Chapter 2

Two

Oisin

The bewitching presence of the woman who had slipped into my lecture hall was overshadowed by the dark energy emanating from her—an unfortunate energy I recognized all too well. I did my best to ignore her as I wrapped up my lecture. “Alright, everyone, don’t forget about the test on Friday,” I said, signaling the end of the class as the students began to file out.

The striking witch with her succulent curves and pastel purple hair approached me. “Professor Black, do you have another class coming up, or can I borrow you for a moment?”

I was puzzled. The witch herself didn’t seem dark, but the energy around her was unsettling. “I’m done for the day, Miss?” I asked, letting my question trail off.

She looked surprised and extended her hand. “Of course. I’m sorry—Miss Moonshadow, Gem Moonshadow.” I shook her hand and felt no malice from her, only a surprising warmth. It was then that I recognized her last name.

“You own Moonshadow Apothecary in Blue Haven?” I asked. “And your grandmother is Sylvia Moonshadow?”

“Yes, I believe our grandparents knew each other,” she said. As she dropped my hand, her cheeks flushed, as if she had felt the warmth too. I nodded in agreement.

“What can I do for you, Ms. Moonshadow?” I asked.

“Gem, please. And hopefully this,” she replied, pulling a wrapped book from her shoulder bag and placing it on my lectern.

It was clear now that the dark energy was emanating from the book, not from Gem herself. I stepped closer, glancing at her questioningly. She nodded and gestured for me to proceed. I unwrapped the book and gasped when I saw what it was.

“Where did you get this?” I asked, looking at her intently.

“It appeared in my shop this morning,” she said, twirling the hem of her sweater. “I didn’t order it or have anyone come in. It was just sitting on my counter when I walked into my locked shop this morning.”

“I’ve only heard stories about this from my grandfather,” I said, lying slightly as I opened the book and scanned through its pages. “Let’s go to my office.”

Gem nodded, and I wrapped the book back up. I led her out of the lecture hall and down the corridor to my office. Unlocking the door, I gestured for Gem to enter first. Once inside, I closed the door behind us, set the book on my wooden desk, and took my seat in my chair. Gem settled into one of the small student chairs.

Unwrapping the book again, I flipped through the pages slowly. “Can you read any of this?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t be here if I could,” she replied somewhat curtly. I raised an eyebrow, and she added, “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, and this thing is freaking me out. In all my years, I’ve never seen a spell book like this.” She said this while nervously thumbng her earring.

“Necronomicon,” I supplied.

Gem looked at the book in shock. “No, it’s not. Those are myths!” she said, her voice tinged with accusation.

“I can assure you that they are very real, and this is one of them,” I said, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. “Why it ended up with you is quite intriguing.”

“Do you know why?” Gem asked.

I shook my head. “I have no clue, but we’re going to find out.” That was the honest truth; I didn’t know how Gem ended up with the book, which I had thought I’d burned after my unfortunate experience with it.