Chapter 19

NINETEEN

T he fading light of dusk painted the streets of Whispering Pines in a soft golden glow as Mari locked the main door to Divine Escapes. Her heart raced with anticipation and a touch of fear, the rapid beat pulsing in her ears. Tonight, they would put their meticulously crafted plan into action and catch Victor's henchmen once and for all.

She turned to face the group gathered inside—her friends and allies in this fight. Arden stood tall and confident, his broad shoulders squared and his piercing green eyes filled with unwavering determination. Daisy Bloom, with her vibrant pink hair and colorful glasses perched on her nose, offered a reassuring smile that lit up her face. Ivy Sullivan, Tabitha Greer, Thorne Grimshaw, Vincent Shaw, Gideon Frost, and Luna Nightshade all looked ready to play their parts, their expressions a mix of resolve and excitement.

"All right, everyone," Arden said, his deep voice commanding attention as he clapped his hands together. "Let's go over the plan one more time. Thorne, Gideon, and Vincent, you're in charge of setting up the physical traps around Mari's property."

Thorne nodded, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, the sleeves of his flannel shirt straining against his biceps. "We've got a combination of traditional and mechanical methods. Those bastards won't know what hit ‘em."

"Luna and Tabitha," Arden continued, his gaze shifting to the two witches, "you'll be setting up the magical wards and surveillance spells. We need to know the moment they set foot on the property."

Luna's violet eyes glinted with determination, her black hair shimmering under the bakery's warm lights. "They won't be able to take a step without us knowing. Our wards will be so strong, they'll practically glow in the dark."

Tabitha chimed in, her blonde curls bouncing as she spoke, her voice laced with excitement. "And if they try to escape, our spells will make sure they can't get far. It'll be like they're stuck in magical quicksand."

"Daisy and Ivy, you're our public relations team. Keep the townsfolk informed without causing panic."

Daisy grinned, her laughter like tinkling bells as she looped her arm through Ivy's. "Leave it to us, sugar. We'll have everyone calm and focused in no time. Ivy's brewing up some special tea as we speak."

Ivy nodded, her green eyes sparkling. "Infused with just a touch of soothing chamomile, lavender, and a secret ingredient."

Mari felt a surge of affection for her friends, their unwavering support giving her the strength to face the challenges ahead. She marveled at how far she'd come since her arrival in Whispering Pines, from a timid divorcee to a confident witch ready to take on her demons.

As the group dispersed to their positions, Arden walked Mari home and locked them both inside the house. Finally alone in the living room, Arden placed his arms around her. "Are you ready for this?" His voice was gentle, his eyes searching her face for any sign of hesitation.

She took a deep breath, letting his presence soothe her frayed nerves. The scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and citrus, enveloped her like a comforting blanket. "As ready as I'll ever be. I just want this to be over, to finally be free of Victor's grip."

He cupped her cheek. "I know, Mari. And it will be. I promise I'll protect you, no matter what. You're not alone in this, not anymore."

Mari leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from his words and the solid warmth of his body. They set up the dining room table near the window, turning down the lights to create the illusion of a quiet evening together. She couldn't help but imagine a future where this wasn't just a ruse, where she and Arden could enjoy peaceful nights without the looming threat of Victor and his minions.

As night fell, a sense of eerie calm settled over Whispering Pines. The streets were deserted, the only sound the occasional rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Mari's heart raced as she watched the shadows, her eyes straining for any sign of movement. Suddenly, Luna's wards flared to life, a shimmering barrier of light encasing Mari's property. Arden sent a text for everyone to be ready, his body tense and poised for action.

The men under Victor's control crept toward Mari's property, their dark clothing blending with the night. They moved with a predatory grace, unaware they were walking into a carefully laid trap. The first henchman triggered one of Thorne's traps, a startled yelp escaping his lips as he found himself caught in a net rigged to a tree. The ropes tightened around his struggling form, his curses filling the air.

"One down," Arden whispered, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Good work, Thorne."

Thorne grunted in response, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Told ya they wouldn't know what hit ‘em."

