brimstone witch 08 - death of a rainbow nymph Page 16
I pulled out the tissue which had bits of Stanley’s fur in it. The rainbow coloured ribbon which Jen had given Stanley came with it too. I cast a locating spell on the fur. It lit up and lifted off my hand. It separated into individual hairs and then floated off to the side. I didn’t know if the fur was caught in a breeze or if it was the magic working. Either way, I followed it.
The fur took me through the Forest, over a bridge and into another forest. I didn’t even know if I was still in the Enchanted Forest.
The fur came to a rest near a clearing. I paused near it and took in the lovely sight ahead.
Stanley.
There he was.
Stanley was sitting next to a fallen log. He was singing a gentle song to Calypso who was sitting on the log. Calypso’s tail moved back and forth as Stanley sang.
I didn’t make myself known. I stayed where I was and studied my little friend. He looked so happy. His eyes were sparkling with joy and the words he was singing were full of love. How could I take that away from him?
Wade had told me the love spell couldn’t be reversed without causing damage to the individual involved. The spell did wear off eventually, but the time frame differed with each being.
I watched Stanley declare his love in lyrical form for a few more minutes before making my decision. I would leave him to enjoy his time with Calypso. He might even fall in love with her for real. They could have a wonderful life together. He’d be safer with her too. He wouldn’t be putting himself in constant danger by helping me with my murder cases.
Yes, that’s what I’d do. I’d leave Stanley in peace. I could live without him at my side. Of course I could.
My eyes began to fill. I needed to get out of here before I burst into tears.
As I turned away, the twigs beneath me cracked like I was in a cheesy horror film. I froze and hoped the cats hadn’t heard me.
Calypso padded over to me. “Cassia? What are you doing here?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just passing by.” I took a quick look in Stanley’s direction. He was standing by the log. He wasn’t singing anymore.
“Have you come to take Stan away?” Calypso asked. She sighed. “Have you found out about the love potion yet?”
I stared in surprise at the cat. “What do you know about that?”
“I saw Cupid giving it to Stan in his office. I didn’t realise it was a love potion until Stan suddenly declared his love for me.” Her head hung low. “I’m sorry to say that I went along with it. I convinced myself Stan’s love was true.” She raised her head and I saw the pain in her eyes. “I’m a terrible, terrible cat, but I care deeply for him. I know he won’t be mine forever, but I want to make the most of our time together. Is that an awful thing to do? It doesn’t feel awful.”
I got to my knees. “I understand. Stanley is a special cat. I’m not surprised you feel that way about him. I’m not going to get in the way of your relationship.” I smiled at her even though my heart was breaking. “I wish you joy and happiness.”
I got to my feet and made to turn away.
Calypso said, “You have to say goodbye to Stan. You can’t just leave him. I won’t be able to forgive myself if you leave on bad terms.”
I glanced over at Stanley again. He was still motionless. I couldn’t read the expression on his face. Finding all the courage I could, I walked over to him and knelt next to him. I even managed to smile.
“Hello there,” I began. My voice was only a little bit wobbly. “I wanted to say goodbye and wish you all the happiness in the world. You and Calypso make a lovely couple.”
Stanley didn’t speak. He just stared at me.
“Oh! I nearly forgot.” I pulled the rainbow ribbon from my pocket. “This belongs to you. Shall I tie it onto your collar?”
Silence again.
“Okay. I’ll take your silence as a yes.” I managed another smile as I threaded the ribbon through Stanley’s collar. I was tempted to grab him, stick him under my arm and make a break for it. But the sensible part of me said I couldn’t do that.
Stanley glanced at the ribbon but still didn’t say a word.
“Right, then. I’ll be off. Work to do and all that. Goodbye, Stanley. Thanks for all your help with my cases. Thank you for being my best friend.”
I managed another smile before straightening up. I even kept the smile in place as I walked swiftly away. I couldn’t see where I was going because my eyes were swimming with tears. I narrowly missed walking into a tree. My legs couldn’t carry me away fast enough. I was certain my broken heart would never recover from the loss of Stanley.
I was just about to get on my broomstick and zoom away when I heard someone calling my name.
Stanley?
I looked over my shoulder.
“Cassia! Wait!”
It was Stanley.
He was racing towards me like his tail was on fire.
I turned around and said, “I’ve said goodbye to you once. Don’t make me go through that again. I can’t.” My voice caught in my throat.
Stanley leapt into my arms. I dropped my broomstick just in time to catch him.
“Cassia! I was under some sort of spell! A horrible love spell! Didn’t you know?”
I could only nod.
He shuddered. “It was awful. I remember everything. I couldn’t control the things I was saying. I kept trying to say something else, but the right words wouldn’t come out.” He moved his little face closer to mine. “Cassia, I said some awful things to you. Awful, nasty things. I couldn’t help it. I tried and tried to tell you about the spell and what it was doing to me. I could hear the words in my brain but they wouldn’t come out of my mouth. I tried telling Calypso but I ended up telling her I loved her instead. I even sang love songs to her! It was a living nightmare. I had no control over myself.”
I found my voice. “Cupid gave you a love potion. Are you still under the effects of it? Do you still love Calypso?”
He shook his head. “I was never in love with her. The potion has stopped working. How did you make that happen?”
“I don’t know if I did. Perhaps you did.”
Stanley gave me a wise look. “Perhaps we both forced it to stop working. Our friendship is too special to be destroyed by a silly love potion. Cassia, can you ever forgive me?”
I stroked his little head. “There’s nothing to forgive. You’re not the only one who’s been affected by that potion. I’ll tell you all about that soon.” I looked into his eyes. “Are you sure you’re not in love with Calypso? Even a little bit?”
“I am absolutely certain about that. I’ll explain everything to her. I’m sure she won’t want to be with me once she knows how I feel. She deserves someone who truly loves her. I hope she forgives me for leading her down the wrong path.”
I felt a movement near my feet. I looked down and saw Calypso there. She said sadly, “Stan, you don’t have to explain everything. I knew about the love potion. I should have told you about it. It’s me who needs your forgiveness.”
Stanley echoed my words and said, “There’s nothing to forgive.”
Calypso gave him a small smile. “I’ve caused you enough problems. I’ll leave you in peace now.” She smiled again before walking away.
“Do you think she’ll be alright?” I asked. “I feel so sorry for her.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s made of tough stuff. She’ll soon be off on another adventure.” Stanley nuzzled his head against my cheek. “I can’t believe we nearly lost each other. Don’t ever let that happen again. Ever.”
I ran my hand over his back and smiled when more of his fur came off in my hand. I said, “I won’t let that happen. Ever. It’s good to have you back. So very good.”
About the author
I live in a county called Yorkshire, England with my family. This area is known for its paranormal activity and haunted dwellings. I love all things supernatural and think there is more to this life than can be seen with our eyes.
I
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April Fernsby
The Brimstone Witch Mysteries:
Book 1 - Murder Of A Werewolf
Book 2 - As Dead As A Vampire
Book 3 - The Centaur’s Last Breath
Book 4 - The Sleeping Goblin
Book 5 - The Silent Banshee
Book 6 - The Murdered Mermaid
Book 7 - The End Of The Yeti
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Death Of A Rainbow Nymph
A Brimstone Witch Mystery
(Book 8)
By
April Fernsby
www.aprilfernsby.com
Copyright 2017 by April Fernsby
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