Page 6 of Light Magic

She was wearing a black gown, fit for a witch. People would think she was dressed for Halloween in March … or supernaturals in the area would know what she was.

“Oh.” She glanced at my bag on the dresser. “You know what’s the worst part of portaling in a rush?”

“No.”

“Never having any of my stuff with me.” She showed me her cell phone in her hand. “At least I was holding this.”

Yeah, that could be inconvenient. I pointed my chin to my bag. “Help yourself.”

There wasn’t much in my bag. Since I left her and her brother two weeks ago, I had bought two new leggings and three sweaters, since I kept getting them ruined. I looked down at the one I was wearing now, bloody, ripped, and now purposely cut. It seemed I would need more clothes soon.

Lacey changed into black leggings and a thin burgundy sweater, grabbed some of my money, and left the room.

I was left alone with my thoughts.

Why the hell had I called her here? Now she knew where I was, and she could tell her brother.

And what? Why would she tell her brother? Why would he care where I was? Why did I care if he knew where I was? That chapter of my life was over. He had tricked me, I had gotten what I asked for, and now it was all done.

My irritation grew and I felt restless.

I was hurt again and I had a fight tonight … how would I be able to fight and make money like this? I had to figure something out.

Half an hour later, Lacey came back with a white bag and two to-go cups, which reminded me of the times her brother had brought food to me.

Why was I thinking about him again?

I shook my head once, tried scooting more upright against the pillows, and thanked her when she handed me a breakfast burrito and one of the cups.

“Everything okay?” I asked before I took a bite.

“Yeah,” she said, sitting on the armchair beside the bed. I imagined she had spent most of the time there, watching over me. Poor thing. “I didn’t see any supernaturals. And if they are close by, they can’t sense us.” I raised one eyebrow. “Last night, after I got your bleeding under control and managed to close your wound, I warded the room. It’s not as strong as when Heidi does it, but it should work for now.”

That reminded me. “How’s Heidi?”

A soft smile adorned Lacey’s lips. “She’s better. I convinced her of doing a strengthening potion for herself for once, and I think it’s helping.” Her smile faded away. “It won’t cure her arthritis, or slow down her aging, but it definitely helps.”

“That’s good.” Heidi had been nothing but kind to me. She deserved the best.

“What about you?” Lacey asked. “I mean, obviously, not doing so well right now.” She gestured to my shoulder. “But overall … are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I said automatically.

She didn’t buy it. “Be honest, Ariella.”

I shrugged, and then groaned in pain. “Shit.”

Lacey got up, dropped her half-eaten burrito on the nightstand and placed her hands over my shoulder. A warm sensation flowed into me, coating my shoulder with numbness, and I sighed in relief.

“Better?”

I nodded. “A lot. Thanks.”

She sat back down. “You’ve got your wings now, your revenge against the demon who took them, what now? Are you looking for your magic?”

I flinched when she mentioned the demon.

That was her damn father.