Chapter 33

SWYN

Exhausted after yet another round of losing myself with Ri, I finally drift into sleep, the weight of everything pulling me under, wrapped in a cocoon of darkness.

I'm vaguely conscious of the storm outside raging on, a symphony of wind and rain that can't touch me in Ri's protective embrace. My dreams are usually a chaotic blend of memories and shadows, but tonight, something feels different—charged, electric.

I know it now. I'm theirs.

I'm standing in a misty landscape, the air thick with a familiar scent of damp earth and wildflowers. At least this time I recognise the landscape for what it is: Spells Hollow.

Only this time, I'm not standing in a ruin. The town is whole, healed, and thriving.

Before me, the figure of Elias, my Gramps, materialises, his presence warm yet tinged with an urgency I can't quite place. His silhouette is familiar, a beacon in the swirling fog.

"Swyn," he says, his voice a soothing balm against the storm's wrath. "Can't you feel it? The curse is weakening—almost broken."

His words reverberate in my chest, a flicker of hope igniting within me. I want to reach for that hope, to grasp it tightly and never let go. But even as I do, a shadow flits at the edges of my vision, reminding me of the danger that lurks just beyond the light.

"What more do you need, child?" Elias presses, stepping closer, his face earnest and wise. "You have the strength within you. You always have."

I swallow hard, the fear curling in my stomach. "I don't know, Gramps. I feel it, but it's so… fragile. Too new. Like a fledgling bird or the first spring bud. What if I fail? What if it's not enough?"

He shakes his head gently, his silver hair catching the dim light of the dreamscape. "You won't fail. You're stronger than you think. But you must act quickly. The evil is growing, and Morfran… he wants to use you."

My heart stutters at the name. Morfran—the dark shadow that's haunted my every waking moment, a malevolent force lurking just out of sight, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"What does he want with me?"

Elias's expression darkens, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a storm of concern. "He seeks your power, Swyn. He believes he can bend you to his will, control you enough to finally break free and reap his final revenge. But you cannot let that happen. You must stand firm, and you must believe in yourself."

I nod, feeling the weight of his words settle heavily on my shoulders. "But how? How do I fight him?"

"Trust in your magic," he urges. "Remember the light within you. It's not just about breaking the curse—it's about harnessing your true potential. The storm outside is a reflection of the chaos within. Embrace it. Use it."

As he speaks, the mist around us thickens, swirling with a force that feels almost alive. I can sense the pull of darkness, a palpable energy that creeps closer, hungry and relentless.

The shadows flicker, and Morfran's face flashes in my mind—a sneer, a promise of power that feels both tempting and terrifying.

"Gramps," I whisper, fear tightening my throat. "What if I can't do it? What if I become what he wants?"

"Then you will fight," he replies, his voice resolute. "You must remember who you are, Swyn. You are not defined by your fears. You are more than a pawn in anyone's game."

A crack of thunder reverberates through the dreamscape, jolting me. The ground beneath my feet trembles, and for a moment, I'm unsure if I'm still dreaming or if the storm has broken into my mind.

"Stay strong," Elias urges, reaching out as if to grasp my hand. "Your journey is far from over. You have allies, even in the darkest of times. Don't let Morfran twist your heart with despair."

"Will I see you again?" I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Always," he promises, and as he speaks, I feel a warmth enveloping me, a protective shield against the encroaching shadows. "Remember, Swyn. Believe in yourself."

With those final words, the mist begins to fade, the landscape dissolving into a swirling abyss. There's a pull, the urgency of waking pressing against me, but I cling to his warmth, holding onto the hope he's given me.

And just before I fully wake, I hear his voice once more, softer now, yet filled with an unwavering strength. "Fight, my child. Fight for yourself."

Elias's words echo in my mind, a reminder of the power I possess. I may be afraid, but I won't let Morfran win. I will embrace the storm, and I will fight.

I wake with a start, the remnants of Elias's words still lingering in my mind, like whispers of a dream I can't quite shake off. The storm outside has calmed, the soft patter of rain now a gentle reminder of the chaos that has passed.

I glance at the clock—morning light spills through the window, illuminating the room.

I take a moment to gather myself before stepping out of bed, determined to keep the dream to myself. The last thing I want is to burden others with my worries.

I quickly dress, throwing on a faded sweater and jeans, the fabric comforting against my skin.

As I make my way to the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast wafts through the air. Sol is at the stove, flipping pancakes with a skill that makes my mouth water.

The familiar sight of him, focused with a little crease between his brows, brings a smile to my face.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he grins, his eyes twinkling. "Hope you're hungry. I made enough to feed an army."

"I think the storm prep made me work up an appetite."

"Yeah, it was the storm," he deadpans.

I chuckle, joining the others at the table and the small stray from last night trots over for some fuss. He looks much better now that he's warm and dry and has had some food.

