Charmed and Lethal

By Lin Ryals and Christine Eller

Best Friends living a normal teenage life find themselves caught in the middle of an ancient war between the Guardians and the Were. With their new-found powers they must choose the right path. But which side is good and which is evil? Follow Renee and Lydia on their road of self-discovery, forbidden love, personal growth, and friendship as they make friends and enemies that could ultimately mean life or death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780359304424

Book preview

Charmed and Lethal

Charmed and Lethal

Christine Eller and Lin Ryals

© 2019 Christine Eller and Lin Ryals

All rights reserved.

This book is fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue, are products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real. No portion of this book or any part thereof may be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

First Printing: 2019

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 978-1-387-81767-2

ISBN: 978-0-359-30442-4

DEDICATION

Sometimes we feel alone, separated from everyone else’s normal. This is for all the Guardians who use their magic for good and not evil. Stand and fight.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would not have been possible without my friend, Christine. She inspired me so much and was my motivation. It was fun bouncing ideas back and forth. I am eternally grateful for my supportive husband. He encouraged me (I need lots of encouragement) and helped me figure out the fighting moves. Luckily, I have two blackbelts in the family, so there was a lot of acting out fight scenes to figure out what Renee's next move would be since she's always much smaller than her opponents. I had so much fun writing Renee's chapters! I'm also grateful for my friend, Sarah, who encouraged and gave much needed constructive criticism. This book has been fun to write and would not have been possible without so many to help and support us! ~Lin Ryals

The gift of storytelling provided an outlet from my everyday life that has blessed me in more ways than one. I’m ecstatic to finally share this story with y’all. To my husband who supported me during all my crazy, I love you. To my parents who inspired me to pursue writing, y’all are my heart. To those friends who read and reread, thank you. And to my friend, Lin, who swapped ideas with me after a crazy dream she had, I treasure your friendship more than you know. Thank you for trusting me. Writing Lydia was challenging, soul-searching, and sometimes exasperating. As someone who faces anxiety and depression, I wanted to show how raw some emotions can be and the impact this disease has on, not only the person going through it, but their loved ones as well. A big thanks to everyone supporting our dream. ~Christine Eller

~

This was it. The calm before the storm.

~

Chapter 1

Renee

The thought of pulling into the mall parking lot made my heart thump. I hadn’t been there since Daniel had been killed three years ago, and I wasn’t going to let the churning in my stomach stop me today. Not on Daniel’s angelversary. Lydia, my best friend, hadn’t taken her eyes off me since we got in the car at her house. Her concerned gaze didn’t help my jumbled nerves.

Are you sure about this? she asked.

Positive. Besides, I have you, right? I forced a laugh at her blank stare and parked.

Lydia placed her hand on my arm, We can come back.

No, I slid away from her touch and climbed out of the car.

When Lydia walked around the car, I linked my arm through hers and made our way to Oakwood Mall. Instantly wincing, I scanned the food court for the high-volume screech and zeroed in on the metal pole of one of the carousel’s horses. Lydia nudged me as she spoke. I nodded, but couldn’t focus on her words due to the simultaneous chatter around us. I shook my head and motioned to the main corridor. Like I was coming back down a mountainside, my ears popped. Oy… I wriggled my fingers inside my ears. What were you saying?

Lydia faced me. I was wondering where you wanted to go first. She narrowed her eyes, Are you sure you’re okay?

Yeah. It was just noisy over there.

Her gaze darted questionably to the food court, then back on me. Okay, but if it gets to be too much...

We’ll leave. I pointed toward the sports store. Let’s go this way.

I made my way over to the sparring section with a relieved sigh. The store was void of customers and noise, except for Lydia’s solo thumb performance against the racks. Hey, look! I lifted the packaged sparring gear. Do you remember going to the Dojang with me?

She nodded.

I miss it, sometimes.

Then you should go back. She held up her hands in surrender when I gave her a pointed look.

