Page 111 of Upside Down Magic

“Ithink they like the fish better,Ms.Bagley.”

“Bah, you just don’t know how to play with cats.”

“Howwould you know?Youdidn’t even own a cat.”Thankfully.Whoknew what evil dark magic would’ve befallen the poor kitty?

“Youdon’t have to own to know, child.Justlike you apparently don’t need to own power to be given a magic shop.”

AsifI’dlet her attempt to ruin my dreams come true. “Isense a note of envy,Ms.Bagley.”

“Ilaugh soIdon’t cry at how low my lovely witchy shop has fallen.”

“Inthe universe, there is no high or low, only different paths.”

“Canyour path put me into a cat?Ibet it’s fun.”

“No.”Andnot just because of the poor cat’s soul, but givingBagleyaccess to sharp claws?Talkabout an unwilling blood dark magic bonanza!

“You’reno fun,” she grumbled.

“I’mlots of fun.Ibrought you here, didn’tI?”

“Canyou get more of that special food from the girl at the counter?Theyreally liked that.”

“Ina few minutes.”

“Petthe black kitty.Shelooks like she needs it.”

Iextended a hand toward the black cat, and she immediately hissed.

Bagleycackled. “Ithink she likes you.Youshould adopt her as your familiar.”

“Ialready have a familiar.”

“Thedrooling ball of white fluff doesn’t count.”

“Fluffyis the best familiar.I’llhave you know she once saved my life by going to get help.”

“Exactly.”

Icouldn’t help but laugh at that one. “Familiarsare supposed to help,Ms.Bagley.”

“Yeah, helpme.”

Grinning,Iran my hand along the tuxie settled on my lap, and it purred in response.Grandmahad never owned a pet, butIthink she’d have enjoyed this place.MaybeI’dreturn with her spellbook, allow her essence to bask in the atmosphere.

“Look,”Bagleysuddenly exclaimed. “Thegray one with white mittens has come out of the hidey-hole!Gocatch it!”

Thiswould be the third timeBagleytried to get me to grab the cat.Foolme twice, shame on the witch, fool me thrice…Iunlocked the locket and tossed it to the floor, a few paces away from the gray cat.

“Go, catch!”Isaid.

“Youlittle—Ahh!”

Thegray cat had indeed caught.Afew others approached.

Irelaxed against the cushioned seat and enjoyed the show ofBagley’soutrage at being pawed and tossed around by half the feline population in the room.

Andstill,Icouldn’t wait to get back to the shop—myshop.Myown witchy shop in the best paranormal town on the planet.Icouldn’t wait to make more potions for my customers and help with whatever magical mishap came our way.Therewere still things to be dealt with, likeHutton’ssecret dark magic alphaness orKey’smissing brother, butIhad no doubt we’d eventually find the answers.

Becauseit wasn’t just me and my shop against the world, but the amazing familyI’dfound.

Grandmawould be so proud.