Hedge Witch Diaries Complete Series Boxed Set, page 58
“This curse is killing me, Briar,” Dorian muttered, his breath ragged. “Even fighting alongside you all was pure agony.”
I turned to look at him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes.
“I’m not sure how much more I can take,” he whispered. His voice broke, and he dropped his head in his hands.
My heart shattered seeing him like this. I had to dig deep to find some glimmer of hope.
“We’ll get through this,” I told him, grasping his hand. “After the veil is healed, we’ll figure the rest out. I promise.”
Dorian lifted his head, meeting my gaze. The ghost of a smile crossed his lips. He squeezed my hand back gently. We sat in silence again, drawing strength from each other.
“First, we heal the veil, then we get out of here,” I stated suddenly. “Out of this town. You and me.”
Dorian turned to look at me, surprise in his eyes.
“We could start over somewhere new. Leave all this behind.”
Dorian sighed, a sad smile on his face. “That’s not fair to you, Briar. You have a life here.”
I shook my head adamantly. “My life is with you now. I don’t care where we go as long as we’re together.”
Dorian opened his mouth to respond when a brilliant glow filled the warehouse. I shielded my eyes against the blinding light.
A familiar voice boomed. “Well said, Isis.”
The light receded, and I blinked to see Ra standing before us.
“What are you doing here?” I asked warily. Dorian tensed beside me.
“There is an unfinished matter we must attend to.” Ra’s gaze burned into mine.
I glanced at Dorian nervously. “What do you mean?”
“The two of you must be joined in sacred matrimony,” Ra declared. “You cannot heal the veil otherwise. It will have the added benefit of breaking Dorian’s curse.”
My mouth fell open in shock. I looked at Dorian, heart hammering. Was I ready for this?
Dorian met my wide-eyed stare and gave a slight nod. He was ready. And with him by my side, so was I.
I inhaled deeply and turned back to Ra. “All right. I’m ready.”
Dorian moved to stand beside me. “As am I.”
Ra’s stern face softened into a smile. “Excellent. Join hands, my children.”
I laced my fingers through Dorian’s, pulse racing. His hand was warm and solid. Comforting.
Ra lifted his staff. “With the power vested in me by, well, me, I declare this couple bonded in holy matrimony. Through this union, may your curses be broken and your destinies aligned.”
He brought the staff down with a thud that seemed to reverberate through my bones. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
I turned to Dorian, heart swelling. His eyes locked with mine, more vulnerable than I’d ever seen them. He cupped my face gently and pressed his lips to mine.
Warmth flooded through me at the contact. For a blissful moment, nothing else existed but Dorian’s kiss.
When we finally broke apart, Ra lifted his hands. “May the gods bless this union. Use your bond wisely to heal the veil between worlds and to protect the Earth forevermore.”
I tilted my head, still giddy from the kiss. “So, this marriage will give us the power to heal the veil together?”
Ra nodded. “It will indeed. The consummation of your bond will unleash magic potent enough to mend the tear.”
I laughed. “Consummation, huh? Not sure you know what that means, old man.”
Ra chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. “I’m well aware of the modern implications, my dear. In this case, I speak of the metaphysical consummation. The full realization of your mystical union.”
“Ah, gotcha.” I winked at Dorian. “Plenty of time for the other kind later.”
Before Ra could respond, a commotion at the warehouse entrance drew our attention. Sydney hurried in, her arms full of cloth bags and vials.
“I’ve got the goods!” she called. Behind her followed Gareth, Aiden, Charlie, and over a dozen women in dark robes. Witches from the Morai coven.
I blinked in surprise as Sydney dumped the ingredients at my feet. “I thought we could use some extra magical oomph, so I brought help.” She jerked her thumb at the assembled witches.
“Yeah, there’s no way we’re lettin’ you fix this veil thing alone,” Gareth added, stepping forward.
Aiden bobbed his head eagerly. “We’re here for ya, sis.”