Another man stumbled into Vincent's concealed pit, lined with soft but binding materials. He groaned in frustration, his arms flailing as he tried to free himself from the sticky substance.

"Ha!" Vincent exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride. "My patented Gnome Glue never fails."

Luna and Gideon's spells burst to life, bathing the intruders in a bright, disorienting light. The men stumbled, their hands shielding their eyes as their dark magic fizzled and died under the powerful enchantments.

"Take that, you scoundrels," Gideon called out, his voice filled with uncharacteristic glee. "The light of justice shines upon you!"

Daisy and Ivy worked their own brand of magic. Illusionary creatures conjured by Daisy darted around the men, their ethereal forms casting eerie shadows on the ground. The intruders swatted at the apparitions, their confusion mounting as they tried to distinguish reality from illusion.

"Ooh, look at them dance." Daisy giggled, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. "It's like a magical puppet show."

Ivy's enchanted flowers released a soothing mist, the delicate fragrance wafting through the air. The men's movements grew sluggish, their eyes drooping as the soporific effect took hold.

"Sweet dreams, boys," Ivy crooned, her voice soft and melodic. "May you find peace in your slumber."

Arden shifted into his wolf form, his fur a sleek black that blended with the shadows. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest as he cornered one of the fleeing men. The intruder froze, his eyes wide with fear as he stared into the gleaming eyes of the imposing beast.

Despite the tension, moments of humor punctuated the night. Vincent's mechanical traps proved a little too effective, leaving one man dangling upside down from a tree, his arms flailing comically.

"Oops," Vincent chuckled, scratching his head. "Maybe I overdid it with the counterweights."

Daisy accidentally set off a minor fireworks spell, sending colorful sparks flying through the air. The sudden burst of light drew laughter from the group, the tension momentarily broken.

"Sorry!" Daisy called out, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I got a little carried away."

Mari stepped forward, her magic pulsing through her veins like liquid fire. She channeled her power, focusing on the remaining men. Glowing ropes materialized from thin air, snaking around their bodies and binding them securely. Her confidence grew with each successful spell, bolstered by the support of her friends and the knowledge that she was no longer the timid woman she once was.

As the last man was captured, a cheer went up from the townsfolk. They had done it—Victor's henchmen were neutralized. Arden shifted back to his human form, a grin spreading across his handsome face as he looked at Mari with pride.

"You were amazing," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I knew you had it in you."

Mari returned his smile, a sense of accomplishment and relief washing over her. "I couldn't have done it without you, without everyone. Thank you."

Sheriff Reed Mallory arrived with Kade Blackwood and Roarke Easton, their faces grim as they surveyed the scene. They quickly took the men into custody, their expressions hardening as they listened to Arden's report.

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Reed assured them, his hand resting on the hilt of his gun.

As Reed and Arden questioned the men, their voices low and intense, the captured henchmen began to reveal the depths of Victor's control. They spoke of dark magic, of how he twisted their minds and bent them to his will.

"He's a monster," one man whispered, his eyes haunted. "He made us do things, terrible things. We didn't want to, but we couldn't resist."

With the threat temporarily quelled, the group returned to the shop to debrief and tie up loose ends. Mari whipped up a batch of crème br?lée, the aroma of vanilla and sugar filling the air. Laughter and chatter mingled as they recounted the evening's events, marveling at their teamwork and the more humorous moments.

"Did you see the look on that one guy's face when he was caught in Thorne's net?" Daisy giggled. "I thought he was going to wet himself."

"And when Vincent's trap left that other guy hanging upside down?" Ivy chimed in, her laughter ringing out. "I never knew someone's face could turn that shade of red."

As the night wound down, Mari found herself outside, gazing up at the star-strewn sky. The cool breeze caressed her skin, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. Arden's arm slipped around her waist, his presence a comforting warmth at her side.

"You were incredible tonight," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "I'm so proud of you, Mari."

Mari leaned into him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I couldn't have done it without you guys. I never knew how much I needed this, needed all of you."

She felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, a fire burning bright within her heart. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever Victor had in store, she knew she had the strength of her community and the love of an incredible man to see her through.