Page 103 of Wedded Witch
Mavis waves a dismissive hand, her expression barely hiding her amusement.
“Oh, darling, if you think that sleeping with her is the worst part of this, you’re in for a surprise. But yes, that’s the key. Until that bond is formed, the curse remains intact.”
Swyn’s cheeks flush, a mix of shy determination washing over her features. “I won’t let that define what happens between us, Oland,” she says, her voice fierce and unwavering. “This is our choice. We’ll make it when we’re ready.”
“Right, no pressure,” I reply, trying to keep the tension light. But inside, I’m wrestling with the enormity of the situation. The curse ties us together in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and the weight of that connection sends a thrill of fear and excitement through me.
“We have to prepare for whatever comes next,” Sol says, stepping forward. “We need to figure out how to keep Morfran at bay until we can break the curse.”
“Exactly,” Mavis agrees. “He’ll be watching you, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You can’t afford any slip-ups, or he’ll swoop in and take what he wants. Believe me, he won’t hesitate to turn you against each other.”
“Then let’s get to work,” I say, determination surging within me. “What do we need to do?”
Mavis turns, her mind clearly racing with possibilities. “First, we need to gather supplies—potions, charms, anything to strengthen your bond and protect you from Morfran’s influence. There are ancient texts that might hold the secrets we need, and they’re not far from here. The catacombs under the town should hold some answers, or one of the Priestess’ sacred spaces.”
“I have no idea what I’d be looking for,” Swyn admits. “But I can help you search.”
”It’s fine, child. I have three strong, young, strapping lads to boss around and do my bidding. You stay here with the sickly one and play nursemaid.”
“Hey! I’m not sickly!” I protest, spluttering.
She grins at me. “No? Ready to run a marathon are ya?”
“Maybe if I was better healed,” I reply. “Perhaps you’re losing your touch in your old age.”
Mavis’s eyes narrow, a wicked gleam flashing in those bright blue depths as she steps closer, wagging a bony finger at me. “Careful, lad, or I’ll make sure you heal slower than a slug onmolasses. I’m older than dirt, but I’ve got more magic in one wrinkle than you’ve got in that whole hard head of yours.”
Swyn stifles a laugh beside me, and I shoot her a mock glare. “You think this is funny?”
“A little,” she admits, squeezing my hand. “But you did walk right into that one.”
I grin, but Mavis keeps right on talking. “Honestly, if you lot didn’t have me, you’d be lost. Good thing I’m still spry enough to carry this whole team on my back.” She rolls her shoulders, as if preparing for the weight of the world.
Ri, standing by the door, folds his arms, deadpan. “And here I thought we were the strong, strapping lads.”
“Please,” Mavis scoffs, tossing him a scathing look. “I could whip up a potion that’ll have you running in circles 'till next week. Or worse, put you in a position where Swyn here has to spoon-feed you for the next month.”
Swyn snorts, trying to hide her amusement behind her hand.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” she says with a playful smile. “Might teach Ri some manners.”
I shake my head, mock scandalised. “So, this is how it’s gonna be? Ganging up on us guys?”
Sol leans back against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, you do have a tendency to stir the pot. Might as well reap what you sow.”
“I don’t stir the pot,” I say, looking around for backup and finding none. “I gently nudge it in the right direction.”
“Like when you almost got us caught that one time with the warded perimeter?” Ri adds, deadpan, eyes locked on mine. His grumpy expression barely hides the spark of amusement.
Oh, how had I forgotten about that? The triplets weren’t even in school when that happened.
“That was one time,” I defend. “And I distinctly remember someone—” I shot a look at Sol, who’s grinning from ear to ear “—being a little too enthusiastic with his magic.”
Sol holds up his hands. “Hey, you said we needed more firepower. Don’t blame me for being thorough.”
Mavis waves her hand dismissively. “Enough of your banter, boys. If you’re done bickering like a bunch of hens, we’ve got work to do. We’re going to head into the catacombs while Swyn stays and nurses Mr.Not-Sicklyhere.” She casts a pointed look at me.
I groan, but there’s a smile tugging at my lips. “I’m telling you, give me a few hours and I’ll be as good as new.”