Page 52 of Violet

“I was at the campus library at college, studying late.” I take us back to that fateful night almost one year ago. “There was this little hidden alcove I liked, and I don’t think the librarian noticed me when he was locking up.

“I had my earbuds in and I must have fallen asleep, because next thing I knew, it was dark and there was no one around.

“The full moon was shining through one of the upstairs windows, illuminating the statue on the second floor. And the three figures—all dressed in black—gathered around it.”

I feel myself grow tense, and Liam gives my thigh a gentle squeeze. I think he means to offer support, but all he does is cause heat to travel up my leg straight to my core.

He seems to realize how high up his hand is, because he jerks back a second later, and I swear there’s a light blush tinging his cheeks.

“Were they witches?” Bert asks impatiently. “The people around the statue?”

I nod. “It was actually kind of funny at first. The statue was this little penguin, arms outstretched, holding a globe, and the three witches were copying it.

“I knew they were casting a spell, but I didn’t think it was anything serious. A dare. Maybe some sort of ritual for the local coven.

“I didn’t want to interrupt, so I took out my headphones and watched. Nothing happened at first. I actually started to wonder if maybe they were a human cult praying to their penguin god—or whatever human cults do—when I saw a purple light emanating from their fingertips.

“I don’t know how long they stood like that before the penguin’s globe suddenly opened. One of the witches stepped forward...” I cringe at the memory, “and he removed a glowing orb from inside. The globe closed, and I figured that was it. They were done, now they’d leave.”

I shake my head.

“I was actually excited to have a story to tell my roommate,” I add with a self-deprecating laugh. “She always said I needed to get out more. Have some fun, instead of spending all my time at the library.”

“There’s nothing wrong with spending all your time at the library,” Violet clucks.

All three of her guys nod in approval. So does Liam, which makes me smile.

“I know there isn’t, Violet. But at the time, I wanted to impress her. I think I even wished I’d taken a picture. Maybe if I had, I could have gone to the cops.”

“Why didn’t you go to the cops?” Bert asks, like the idea is unfathomable.

“She’s getting there, dear.” Violet pats his hand affectionately. “Go on, Violet.”

“Right... so the witch holding the orb raised it and started casting. Then, purplish-black magic shot out, and it... it turned his companions to dust.”

Liam tenses next to me.

“I must have made some noise, because he spun around to look at me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget his face, or the crazed look in his eyes.”

“Can you describe him?” Liam, ever the cop, asks.

“Blond shaggy hair, long, narrow nose, and a scar right here.” I touch the spot above my right eyebrow. “Well, actually, he was facing me. So I guess here.” I move my hand above my left eyebrow instead. “And I think one of the other witches called him ‘Raicus,’ but I was never sure.”

“I haven’t seen anyone who fits that description around town,” Bert says, glancing at Liam, who shakes his head. “But we could put out an APB.”

“You should let Violet finish her story first, Bert, dear,” my friend tells him.

“Very well,” he nods, and I continue.

“He pointed the orb at me and started to cast, so I fled. If I were human, I don’t think I would have gotten away. As it is, it was a close call.”

“What happened?” Liam demands, gripping my hand tightly in his.

“I shifted into a rat.” I shrug. “There were a few of them living in my dorms—rat shifters, I mean—and they loved shifting in the kitchen and scaring the humans.”

“Good thing, too,” Violet chimes in. “Because he was shooting at her.”

Liam lets out a throaty growl.