Potions & Margaritas: The Cursed Girl Series

By Maria Vermisoglou

Welcome to Eclipse, where we serve the most magical Margaritas you'll ever taste.
When Nycholas, the immortal owner of the bar, gets killed, the balance spirals out of control.
In order to hunt down the monster and stop the apocalypse, we pull Eclipse into the magical side. But with the discovery of my magic powers comes an abundance of supernatural species.
They're here, and they're thirsty for Midnight Moon. One wrong ingredient and I'm done for.
When Fino shows up, my troubles begin. He's hot, smart and funny. Or does he have a dark side?
My name is Cal and I'm the drink whisperer. One drop and you'll be hooked!

Potions & Margaritas is a paranormal fantasy novel that belongs to The Cursed Girl universe, featuring witches, drinks, and Greek mythology themes. Though it is a standalone, there might be spoilers. Be advised that there is mild swearing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Vermisoglou
• Release date: Dec 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215313220

Maria Vermisoglou

My name is Maria Vermisoglou and I'm a Bestselling fantasy author who loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. I draw inspiration from books, travels and...the ceiling. (So, blame the ceiling!) I started writing 4 years ago when an idea came to me. That idea started all... When I'm not writing, I love a good riding on the fantasy dragon but a book can also be exciting along with a cup of tea. I'm currently residing in Crete as a librarian, battling monsters and supernatural creatures from overcoming the world. In July 2018, I was nominated as the second place winner in the First Annual Indie Awards as the Favourite New Female Author. Website: https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creativequill/ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thecursedgirl16 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maria-vermisoglou Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17909964.Maria_Vermisoglou

Book preview

Chapter One: Eclipse

image-placeholder

Eclipse was a strange place, and trouble knocked at our door every day.

Nycholas, the owner, bragged that Eclipse was the only place that stood for over fifteen hundred years in lower East Goldmoor and was older than the town itself. The occult shops, herbalists, and hoodoo practitioners that spread across the street always gave me the creeps when I passed on my way to Eclipse. People only came if they searched for alternative ways to solve their problems. Eclipse was the strange kid on the block and Nycholas treated it like his baby.

That’s why Nycholas chose Meena to serve the tables. She walked to the customers with what they needed, as if she could read their minds.

That’s why he chose Vali, the bouncer with penetrating eyes that could see into your soul.

The people who worked in Eclipse were special.

But I didn’t know why he chose me. I was after a job. Any job that would put food on the table. Nycholas said I had a flair with drinks. The only thing I did in the interview was to serve him my special lavender margarita. Nothing posh or flashy. Lavender was unusual, but it wasn’t impressive. Yet, I got the job and spent a year trying to figure out the strange environment of Eclipse. Every day was different, but I liked it.

Hey, doll. Serve me something that will make my day, will ya? A woman with blue highlights sat on a barstool, chewing strawberry bubblegum, twirling a lock of her hair. She was an average person, if not for the pointy ears that peeked from her dark hair.

People frequenting lower East Goldmoor were weird. If she wanted to look like an elf, it was not my business.

Midnight Moon it is. The sound of liquor as it flowed into the container was music to my ears. After a good shake, I poured the purple liquid into a glass and pushed it toward the woman. She took a sip, traced the sugar on the rim, and licked her finger.

The chirping tune alerted me that the tanager, my daily visitor, had arrived. It poked its head through the open window and flew on the perch, singing tunes of its own making. Its brilliant red plumage peppered with tones of black stood out in the pale morning.

Good evening, Earl. What news from town? The tanager had no name, and it was the first thing that had popped into my head.

The tanager chirped and dipped its head in the water I had set.

My gaze glided toward the table Meena was serving. Even though it was early in the day, customers swarmed for drinks and snacks. Chatter from table six in the back drew my attention to the group of girls.

There was always a group that couldn’t hold their liquor, but still they tried until they fell on the tables. They spoke loudly, dressed excessively and didn’t stop until they passed out. The drunk addicts, we called them.

Cal, gimme one mulled wine, two mojitos and one sea breeze. Meena hopped to the bar and took a sip of water. How much time until they’re down? She twisted the tray in her fingers, passing it from one hand to the other. I say they won’t stay past seven. Vali says half past six.

I chuckled. Meena, you wager on customers’ carelessness? How cruel. I prepared the drinks for the girls and then checked the supplies. Ever since Eclipse introduced Midnight Moon, there was always demand for several within the hour. The girls came at five, probably after work, and they’ve been gobbling down chips and making plans for the brunette’s upcoming birthday, which is in ten days. They’re just excited. I slipped some extra chips into the order.

Meena juggled the tray in her hands and turned to the group. She sighed. You’re probably right. At least the mop can rest a little bit more today, hey?

Before I formed an answer, Meena smacked her hand on the counter and a grimace appeared on her face, making the scar running across her cheek more prominent. And something dark red.

I grabbed a bottle of wine while I tried to deduce what had upset her. Ah, it’s your lover.

