Chapter 5

CIRRUS

She's beautiful. Watching her from afar, I wait for her to notice me, but she seems to be in a pissed off mood about something.

No worries, I'll see her in New York.

There is something about Spells Hollow that's calling to me as much as her.

After our first kiss, she drew me in, and I've been trapped in her web like a willing spider.

I do have my suspicions about why that is, but I won't speak them out loud until I talk to her first.

If I'm wrong, it will just be a world of embarrassment and though I am no newbie to a scandal, my mother may choose to chop off my head if I bring one more to her door.

Exiting my rental truck, I head for the vending machines. This won't sate my hunger but it'll help the gnawing pain in my gut.

I am hungrier than a tadpole on a toadstool.

Looking over the meek selections, I end up choosing a bag of stale chips and a cold brew coffee.

Breakfast for champions right there.

Wynter passes me for the bathroom, but I know she doesn't notice me. I have a dark hoodie on, and the hood is pulled up and over my head, hiding my vibrant blue hair.

Humming, she continues on toward the ladies room and when I know the coast is clear, I watch her, making sure no one jumps out of the shadows.

After she's back in her car, snug as a bug in a rug on her makeshift bed, which is genius by the way, I finish my snack and continue my patrol while she sleeps.

Wish I could cuddle up with her and catch some shut eye myself. Fae don't need much shut eye but the more time I've spent in this realm, I've become accustomed to their culture.

Pulling out my phone, I scroll WitchTok for a little while, getting lost in the mindless dribble and potions.

Soon the sun is shining, and Wynter is pulling out of the parking lot. I'll follow her soon, but first I need to use the facilities and get another delicious bag of chips.

Leaving my truck, I head over to the vending machines once again and caress the buttons.

"Hello, good friend, may I please have E8," I coo to the lonely machine and wait.

Lost in my thoughts of imagining this bag of cheddar popcorn being a greasy bacon sandwich, I miss my brother sneaking up behind me and him muttering a spell to incapacitate me.

"You almost made this too easy, brother. Mother will be so disappointed," he scolds, snapping his finger and creating a portal.

His face is wrinkled with stress lines, and his hair is no longer a vibrant pink. I give him a glare and sigh.

"It wouldn't be the first time and probably won't be the last, Grule."

He frowns and shakes his head. "I don't get you, Cirrus. I would give anything to have your life. To be the born ruler of Kasgalda. Why run away from such a destiny? You will be a king!"

I can't fight the laughter from escaping my lips. "Oh, brother, I will never be a king. I will be a prisoner chained to the throne." Shaking my head with how miserable the thought of being royalty makes me, he sighs, grabs my arm and drags me through the portal.

When we reach the front steps of our home, I groan. "I have plans, Gru. I can't be stuck here right now. Can't you tell Mother that you never found me?"

Gru looks at the door and back to me. "You really don't want to be king?"

My eyes widen, and my mouth purses.

"Geeze, what gave it away," I snark, watching as his nostrils flare with annoyance. Sighing, I nod. "I don't want to be trapped here in Kasgalda. I want to stay in the mortal realm."

He's quiet for a minute, and I'm about to just give in to my fate when he surprises me.

Pulling my arm, he makes another portal. This one leading to a cave we used to play in as kids.

"If you want off the throne then you must marry someone. I heard once that if you are wedded outside of Kasgalda then you can never live here for eternity."

My heart begins to race, and I know my face resembles one podperson. Or maybe a Golden Retriever would be a better example.

"Why are you helping me, Gru? You have always been Mother's spy. Hunting me like I'm a prized ham at the county fair."

"If you don't take the throne then maybe Mother will ask me. I have no qualms with staying. I love it here. It's my home."

Muttering a spell, I'm finally released from the invisible shackles and I groan, moving my limbs about.

"Take it, Gru. Now send me back to my truck. I have a prickly possum to track down."

WYNTER

Pulling up to the motel, I yawn. My eyes burn and I'm regretting not stopping at a hotel for just a few hours.

I shut the engine off, and my car thanks me. I got a notification a little while ago about the engine being on for five hours straight.

I usually only make it three, but I was determined this last leg to just get here.

It's early morning now, and I really just need a nap and a shower. As I unbuckle my seatbelt the front door opens and one of the hottest men I have ever seen steps outside.

Dark hair with a natural wave and a body that has me wanting to drop to my knees and give him anything he wants. Damn.

Opening my door slowly, I grab my bag and climb out. He looks me over, then offers me his hand with a grunt .

"I'm Adria, manager of the Roadside Motel. You must be Wynter?"

I give him a quick shake. As our skin touches, I instantly know he's not human, but he doesn't give me any bad vibes so there's that.

"Yes, that's me." Releasing my hand he nods and holds the door open for me.

"I'll have someone grab your bags. Let's get you checked in. It may shock you but we don't get many visitors here and this past week we have received multiple reservations."

I follow him over to a small wooden counter and he types something into a computer that's seen better days.

We made some chit-chat but nothing substantial. I'm exhausted and just wanting a bed.

Handing me a key, I give him a smile, then yawn.

"Breakfast is served at seven sharp. Mavis doesn't take requests so if you have any dietary restrictions I suggest making a stop at the Walmart you passed about an hour back."

