébastien'smindraced withquestions.Wherecouldtheyhavegone?Andwhyhadtheyleft withoutaword?Thelastroomheenteredwasthekitchen.Thecorkfellto thefloor,bouncingoffthedebrisonthefloor.Sébastien'sheartclenched withfearasherealisedthegravityofthesituation.

Ashesteppedintothecoolnightair,Sébastien'ssensessharpened,attuned tothesubtlechangesintheenvironment.Hecouldfeelthepulseoflife aroundhim-thewhisperofthewind,therustlingoftheleaves,thedistant callofnocturnalcreatures.Butbeneathitalllurkedadarkerpresence,a malevolentforcethatsentshiversdownhisundeadspine.

Withsilentdetermination,Sébastienfollowedthetrailleftbyhis sisters,movinglikeashadowinthenight,hissenseshonedtoperfection ashefollowedthefainttracesofmagicandbloodthatlingeredintheair.

TheTimeLeftToYou

byRobyn

Therewasthecreakofmetalchainsandthefaintdrip,drip,drippingof stalewateronacold,stonefloor.Thedungeonsmelledofoldmossandthe burnt,metallictingeofrustedcopper.Bea,whowasstilltransfiguredinto herdiminutivefairyform,hadbeenoutcoldforsometime,laidproneon herfrontinthedark.Herusualbrightandbeautifulwingsnowlayfaintand wiltedacrossherback,themagicfromthemappearingtohavebeen drawn…elsewhere.Warmdaylighthadbeguntoseepthroughagratein theroof,dimlyilluminatingthelockedroomandcausingasunbeamto shineontoherclosedeyes.Shestirred,wincingandthengroaningasshe waspulledoutofsometroubleddreamandintothewakingworld.

“Mmph…Where…?”

Slowly,surely,sheblinkedawakeandsatup,studyingherimmediate surroundingswithblearyeyes.Herbodyfeltsopainfullyheavyand lethargicthatherusualdrivingfireofangerwasreducedtoadamp, disorientedsmoulder.

“What…isthisplace?”shemurmured,seekinganswers.“Hello?”

“Hellothere,littlecinder.I’mgladtoseeyou’renotturnedafterall. Thatwouldhavebeenunfortunate.”

Thereplycamefrombehindher,asmooth,dulcetvoicethatwas accompaniedbytherhythmiccreakingofmetal.Beaturnedtowherethe voicehadcomefromandsquintedoffintothegloom,tryingtolocateits owner.

“Turned…?Whatdoyoumean?”sherepliedsleepily,leaningforward towardsthebarsofhercagetogetabetterlook.

Wait…hercage?

“Wh—H-hey!Whatisthis?!”

Bea’sangersuddenlyflaredindefianceandshescrambledtoherfeet, readytoraindownhellfire.Shereachedforwardtotouchthewallsofher cageandblowthemapartwithhermagic,howeverthemomentherfingers connectedwiththemetalbarstrappingherinside,shefeltasudden, burningcoldrunalongherarm.Shegaspedinshock,drawingbacksharply andhuggingherselftightly.

Thatreallyhurt.

“Hoohoohoo!”hootedthevoiceaheadofher,thecreakingsoundonly increasinginpaceasitlaughedatBea’smisfortune.“Iwouldn’ttrythatif Iwereyou!Notunlessyou’reinahurrytolosethiswonderfulchancefor introspection!”

Beawinced,filledwithregretasthefeelingslowlyreturnedtoherarm. Nowthathereyeshadadjustedtothedarkandshehadsteppedoutofthe sunlight,shecouldgetabetterlookatthecreaturethatwasapparently takingpleasureinherpain.

Itwasabrown,tawnyowl.

Oratleast,itappearedtobeanowlatfirstglance.Oncloserinspection Beacouldmakeoutthedistinctiveshapeofahuman’sbodydressedina blue,pinstripedsuit.Theowlhadlong,slenderarmsandblack-gloved handswhereitswingsshouldbe;withironedtrousersandblackpointed shoesinplaceofitstalons.Whateverthiscreaturewas,itwashappily swayingtoandfroonacreakylittleswinganditwasatthismomentthat Bearealiseditwastrappedjustlikeshewas.Bothoftheircageswere suspendedfromtheceilingbyalong,shimmeringchainandtheywere quiteawaysoffofthegroundtoo,oratleastitfeltthatwayathersmaller size.

“Whoareyou?”Beaaskedweakly,tryingtomakesenseofthesituation shefoundherselfin.ShebetifTheowerehere,shecouldtellherwhatsort ofcreaturethiswas.Birdsseemedtolovehersister,thoughthatdidn’t alwaysendupbeingintheirbestinterests,shethought.

“Hooindeed,”theowlreplied,slowlyswingingtoagentlehaltand leaningforwardononekneetoaddressBeaproperly..“Iamaprisoner,just likeyou.Apondererofuniversaltru-hoo-thsandadreamerofdreams.”

“Imeantyourname.”

“Ahoo,ofcourse.”

Theowlgrinned,somethingBeafoundstrangelyunsettling,thereinthe dark.Sheneverknewbeakscouldsmilelikethat.

“Bartimeaus.Changeling.”