Meena shot me an angry look.

I answered with an innocent smile. You know, he comes only for you and leaves a hefty tip. It’s good for business.

He’s slimy. Meena shuddered.

So don’t go close to him or have Nycholas serve him. I frowned. Why doesn’t he hire more servers? We could use a hand when there’s no stool to sit on.

Meena shrugged, but avoided my gaze. She took the tray with the drinks without a word and went to the girls’ table; they were having the time of their lives.

Since there were only a few customers, I wiped the counter, opened new packages of cocktail umbrellas and chips while I checked on Meena and the mysterious stranger – the one I'd teased was her lover.

He always wore a coat and hat but never removed them, claiming the sun was bad for his skin.

A middle-aged woman entered, and a chill passed through me when her milky eyes settled on me. Since Meena was still busy, I went to take her order.

The woman headed to the couches overlooking the garden.

At night, we lit the lanterns placed on the pathway and they changed the entire view. Night flowers spread their aroma in the air, which made for a romantic atmosphere. Strings of colorful lights hovered over couches and swings while slow music seeped through the air.

The woman navigated the room as if she could see, which puzzled me. When she plopped on the couch with her purse on her knees, she looked at me. You are too pretty to be working at a bar, my dear.

I smiled even though my mind was trying to make sense of the contradicting facts. Were they perhaps contact lenses? How do you know?

The woman laughed. I see the world differently, but your aura shines, which tells me you are pretty.

Auras. That was new. Can I help you with anything? I didn’t want to insult her, but my knowledge went out the window with that one.

Will you fetch me a drink, my dear? I’ve been out all day and got a little thirsty.

Of course, madam. What would you like? Water? Club soda?

My friend raved about a purple drink—

Midnight Moon? I was baffled. She didn’t look like she should hang at bars, but it was not my place to tell her what to do. I’ll be back with your drink right away, madam.

When I returned, Meena had managed to get unstuck from the mysterious customer and was waiting for me at the bar. You have your work cut out for you. I need two Midnight Moons, one Long Island iced tea, sandwiches for five, but without tomatoes—

When Meena finished with the list, I tipped my head in the lady’s direction. That lady can’t see, but seems to know where she’s going. I rolled my eyes as I prepared the drinks. 'Auras', she says.

Be careful. If you insult her, you’ll be paying a debt for a century.

I raised my eyebrows. Meena’s answer was peculiar. She mentioned odd facts at times, dressing in purple whenever there was a full moon and never taking off the amulet that was passed down in her family, but auras were over the top.

Really? I placed the paper umbrellas and fruit slices on the glasses, but I didn’t take off immediately. People don’t live for that long, even with all the technology.

Meena’s pupils dilated as she glanced at the lady. She drummed her fingers on the tray and the glasses clinked. Be careful, she said at last. There are things one must be wary of and one of them is her.

Before I could blink, Meena was off to a company of young men who were as loud as the girls planning the party.

I bit my lip as I put the finishing touch to the Midnight Moon. The middle-aged lady didn’t appear dangerous, but looks could be deceiving, and Eclipse was a place of secrets. I took a tray, packed a bowl of chips and decided to see for myself. Despite the contradictions surrounding her persona, I doubted she was trouble.

Thank you, my dear. You are ever so kind. The middle-aged woman took a generous sip from her drink and licked her lips with satisfaction. A strange light illuminated the depths of her eyes, and for a moment, they switched to a deep violet shade but vanished almost immediately.

I blinked, but there was only the white that masked the sight from her eyes. My uneasiness grew. Perhaps Meena was right.

Earl flew to my shoulder and gave a low whistle.

The woman smiled, but my heart tightened in my chest. There was something off about her. If you need anything else, please ask the waitress. I was about to depart when a deep voice sounded behind me.

They are coming.

I turned, studying the seats, but only the woman with the milky eyes occupied that aisle.

They are coming. You can’t stop it. If her lips didn’t move, I wouldn’t have believed it. A mask of fear took over her features and black swirls blinked in her eyes.

Excuse— My voice got stuck. She had me seriously worried about her mental health. I took a step back.

Guard the balance with your life or it’ll be too late. The monster awakens. The lines on the woman’s face eased, and she gave me a sweet smile. She drained her glass and opened her purse. That drink was absolutely marvelous, my dear. Are you the one making it?

I nodded, my fingers frozen on my apron. What—what did you mean about a m—monster? I managed.

I took one coin from my apron and twisted it in my fingers. With each turn, my calmness returned.

A frown appeared on the woman’s wrinkled forehead. Are you alright, my dear? I never said anything about a monster. Maybe you’re tired. Why don’t you take a stroll in the garden? It’s beautiful. She fished a hand mirror from her purse and smiled at her reflection. The woman stood and slipped the bill into my hand as she passed. See you around.

I unstuck my hands from my apron and mechanically looked at the bill. Wait. I’ll give you the change. When I looked up, she was gone. There were a few clients in the bar, but the middle-aged woman with the flowery purse had vanished.

