Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Jodie.” I knock. “It’s me. Have you got a sec?” I love using my magic to pinpoint my sister’s location—I can’t seem to find Larry but I’m sure he will pop up—and the more I use the magic, the more natural it feels.
Coming back from the real world, I am energised and emotionally lighter. Gosh, who knew this ordeal could be so cathartic? My head is clear for the first time in years.
“Tuesday.” The door flies open, and Jodie blinks at me, then peeks over my shoulder with a salacious grin, which then promptly drops. “Oh, no hunky hellhound?”
“No, he doesn’t follow me around all the time.”
“Could have fooled me,” she says under her breath. Louder, she says, “I’ve known that man for years and how he looks at you…” Jodie grins and fans her face.
“I like him too,” I say softly.
I can feel my face going a nice, bright red. I guess I will have to get used to many shades of red when conversation steers towards Owen. I rub my damaged trainer against the carpet and the rubber peels back.
Oh, yeah, the reason for my visit. “Here.” I shove the mini pocket dimension into her hands.
When I returned, I checked the mini pocket dimension over in case I had damaged it with my foot.
Strangely, the power inside had increased, so much so that the bag was practically vibrating.
Whatever I did in the real world, it liked it.
Freaky magic.
Jodie’s smile dims. She tilts her head to the side and frowns at the bag. Visibly confused, she opens it and peeps inside. “Oh,” she gasps. “Oh my, Tuesday this is… wow.” She looks up at me, dumbfounded.
I rub the back of my neck and chuckle. I then quickly explain how to use it with the blood and stuff. “It’s a tester, so let me know what changes or improvements you need.”
“I will. Thank you so much.”
“No problem. I made the fixed portal too. I placed it on the back wall of your stockroom. But now I am thinking it was a stupid idea, what with all the wards in the shop. If anyone unauthorised goes through, they are going to get a nasty zap. So, I might see if Dad has an alternative location, and we can just use that one for the coven.”
Jodie nods and waves a hand; she’s not listening to me. She’s staring at the pocket dimension bag with gobsmacked awe. I roll my eyes when she hugs it to her chest. “Mum is on the warpath,” she mumbles between bag hugs.
“She’s always on the warpath,” I scoff. “Okay, see you in the morning. I’m going to hide out in my roo—” As I am walking away, I stumble, and full body smack against the wall.
Oh! Well, that isn’t good.
“What’s wrong?” Jodie asks, rushing towards me. “Tuesday, you’ve gone white as a sheet.”
What the heck was that?
I press my forehead against the wall and groan.
Jodie grabs my elbow and I lock my knees to hold myself up.
The magic inside me is screaming a warning.
“Someone has just ripped a bloody big hole into the realm,” I say in disbelief.
Horrified, I stare at Jodie, my eyes wide.
My ears ring, and my head pounds from the attack.
“I don’t know what’s happening. No one should be able to come here like that,” I rasp.
“You aren’t safe. I don’t think anyone is safe.
I need to lock down the portals. Please grab our coven and get to the new emergency exit while I deal with this.
It’s the door behind reception, near my office. I will let you know when it’s safe.”
“No, no, I can help you.” I shake my head and somehow send her the location of everyone in the coven. I can’t find Andy, which is strange. I hope he is okay. “No. Come with me. We can get them together.” Jodie tugs at my arm.
“I can’t. I am so sorr—”
“Please,” she begs.
I made a choice in the café. I chose this new life and the realm. Now here is some wacky cosmic test to prove my mettle. I will not fall at this first hurdle. I won’t.
Lives are counting on me.
“I have a responsibility to my guests, to the realm. I know where this person is. I still have strong magic, Jodie.”
Jodie takes in my determined face and, for a second, she closes her eyes and sags in defeat. “You are so bloody stubborn.”
“If Owen won’t go with you, tell him to head East.”
“Okay, okay, go kick their arse. I’ve got this, sis. I will get everyone to safety. Go. Go!” Jodie runs to my parents’ room and bangs on their door.
With the magic’s insistence pulling at me, I Step.