Let’s keep moving. I motioned out of the store and led us past several other venders until we came to the elevator. As we waited for the opening of the doors, something echoed wildly in my ears. I glanced at Lydia to confirm she’d heard the same thing, but she was pulling her hair into a ponytail, still humming the pop song from the sports store. At the sight of Whitney and her friends from school in the elevator, I inwardly groaned.

Nice pants, Lydia. Whitney smirked over her shoulder as we rode the elevator down. The clanging noise rang in my ears again and I looked up toward the ceiling. It had to be the cables of the elevator. Is your mom sleeping around too much to afford anything else?

Whiny laughter refocused my attention. I squared my shoulders and narrowed my eyes. I think you grabbed the wrong lip product, Whitney. What you’re looking for is the white tube that reads ‘glue stick’. It will look so much better on you.

Shut up, Sparks! Whitney snapped. If we were on the mat, I’d give you the beat down you deserve. She sneered as the elevator doors opened.

I stepped right up to her, Is that a threat? I may have been half a head shorter, but I was fast.

Before we could do anything, a sudden gust of wind sent Whitney and her friends stumbling out of the elevator and into a lady’s drink. The red slush went everywhere. I couldn’t help but laugh as Lydia and I stepped out and around them.

When I glanced at Lydia, she was just staring at her hands. I waited to see what she was doing, but she grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the chaos.

Something weird is happening. She whispered.

Yeah, you’re not laughing. I threw a wide-eyed gesture toward Whitney. Justice was served, and I didn’t even touch her!

Exactly! She looked panicked. You didn’t touch her. There was a gust of wind, Renee. Wind doesn’t just come out of an elevator.

Listen, I linked my arm through hers to stop her from talking with her hands again, let me look at the store first, then we’ll go, okay?

She studied me for a moment but nodded in agreement.

We walked to the store that had remained vacant for three years. It still looked the same—blacked out windows, locked doors, and not a soul in sight. The area reminded me of death. I hated it, and I hated that the memory of Daniel’s lifeless body sprawled out on the floor, bloody and mangled, always surfaced. Scanning over the windows, picturing the crime scene, I saw a reflection of a man in the distance staring at us. I spun around, but he was gone.

What’s wrong? Lydia followed my gaze.

There was a guy, walking toward the back door, I searched for what I’d just seen. He was right here.

Lydia raised her brows. Maybe we should go?

I kept scanning the area, checking around corners and darkened areas, but there was nothing. Finally, Lydia’s hand on my shoulder stopped me. I swallowed, let out a frustrated sigh, but allowed her to steer me toward the exit.

In our silence, the whistle of the wind picked up a swirl of leaves scratching together to break free from their carrier. The hair on my arms stood on end at the same moment Lydia stopped walking. What? Did you see the guy? I glanced her way and skimmed the cars until I spotted mine, calculating the distance in case we needed to make a run for it.

No. No guy. Just… more of a feeling. It’s probably nothing, Lydia whispered. Eyes wide, she searched the area. Let’s walk a little faster. She linked her arm through mine and pulled me forward.

It was hard to ignore the bad feeling in my gut, the rolling of tires on pavement, or the distant screech of a car belt. I turned toward Lydia for answers, but her concentration was on the mall. Jerking my attention toward the nearby woods, the chirp of a tree frog ripped through the air so loudly, it hurt my ears.

When I heard the swift rhythm of another set of footsteps, Lydia raised her brows, confirming the same ominous feeling I had. I turned in time to see the shadow of the man from before right in front of me. My stomach twisted when he reached out and grabbed me. As Lydia's muffled scream trailed away, a moment of hysteria crawled up my throat.

Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, providing a burst of energy, knowledge, and confidence I had never felt before. An overwhelming heat surged through my body.

My ribs were constricted.

Breathing felt impossible.

I knew what I needed to do.

