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That’s your strategy!?
I follow my instincts and search the shadows of the courtyard to where I feel my raven. You’re here to support me, not heckle me. If you have nothing nice to say, close your beak.
I refocus on unpacking my supplies and rid my mind of the panic and negativity from my raven.
The air is thick with the heady scent of herbs and magical ingredients, and I breathe it deep into my lungs. For the first time in days, my nerves flip from dread to excitement.
Mother Gaia is with us tonight.
Setting up the vials and jars I brought with me, I let my mind wander over the three potions I’ve been practicing. Are they unique enough?
I’m not sure they are.
I glance around at my four competitors. They seem very confident. Well, let the best witch win. Grand-Mère said the winner will be the witch with the strongest connection to Gaia, and that she will guide us.
Knowing that helps. I have faith in the goddess and in her plan. If it is her will that I win, I will win. If one of my sister witches is a better choice, then I will accept her as my priestess.
Fintan, Rune, and Elara have gone up to the second-floor balcony and are watching from above with the other spectators.
Thankfully, the crowd is smaller this time.
I smile up at Rune and Finn. Even with the tension between them and the worry of what’s going on with Sebastian, my vampire mates are here to support me. It means a lot.
Somewhere in the coven house, a clock strikes off the midnight hour. With each bong ringing off, more adrenaline pumps through my veins.
Elder Francine stands and holds out her arms. “The witching hour is upon us, ladies. Each of you are tasked with preparing one unique potion. Your creation will be graded based on uniqueness, potency, and functional use. When Miss Saint-Clair arrives, she will be given whatever time remains on the clock. May Gaia guide you. Good luck.”
The first few minutes are a buzz of excited energy, and I can’t decide which of my planned potions to start. I flip through my note cards and read them over for the millionth time.
Elixir of Sharp Wit: This potion sharpens mental acuity and enhances cognitive functions. Ideal for students or professionals facing demanding tasks, the elixir boosts concentration, memory, and quick thinking. Its effects last for about four to six hours, providing a significant edge during exams, meetings, or any situation requiring mental clarity.
It strikes me that maybe I should’ve taken this potion before tonight’s trials. Then, maybe, I wouldn’t be in such a dither. Too late now.
My second choice is an Everclean Draught: A practical potion for the home. This draught can be sprinkled on surfaces, instantly removing dirt, grime, and bacteria without the need for physical scrubbing. The effects will last until the next application, promoting a healthier, cleaner environment.
And then there’s my third idea.
Vigor Vial: A potion that enhances physical energy and endurance, perfect for those days filled with physical activities or when extra stamina is needed. Consuming this potion provides a burst of vitality that helps to combat fatigue and lethargy, enabling one to stay active and energetic throughout the day without the side effects of traditional stimulants.
All three are good, but are they great?
My palms are sweaty as Summer breezes into the courtyard and takes her place. She’s five minutes late, but you wouldn’t know it from her poised entrance. It’s as if the ticking clock doesn’t concern her in the slightest.
Boom!
I spin with my hands up, ready to defend. Only the thundering boom and subsequent crash behind me isn’t an attack. The creole woman beside Beatris has rushed her ingredients by turning her burner on too high and has blown things up quite spectacularly.
She looks mortified.
Elder Edith stands and steps to the edge of the dais. “Nadine? Everything all right?”
The moisture in her eyes catches in the moonlight. “I…uh, I burned up my moonlace petals. I needed them for the spell I’m making.”
Moonlace petals are harvested from a flower that only blooms under the light of a full moon and need to be picked at midnight to retain their ethereal essence. They are used in potions to enhance visions and facilitate communication with the spirit world.
I know because they were a big part of the mixture I used at the Dumont crypt tonight.
Reaching under my station, I grab my bag and pull out the jar of petals. “Here, I have some. You can start again. It’ll be fine.”