"Hello little guy," I coo, giving his chin a scratch. He yips happily at me and then curls up on my feet and promptly goes to sleep.

Kel and Ri are already seated, bickering lightly over the best way to patch up the diner after the storm. I pour myself a cup of coffee, the warmth spreading through me, as I take a sip and then wrap my hands around the mug.

As we eat, we discuss our plans for the day. Sol suggests assessing the damage around the diner and motel first, while Ri mentions heading into Spells Hollow to check on the town.

I frown. "But isn't the town deserted and in ruins?" The guys exchange glances. "What?"

"I just want to check on some things," Ri replies evasively, not meeting my gaze.

"I wonder if the nearby towns are okay," Kel says, changing the topic.

"I've heard some places got hit pretty hard," Sol adds, concern knitting his brows together. "We should see if anyone needs help."

"I'm in," I say, my voice stronger than I feel.

As much as I want to retreat into my thoughts, I know I need to focus on the present. I can't let the weight of my dream drag me down and if Ri wants to be cagey about something right after we had sex, let him. I'll turn my attention elsewhere.

After breakfast, we finish getting dressed, taking turns to use the bathroom. Kel teases me about showering, but Ri just smirks and shrugs it off. He's a lot more relaxed this morning. Less uptight. Maybe Mavis was right and he did just need to get laid to be less grouchy.

At some point last night or early this morning, Sol or Kel risked the storm to go and grab a change of clothes and some essentials for me from my room, which was so thoughtful and kind.

I make sure the dog has food and water before we leave, the guys assuring me they've already taken him out for a walk. When we step outside the air is cool, fresh with the scent of rain-soaked earth. But as I take in the scene before me, my heart sinks.

Debris litters the ground—broken branches, scattered leaves, and the occasional downed fence. The diner's sign hangs crookedly, and the motel's roof bears the scars of the storm.

I grimace but I can't help but feel a swell of gratitude for the safety of my guys.

A vision of what might have been flashes in my mind—what if they hadn't made it through? What if the storm had taken them away? The thought sends a shiver through me, and I realise just how much they mean to me.

I just called them my guys for freaks' sake! I need to get a grip.

As we survey the damage together, I find myself lost in thought once more. What if I had to leave them? The idea weighs heavily on my heart.

I have a life back home, a family that I should return to, responsibilities I've ignored for too long. But the thought of leaving this place, of walking away from Kel, Sol, and Ri, fills me with an ache I can't quite define.

"Swyn?" Sol's voice breaks through my reverie, pulling me back to the present. "You okay? You've gone a bit pale."

"Yeah, just thinking," I reply, forcing a smile. But deep down, I know I need to confront this feeling. I can't run and hide forever. I owe it to myself and to them to be honest.

As we continue to clean up, I can't shake the gnawing sense of guilt. I realise it's time to come clean with my family, to let them know where I am and what's going on.

Taking a deep breath, I pull out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dial.

The call connects, and after a few rings, my mother answers, her voice bright and filled with surprise. "Swyn! It's so good to hear from you! We were just talking about you."

My heart races. "Hey, Mum. I?—"

"Oland's been giving us updates about your honeymoon," she gushes, the words dripping with excitement. "He said you two were having a great time in New York, planning to visit the ancestral coven. Is that true?"

I blink, taken aback. "What? He…he told you that?"

"Of course! He's been so protective of you, checking in every chance he gets. You should be grateful," she replies, her voice softening. "But are you okay? You sound different."

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess," I admit, the guilt washing over me like a wave. I've been hiding here, diving headfirst into something without thinking about the consequences.

There's a moment of silence on the other end, confusion settling in. "What do you mean, overwhelmed? Where's Oland?"

"He's here, but it's complicated," I say, my throat tightening. "I—I'm safe, but I didn't want you to worry. There was a pretty bad storm here last night. I just thought I'd better tell you."

More silence, then, "Oh sweetie, we wouldn't worry. You're with Oland. We know you're perfectly safe. Honestly," she laughs. "As if that man would allow a single hair on your head to come to harm. He's quite besotted with you."

"Umm, yeah…" I mumble, my mind racing. So much for honesty, Swyn. "He's a great guy."

"The best. We just want you to be happy. But you have a life here, and a duty to perform too, so I hope that by the time you both return, you'll have some happy news to share with all the coven!"

As her words sink in, I realise that Oland has been looking out for me, even from a distance. My heart swells with a mixture of warmth and guilt.

I never meant to drag him into this mess, to let him carry the burden of my secrets. But then her words really sink in and I experience a flash of anger.

Towards her, not him. Everything is always duty, duty, duty. Curse this and curse that. Make a baby, Swyn. Time's ticking!

I'm sick of it.