Lifting my chin, I jerked forward and slammed my head into the man’s nose—his bones crushed beneath my forehead. Huh. I’m not as rusty as I thought. Wailing out an animalistic growl, blood gushed from his nose as he clutched his face. I broke free. Though for a moment the sight of blood made my stomach twist, I found my footing and stood ready and alert. I’d earned my blue belt in taekwondo, but hadn’t practiced for three years. My odds in this fight sucked.

Reminding myself to focus with a quick, calculated breath, I held up my hands and balled them into fists. I knew I didn’t look intimidating, but under the circumstances, I wasn’t sure what else to do.

As we stared at each other, the man’s blood-smeared mouth lifted into a wicked sneer. He lunged forward, obviously confident in his ability to win, but I jumped into a spinning side kick and knocked him to the ground. He lunged at me again. This time I followed with several combination moves to his chest and head—punches, kicks, spins—different moves my body somehow executed perfectly.

Now! The command came out muffled.

Two large, muscular beasts with enormous pointed teeth ran at us from either side. Not long after my fist connected with the snout of one of those beasts, my back burned at the pressure of a pair of claws ripping into my skin. Forced to the pavement with an agonizing cry, a high-pitched scream pierced my ears. I spotted Lydia across the parking lot, horrified as a pale blue flicker of light radiated from her hands and burst into flames. In any other situation, I would've laughed at the way she swung her arms wildly, but at this moment the result was very effective. Judging by the growing brilliance of the blue flame, things were going to end unpleasantly for those around her. Instantly, the beast Lydia was fighting flew into the side of a dumpster as though a tornado had swept him up and tossed him about. The piercing pain at my back that held me down relented, giving me the chance to move. Pushing through the pain, I swiftly jumped to my feet, wrapped my arms around the beast’s neck, and twisted. The bone snapped. The furry body fell limp to the ground.

I froze. I’d just killed an animal.

My stomach churned. As a wave of heat washed over me, I jerked to the side and allowed the remnants of lunch to come back up onto the pavement. Breathing deeply, I wiped my mouth and caught sight of the beast’s eyes. They were human. Gradually, the rest of his body changed. His snout shortened, his torso and limbs grew longer, and his fur disappeared, revealing a naked man lying on his side.

He was human.

I backed away quickly and looked for Lydia. She was staring at her hands again, which were now empty of any blue flame, looking as terrified as I felt. Walking forward, I joined her in the middle of the courtyard. We glanced around in search of our attackers, but the area was vacant.

We need to call the cops. I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed the number with shaking hands. Lydia sniffled beside me and I paused then sucked in a deep breath, In and out. I motioned for her to copy me, That’s it. I looked at my phone, Any idea what I should tell the police? I placed the phone to my ear as Lydia took another deep breath but shook her head. When I moved to straighten my shirt, pain shot down my back. I reached up and felt the area that throbbed on my shoulder.

Lydia gasped, You’re bleeding!

It must’ve been when that thing was on me. I waved it off with my free hand. I’m fine. The police picked up the phone. Yes. I need to report an attack. The man on the line asked for a detailed description. There were three of them. I broke one guy’s nose and the other two beasts looked kind of like big dogs. They might have our blood under their claws, but they may be fingernails now because they changed. I’m not sure how this… The man on the line interrupted telling me not to prank the precinct again and hung up. Hello? I gritted my teeth, Fine, I’ll call the FBI. I mumbled to myself and started searching online for the FBI’s number.

Lydia grabbed my phone and stuffed it in her pocket. She opened her mouth, but gasped when a cat crept out from underneath the dumpster, hissing as it hurried down the alley. I shook my head and waited for her to continue. Calling the police didn’t work. We’re not calling the FBI. Lydia let out a deep sigh. Should we just go?

I glanced around, knowing something needed to be done, but sighed and nodded.

She helped me slowly move from the vacant parking lot to my little sedan near the mall’s entrance. Pulling the doors closed, we both just sat there.

Lydia broke the silence, Do you think… should we go after those… things?

I doubt we’ll be able to track them. My focus distanced for a moment when another thought popped into my head. Why don’t you come to my house and we’ll come up with a plan. I had no desire to drive all the way home by myself.

