Read Online The Soother by Elle J Rossi - Free Book Online

had gone on over the last few days. Calliope was doing her best to be cordial and upbeat with her fellow — and mostly hungover — witches, but her latest confrontation with Krystoff weighed heavily on her mind. The soother in her had wanted to acquiesce, to let Krystoff take what he needed to ease his obvious pain. She’d never been bitten, and she’d certainly never allowed another to drink from her. The act seemed a little too intimate. While she loved being a soother and helping those in need, the energy this magick required took a lot out of her, and Calliope worried she had little remaining to give. If she allowed Krystoff to violate her in that way, her deepest fear would come true. She would have given so much of herself away, there would be nothing left. She’d rather perish than ever let that happen.
    Calliope drifted away from the crowd of hard-core partiers, feeling completely out of sorts and angry with Krystoff for distracting her from her purpose. The dwindling line of brightly colored, steepled tents marked a path for her to follow. Each tent was stocked with a Lammas offering of some sort. Handmade jewelry, satchels and cloaks were only a few of the wares on display. Witches were nothing if not crafty and talented.
    The majority of the festival took place in the center of town, but some had chosen to set up their booths in the outer regions of the village, not only to pay homage to the Harvest Mother, but also to cater to the elder witches who couldn’t get around as easily as the others. While the vibe was more subdued, it was no less jovial and Calliope made it a point to stop and chat with her sistren. Normally, she would have created an array of star trinkets and baubles and decorated her own tent to trade her wares. The fact that she hadn’t taken the time to do so had guilt churning in her gut like a meat grinder.
    An unexpectedly cool breeze blew in from the north. Calliope shoved her hair away from her face and conjured a jean jacket to throw on over her T-shirt. It seemed as though autumn was attempting to make an early entrance. The wind rustled the streamers adorning the booths and Calliope caught the faint, but soothing sound of wood softly thumping against wood. Spinning on her heel, she spotted a pair of must-have wind chimes.
    “These are awesome, Tia,” she called to the witch who had crafted the whimsical ornaments.
    Tia, a creative and musical genius, flashed Calliope a wide smile and walked over from a nearby booth. She’d braided her long dark hair and tied it off with a string of bells. Each step she took produced a unique tinkling sound.
    “Thank you, Miss Brennan.” Tia wrapped her arms around Calliope and pulled her in for a warm hug.
    Calliope returned the embrace. “If these aren’t spoken for,” she said, running her fingers along the two moon and stars chimes. “I’d love to add them to my collection.”
    Tia clapped her hands. “Oh! I’d like that. They’ll look great on your front porch.” Tia stretched on tiptoe to remove the chimes from her display.
    “Wait.” Calliope tapped Tia’s arm. “I don’t have anything to trade.” She chastised herself again and mentally shook her fist at Krystoff. Had he not turned her world inside out, she would have been prepared. She would have contributed to the festival. Really, she shouldn’t blame him. That was unfair. She alone was responsible and made her own decisions. Rather than dwell on
should haves
, Calliope vowed to get her life under control.
    Bright green eyes twinkling, Tia said, “But you will. I’m not worried.”
    Yes, she would. “Thank you. I’ll think of your kindness every time the wind blows.” She hugged Tia again and felt better than she had all day. “I’ll come back later and pick these up.”
    “Sounds wonderful. Enjoy the rest of the festival, Calli.”
    “You too,” she said and set out in search of more treasures.
    At the end of the street, Calliope turned the corner. The sight