"Mom, I'm sorry Oland has just come back with breakfast for us. I need to go," I say, my voice cracking.

"Say no more. Breakfast in bed!" She giggles. "Do what's right for our family, sweetie," she replies softly. "We're here for you, when you have the news."

The call ends, and I stare at my phone, the weight of my emotions crashing over me. My mother is…well, exactly the same as she always was. A lot. And Oland…

Oland knows where I am. He's been watching out for me, and I can't help but feel conflicted. Guilt twists in my gut.

Then I remember the storm, the danger that lurked in the shadows, and I can't shake the worry that comes with it. What if Oland was hurt? What if the chaos of the storm had found its way to him?

I take a deep breath, glancing at Sol and Kel, their faces determined as they assess the damage. I need to focus on the here and now, but the fear of what might come next hangs over me like a storm cloud, heavy and unyielding.

Why does my heart suddenly feel conflicted? Like it's not being split in three pieces, but four?

I set my phone down, the weight of my mother's words echoing in my mind. Looking up, I notice Sol and Kel focused on the damage around the diner, but Ri is watching me, concern etched on his face.

I frown. I thought he was going into Spells Hollow? Why is he still here?

I can't ignore the nagging feeling that something isn't right, especially after our evasive exchange about the town.

As we start clearing debris and it feels like we're just moving piles of rubble from one location to another, Kel suggests we take a break.

"Let's regroup and make a plan. We can't tackle everything at once." He wipes sweat from his brow. "I want to check on the next town over too. There could be people who need our help."

"Swyn, are you okay?" Sol asks gently, stepping closer. His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mix of worry and something deeper. "You seemed off during breakfast."

I hesitate, unsure whether to open up about the call. But with the storm's aftermath around us, I know we need to be honest. "I just talked to my mom. She thinks I'm on a honeymoon with Oland, but I'm not sure how to explain everything."

Sol's brow furrows. "You're safe here, right? That's what matters."

I nod, but my heart feels heavy. "It's not just about safety. I feel this pull between my responsibilities back home and…this. You guys. I can't help but feel like I'm running away."

Kel steps in, sensing the turmoil in me. "Hey, it's okay to feel confused. You don't have to decide everything right now. We're all in this together."

Just then, a distant sound breaks through the silence—the rumble of thunder, even though the skies seem clear. I squint, heart racing. "Did you guys hear that?"

Before anyone can respond, a figure emerges from the trees, mud-splattered and weary. My heart skips—it's Mavis, her expression grave.

"You need to see this. It's bad in Spells Hollow. You're not going to believe what I found."

My stomach knots as Mavis approaches, urgency in her steps. She sees me and blanches. Why?

"It's okay, Mavis," Sol says reassuringly. "Swyn's a witch too."

Too? Does he mean… I glance at Mavis and gasp. "You're a witch?"

"No time to explain, child. Are you part of this or not?" I baulk at the way she calls me child, reminding me so much of Gramps, but say nothing as we huddle around her, the atmosphere shifting from casual camaraderie to something more serious.

"What is it?" Ri demands, concern and tension etched across his features.

Mavis hesitates, then says, "I found something—something about the storm. It wasn't just a natural disaster. There's something darker at play here."

I knew it. But the revelation still sends a chill through me. The weight of my earlier worries about Oland, the storm, and my feelings for the guys are all pressing down on me.

"What do you mean?" I ask, my voice hoarse as my throat suddenly feels parched.

"There are signs of magic—powerful dark magic—used in the storm. It wasn't just weather; it was intentional," Mavis explains, her tone serious. "And if that's true, then we're not safe. Not yet."

Panic rises in my chest, but I steel myself. This isn't just about my feelings anymore; it's about our survival.

"We have to prepare," Kel says. "We can't just sit back and wait for whatever this is to come after us."

"After Swyn," Ri corrects firmly.

"W-What?" I stare at him. He stares right back, his gaze assessing and assured.

"You know," he says again, his voice low but unwavering.

"What's going on?" Sol asks calmly, his brow furrowing deeper.

I ignore them both, turning to the crazy old lady instead. "Mavis, please," I urge. "What exactly did you find?"

She takes a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she pulls something from her pocket—a small, weathered sheet of paper that looks to have been torn from a book.

"This was buried beneath the debris in Spells Hollow. It's from a grimoire, but not just any grimoire. It's tied to the magic of the storm. I think it's from Morfran's Book of Shadows."

A chill runs down my spine. "What does it say?"

"Only fragments. It's sustained too much damage but there are details of a ritual—a dark ritual that can summon storms, chaos…and something worse." Mavis's eyes lock onto mine, a grave warning. "And it's clear someone is trying to harness that power."

"Why would someone do that?" Kel asks, his voice tense. "And who?"