I was just about to invite myself over. Lydia sat with her hands in her lap. She scrunched up her nose, still staring straight ahead in her own little world. We’ll clean and bandage your back, too. She faced me. It looks like it hurts.

I shrugged in response, sucking air in between my teeth at the pain.

What am I going to tell my mom? Lydia shuttered.

"I’m planning on not telling my mom anything." Trying to fight back the tears that wanted to break free, I turned the key in the ignition. We needed to leave this parking lot. Every now and then a distant bush looked more like a dark figure. I pressed down on the gas pedal and turned out of the lot with a screech. It was imperative we left the odd turn of events behind in the smell of rubber and smoke.

My sanity depended on it.

The full moon cast shadows along the road as we drove down the highway. I followed my dirt road down our ten acres toward my white, two-story house with black shutters. My mom had left a message on my phone earlier in the day to inform me she was taking on another shift at the emergency animal clinic, which meant she wasn’t home.

Lydia and I climbed the porch steps inside to the living room. You lay down. She pointed to the couch. I’ll get the first-aid kit.

I took a couple of breaths to work through the pain before lowering myself to the couch. Minutes later Lydia walked back into the room holding a bottle of rubbing-alcohol, cotton balls, gauze, and the emergency pack of needle and thread.

No stitches.

You sure? We exchanged a brief look before she soaked a cotton ball with alcohol. O-kay…

As she lightly dabbed my back, I squeezed my eyes closed at the sting and grunted into the cushion of the couch. Earlier at the mall, I glanced her way trying to distract myself, you were the one who created that huge burst of wind, weren’t you? The cuts must have gone deeper than I realized because the burning intensified.

Lydia sat back on her heels, waving her hand across my back to provide a continued rush of air. Yeah. After nothing else happened, I thought my mom had slipped me one of her happy pills. She paused. Did you see the blue fire in my hands, Renee? Freak alert. She softly sang out then glanced back over at the wound on my back. It needs stitches.

I shook my head. Mom will know something’s up. I’ll just change the bandage. A light blue glow appeared over Lydia’s hands. What’re you doing?

Nothing. I swear! Her eyes widened. It’s just happening. I can’t explain it, but I think… She moved closer. I think I’m supposed to use it on your back.

What!? I shouted. Lydia bolted forward and quickly pressed her hands against my skin. I screamed at the top of my lungs. Then instantly the pain subsided, and the area Lydia had placed her hands went numb. I felt nothing but the warmth of the light blue glow.

It’s healing, Lydia whispered. Wait, Lydia pressed her palms against my wound again, but nothing happened. She sat back in confusion. It stopped. I don’t understand.

Sitting up, I reached over my shoulder to feel the wound. The three, deep claw marks from before only felt like scratches now. That was incredible. I stepped back and adjusted my shirt. Ooh, I giggled, my back feels all tingly. I smiled at Lydia’s wide-eyed expression. I don’t know what’s happening to us, but we survived an attack that involved mutant humans, Lydia. You have to admit that’s pretty awesome.

I don’t have to admit anything. It’s creepy. She set the first-aid kit aside and redid her ponytail. We just need to sit down and go over what to do.

After that, I know exactly what we’re doing. I laughed. We’re finding out what we’re capable of and we’re doing it tonight.

Really? Tonight? Lydia groaned.

I grabbed a clean shirt from the laundry basket as we headed out the back door and tossed the bloody one in the trash. I need to know what it all means. I slipped the shirt over my head as we crossed the railroad tracks to the old barn behind my house. It was overgrown with weeds and shaded by trees. They looked eerie in the moonlight but created privacy.

We walked in silence for a while, just listening to the crickets chirp, reveling in the peace of the countryside.

Feel any better? Lydia asked.

A little. You? I glanced at her.

She shrugged.

Stepping up to the barn, I bent down and maneuvered myself in between the two planks of wood to get inside. Lydia slipped through after me and walked to the middle of the barn, coughing once from the kick up of dust. Not much has changed. I mumbled.