I looked between their determined faces, heart swelling. “You guys…thank you.”
Ra folded his arms, nodding in approval. “Well, then. Shall we proceed?”
I turned to Dorian and squeezed his hand, ready to embrace our destiny together. “Let’s do this.”
Sydney began passing out bundles of herbs, crystals, and vials of viscous liquid to the Morai witches. “Okay, ladies, let’s make some magic!”
The witches formed a circle on the warehouse floor. At Sydney’s direction, they simultaneously crushed the herbs and crystals in their fists, chanting in an ancient tongue. Wisps of colored smoke rose from their hands, filling the air with sweet aromas.
I felt the power building as the witches released the essences into the circle. The carved runes glowed, etching the floor in shimmering light.
“Now, channel your energy into the circle!” I commanded.
The witches thrust their hands downward. Streams of pure magical force flowed from their fingertips. Runes appeared on the floor, geometric patterns with intersecting lines. The entire place thrummed with mystical energy.
Dorian and I stepped into the center of the circle with our hands still clasped. Our feet aligned with the central rune, etched with the symbol of infinity.
While looking into Dorian’s eyes, I drew on my ancient magic. Not only what Ra gave me, or even what came from my past life, but my own.
Together, we focused the swirling magic into a shimmering veil only we could see. I visualized the torn, golden fabric and willed our combined power to knit it back together. The tear slowly mended before my mind’s eye, the veil becoming whole once more.
The air crackled a final time as the last of the magic faded away. I exhaled, leaning into Dorian.
“It’s done,” I announced. “The veil is mended.”
Dorian smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “We did it, love.”
I nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of exhaustion from expending so much mystical energy. Using ancient magic always took its toll.
A harsh caw echoed through the warehouse, making us all jump. A raven burst from a broken window, its inky wings spread wide.
My heart dropped into my stomach. “The Morrigan.”
“The Phantom Queen?” Sydney gasped.
I watched the raven disappear into the night sky. “She knows the veil is repaired. She won’t wait long to make her next move.”
Dorian’s arm wrapped around me. “Then we’ll be ready for her.”
The others nodded, determination in their eyes.
Ra stepped forward, the light of the full moon reflecting on his pale skin. “You all have done a great thing here tonight. I have faith that you will be able to stand against whatever this foreign goddess has planned.” He looked at me and Dorian in turn before continuing.
“My time on this plane is up, but my spirit will always be with you,” he stated before he faded away.
I watched as he disappeared, tears streaming down my face. I barely knew him—as Briar, anyway. As Isis, he and I had a long and complicated history. Still, what mattered most wasn’t the past. It was the present and the future. Ra had given us so much. A mission, a purpose, and most of all, hope for the future. None of that would have happened without my friends. Without my witches. Hedges, Morai, and druid alike.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The clang of a bell snapped me to attention. “Order up, Briar!” Aiden called as he slapped two more patties on the grill. The sizzle and smell of burgers on the flattop always got my stomach growling.
I hustled over and grabbed the overflowing plates. A double bacon cheeseburger with extra fries for the couple in the back booth and a chicken salad sandwich with a pickle spear the old-timer in the John Deere cap wanted.
I delivered the food and topped off some iced teas on my way back to the bar. Charlie was leaning across the worn wood as Grace chatted him up about who knows what. Those two could babble all day if you let ‘em.
In the corner booth, Dorian, Gareth, and Sydney passed a pitcher of Bud Light between them. I still couldn’t quite wrap my mind around that trio. They used to be enemies, my new hubby and Gareth. Sydney was a go-between for a while, but she was Morai at the end of the day. However, we’d all been through hell and back lately. I guessed near-death experiences had a way of bringing people together.
“How’s it going over here?” I asked, dropping more napkins on their table. “Need a refill?”
“I think we’re set for now.” Gareth’s Ken-doll face looked relaxed for once. “Thank you, Briar.”
I gave them a dimpled smile before moving on.
