Jules finds us over by the food truck. “Holy shit, Dani! You look like a smoke show! And you…” she pulls Amelia in for a kiss and runs her hands down her body. Amelia giggles and blushes as she kisses Jules back.
I smile. I am truly happy for them both. Maybe it won’t be so bad if Jules knows everything. I just wish, maybe, I had told her.
For a while, Jules, Amelia, and I walk around the festival, drinking from the flask and sharing a joint.
Many people are dressed in elaborate witchy costumes, with flowing robes, pointed black hats, and glittering accessories. Their belief in Octavia’s powers and the blessing she has bestowed upon the town is fucking comical.
Stalls and tents are set up throughout the square, each brimming with magical props, colorful crystals, and spellbooks. Local artisans and vendors showcase their crafts, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to ingredients for charms and potions. As we pass, Amelia buys a few things here and there.
The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of sage and incense as townsfolk engage in spell-casting demonstrations and share ancient wisdom about the earth’s and rain’s powers.
As a gesture of gratitude, some of the cult members of Keepers of the Mist present offerings to the bitch-witch, laying down flowers, herbs, and handcrafted tokens at a, dare I say, beautifully adorned altar. The offerings are seen as a way to ensure that Misty Hollow continues to be blessed with life-giving rain, even though whispers linger among some that the rain might have come with a hidden curse. Those people are absolutely correct.
You’d think that, by now, the townsfolk would understand that the ceaseless drizzle every single day isn’t beneficial for the crops or the vibrant flowers they diligently nurture and display. You’d think they would realize that their crops do so poorly because of the rain. The incessant downpour ends up drowning the overall health of the plants and impacts the aesthetic appeal they all obsess over.
This town is cursed, thanks to Octavia, and it irritates me that people celebrate her.
Amelia elbows me, “Chill out, Dani. Enjoy yourself.” She winks and hands me the joint, and I take a few puffs, immediately feeling better.
Performers entertain the crowds with songs and dances, weaving tales of the witch’s legendary deeds. All around us, group rituals occur, where participants join hands, chant incantations, and create a symphony of magical energy under the canopy of stars. Jules and Amelia take my hand, and we spin around in a circle, mocking everyone.
I take another swig of Jules’ whiskey. I feel buzzed, and my nerves dance around in my belly as I think about tonight.
Where are the guys, anyway?
“Hey, I’m gonna go use the ladies room,” I say. The girls almost don’t hear me as their eyes glint with lust between their shared kisses.
I refuse to use the disgusting port-a-potty. The Irish bar is right there, so I walk in to use the bathroom. Jason, the owner, never minds when I do that since I am a loyal customer.
I take care of business and then re-apply my red lipstick. I smile to myself when I think about how this is the place I met Adonis for the first time.
“And here I thought you were growing tired of me,” His deep voice startles me, and I jump back.
“Jesus fuck, Adonis! You scared the piss out of me!” I slap his chest. He takes a step back and eyes me up and down. “My gods, woman. You are breathtaking. Spin for me.”
I do as I’m told.
Adonis sucks in a sharp breath, and before I can turn back to face him, he is pushing himself against me.
He traces his large, calloused hand down my bare arm. “We just got here, but I’m ready to take you home, if you are.” His smooth voice sends a thrill through my body, and I’m covered in goosebumps.
I turn to face him and slowly push him against the wall. “Not yet. Let’s have one drink with the girls, and then we can return to your place. I have something I want to do with the three of you.”
“I’m intrigued,” he says as he moves my hair from my face and tucks a strand behind my ear.
In my stilettos, I’m taller, but Adonis still towers over me. I grab the back of his head and pull his mouth to mine.
He breaks our kiss and holds my chin in his hand. “Such a beautiful woman you are. My mate.”
My heart falls to my ass. I’ve never heard Adonis call me his mate. All I want to do in this moment is please him. Show him how much of a god he truly is.
I want to worship him.
“Fuck it,” I say and fall to my knees. I unzip his pants and pull them down before he can even utter a word.
“May I?” I ask before I pull his briefs down. I look up at him with my thick eyelashes.
Adonis sucks in a breath.
