Page 102 of Seas the Reckoning

Starla just shakes her head.

“A cold Alabama summer is even less likely.”

“You are truly useless.”

“Funny you should say that. Did you know that breaking Leena’s curse might mean our family’s ability will return? What do you think, should I try it out on you and see what happens?”

He pales, watching her fingers dance with sparks.

Starla frowns.

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t waste my time. I have just one more thing to say to you. You may have powerful friends, but I have people I trust around me. You want to come for me? You’ll never get close. My friends will make sure of it. I don’t care what the Magikai decide to do with you, but I really, really hope you have the life you deserve. Although I sure as heck won’t be there to see it.”

“Have what you need?” I ask.

“Sure do,” Starla confirms.

She spins on her heel, walking away hand in hand with Exos. The councilman screams after her.

“You little ingrate! Get back here, or I’ll⁠—”

Grammy Pearl brings her rabbit cane down on his head with more force than anyone would credit the old witch with having. His eyes roll as he falls to the ground unconscious. Grammy puts a hand over her mouth.

“Oh dearie me, you did say we were done fighting. I didn’t mean to hit him quite so hard. An accident, of course.”

I roll my eyes.

“Of course.”

“Well, best be catching up to my granddaughter, and also helping Shanell with this mess. A coven leader’s duties are never done.” She totters across the sands, humming happily to herself.

I let out a deep breath.

“Ready for things to go back to normal?” Jackal asks.

I’m not even sure I know what that is anymore. Months ago, I would have said running my dive company, wishing for a dog I was never going to get, happily being friends with Starla while quietly regretting that I had no other social circle, and worrying about anything and everything.

I still ruminate on things, and I will never stop worrying.

But I’m out here living my life, and I have people to support me through even the hardest situations.

“Ready to move forward together,” I say.

We turn to leave the beach, and I’m more than happy to allow the Magikai to clean up the remaining mess.

There’s a groan behind us, then a growl.

I turn to see Claude, on his knees and then rising to his feet.

My jaw drops. There’s no way he could fight my song, surely.

I’m too busy questioning how he’s managing it for my instincts to warn me of the danger in time. The warlock’s whole form glows with magic as he channels his key, running toward me at full-strength with his hands reaching for my neck.

Jackal’s fur rips across him with a speed I’ve never seen. The hyena leaps for his throat.

37

MERRY CHRISTMAS PLANS