the sun before the burn

It’s the well trained thing I don’t like. Bunch of squares. 

There used to be. Shit changes when the pack starts looking more like house pets I guess. You look familiar. 

Shit’s way too quiet for post-full moon. 

A blue moon on All Hallows Eve. The moon boosts all magic and the holiday blurs the boundary between realms, lining up to create the perfect storm for exactly one witch. It’s been nineteen years since the last time; nineteen until the next one, too. Wren was just a child, but she still remembers the electric feeling of that night, a hit of an exotic drug. It was more power than she had ever felt. Somewhere in her subconscious, she’s been planning for this night for nearly two decades.

Wren catches glimpses of ghosts all the time. Sometimes they even decide to stick around, real and solid for only her viewing pleasure. Mostly they manifest as voices. Aside from a handful of banishings and one or two summonings, she’s never taken such an active role in her own ability. Ghosts hunt her down enough as it is, and the warning words of the elder witches that it would get worse the more she used it haunt her as much as any spirit.

She’s set up everything she can to boost her power further: crystals charged by the last full moon, an incantation for luck, a ring of charred sage around her to keep out the unwanted. The runes drawn on the floor in front of the closet are Celtic, fitting for Samhain. So are the pages she’s been creasing and uncreasing for years. It’s mostly unfamiliar magic - the definition of winging it. But Jakob is trapped between worlds. She feels it in her bones. It’s why she’s never found him in her fleeting moments on the other side. It’s why he never came to find her. All he needs is a beacon. A light to guide him home. A calming breath settles her pacing and stops her in her tracks.

Wren recites the words she has memorized, then traces the edges of the closet door with black chalk. She lights a candle. She sits in the center of the room inside the ring, perfectly still.

[ PRIVATE ]

It was more like five seconds max but it was what we needed at the time. Alright, so you really want to try something wild, huh? Is it a surprise, or do you want to share those big plans of yours? I’m not sure. If the anchor has to be a witch… well, I would trust Thierry to keep me grounded and probably support whatever weird ritual I cook up. My emotional bond to her is pretty damn deep seeing as how I owe her my life. So you’re seeing how your eyes are turning into little galaxies too? Awesome. That book with the ritual is right here. Can’t remember the chapter ‘cause the letters are all floating off the pages. 

[ PRIVATE ]

[ PRIVATE ]

I wouldn’t call it bravery so much as apathy, but I did recently stand up against a vampire once, so take that as you will. Tomato tomahto. So there might be something specific you’re trying to get done. If you need an anchor, I’ll probably be in. All of this talk about magical prisons makes me want do something they’d hate. Here’s to hoping your friend gets a little taste of mischief moving forward. I’m feeling pretty good, Wren. I’m feeling pretty good. You?

[ PRIVATE ]

[ PRIVATE ]

I wouldn’t be so quick to call me brave, but capable of keeping secrets? Of course. Is that what this is? If there’s something you want to tell me, you can. The book with the ritual is just in the corner anyway. It’s up to you. Then we really are a lucky coven. If that girl never used it, then why was she in a magical prison? Just for possessing the ability to do it?

[ PRIVATE ]

I never claimed to be able to get us there on the first go, but I’m feeling synthetically confident about it. We’ll get your ritual so you can spill your secrets safely. It’s just… around this corner somewhere. An alchemist is not a bad friend to have. It’ll be cool to have her in the coven…. A coven who knows what it’s like to be labeled forbidden magic too. You must’ve met interesting people in the magic boarding school prison. Do you stay in touch with anyone?

Purely luck. Hm. I think I know something like that. Or at least, I know where to find it with a quick trip back to the library while other things are still only mildly trippy. Not too often. But every now and then things get a little boring and I miss brewing things other than health-related potions. If you ever want something specific, I’m your girl. You’re a lot more open to these kinds of things than most, aren’t you?

Honestly? I think she’ll be happy to let Lina join as soon as possible. But that’s just my opinion. I’ve never heard of magic being so location based like that. I’m sorry to hear that. Mine were wiped out too. We had some rituals regarding oaths, yeah. Why? You looking to make a vow with someone?

There’s only one way to find out the answer to that. And I happen to be a great trainer. Yes ma’am, I promise. What can I do for you tonight?

They made up some of their own traditions as they went along. Nothing like it is here. This place gives a new meaning to the word for me. Makes me glad to be a part of Thierry’s coven. I have full faith in you for getting that spider. You should tell me more about your coven who keeps spiders and cobwebs. Well Wren… this should be a nice break from that boredom you were talking about. Bottom’s up.

We learned a lot of history. Strategy. And… tons of jumping jacks. Loads. My honest opinion is that Brigid’s not adding much to anything, from what it sounds like. I wouldn’t complain if she wasn’t hanging around anymore. Nah, you found the right wolf for that job, ma’am. Boss away. 

Kinda I wish I read those books now. Even if I don’t agree, I get where they’re coming from. Brigid took down the building that crushed my sister’s leg and killed me. But Brigid isn’t all witches, so my hate only extends to her. Uh, what’s involved in banishing someone? I don’t think it’s my place to make that decision, ma’am. 

Well. That’s something I don’t hear very often around here. Love this new batch of people. Oh, it’s–– well, my community was situated in the bayou in Louisiana for a couple decades, completely isolated. So they came up with… certain things to keep them entertained. But they called it practicing magic and staying connected to our roots, of course. Every now and then I, you know, like the nostalgia. Just some very light visions and euphoria. Nothing major. I hope. 

Let’s just say it’s best that I stick to singing backup. That other Devereaux wolf you talked to… another spirit? A lot of wolves and witches have some pretty lasting feelings about that attack. I’ve learned to accept that hatred, miss, yes. She’s messed with people who are very close to me. Does she bother you a lot?

Right, so, full disclosure: I made a mistake. I was brewing a little… something… and ran out of vials so I stepped out to grab the first containers I could find and fill them up. When I was done I set them on that table and now… they’re not there. So if you drank from one of the bottles that were sitting here… just… ride it out?