Achangeling…Beahadheardofthesefromherfathers,along,long timeago.TrickylittlecreaturesbirthedfromtheshadowsoftheFae kingdom,abletochangetheirformonawhimwiththeirnighbottomless fontsofmagic.YouhardlyeversawthemoutsideoftheFaekingdom though,sowhatwasonedoinghereinthehumanworld,lockedawayina cage?Wasshestilleveninthehumanworld?

BeforeBeacouldruminateonthisfortoolongsherememberedher manners.

“I’mBeatrix,butmyfriendscallmeBea.Um…Half-fairy.”

Bartimeaushootedandthenrotatedhisheadawayuntilhewasfacing directlybehindhim,sayingnothing.ItwassuchastrangereactionthatBea wasn’tsurethechangelinghadactuallyheardher.Attemptingtopushpast thehazeofsleepandthepeculiarsight,shepressedon,eagerfor informationandtofindoutifhersisterswerealright.

“Hey,don’tignoreme!Wherearewe,exactly?ThelastthingI rememberwastryingtodefendmysistersfromsomesortof…monster. Whateveritwas,itgotagoodshotinandthen…Iwokeuphere.Haveyou seenthem?”

AtBea’squestion,Bartimeausrotatedhisheadbackaroundagainto gazeather,studyingthefairyasifshewereatastylittlemouse.

“Whydoesthisconcernyou,Bea?”heasked,causallycrossinghislegs andfoldinghishandsontopofhisknees.“Wehoocallthesecagesournew homeshavenoreasontoasksuchthings.Noreasonstosearchfor anything.Inmymonthsofimprisonment,Ihaveseennoneescape.Not one.Itisbestyouchoo-hoo-setoaskyourselfmoremeaningful, philosophicalquestionsinthetimeyouhavelefttoyou,asIhave.The meaningoflife.Whatisgoodandwhatisevil?Whatisthesoundofone handclapping?Onlywhenyouhavethoughtaboutthesethingswillyou findtrueinnerpeace.Acceptance.”

Beasquinted,tryingherabsolutebesttofollowalongwith Bartimeaus’s‘philosophising’andgleansomesortofanswerfromthe endlessstreamofwordsandhootscomingfromhisbeak.

“Wait.Waitwaitwait.WhatdoyoumeanthetimeIhavelefttome? What’sgoingon?”

“Takealookforyourself.”

Bartimeausextendedahand,hisglovedfingersunfurlingtogestureat therestofthedarkroombelowthem.Beafollowedthechangeling’s gesture,acolddreadinthebottomofherstomach.Hangingatvarious heightsaroundthedungeonweredozensofcagesofalldifferentshapes andsizes.Thelargestofthesewassatonthefloorinthecorneroftheroom, withsomesortoflarge,marblestatueinside.Whatevermetalthecages weremadeof,theyallshimmeredwithafaint,prismaticlightlikeoilon water.Thislighttrailedupandalongeachofthesuspendedchainsand disappearedoffintotheceilinginaneerie,silentsynchronicity.Overand overandover.

Beacrossedthefloorofherlittleprison,tryingtogetabetterlookat hernewneighbours.Bartimeaushadsaid‘we’,somaybetherewas someoneslightlylesscrazytotalktodownbelowthatcouldhelpherget outofhere.Sheleanedforward,makingabsolutelycertaintonottouchthe shimmeringbarslestshefeeltheirbitingcoldonceagain.Toherhorror,the morecagesshelookedat,themoreshebegantorealisethatallofthe creaturesinsidehadapale,marbledcolourtotheirbodies.Somehaddeep cracksrunningalongtheirforms,andothercagesonlycontainedpilesof indistinguishablewhiterubble.

Therewasnosound.Noneofthemweremoving.

“Allreducedtosaltandstone.”Bartimaeusannounced,startingto swinglazilybackandforthagain.“Gonefromthislifeandmovedontothe next.Aterribleshame,really.”

Beafeltherstomachturn,afireofrebellionflaringupatthe changeling’scasual,almostheartlessexplanation.

“W-Wehavetogetoutofhere,then!Whyareyoujustsittingaround waitingtoturntostone?!”sheshouted,unabletotakehereyesoffofthe

myriadofmorbidstatuesbelowher.“Changeintoaflyorsomethingand getusoutofhere!”

“Oh,Icertainlywouldhavedonethatmanymoo-hoo-nsagoifIcould, littlecinder.Butmagicisimpossiblehere.Escapeis…impossible.”

Beatookaslow,tremblingstepbackwardsindisbelief.Eversinceshe hadwokenup,somethinghaddefinitelyfelt…off.WithBartimeaus’s explanation,allofthepieceswerecomingtogetherandshefinally understoodwhatitwas.Shecouldn’tfeelhermagic.Itwasgone,orat least,beingredirectedsomewhereagainstherwill.Shesuddenlywhirled around,lookingforanysortofescaperoutebutfoundnothingbutthe soullessbarsofherprison.Howlongdidshehaveuntilsheendeduplike thestatuesbelow?Whyhadn’tBartimeausturnedifhehadbeenherefor solong?Wherewerehersisters?WasSébastienwiththem?

Wherevershewas…Whateverfateawaitedher…Sherefusedtodie. Sherefused.HersistersandSébastienwouldfindherandsetherfree.She knewtheywould.Untilthatdaycame,shewouldrevieweveryspellinher mind’seyeandformaplan.

“Ifyoudropsoaponthefloor…isthefloorclean,orthesoapdirty?” ShewouldalsotryveryhardtoignoreBartimaeus.