Brew 22

“Ah!” Seraphina shrieked, spinning toward the rustling bushes behind her.

“Calm down, mistress,” Rook sighed, hopping effortlessly from rock to rock. “There’s nothing dangerous here.”

“Are you sure?” she squeaked, violently brushing off imaginary bugs.

“Yes,” Rook replied, nose twitching. “If there was any danger, I’d smell it. Now, show some respect—this forest is someone’s home.”

Seraphina grimaced as another unseen insect grazed her leg. She tried to steady herself, breathing slowly, though every bush and creeping vine seemed like a new threat.

Then—a clearing.

She gasped and hurried toward it, eager to be free of the tangled brush. As she stepped into the moonlit space, the silver glow bathed everything in a gentle light.

“So beautiful,” she whispered, looking around at the trees, taking in every detail.

A soft voice answered, “Isn’t it just?”

Seraphina spun to the source of the voice, her heart pounding. That voice could only be one person. When she turned, she saw, standing beneath the moonlight was a fae unlike any she’d imagined. Aria’s beauty seemed otherworldly. Her hair shimmered with silver threads, and her golden eyes reflected the starlight. She sat calmly at a table set for tea, as if she’d been waiting.

“Welcome,” Aria greeted with a gentle smile. “I am—”

“Aria,” Seraphina interrupted sharply. Her stance stiffened, her fingers clutching her wand. “Right?”

Aria blinked, taken aback by the boldness in Seraphina’s voice. She stood gracefully, setting her cup down. Around them, tiny fairies fluttered nervously.

Aria’s gaze dropped to Rook, giving him a welcoming smile. “What a handsome familiar. His fur shines, and his eyes are bright—you care for him well. You must be a skilled witch, Miss Alderbranch.”

Seraphina narrowed her eyes and raised her wand. “How do you know my name?” She exclaimed, her voice shaking with a mix of fear and confusion.

“Seraphina,” Rook warned sternly.

“It’s all right,” Aria said, voice calm. “Please, lower your wand.”

Yet Seraphina kept it raised, in fact gripping it tighter. Aria sighed, her eyes soft with understanding. “Tea?” Aria offered, gesturing to the table.

Seraphina stood rigid, refusing to move. Rook huffed and leapt in front of her, his posture firm. “Mistress. Stand down,” he spoke clearly, trying to get pass the fear Seraphina was feeling. When Seraphina refused, Rook’s aura darkened with frustration. “Seraphina, please conduct yourself in her home.”

Aria moved forward and gently gathered Rook into her arms, stroking his back. His tense body eased under her touch.

“Calm down, little fox,” she whispered in hush tones. Then, with a soft breath, Aria summoned the wind. A breeze swept Seraphina’s wand from her hand and floated it into Rook’s paws. “Now,” Aria smiled, “we can speak without fear.”

Seraphina’s blood ran cold. Powerless without her wand, she fought the urge to run. Tears pricked her eyes as her heart continued to pound harder,

“What’s your game?” she screamed, her voice shaking.

“I am no player,” Aria tried to reassure.

“Lies!” Seraphina cried, clutching her chest as tears spilled down her cheeks. “Fae don’t become friends with humans. You must be manipulating Blaise!”

Rook jumped out of Aria’s embrace; his eyes sad. “Mistress… you’re in someone’s home. Please lower your voice.”

Seraphina staggered back as Aria approached. Without her wand, without her composure, she felt exposed. “Stay back!” she pleaded.

But Aria kept walking. When she reached Seraphina, she did something unexpected. She wrapped her arms around her. Seraphina froze, her breath hitched as she felt unable to move.

Aria stroked her hair gently, humming a soft tune. The wind stirred around them—not harsh, but like a comforting blanket.

“Please,” Seraphina sobbed, overwhelmed by the situation. She couldn’t keep up the act of being brave any longer. “Please… leave Blaise. Don’t take him from me.”

Aria said nothing at first. She held Seraphina as the younger woman wept. Finally, in a soothing tone, she answered, “I care deeply for Blaise. As I can see you do, too.”

Seraphina nodded, tears streaming down her face.

“I—I like him,” she admitted, the words tumbling out for the first time. “I don’t understand why, but I do.”

“He has that effect on people,” Aria chuckled softly.

Seraphina pulled back, wiping her face with her sleeve. She let out a gentle laugh, feeling silly how she blurted out her feelings.

Aria cupped her cheek gently. “Miss Alderbranch… may I ask you to do something for me?”

Seraphina nodded, still trembling from the flood of emotions.

“Make him a great wizard,” Aria whispered, in her ear as she squeezed Seraphina’s hands.

Seraphina’s breath caught. She searched Aria’s golden eyes and, for the first time, saw no rivalry—only hope.

“I will,” she promised, her face showing a look of determination. “I swear it.”