Page 43 of Potions & Prejudice


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Morty tapped her chin with her long nails. “Up until your parents died, the Darkstone Manor was decked out every year for a ball to celebrate Marhloth.”

The holiday that marked when the very first Witch Superior won thewars against the vampires and werewolves, kicking them out of our realm and establishing the official Witchlands.

“Your grandmother even made an occasional appearance and kicked up her feet.”

I snorted, unable to imagine my grandmother doing anything as joyous as dancing.

“I don’t dance,” I said.

I knew about these balls, but I’d never attended, always too busy with work.

Georgie’s eyes brightened. “A dance?”

I rubbed my temples. “We really need to be going?—”

“Can we throw a ball? I miss them.” Georgie pressed her hands together. “And maybe we could invite Grandmother to come?”

This was exactly what I’d been trying to avoid. I turned my hard stare on Morty, and to her credit, she didn’t flinch. “I don’t have the time to throw some silly ball.”

Morty tapped her chin. “Well, I’m sure you don’t have to do it all alone.”

“I’d love to go to a ball,” Elm said, his gaze on something in the distance. “You know, that’s exactly what Thistlegrove needs right now.”

“I can help plan!” Georgie said, her eyes pleading.

“So can I!” Edgar’s wings flapped faster. “I have excellent organizational skills.”

“I can help too,” Morty said. “I have a lot more time on my hands now that I’m retired. Plus that big empty manor could use a little life. With you staying in that small apartment over your tavern, the manor barely gets used.”

This was turning into a headache, but Georgie looked so hopeful at the idea. It was the most excited I’d seen her in a long time.

“Fine,” I relented. “We can throw the damn ball.”

Georgie squealed and threw her arms around my neck. I stiffened, then relaxed into the hug, squeezing her tight.

“Now let’s go look at that dress you have your eye on.” Morty offered her arm, and before I could protest, Georgie looped hers through it and they were off.

“Fuck me,” I said as Elm came up next to me.

“I thoughtshe was lovely,” Edgar said. “Less grumpy than some people I know.” His eyes flitted to me, and he gave a nervous laugh.

We followed behind Morty and Georgie toward the dress stand.

“Elm! Draven!” a voice called. One that instantly grated on my nerves.

I turned to see Elspeth Moonflower waving at me. Adelaide and Thea Moonflower stood beside her behind a small table with bowls and spoons sitting on top of it. Steam curled into the air over a bubbling cauldron. I sniffed, a delicious, earthy scent wafting toward me.

Elspeth waved, a strained smile plastered on her face while Thea ladled soup into bowls for waiting customers, serving them with a side of thick crusty bread.

“Adelaide,” Elm said, striding forward before I could stop him.

My jaw locked as I followed.

“Hi,” Elspeth said from behind the table. I looked behind me, wondering who she was talking to, but there was no one there. I whirled around. She stared at me expectantly. “It’s nice to see you,” she said quickly.

“It is?” I asked slowly. “Even after I beat you at moon ball last night?”

“Do I need to hide?” Edgar asked.