10. Natalie

10

NATALIE

A wave of unease washes over me as I approach Velda’s quaint cottage once again. I took Stranger’s words to heart—Velda might in fact be the best person for me to discuss all of this with.

Stranger . Gods, I could hardly believe myself—dumping my innermost thoughts into a diary like a teenage girl, communicating with the anonymous person on the other end, and actively seeking out their advice. Now, even following it!

But I’d been mulling it over all day. And as impossible as it seemed— me , with magic?—I couldn’t deny that I felt something strange before that plant grew.

When something’s off, I figure it out, and fix it. So that’s what I’m going to do.

Taking a deep breath, I rap my knuckles against the weathered wooden door.

Velda appears, her warm smile immediately putting me at ease. “Natalie, dear! I’d heard you were in town and was hoping you’d come visit again. Come in, come in.” She ushers me into a cozy living room, the scent of freshly brewed tea and bread baking permeating the air.

We settle into plush armchairs, and Velda fixes me with a knowing look. “What brings you here today, child? Are you ready to talk about Myrtle?”

My throat tightens at the mention of my grandmother’s name. Questions, of course, come immediately to mind. Why didn’t she ever help us? Stranger also suggested that Velda could answer this.

Whatever Myrtle’s reasons, it’s in the past. I’m not touching that with a ten-foot pole. My emotional state is hanging on by a rapidly thinning thread as it is.

“No, it’s not that. I... I had an incident. Or at least, I think I did.” The words tumble out in a rush. “I think I might have powers, Velda. And I was hoping you could help me, well, know for sure.”

Velda leans forward, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Powers? Tell me more.”

I recount the incident at the storefront, how I might have maybe possibly accidentally used magic when startled by Rian’s daughter. The feeling I had when I was startled, that unfamiliar heat. The plant growing rapidly, so fast it could only be magic.

“So, am I a witch?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

Velda settles back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “That’s a complicated question, Natalie. You almost certainly have witch powers, since you come from a line of witches and warlocks. These powers usually show in early adolescence, but for some reason, yours were clearly suppressed—perhaps because you grew up in the human lands with no knowledge of your lineage.”

I nod, trying to process this information.

Velda continues, “But you wouldn’t call yourself a witch yet, no. A person who begins to exhibit powers but has not mastered them yet is called a mage. In order to claim the title of witch, you need to undergo regular training. Usually for at least five years.”

“Five years ?” I echo, my mind reeling. The thought of spending half a decade learning to control these powers I never asked for is daunting. “Well, obviously I won’t be spending five years training to claim a title I don’t want or need in the first place. I’m not even going to be here that long—once I sell Myrtle’s property, I’ll go back home.”

Velda winces. “Yes, I heard about the sale. Look, dear, I meant what I said. I don’t care what you do with the property. Myrtle wasn’t particularly sentimental about it, other than wanting it to pass on to her family. She worked hard to make her own money once she’d left her first husband, and I know she’d like the idea of you, her granddaughter, using that money however you need. But please keep the town in mind when you make your final decision.”

Chastened, I nod my head. Of course even Velda, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, has an opinion about this too. I’ve well and truly managed to piss off everyone in this town.

I lean forward, desperation creeping into my voice. “So what can I do, Velda? If I don’t want to master my powers, can I just ignore them? Maybe they’ll go away? Get…re-suppressed?”

Velda throws her head back, laughter erupting from her until tears stream down her face. “Ignore your powers?! Oh no, dear girl. That’s impossible, simply impossible.” She wipes her eyes, still chuckling. “And why would you even want to?”

She leans forward, her eyes full of enthusiasm.

“With magic, you can do incredible things, you know. And herb magic is so wonderful.” Her hands dance through the air as she speaks. “You can practically speak to plants, grow them at will and coax them into being, especially plants with magical properties.”

Velda begins listing off herbs with surprising magical qualities—rosemary for memory enhancement, lavender for calming anxiety, and more. Each revelation makes my head spin a little faster.

“And then there are all the concoctions you can make! All sorts of herbal mood enhancements. Spice blends that make the consumer feel joy. Confidence boosting brews for when you need some extra pep in your step. Empathy teas and healing salves. Ah, it’s such a gift.”

Velda pauses, suddenly thoughtful, and I realize she must be thinking of Myrtle.

Myrtle, the grandmother I’ve insisted I don’t want to know anything about.

Myrtle, the beloved wife that Velda only recently lost.

I shift in my seat uncomfortably.

On a logical level, I understand what Velda is saying. Having magic does sound incredible; I’ve never been one to let a talent go to waste.

But on the other hand, it’s shaking my identity to the core. I’ve spent years cultivating my image, getting to know and love myself through therapy and hard work after all the rough times in my childhood—not always sure where we’d be staying that night, sleeping badly, getting bullied by kids at school for the way I smelled when we didn’t have a stable home… all of it.

I was proud of who I’ve become. Now, I feel like the rug is being pulled out from under me.

To my utter embarrassment, I feel hot tears welling up in my eyes. I quickly hide my face in my hands, but it’s too late to stop the sobs that shake my shoulders. Gods, this is not me.

