--
The next day, the back door opened and closed several times,
waking her. She peered out her window to see all three of her roommates in the garden.
She descended the stairs and rubbed her arms, goosebumps jumping out. She could
feel the heat in the floor, but it didn’t counter the chill that seeped into
her. Something was off.
Gwen and Paige came in, chatting.
“Garden walk?” Ember asked, catching a few words.
“Nothing you’d be interested in,” Paige assured her, adding
to her chill. It definitely had to do with magic. “I’m going to shower quick.”
So much for warming up that way. She poured herself a cup of
coffee and joined Gwen and Summer at the table. Rather than sit normally, she
tucked her knees up and pulled her night dress down over her shins, wrapping
her arms around her legs.
“Cold?” Summer asked.
“Yeah. When Paige is done, I’ll take a shower to warm up.”
Hopefully that would work.
Distracted by Geoffrey, who had stepped closer and put his
hands on her shoulders, Summer just nodded. “I think she’s got what she needs,”
Summer told Geoffrey.
“You think it’s a bad idea.” The ghost continued to brush
her with intangible fingers. Ember’s chill intensified, imagining him touching
her like that.
“Yes. Using magic where natural means are available usually
leads to trouble.”
“Natural means,” Ember muttered. “Like reporting Duncan to
authorities.” Duncan had sexually assaulted three of the four roommates.
Summer frowned and looked away from Geoffrey to focus on
Ember. “Yes, I suppose. Do you think that would have led to any real
consequences? Would it stop him doing exactly the same thing to the next girl?
I believe our method was much more effective.”
Heavy, but well, that's where this series has been heading. Please enjoy all the other great teases this week.
