Chapter 23 A Pumpkin Spice Latte
A Pumpkin Spice Latte
Heaven
Iwas able to get through the next few lessons without having to speak, but it’s not something I will be able to hide for long. My plan is not have to face anyone until after we get Sienna back.
Things went well with Hades, better than what I was expecting.
He thinks he got the better deal, and I know a big factor is that he doesn’t like Helios very much.
As for his second condition, somehow, I’m not bothered by it at all.
Maybe it’s not what I would want, but if Hades himself can deal with it, so can I.
I’ve already texted everyone the time that we will leave tomorrow during the Halloween party. I know our parents won’t be happy, but I’ve already written out a letter for Mama and the rest. It’s in-depth, with a lot of details, and promises a return, which we will.
I just need to get through all of tomorrow without anyone asking me about my voice. I now sit cross-legged on my bed waiting for Allie.
She enters and raises an eyebrow. “So, you spoke to Hades?” she asks once the door is shut. My roommate isn’t here yet, as we have a couple of hours before curfew.
I nod.
“And what did he ask for in return?” she asks worriedly.
Tossing my hair, I write in the air, My voice.
Allie stares at me, her eyes cold and piercing, before they flash red. “Your what?”
Voice.
“Heaven, you need your voice. Your magic is everything to you,” she says quietly, as if afraid someone might hear, as she comes over and shakes me by the shoulders.
Not everything. And I can still do my magic, but it’s a long story.
Allie sits on the bed opposite me, staring at me emotionlessly. She purses her lips but nods. “I guess we would give up anything for one another…”
Yes, we would.
“Well, if there’s a way that I can give up my voice so you can get yours back, I’d be happy to do that. I mean, I’m just a weak-ass witch, anyway.”
We’re both silent for a moment before I tilt my head.
I wouldn’t say so. But we just need to focus and prepare for tomorrow. We have a long trip, I write, breaking the silence – in a sense.
She nods before she takes a deep breath and gives my hand a squeeze. “We’ll bring her back. I hope you’re ok. Giving up your voice is not a small deal. It’s ok if you’re sad; you can let it out.”
I know, but someone has to be strong. Conceal your emotions and remain in control.
I’m fine, I write.
“Yeah, sure.” She doesn’t believe me entirely as she stands up and shakes her head. “So, you said you were going to meet Holden?”
I nod. She bites her bottom lip thoughtfully, narrowing her eyes. “Are you going to tell him about your voice?”
Pausing for a moment, I look at my hands, then nod.
Yeah, I think he deserves to know.
“But you want him to be the first person you tell?”
I told you first, and Theo already knows. I write, pointing out that fact.
“No, I mean before your mom, your grandma, Tatum, or Ahren?”
It’s different. They will react differently. I want Holden to know.
Even though I know I’m going to have to cast a spell, so he doesn’t speak of this to anyone, not until we are gone, anyway. I trust him, but sometimes things can get out.
The chest is hidden away safely, locked with magic, and I leave the room with Allie, both going our own separate ways.
I’ll spend a little time with Holden, and then I’ll recheck my bag for the journey.
I am going fully prepared for anything. I have everything ready: my weapons, my herbs, crystals – everything.
I am not going to take any chances. We are going to face gods and who knows what else.
I will not return until I bring her back.
I square my shoulders, determined.
I am power itself. Nothing will stand in my way.
“Heaven!” I blink, turning and realise Holden is running towards me. He stops in front of me, offering a charming smile. “Hey, babe, I was calling you, didn’t you hear me?”
I tiptoe and kiss his cheek softly and shake my head.
“No worries, come on.” He snakes his arm around my waist as he leads me outside. We take a walk around the campus grounds. I’m quiet as he tells me about his day, and I listen, smiling politely, nodding along. He hasn’t realised I’m not talking.
When we are outside and far enough that I can speak with some privacy, I cast the spell that will prevent him from revealing this conversation for at least twenty-four hours. By then, we’ll be gone. I then cast a silencing spell before I turn to him.