Where did she go?

Chapter Two: The Broken Glass

image-placeholder

The incident with the old lady slipped from my mind until the following Thursday. It was a busy afternoon, and I stepped out of the bar to help Meena with the orders.

They’re thirteen. That’s not good. It’s a bad night. Meena rubbed her necklace, casting anxious glances at the table in the front row.

Meena, when did you become so superstitious? I handed her five margaritas, and she arranged them on her tray next to the bowl of peanuts. I’m sure it’s nothing.

Meena took one step to the tables but shook her head, placing the tray back on the counter. No, no. I can’t. Sorry. She pressed her temples, mumbling inaudible words.

I sighed. Alright, I’ll do it. But you owe me. I took the tray and headed to the table that had Meena so spooked.

Thirteen women of different ages, colorful accents, wearing flashy clothing, sat on the table, speaking in loud voices.

When I approached, silence fell as if someone had pulled the plug. Who ordered the orange margarita?

A lady lifted her hand, and I made my way around the table to reach her. She had a red dress on, but her eyes made me frown. Orange like the sunset.

There you go.

It looks delicious. Thank you. The lady shook her head abruptly, but then smiled. Why don’t you leave the rest of the drinks as well? I’ll pass them around.

Will do. I pinned my gaze on the table and clenched my hand around the drinks so I wouldn’t spill them.

You’re not a waitress, are you?

No, I’m the bartender. I cast my gaze to the other women who waved impatiently at the one with the orange eyes.

You’re doing a great job. The woman tipped her chin toward Meena and took a sip of her orange margarita. Five planets will align tonight. It’s not a good sign.

What do you mean? It was the second time a customer mentioned strange occurrences.

Nycholas should really close the bar on such a night. Take care of yourself. The woman pressed her lips into a thin line.

I took that as a sign to depart. Shivers penetrated my spine, which made my hands itch. Sweat trickled down my neck, heat soaking my clothes. Enjoy your drinks.

Once at the bar, I opened a bottle at random and inhaled the sweet aroma. My breathing slowed. I passed my hands under the cold water, touching my cheeks. I closed my eyes, counted to ten, and returned to preparing orders. There was definitely something up tonight, but I wasn’t willing to believe in Meena’s superstitions.

A light blue liquid shade caught my eye, and I spotted one of the women drinking the Blue Moon I brought. I frowned. There wasn’t enough time for the woman with the orange eyes to have passed them around unless she tossed them.

What’s going on? I muttered.

Earl chirped from its perch.

Meena had left a list of drinks and dishes, so I plunged into the aromas of orange, tequila, and lavender syrup. Auras and planets were beyond my reach, but drinks were familiar.

When Meena returned from her rounds around the tables, she was unusually quiet.

What’s up with them? I tipped my head toward the thirteen women.

Meena shrugged, but her hands tightened around her necklace. She didn’t turn her back, but her lips trembled.

You’re whiter than the walls of my apartment, Meena.

Meena didn’t appear to have heard me as she placed the drinks on her tray.

I set the last drink on the counter but didn’t release it from my grasp. She was going to answer my questions. Is there anything to do with the planets aligning?

Meena blanched. She looked behind her shoulder, blinking, and gave a slight nod. Not a good night. Eclipse is old, very old and there are dark people lurking in the streets now. That’s all I can say.

How much time does that phenomenon last?

The entire month, but the problem lies when the planets are at their peak. Meena’s eyes begged me not to ask questions, and I shook my head. I released the drink, and she quickly retrieved it like she was afraid she’d lose it.

"I wish you’d tell me more. You can trust me."

Meena turned when a customer lifted his hand and gave me a sad smile. It’s for your own good.

With those cryptic words, she walked to the clusters of tables, taking orders and delivering drinks. She smiled, but her head snapped at the door every time a breeze permeated Eclipse.

Yo! Can you get me the bill? I need to scram. A tattooed man snapped his fat fingers at me. He gave off the nasty odor of tobacco, and Earl flew to cleaner air. We were at the table next to the window.

I consulted the orders that corresponded to each table. A Cosmopolitan, two ouzos, one whiskey and one strawberry daiquiri? I raised my eyebrows as the man pulled his leather wallet from the inside of his coat.

That’s the one. My gal is into red drinks now. Says it’s the fashion. He guffawed. Women. Go figure!

My ears rang, but I fed the register with the info and tapped my foot as the machine spat the receipt.

The tattooed man put on a pair of dark sunglasses and read the receipt. He was so pretentious, not to mention rude, but opening a conversation would prolong his stay and suffocate me.

My nostrils flared when the man coughed, and the stench of tobacco clouded my tiny space behind the register. My eyes lingered on Meena, who collected empty glasses but avoided the table of thirteen.

The door opened, and more customers entered Eclipse. Strangely, they settled near the thirteen's table, exchanging greetings and