There was a hole in the roof, so the moon’s light filled the space where we were standing. Well, we’re here. Lydia clapped her hands together unenthusiastically and stepped back. You go first. Let’s see if you have any real athleticism to go along with your crazy strength.

Okay. Blowing out a quick breath I walked down the length of the barn, crouched down, sprang forward, and flashed past Lydia. I ran up the wall, flipped over backwards then landed on my feet. Tah-dah! I twirled around and raised my hands.

Watching you show off is like a slap in the face. Really. Lydia deadpanned.

I can’t help it. The urge to move is strong, young Padawan.

Guess it’s my turn, only not here in this extremely flammable area. Let’s go outside. Lydia grumbled.

I followed her into the woods away from the barn a bit. She waved me back a few steps.

Are the woods less flammable than the barn? I asked sarcastically.

Lydia rolled her eyes. When I was at a safe distance she held up her hands, closed her eyes and just like lighting a match, blue flames sparked to life over her palms and fingers. She took a breath and the flames shook.

You’ve got this...

Actually, I don’t think I do. How am I not getting burned, Renee? I should be—

Don’t stress—

A spark fell, lighting the dead grass on fire. She started freaking out—screaming for me to get a bucket of water—when I opened my mouth to explain our lack of resources an orb of water hovered by me mid-air. It burst into a puddle on the burnt patch of grass.

Relieved, I focused on Lydia bent over at the waist with her hands on her knees. How’d you do that?

There was a puddle by the railroad track. She stood up and walked past me. I don’t know. Thought it might be helpful.

Amazed, I grabbed her by the arms. That was incredible.

No. It wasn’t. She jerked away from me. What if I hadn’t seen the puddle? I don’t know what is happening to us, but it scares me, Renee.

Unsure how to convince her everything was okay, I remained silent.

You should be a little scared, too.

I shook my head.

At least to have a friend who could possibly light you on fire.

You won’t. I said. From the tilt of her head I knew she didn’t believe me. I changed the subject. We should keep a diary to track our changes in case there are any patterns.

Good idea. Then you can count the number of times I say, ‘creating fire from the tips of my fingers is hazardous.’

Let’s head back. I hurried in front of Lydia. I know you’re scared. We have every right to be. We were attacked by something supernatural, the police didn’t believe us and it feels like no one is on our side, plus we have powers that are hard to comprehend.

"I’m sensing a but..." She folded her arms.

But, I smiled, we’re in this together. I help you, you help me. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and moved us into my backyard. It’s just a feeling, but I think we’re meant to do more.

Well, more needs to be going to bed because my head hurts and if your mom fusses at us for being awake still at, Lydia glanced at her phone, one o’clock in the morning, my head might literally explode.

Yeah. Mom would kill us, and that would suck because I’m starting to like these powers. I wiggled my brows.

Lydia shook her head.

You can’t say having the power to control fire, wind, and water isn’t at least a smidge intriguing.

Not sure yet. I’ll let you know when I don’t feel crazy. She glanced at her hands again.

I know what you mean. And the next time those beasts or mutant men or whatever they were come at us, we’ll be prepared. Then the police will have to believe us.

Walking into the house, we headed straight for the stairs.

So, if you’re saying play this by ear, Lydia said as we climbed into bed, and I’m saying let’s forget it happened. How are we supposed to figure out our next move?

I smacked her arm. Um, maybe fortune tellers are real?

Ooh, good plan. Let’s hunt down a crystal ball, and while we’re at it, click our heels together. We looked at each other and both smiled. Goodnight, Renee. She rolled over onto her side.

‘Night, Lydia. I turned off my lamp and listened to Lydia’s breathing.

We were going to figure this out. I knew it. Welcoming the warm blanket of happy dreams and kick-butt fighting scenes, I drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 2

Lydia

I was due at the Café in an hour. My mom had visited me at work last week, insisting that earning money would make us happier than me receiving an education—which explained why she took my tips right out of my pocket every day. It was sadly enough motivation to choose work over school today.