I was heading back behind the bar when the front door swung open, and in marched Deputy Jones with a few other uniforms behind him. The chatter in the place quieted a notch as all eyes turned their way. Par for the course whenever cops showed up.
Jonesy went directly to Charlie, and they talked across the bar. I hovered nearby, wiping down the bar top, keeping an ear turned in their direction. After a minute, Charlie looked over and called, “Briar, can you step into my office for a minute?”
I nodded, my stomach tightening. Jonesy gave me a polite tip of his hat as I came around the bar. Charlie led the way, and we filed into his small, cluttered office behind the kitchen.
“What’s this about?” I asked, leaning against the wall opposite Charlie’s desk.
Jonesy removed his hat and met my eyes. “I wanted to come by and apologize formally. I know you and your friends had something to do with resolving our…problem. The sheriff and I agreed to keep it quiet officially, but I wanted you to know I appreciate whatever you did.”
I studied his face, looking for any hint of insincerity, but he seemed earnest. “I’m just glad it’s over,” I finally told him.
Jonesy nodded. “Well, if anything else strange comes up, I hope you’ll consider assisting us again.”
I blinked in surprise. “Well, that’s a change in policy. You want me to help the police?”
Jonesy nodded. “The sheriff’s department. The local police aren’t entirely in the loop.”
I shrugged. “Police. Sheriffs. Six of one, you know.”
Jonesy cleared his throat. “Not really, but that doesn’t matter. The point is, it seems you have a knack for handling the weird cases. Honestly, we’ve been in over our heads. This is more than we can deal with alone, and I get the sense more of those are coming our way.”
I chewed my lip. Teaming up with the cops was not something I’d ever envisioned for myself.
“I appreciate the offer,” I remarked slowly. “I’d be happy to lend a hand when I can.”
Jonesy broke into a grin and pulled something from his pocket. “Glad to hear it.” He handed me a shiny silver badge.
I turned it over in my palm. “Deputy Witch, huh?” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I like the sound of that.”
Jonesy tipped his hat again. “You let me know if you need anything. We’ll be in touch.”
After he left, Charlie looked at me and laughed. “Well, ain’t that something. Who’d have thought?”
I sighed, tucking the badge into my apron pocket. “With the Morrigan still out there planning the gods know what, I suspect I’ll have my hands full soon enough.”
Charlie pulled me into a quick hug. “You know I’m always here for you. Whatever you need.”
I gave him a grateful smile before pulling away. “Right now, I need to get back to my customers. I think table six is waiting on their burgers.”
Charlie waved me off. “Go on then, Deputy. Right now, you’re still Deputy Waitress. Serve tables and protect.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help grinning as I headed back to the bar.
I weaved through the crowded tables, my head still spinning from the unexpected turn of events. Who would’ve thought my chaotic life would lead me down such an official path?
I glanced at Dorian, Gareth, and Sydney, still chatting and laughing in their corner booth. Part of me wished I could join them, share a pitcher of beer, and decompress. Yet duty called in more ways than one now.
Table nine flagged me down, ready to order another round. I plastered a cheerful smile on my face and got back to work, pushing thoughts of the Morrigan and my new “job” to the back of my mind.
“What can I get for y’all?” I asked, pulling out my order pad.
The middle-aged couple rattled off their requests, which I jotted down quickly. As I turned to put in their order, I felt a chill run down my spine. Outside, on one of the porch rails overlooking the lake, was a raven.
The Morrigan was watching. Biding her time.
I headed out the door, but as I approached, she spread her wings and flew away.
As I stood there, watching her disappear into the distance, a strange feeling washed over me. It was as if I could feel her presence lingering in the air. I shook my head, trying to clear my mind, but the feeling persisted.
Suddenly, a hand fell on my shoulder. I spun to see Dorian standing behind me with concern etched on his face.
“Briar, are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
I shook my head. “It’s that damned Morrigan. She’s watching us. She still thinks I owe her, but you know, she didn’t do what we agreed.”