"Power, revenge, control," Ri answers, his gaze still fixed on me. "But it's targeting something, or someone, specific."

Mavis nods. "You, Swyn. The darkness wants you."

My heart races. "But why? I don't even know what kind of power I have! I come from a long line of fading witches, we're basically human at this point."

"We'll figure it out," Sol says, determination in his voice. "But we need to be ready. We can't let whatever this is catch us off guard."

I look around, their faces set with resolve, and I feel a flicker of hope.

"Okay. We need to protect each other. We have to stick together. I…I know it doesn't make any sense and it's way too soon to talk about feelings and forever and things, but I—I can't lose you."

The words spill out of me before I can stop them, and the silence that follows feels heavy, charged with an emotion that hangs in the air.

Sol steps closer, his warm eyes never leaving mine, while Kel's hand rests gently on my shoulder, grounding me, steadying me. Ri, though, stands just a few feet away, his expression unreadable, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if he's holding something back.

"We're not going anywhere," Sol says softly, his voice full of quiet reassurance. "You're not losing us."

His words wrap around me like a safety net, but I can still feel the tension in the air, especially with Mavis's warning lingering like a shadow over everything.

The storm wasn't just a freak accident. It was deliberate—targeted. And the idea that it's all aimed at me...I don't even know what to do with that. I don't feel special. I don't feel powerful. But somehow, I've become the centre of whatever chaos is coming.

Should I phone my mum back and ask for help? That would mean truly coming clean though. And can they even help? Would they have advice that can't be found in my family's Book of Shadows? Could they even get here in time?

"I don't understand," I say, shaking my head. "Why me? What makes me so important?"

Mavis gives me a look that's a mix of sympathy and something else—something darker.

"It's not about who you are now. It's about who you could become. Your bloodline might be fading, but there's still magic in you, child. Old magic. And someone out there wants to use it."

I swallow hard, the weight of her words pressing down on my chest. Old magic. My magic. I feel like I've spent my whole life trying to distance myself from it, trying to live as normally as I could.

Now, everything's shifting, crumbling in front of me, and there's no running away from it.

If gramps is right, the someone who wants to use it is Morfran himself. Should I tell them that?

Ri's voice cuts through the tension, low and serious. "We don't have time to waste. Whoever's behind this, they're not going to stop just because we're figuring things out. We need to be ready to fight."

"Agreed," Kel says, his eyes flashing with determination. "But first, we need to know what we're up against. Mavis, is there any more information you can get from that grimoire fragment?"

Mavis shakes her head, her expression grim. "Not without the rest of the book. Whoever took it knows exactly what they're doing. They've only left just enough behind to rattle us, not enough to stop them."

"So what do we do?" I ask, my voice sounding small, even to me.

Ri steps forward, finally breaking the distance between us. His gaze is intense, locking onto mine.

"We protect you. We find out who's behind this and we stop them before they can get to you. No matter what it takes."

For a moment, all I can do is stare at him. There's something fierce in his eyes, something protective and unyielding. It's the same pull I always have when he's near, the same magnetic force that's been growing ever since the night we met. But now it's layered with something more—something urgent, dangerous.

Sol shifts beside me, his hand brushing against mine, a silent offer of comfort. "We'll figure it out together," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "You're not alone in this."

I nod, but the fear still lingers in my chest. The weight of what's coming, the darkness looming on the horizon…it's a physical ache I can't shift. And as much as I want to believe we can handle it, there's a part of me that knows we're already out of our depth.

"Okay," I say, my voice shaky but determined. "Let's figure this out. Together."

Mavis steps back, giving us a nod of approval. "Good. You're going to need all the help you can get, child. This isn't going to be easy. But you've got something most witches don't."

"What's that?" I ask, my heart thudding in my chest.

She glances between Sol, Kel, and Ri, then back at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Loyalty. Strength. And love."

I open my mouth to argue with her - it's definitely too soon to be using the ‘L-word' but she cuts me off with a knowing smirk.

"Those boys of yours—they'll fight to the end for you. That's more powerful than any spell."

Her words sink in, and I feel a warmth spread through me despite the fear. She's right. I'm not in this alone. No matter how dark things get, I've got them. And that's something I can hold on to.

"Right. Let's get moving," Ri says, breaking the moment. "We've got work to do."

"Thanks, Mavis. Can you hold down the fort here?" Sol asks. "There's a stray dog in our flat that needs some attention." She nods and waves her hand in a ‘leave it with me' motion.

The four of us start to move as one, the tension easing, but the seriousness of the situation still weighing on us. As we walk, Sol catches my eye, giving me a reassuring smile that makes my heart flutter.

Kel nudges my shoulder with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood, and Ri… well, he's still brooding, but the protectiveness is radiating off him in waves.

Whatever's coming, we'll face it together. And somehow, that makes all the difference.