The walk wasn’t as bad as normal. I took the backroads along the tracks instead of the long way to see Renee. And, today I was half an hour early. I wanted to be out of the house before mom’s creepy boyfriend woke up. Yesterday he tried to touch my hair. There was no way I was waiting around to find out what else he wanted to do. When I arrived at work, a group of college kids, laughing it up, strolled along the sidewalk toward me—not a care in the world. My boss, Mr. Biggins, barked for me to get to work as the college kids stepped inside the clothing store beside us.

Yes, sir, Mr. Biggs. Right away. I flashed a smile when he rolled his eyes and tossed me a wash cloth before disappearing through the back.

I sighed, wiped down the tables, prepared a pot of coffee, straightened the pastries in the display case for the breakfast crowd, and helped one customer after another. Hours later, the lunch crowd scattered back to their daily routines. The bell over the door clanged at the same time my phone alerted me I had a new text.

Renee- 911

Code for get your magical butt over here, ASAP. I laughed off the twinge of fear crawling up my neck. Renee was so serious about learning all she could about our powers. It was strange to have a ninja as a best friend, and I was a little apprehensive to learn more of what she could do. Killing that beast was scary enough.

Someone placed a twenty-dollar bill on the counter pulling my gaze from the text, Excuse me, I’d like four chocolate shakes, please.

I glanced at the face the hand belonged to and the room swayed. Gripping the edge of the counter to keep my footing, sky-blue eyes, a color that seemed to glow, caused my heart to pick up speed—pounding the same loud rhythm that was being performed on the café window outside. I snapped my attention toward the scene and groaned. A punk from school and his friends had picked up the mustard and ketchup bottles from the tables and squirted the red and yellow liquid all over the glass before laughing and walking away.

If you ignore them they might go away, the guy in front of me whispered.

I straightened and harrumphed. Not likely. Maybe, I can figure out a spell— I quickly remembered who I was in front of and stopped talking. The look of curiosity on his face forced me to laugh. I tucked my hair behind my ears, As if I could do magic.

Right. The hint of a smile lifted the corners of the guy’s mouth. How much for the chocolate shakes?

Oh, sorry. I told him the amount, pulled the pen from behind my ear, grabbed a note pad, and cleared my throat. Name? Those blue eyes were intent on my face again. For a moment, I was lost.

Joel, he said. My name is Joel.

And just like that, I was reminded of my current relationship status. I had a boyfriend. One I hadn't even mentioned to my best friend in fear she'd scold me for dating someone five years older.

Miss Stiles!? Mr. Biggins interrupted my thoughts.

Yeah, I'm on it. I spun around, glancing over my shoulder as I fixed the milkshakes.

Joel turned toward a guy that had called his name. His friend had red hair and was sitting beside a girl and guy, both brunettes. They were the college kids from outside the Café. I studied him more closely. Joel’s dark blonde hair was short. He held himself with a level of authority that intrigued me but would likely intimidate others. His gaze snapped to mine, startling me so much I knocked over one of the shakes. I quickly made another one before placing them all on the counter. Here you go. My pulse quickened every time his hand reached for a cup. I gave him his change and forced myself to smile away every feeling that was surfacing.

I’m sorry about the window. Do they do that often?

Perks of the job.

He nodded and jerked his head toward the table his friends were at, Do you mind? He picked up two of the cups and started to walk away.

I grabbed the other two shakes and hurried around the counter. I can handle it. Referring back to his statement, I forced a smile when everyone’s blue eyes focused in on me.

I don’t doubt it.

Um, well… enjoy. My chest burned when our eyes met again.

I left them to gather the supplies needed to clean the window at the same moment Joel and his friends got up to leave. He held the door open for me and followed me to the scene of the crime. If you look at it in a positive light, you can see the works of an abstract painting. Joel tilted his head to the side, studying the dripping condiments on the window.

