Page 112 of This Witch Is Not Wicked

Istalked through the marshy land of my bog, staring ahead at the invisible barrier that blanketed my home.

Humans dotted the land in the distance, their torchlights flickering, their shouts ringing out.

In about twenty paces, I would face them, and I would never return to Fairwitch Isle again. My heart clenched, but I couldn’t let myself think about that right now. I had a job to do. I had to save this little city. Save Nevan.

But it wasn’t just about Nevan. It was about Fiona. About Niamh. About Ceri and Harriet and Margaret and the man I’d helped heal today, who had thanked me when he saw me in town later.

This place that I’d hated so much had become a home, and I was going to miss it. But I had to be the one to do this. It was my fault these people were here, and there was no way I was going to let Nevan risk his life for me.

He’d be furious when he woke up. He’d also be devastated, and that part broke my heart into a million little pieces.

I stopped right before the barrier. There was a slight shimmer to it that signaled I’d be leaving the city’s protection. I turned and took in the sight before me.

The Cragh and Fairwitch Isle stretched out, the sun shining behind the castle, illuminating all the stained-glass windows and making their colors pop. I normally wasn’t a fan of the bright, glaring sun, but in this moment, as it bathed the town in its resplendent light, I couldn’t help but want to stay here a little longer.

Something poked my leg, and I looked down to see Vine coiled at my feet. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

It rose until it was eye level with me.

I huffed and crossed my arms. “I have to do this.” It reached around my back and lifted the satchel strung over both shoulders. “I’m not planning on coming back, Vine,” I said softly.

Its head hung.

“I didn’t want to leave you behind, but I also didn’t want to make you choose between going with me and staying in Fairwitch Isle. You love it here, and Fairwitch Isle loves you. You’ve found a home.”

Vine pointed at my heart.

My heart clenched. “You’re my home too,” I said, trying to hold back my tears. “But these humans won’t stop. They’ll keep coming back. They’ll keep poking until, eventually, they discover this hidden city, and then everyone will be in danger. I can’t let that happen. I finally have a chance to do something good. Truly good.”

Vine shook its head, this time jabbing my chest.

“I’m glad you think I’ve always been good. I’m not so sure. But I do know that I want to be.”

It wrapped around my neck, tightening like it wanted to choke me, but I understood what it was trying to say.

“I’m not going to let them kill me,” I said darkly as Vine released me. “I’m going to the Otherworld, and they’re all going to see me leave this world and move on to the next one.”

Vine stilled.

“I’ve thought and thought about this, and it’s the only way. I’ll lead them on a chase to the nearest burial mound. I know this bog better than anyone. I know the mud pits to avoid, the waterlogged areas, the divots and cracks. I’ll have no problem getting ahead. When we arrive, I’ll tell them the truth. Tell them exactly who I am before I disappear through the mound. They won’t be able to follow, and they’ll know that I’m gone for good. All questions will be answered, and they’ll have no reason to ever return to this bog. Fairwitch Isle will be safe.”

Vine hesitated but nodded, finally resigned to my plan. It knew as well as I did that this was the best solution.

“I love you,” I said softly. “Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for. Take care of Nevan for me?”

Vine slunk to the ground, its form motionless, and I swallowed. If I stayed here much longer, I’d lose my nerve and never be able to leave.

“Goodbye, Vine,” I said and stepped through the barrier.

* * *

It wasn’t hard to find the humans, not with all their hollering and clamoring about.

“Looking for me?” I called.

The group, around fifty if I had to estimate, all turned, silence descending upon them as they gaped at me.

“What?” I planted my hands on my hips. “Nothing to say now? You’ve only been shouting my name for the better part of three hours. I expected a grander reception than this.”