So, there’s something I need to tell you, I write in the air; he looks at me before looking at the glittering letters until they’ve faded away fully.
“Ok… you’re going to use magic to tell me?” he jokes.
I’m going to go away tomorrow, on a mission, and I needed some help, so I traded my voice for that help. It’s a long story. If you have a moment, I can share it with you.
I watch as he reads the words, frowning as he tries to comprehend what I just said.
“What do you mean, traded your voice?” he asks, now looking at me.
I’m going to bring Sienna back, and I needed some help to get there, I explain, writing the words slowly, giving him longer to let it sink in.
“Why-why would you do that? Babe, you mean you will never be able to talk?” he asks, his eyes widening.
I shake my head.
But it’s alright, it’s just a small price, and I can still communicate, like this, I explain.
“Yeah, but you just gave away your ability to cast spells now. What the hell?”
I can still- He waves away the text as he shakes his head.
“You know, whatever happened to her, she kinda asked for it. I don’t get why you had to give up your voice for her!” His words sting, but I get that he’s upset.
I’m still me, I write, offering a small smile, hoping it comes off as comforting.
He scoffs. “Yeah, sure. You’re the last person who should lose their voice. This ain’t fair. Sorry, I have to go before I say something else and hurt you.”
I wanted to tell you…
I don’t get to end the sentence as he kisses my forehead and, turning, walks away. I open my mouth to shout after him, but then remember I can’t.
I watch him leave, hands shoved in his pockets, shaking his head.
I sigh softly. I wanted to tell him about tomorrow… but maybe this was a sign I shouldn’t. I hoped he’d have given me some kind of comfort, but he didn’t.
I look up at the darkening sky and feel disappointed. Suddenly, I feel cold, despite wearing a fluffy coat that should keep me warm.
Was I not worth much without having my voice? His reaction was not what I was expecting. At all.
I slip my hand into my pocket and take out the little tissue-wrapped square and, opening it, look at the lapis lazuli bead bracelet I had made for Holden. I rub my thumb over the little silver rectangle that has an H I am sure they will find it quite impressive.
I write, licking the top of my cream and enjoying the sweetness. Mmm. I cup my mug with both hands, allowing the heat to warm my fingers that are getting cold.
“Life ain’t easy as that, Blondie.”
True. I nod thoughtfully. But I do believe being honest with those you care for helps a lot. Sometimes keeping secrets creates more trouble than good. And your gift is not too bad.
He shrugs. “I guess so, but not all power is good.”
But even darkness can be used for good. Demon power, lycan power, they are all darkness, but those who wield that power can be heroes, I write, the shimmering letters fading.
Theo chuckles humourlessly. “And then there are those who are definitely not heroes. And I, Blondie, ain’t a hero.”
You could be.
He doesn’t respond, and I don’t press it, just sip at my sweet latte, letting the warmth chase away the bite of winter. Gods, I love winter.
Our breath drifts in little white puffs as we walk aimlessly across the grounds. By the time I’m savouring the last of my drink, I realise his cup has been empty for ages.
“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” he groans, tossing his cup into the bin with a careless flick. “Got myself roped into this bloody charity event.”
That’s nice. Hopefully, you actually manage to raise something, I scrawl, sending a smug smile his way.
He smirks, cocky as ever. “I’m damn amazing, Blondie. The money will be raining in.” He pivots to leave, then abruptly turns back, leaning down until his gaze locks with mine. My breath hitches as he holds up a ten-pound note between two fingers, his grin wicked.
My eyes widen. No… how did he realise?!
“Your sleight of hand needs work,” he murmurs, slipping the note smoothly into my pocket before I can blink. Then he straightens, already walking away.
I stand frozen, scrambling for a comeback, but by the time the perfect one hits me, he’s long gone, leaving only the echo of his low chuckle in the cold night air.