I smirked, Positivity really isn’t my strong suit. I set the bucket of water on the ground and pulled out the soapy rag.

Can I ask you something?

I twisted the excess water free before pressing it to the window. Only if you can be a little more positive. I teased. Your negative tone is troublesome.

He laughed, I’ll try my best. Uh, how come you’re not in school? I mean, I saw that group hanging around the high school earlier. It looked like they knew you. I just thought…

I need some extra cash. I shrugged. No big deal. School will be there tomorrow.

He was quiet for a moment, True, but being a double threat would be more fun, wouldn’t it?

I stopped and met his gaze.

The corner of his mouth lifted into a lopsided grin, How’s that for positivity? He stood up.

Uh, maybe a touch strong? I smiled.

That’s me. Always messing things up.

I gasped at his negative comment and smiled wider.

I’ll see you around? He backed away.

Heat flared across my cheeks. Yeah, sure.

As he fell into step beside his friends, I realized they were just a group of kids walking the strip mall on a beautiful day. I envied them. In fact, a large part of me wanted to stop what I was doing and follow them. I shook my head and got back to work.

Clocking out an hour later, I pulled on my sweater to brave against the slightly cooler breeze of fall. Even though I had missed school again, today felt good. Definitely something to smile about. Then reality reminded me of everything out of my reach. Unlike Renee, I didn't have a car to take me to far off places of enchantment, which consisted of school, home, and work. I took the shortcut through Monument Circle, my phone vibrating for the fifth time. Pulling it from my back pocket, I read Renee’s texts:

Renee-Where are you?

Renee-Pick up the blasted phone :(

Renee-Meet me at the cemetery.

Renee-If NO RESPONSE in the next 4…3…2…

Her count down made me laugh. She often told me if I didn’t respond to her fourth text she was going to count to ten then call the cops.

Lydia-On my way. You’re being a CRAZY PERSON :)

Because we almost burnt the barn down the other day, Renee and I decided to meet somewhere outside of our normal lives. The cemetery had always been on the radar. It was scary and weird, two words we’d grown familiar to as of late. Renee liked it for its solitude. I liked it for its graves. And if anything happened, well, everyone’s already dead.

When I approached, Renee popped forward off the headstone she was leaning against, Where have you been?

Mr. Biggs wouldn't let me go. He longs to hold me. I just know it. I smiled when she rolled her eyes.

I mean school. Where were you? I was waiting.

Oh, that. Mom says we need the money more than my education. I kicked the ground to move my thoughts away from her judgmental look. I could only miss two more days before the principal called home.

I hated when Renee studied me. She always got this look in her eyes like she'd already found the problem, the solution, and had a plan. Even after she looked away, her evaluation of me remained. I had a dream last night, more like a nightmare, but something stuck out that I needed your help deciphering.

I laughed. If anyone was the brains in this friendship, it was Renee. She never needed my help unless it was with her hair. Now that she moved around a lot she always pulled her dark curls tight against her head.

Renee looked agitated. She pulled out a thick book—Everything You Need to Know About Witches—and placed it on top of the head stone. Leave it to her to go to the library. As she flipped through the pages, I stiffened. Did you hear that?

Yeah. Her eyes were fixed on the woods before she pointed at a page in the book, Read this.

I scanned the cemetery then looked down to read over the words. It was a spell. I gave Renee a sideways glance.

She shrugged. It's worth a try. Something's out there Lydia. Just. Read.

I rolled my eyes, "From earth to sky, east and west, wrap around, tight and true, clear the air, call the moon, brighten on a silver rune."

A noise startled us from behind, bringing out Renee's heightened skills. She spun around, raised her fists, and stood unbelievably still. I looked down at my hand as she scanned our surroundings.

The silver ring on my finger shimmered.

Read the rest. She whispered.

I scanned over the words, trying to push down the fear I felt inside. Here. I took hold of her hand, "Cloak and mask, head to toe, make the shadows dim and grow." My fingertips formed a light