Formidable Magic (Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 7)(Paranormal Women's Midlife Fiction)

Formidable Magic IRIS BEAGLEHOLE Contents Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Epilogue About the Author Prologue Beneath an old yew tree, hidden by foliage, cold, calculating eyes watched as the Thorn witch kissed her vampire lover. The eyes narrowed and a child-like voice whispered, “You’re not going to be a threat for much longer.” The small figure turned and quickly crept behind the tree and through the forest at a supernatural speed. It wasn’t long before she reached her destination: an old drain, inconspicuous to prying eyes. She glanced around to make sure no one else was in sight before descending into the earth and the dark network of tunnels there. Quickly, she returned to the cavern where only her most loyal of followers were gathered. “You’ve returned, mistress,” said Despina, getting up from her armchair and dusting off her pale pink cardigan. Geneviève pulled back her hood, revealing her gleaming chestnut curls and an unnatural smile. “Indeed I have,” she said. “And how are our plans developing?” “Three more have joined us,” said an older woman with blonde hair. “And the Travellers?” Geneviève asked. “They’re on their way,” said Despina. “Everything is in order,” a hulking figure from the corner added. “Very well,” said Geneviève. “We continue advancing towards All Hallows Eve. Focus on the weak and be ruthless. Now go, do not waste any more time.” With a clap of her hands, in an instant the room was cleared without a trace of any of her loyal shifters, witches, or vampires. Geneviève could finally relax, slumping onto a velvet chaise lounge with a cocktail glass full of human blood. Taking a sip, she savoured the taste. “Ah, yes, Samhain is going to be interesting…” One The weather was turning colder and the fog seemed to thicken over the township, hanging unnaturally still below the clouds. The last leaves that clung stubbornly to the trees were beginning to let go of their resolve. The oranges and reds of the foliage around the town frosted slowly to brown and the atmosphere took on a soupy quality. There was a supernatural chill that lay beneath the ordinary frosts of the land that throbbed with a deeper power. An older magic threatened to break free as the spirits that had long lain dormant in the land and its buildings began to stir in restless frustration. Samhain was coming, and it was no ordinary festival. This year as All Hallows drew near, there was a thickening in the air, an anticipation of chilling potential promising to be a festival the people of Myrtlewood would never forget. * * * “Is your dad still away?” Sam asked Athena, running their hand along a row of books near their seat. They sat in the library of Myrtlewood Academy, waiting for History and Folklore to begin. “Yes,” Athena replied, looking down at her hands. “He’s busy helping Finnigan get set up in the fae realm and doing a bunch of diplomatic stuff with his mother. The treaty is taking a lot more work to implement than anyone realised.” “He’ll be back before you know it,” said Elise. Deron giggled at Felix, who was doing his best impression of Ms Twigg – sticking his tongue out pretending he was some kind of lizard – when the door opened and the entire class fell silent. Ms Twigg stood there looking unimpressed, and Felix quietly melted down into his chair. Elise and Athena smiled at each other. They still didn't understand quite why Felix was terrified of the very tiny and oddly reptilian teacher. It seemed almost instinctual rather than rational. “It sounds like you're all having a wonderful time,” said Ms. Twigg, entering the classroom. “However I'm sorry to interrupt your merrymaking with actual learning.” She gave them a wry smile. Athena smiled back. She was rather fond of Ms. Twigg, as strange as she might be. “Now today's class is not only about the history of folklore and mythology. It's also about the present. And I'm delighted to inform you we have an upcoming field trip.” There was a murmur around the class. Athena looked questioningly at Elise, who simply shrugged. Beryl, who'd been rather quiet and withdrawn recently, shot her hand up in the air. “Yes, Miss Flarguan?” Ms. Twigg said. “Does this concern Samhain?” Beryl asked quietly. “Very good, Miss Flarguan.” “Sow-wain,” said Deron, rolling the word around his mouth that was pronounced so differently from how it was spelt, at least in English. “Is it to do with pigs?” he asked. Ms Twigg smiled in her chilling way. “There may be some shared etymology. After all, pigs were of great importance for our ancestors here, in this part of the world. Cerridwen herself was often considered to be a sow goddess and she is one of the great dark goddesses associated with this time of the year and of the coming winter.” Deron beamed. He didn't often feel confident with schoolwork and Athena was happy to see him look proud of himself for a change. “Samhain is unique among the ancient sabbats,” Ms Twigg continued. “Now if you could all turn to page one hundred and seventy three in your course book.” Elise raised her hand. “Yes, Miss Fern?” “Sorry, pardon me,” said Elise. “But you mentioned a field trip. Could you tell us about that before we start reading? Only, I'm curious.” Ms Twigg’s smile spread wide across her face. “I'm pleased to see you’re all taking such an interest in schoolwork. For some