I have power?
I can see it blasting out of you like a heat wave, handsome. Bet you attract the womenfolk like bees to honey.
I glanced around, but didnt catch sight of Libbys bright red hair. The womenfolk were attracted to me?
You bond with your soul mate yet? the witch asked.
Uh...no?
Good. Shell be pleased Ive found such a rareer, pleased to help you. You need to go to the sixteenth quarter.
Im not sure where that is. Im new to the city.
Yes, you are, arent you? Ill write it down for you. She hobbled over to her table, which was littered with crystal balls and vials of various potions, some marked for the low, low price. She handed me a paper with an address, then slapped a vial of dark substance onto my palm. Five euros.
Potions and magics were not my thing. I could get whatever I needed from Libbys arsenal of witchcraft supplies. And Id already secretly checked for angel cures and wing restorers only to be disappointed. I dont think I need whatever this is.
Oh, you do, or you wont be able to see the person you need to see. You rub this ointment under your eyes to see beyond this realm and into theirs.
You want me to look into another realm?
She nodded and held out her hand in wait of payment.
Having a few euros that Libby had tucked into my back pants pocket to buy whatever caught my eye, I paid the woman and she shoved me away as if my presence offended her.
I turned right into Libbys smiling yet wondering green eyes and discreetly shoved the vial into my shirt pocket before pulling her into a hug. Get everything you need?
Mostly. I have one more table I need to stop by that sells dragons breath. Wont take but ten minutes.
Ill wait for you here.
Cant wait to be back by your side, lover. She kissed my cheek, curling the heat to my skin as quickly as my smile. Youre so cute.
When she had left, I tugged out the vial and inspected the sparkly black contents. A glance to the elderly woman whod sold it to me found hermissing. Her table was no longer there.
Turning about, I wondered if Id mistaken her location, but I didnt see the odd white hair anywhere. She had been right there.
Witches, I muttered. They creep me out.
Save for the ones who planted skin-warming kisses on me. I did like kissing. Much better than vacuuming.
Ten minutes later, I had been compelled to listen to an elderly witchs explanation that she could bespell the frown from me (really? I didnt frown. Maybe? Hmm...), had watched a set of blonde twins perform allotriophagytheyd made each other spit up butterfliesand had decided that mugwort stank and I preferred frankincense as a scent.
Libbys boisterous voice carried above the hubbub of chatter. I noticed a thin dark-haired man approach her and lean in close. As he spoke, the frail and poor example of male touched her wrist.
Marching toward my red-haired goddess, my fingers curled tightly and my chest expanded. I growled. The man looked at me, gaped and stepped away from my woman.
Libby turned, and just as I swung up a fist to connect with the idiot who had touched her, she stopped me with a smack of her palm over my knuckles.
What are you doing? she asked forcefully. Reichardt?
He touched you. Had been close enough to kiss!
It was just a friendly touch. Hes not
I must defend your honor.
Monsieur, no... the man started.
Libby slid between me and the male witchwho cast me a snide look down his narrow nose. You cant go around punching witches, she said. Hell return with a blast of magic thatll send you across this room. Holster it, lover boy.
But...
Libbys stern gaze deflated my anger and made me feel as if everyone was watching my admonishment. I didnt want to look around to verify if that were true.