Velda’s warm hand is on my back in an instant, rubbing soothing circles. “Oh goodness, dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for my excitement to overwhelm you.”

Her voice is soft and comforting as she makes gentle shushing noises.

Slowly, my tears subside. I wipe my face, feeling mortified. “I’m sorry, Velda. It’s unlike me to let my emotions get the best of me like this.”

Velda chuckles, but it’s a kind, gentle sound, not a mocking laugh. “I’m the opposite, of course—I love to find out where my feelings are going to take me. You heard that I snowed the whole town in for weeks a few months ago, yes?”

Ah, yes. I did hear a little something about that from Ecco.

“Emotions, what wonderful, unpredictable things.” The look on Velda’s face is hard to read.

I manage a watery smile. “I understand that for some people, learning magic would be amazing. But Velda, I have a life that I’m happy with. And I’m overwhelmed as it is, with my responsibility to my company, to my mom… and now this. Isn’t there anything I can do?”

I look at her imploringly, hoping against hope that she’ll have a solution that lets me return to my old life unscathed.

Velda purses her lips, considering my question with a thoughtful hum. “Well, Natalie, I’m afraid your powers will never go away completely, not now that they’ve surfaced.” My heart sinks, but she continues, “However... hmm, yes. You might be able to learn enough control to keep them contained.”

“Contained? How?”

“Think of it like wrapping them up and tying them down, so they don’t interfere with your normal life. Like a beautifully-wrapped gift, all tucked away. The powers won’t disappear, but you can learn to manage them, to keep them from escaping in unintended ways.” Velda’s eyes twinkle.

I lean forward. “I want to learn that kind of control. That sounds perfect. And no time like the present—I’ll do it while I’m here in Elderberry Falls. Can you teach me?”

Velda smiles warmly. “Of course, dear. As a retired widow, I have plenty of time to dedicate to your training.” She pauses, then adds gently, “I could also help you learn more about your family history, if you’d like.”

I freeze, a lump forming in my throat. The thought of delving into my father’s past, into the secrets he kept from me, finding out about the grandmother I could have known but never did — it makes my chest tighten.

“I... I appreciate the offer, Velda, but I’m not ready for that yet. My relationship with my father was complicated, and I need more time to process everything.”

Velda nods, understanding in her eyes. “Of course, dear. Take all the time you need.” She stands and retrieves a stack of books from a nearby shelf. “In the meantime, study these at home. There were probably books leftover at Myrtle’s store, but those would be far too advanced for your purposes, far too advanced. For additional resources, visit the Spellbound Bookstore in town. They have an excellent selection on herb magic.”

I accept the books gratefully, their weight comforting in my hands.

“You’ll need to start reading about the basics before we can put anything into practice—you have a lot to catch up on. Once you feel like you have a handle on the terms and practices of herb magic from an academic perspective, come back to me and we’ll work.”

It’s a tangible plan, a path forward in this whirlwind of confusion. “Thank you, Velda. Truly.”

The next day, I stand before the Spellbound Bookstore, its weathered wooden sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The storefront is charming, with ivy-covered brick and stained glass windows displaying leather-bound tomes.

A bell chimes as I push open the door, announcing my arrival. The interior is even more enchanting—towering bookshelves line the walls, with corridors between shelves leading back deep into the shop. Far deeper than they should, actually, considering the size of the building… I look quizzically at the rows and rows of books, and then shake my head and approach the counter.

A quiet, bespectacled woman greets me with a shy smile. Her nametag reads “Rowan” in a delicate script. “Welcome to Spellbound. How may I assist you today?”

“Hi, Rowan. I’m looking for some books Velda recommended on herb magic. Could you point me in the right direction?” I feel a flicker of nervousness, still adjusting to this new world I’ve stumbled into. Did I say all that right?

Rowan’s eyes light up. “Ah, Velda sent you! Right this way.” She leads me through the labyrinthine shelves, her movements graceful and purposeful. “Velda is a treasure, isn’t she? Her knowledge of witchcraft is almost unparalleled. Are you studying with her?”

I nod, not quite sure how to answer. I keep slowing down, marveling at the vast array of titles surrounding us on every topic imaginable, and then realizing Rowan’s left me behind, trotting to catch back up.

Rowan stops before a section dedicated to herb magic, her fingers skimming the spines reverently. She selects several volumes, each one more intriguing than the last.

“These should provide a solid foundation for your studies,” Rowan says, handing me the stack. “The Compendium of Magical Herbs is a must-have, and Brewing Enchantments covers a wide range of potions and elixirs.”

I thumb through the pages, the illustrations of vibrant plants and swirling concoctions captivating me. “This is perfect. Thank you, Rowan.”

She beams, a hint of color rising to her cheeks. “It’s my pleasure. If you have any questions or need further recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As I make my way to the counter, my arms laden with books, I feel a flicker of excitement mingling with the uncertainty.

I’ve always loved school, after all. And this is just another exciting thing to learn about.

Perhaps, with the guidance of Velda and the knowledge within these pages, I can find a way to navigate this unexpected path while still holding onto the life I’ve built.