"Seven sounds good. Thanks."

"There's a diner across the street. They usually have some good specials for dinner. What brings you here? Business or pleasure?"

Pulling out my wallet, I give him my credit card.

"I'm here to see Spells Hollow."

"Oh, you're one of them then. Well, hate to tell you this, but you wasted a trip. It's just a bunch of wasteland and bad omens. Most people that go into that town don't return or if they do they are never the same."

I'm nodding along as he speaks and I know he can tell he's not going to change my mind.

"I'll take my chances. You're not the only one with hidden secrets," I whisper just for him to hear, and he grunts.

"Be that as it may, beware the woods and the wolves."

"Got it. Thanks."

Without another word, I leave and walk down the lit sidewalk to room Nine, ready for a long nap.

When I wake up, I'm stunned to see that it's dark outside. So much for me visiting the town today.

I'd only planned to take a small nap. My stomach cramps, reminding me that I haven't eaten anything substantial in a few days.

Grabbing my phone, I groan. It's dead. I was so exhausted I didn't even grab my charger from the car.

Mumbling a tiny spell, I conjure up a fast charging pad, then lay my phone on top and walk to the bathroom.

This place isn't half bad. The bed was comfortable and it has a small sitting area with a stove.

Maybe I will make a quick trip to Walmart, just so Mavis doesn't need to cook all my meals… Though I'm sure the diner would work too, and I haven't checked out the gas station.

Maybe I can get a few groceries there.

When I enter the bathroom, I cringe. Okay, it looks like someone is stuck in the past here.

At least it has a shower. Even if it is inside a green bathtub. The shower curtain is plastic and covered in seashells, but it'll do the trick.

Turning the water on, I leave it running for a second, grabbing my shower bag and a pair of clothes, then return.

The days of sweat and grime leave my body, thanks to the hot water and my blackberry soap.

I feel fresh and renewed as I wrap a towel around my long hair. I prefer to air dry and it's not like anyone is around to see me walking in the buff.

I'd curse them if they did.

Getting dressed, I grab my Ouija board out of my suitcase and light a few candles.

I keep waiting for another vision to come. To tell me exactly what I need to do in Spells Hollow, but the spirits seem quiet tonight.

Maybe in the morning when I enter the town something will happen. Checking my now fully charged phone, I read my missed messages and answer Halee.

She's freaking out about not hearing from me all day. It's too late now to call so I reassure her, send a selfie proving that I'm alive and tell her I'll call in a few hours.

Putting the board and candles away, I grab my Kindle, conjure up some food, which is never very good, and curl up on my bed.

It's quiet due to the hour, but I can hear faint howls in the wind outside. I'll have to be careful exploring. Don't need to become some wild animal's lunch.

I read for a little bit, getting lost in someone else's drama always does the trick, soon the sun is shining, and I have to pee.

Getting up, I use the bathroom and get ready for today.

Opting for a pair of jeans and zip up hoodie with a crop top underneath, I grab my purse, phone and room key.

When I open the door, I notice a few more cars around and a bright colored van, getting gas at the station.

Locking the motel door behind me, I decide to walk over to the diner. The weather is nice this morning, and I may not need my hoodie afterall.

Checking the road, I look both ways, even though no one is nearby, then cross the street.

An elderly woman exits the front door and gives me a smile. She's wearing a tight leather skirt and a red tank-top.

I'm a little caught off guard by her outfit, but who am I to judge?

"Good morning," I say as we pass each other and she stops, giving me a thorough once over.

"So you must be Wynter. I'd expected to see you this morning, but I guess being awake half the night you decided to sleep in."

Ummm what?

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Oh, I'm Mavis. My room is next to yours and the walls are like paper. Keep that in mind if you decide to shake any beds. But I best be off. I'll see you around dear."

I watch as she crosses the road back to the motel, and I'm still trying to process who Mavis is when Adria comes out the door.

Or I think it's him? He has a different energy than last night, and he doesn't even stop to say hello.

He's lost in his phone, typing away and walks past me without a word.

Um, rude much? Ugh, I'm too hungry to deal with assholes right now.

"How was everything, hon?" Liv, my waitress asks. Stacking my plates, I hand them to her with a smile.

"Delicious. I have never had apple pie French toast before, but I am a huge fan now."

"I'll be sure to tell the chef. It's one of my favorites too. Let me get your check, and then you can be on your way." She walks off, and I look out the window. This town is seriously small, but I'm starting to like it.

"Here ya go, hon." Liv drops off my check, and I stop her from leaving.

"Hey, do you know how to get to Spells Hollow? Google maps didn't have a lot of information."

"Oh, sweetie, you don't want to go there." She looks around to see if anyone is listening before sitting in the booth across from me and pulling out her order pad.

She draws me a map and slides it back to me with a smirk. "Have fun," she whispers, then takes my check and card before walking off.

When she comes back with my card I grab my purse, slip out of the booth and head for the door. Ruth, Liv's sister, grabs my hand as I pass her.

"Don't go to Spells Hollow. Beware the woods and the wolves and the man with the mask."

Before I can ask her what she means, she rushes off, and Liv is glaring at her back. When she catches me looking, she shoots me a big smile and waves.

Yeah, that wasn't suspicious at all.