“She did help us, though. Back in the underworld.”
“Yeah, but that wasn’t the deal.”
Dorian nodded and placed a hand on my back. “We’ve handled worse, you know. You kicked Set’s ass. We thwarted a zombie apocalypse. How much worse could it be?”
I drew a deep breath. “You’re right. Whatever she’s up to, whenever she plays her hand, I’ll be ready.”
AUTHOR NOTES: THEOPHILUS MONROE
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
I know you’re worried about me. After I told you I’d stepped on a nail (see the author notes at the end of Lady of the Lake) I was a little hobbled for a while. But now I’m good…
It is well, it is well… with my sole.
Ok, I’ve been holding on to that one for a while. Dad jokes are afoot! (sorry). I can feel the groans already vibrating back at me through my keyboard.
Now that I’ve assuaged your worries about my minor injury, I’m going to write a little about how it’s important to take a “pause” every now and again. A little time to reflect, recharge, and enjoy life.
I’ve decided to take a short “break” on writing. Just through the holidays.
Over the last four years, I’ve written a lot of books. I have a few in the queue, ready to go, so most readers won’t notice a huge decline in the frequency of my releases, but this is the last book I had ready for this series.
I have enough books out there that I can afford a break. What’s life worth if we’re always “working” to get where we want to go but never stop to appreciate how far we’ve come?
There’s always a chance that life will pass us by while we spend our entire lives trying to build for a future that we’ll never enjoy—because even then, we’ll be caught up in the addiction to “progress,” to achieving “more” that we fail to appreciate what we’ve worked for.
I have three young boys at home. So, this holiday season, I’m spending my time with them. Less time behind a keyboard. It won’t be long before the “magic” of the holidays is lost on my kids, and I don’t want to miss it.
Chances are, I’ll write a bit on break. I’m a writer. I can’t just turn that part of me off. But I’ll probably write less for production and more for the pure enjoyment of it. I’ll write when the muse strikes, not when my schedule tells me it’s time.
But I will be back, recharged, and ready to fill your e-reader in the new year.
The question I have for you is this: Do you want more Briar Bloom?
The first two books sold better than I expected. The series is a little different from my other series. There’s more romance at the center of the story, and the setting isn’t urban. But if there’s a part of this series I’ve enjoyed the most, it’s the Ozarks milieu. It’s one of my favorite places to be, so it makes sense I’d have fun writing a story there.
So, if you want more from the Hedge Witch Diaries, let us know! You can do so in a review, by dropping a note on our Facebook pages, or by shooting an e-mail my way.
-Theo
AUTHOR NOTES: MICHAEL ANDERLE
DECEMBER 6, 2023
First off, thank you from the depths of my overactive mind for joining Theophilus and myself in yet another written adventure. And a special shoutout to those of you who've stuck around for these author notes—it's like the secret track at the end of an old CD, and you're the cool kids who found it.
Walking in Theophilus's Shoes... and Why I Can't Sit Still
So, here's a confession: Much like Theophilus from his latest escapade, I'm relentlessly driven to forge ahead. The act of stopping to smell the proverbial roses? I'm not great at it.
There's this annoying feeling that if I pause for even a moment, the ferocious beast of the future now will trample me underfoot. Publishing waits for no one, and in this digital age, neither does writing.
But here's the rub—I can sense the toll it's taking.
Both body and soul are waving little white flags, signaling a need for respite. I'm in Cabo San Lucas as I write this, a place where time seems to saunter, and the biggest decision of the day is whether to have fish or shrimp tacos. Theoretically, it's the perfect spot to recharge. Go out, walk amongst the sand and sea ... Get healthy, you know?
And yet, the mere thought of 'exercise for the sake of health' has me lumping it into the work category. I mean, if we're being honest, walking feels a lot like effort, and I've convinced myself I'm on a break from that particular four-letter word, right?