Making our way back to the counter, my attention is inexplicably drawn to the fiction section. Despite my better judgment, I find myself slowing down, my curiosity piqued by the colorful covers and intriguing titles.

A particular subgenre catches my eye: monster romance and interspecies couplings.

Rowan, noticing my interest, becomes animated. “Oh, have you discovered the delights of monster romance?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It’s my total guilty pleasure.”

She gushes about several titles, her excitement infectious. I feel a sudden burst of boldness, and before I can stop myself, the words tumble out of my mouth. “Do you happen to know of any human and minotaur romances?”

Internally, I can hardly believe I just asked that, but the lingering effects of my spicy dream have left me curious. Rowan, without missing a beat, selects a book from the shelf. “This one is a personal favorite,” she confides, handing it to me. “Trust me, it’s an unforgettable read.”

Throwing caution to the wind, I add the book to my purchase, trying to ignore the heat rising in my cheeks.

The next day, I sit at the counter in my storefront, feet kicked up, utterly absorbed in the minotaur romance novel. The steamy scenes and vivid descriptions leave me breathless, causing me to question the limitations of my past human-only dating experiences. I’m so engrossed in the pages that I fail to notice the arrival of Ecco and her heavily pregnant best friend, Mariah.

“Well, well, well,” Ecco teases, a playful grin on her face. “We were walking by and thought we’d drop in on you. Looks like someone’s expanding their literary horizons.”

Mariah leans in to inspect the book cover. “A minotaur romance? Natalie, if you need any advice about sleeping with a monster, you know that Ecco and I have plenty of experience in that department. Are you having a change of heart about selling this place? Maybe Elderberry Falls is growing on you.”

Beyond her teasing, there’s an edge to Mariah’s voice and I can easily guess how she’s feeling about my sale. She’s not the type of person to mince words, so the fact that she didn’t come in here yelling at me tells me that Ecco had a chat with her ahead of time.

Flustered and embarrassed, I quickly set the book aside. “No, no, it’s not like that,” I insist, my cheeks burning. “It was just a, a… polite acceptance of a recommendation. From, er, Rowan at the Spellbound Bookshop. I didn’t want to be rude. My plan to sell the property stands.”

Mariah narrows her eyes. “Of course it does.”

Ecco clears her throat and changes the subject. “Natalie, I nearly forgot! We’re throwing a baby shower for Mariah next week, and we’d love for you to join us.”

Mariah shoots her an inscrutable look but then pastes on a smile that doesn’t totally reach her eyes. “Yes, definitely, please join us.”

Internally, I cringe at the prospect of enduring the typical baby shower conversations, all coos and giggles over tiny socks and diaper genies.

But Ecco’s invitation is so genuine, her smile so warm, that I find myself nodding in acceptance—even if the mother-to-be seems less than enthusiastic. “Of course, I’d be happy to attend.”

Mariah glances at her phone. “Oh, shoot! I’ve got to run. Thorak’s waiting for me at the Hungry Minotaur. Pregnancy cravings, you know?” She winks at Ecco, a sly grin on her face. “See you later, ladies!”

As Mariah waddles out of the shop, I raise my brows at Ecco, “Did she mean…?”

Ecco snorts. “Oh, yeah. It’s definitely not food that she’s craving.” Her violet eyes fix on me, both concerned and understanding. “Hey, are you doing alright? I know things have been... a lot, lately. I’m sorry if I made you feel judged for the sale, and I hope you know it wasn’t personal.”

I hesitate, weighing the vulnerability of honesty against my usual instinct to keep my struggles close to the chest, especially with a client.

There’s something about Ecco’s presence, the way she radiates empathy and acceptance, that compels me to open up—ever since we first started working together, she’s felt like a friend as much as a colleague.

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” I take a breath, steeling myself. “I had a magical incident the other day. It scared the hell out of me. I went to see Velda, and she confirmed that I have powers. That I’m a... a mage.”

Ecco’s eyes widen, but there’s no judgment in her gaze, only a flicker of excitement.

“Oh, Natalie! That’s incredible. I mean, I know it must be overwhelming, but Velda is the perfect person to guide you through this. She’s an amazing mentor and her powers are just, well, extraordinary.”

Her words ease some of the tension in my shoulders, and I find myself nodding. “She does seem to know her stuff. I just... I never asked for this, you know? I had a plan, a path. And now...”

“Now you have an opportunity to discover a whole new side of yourself,” Ecco finishes, her tone gentle but firm. “Embrace it, Natalie. You might be surprised by what you find.”

As Ecco prepares to leave, I feel a sudden burst of courage, fueled by the lingering curiosity from my minotaur romance novel. “Hey, Ecco? Can I ask you something? About minotaurs?”

Ecco pauses, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Sure, what do you want to know?”

I swallow hard, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “In the book I was reading, they mentioned something about... knots. Is that a real thing?”

For a moment, Ecco just stares at me, her expression unreadable. Then, she bursts into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty shop.

“Oh, Natalie,” she gasps between giggles. She leans in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Let’s just say that there’s a reason why interspecies dating is so popular around here.”