Isabelle Hardesty - Midnight In Belle Fleur: The Witching Hour

MIDNIGHT IN BELLE FLEUR

Isabelle Hardesty

Contents

Juliette tapped her finger on the table three times. She smiled at Victor as she glanced at her phone again. She should be thrilled because everything was perfect, well, almost perfect. The issue was bigger than her getting a new role on a show, and it put Belle Fleur in danger.

She had recently unleashed magic for the regulars of Belle Fleur, and that wasnt even the worst of it. She frowned, rubbing her finger against the same spot on the same table at Island Magic diner. She always seemed to sit there when she had something big on her mind. The little imperfection reminded her to pay attention to details and know that eventually, shed be sitting back there with something new on her mind. She doubted anything could top this.

Oh, and a witch rebellion was on the horizon. She swallowed hard and looked at her boyfriend, Victor. She wished she could be present like he was. He always had a way of being calm, even when the crap hit the fan.

She glanced at her aunt, Alma, talking with Renner behind the counter. They were both chatting with diners. She looked over her shoulder and remembered seeing her aunt levitate this morning.

That was weird.

Juliette raised an eyebrow when she remembered she had accomplished some good, too. Not that it wiped out her mistakes.

For this moment, right now, everything was perfect because everyone she cared about was safe and near her. She glanced around the diner and then gazed back into Victors eyes.

What am I going to do? She slid her finger along the bump on the table.

I know youve got a lot going on. And I know that no matter what I say, its yours to deal with. And we both know Im not here to save youyou dont need saving.

Juliette smiled.

I am here to remind you not to be so hard on yourself. You defeated Thane. You saved Alec. And now youre Lead Witch of Belle Fleur. Plus, to top it off, youve got this new acting job. Thats amazing.

Youre right. My Lead Witch problems can be on hold for a few more minutes, while I savor my wins. She glanced at the other cast members on her phone and was glad she wasnt the only Afro-Latino actor in the show.

You deserve it, Juliette, Victor said. And I know Pascal will come in here any minute with some crazy way to remove magic for the regulars. Its what he does.

Yeah. I hope so. She let out a sigh and glanced over at the little girl, who smiled as sparks danced at the tips of her fingers. Luckily, her parents ignored her as they were engrossed in their conversation. Victor, I wished the spell worked last night, she said, entwining her fingers in his.

Im not gonna lie. Im glad that it didnt. Now, we get to be near each other.

Yeah, but look what I did. She slipped her fingers out of his and then frowned, looking around the room.

She knew this was the calm before the storm.

True. His smile faded as he glanced around the room. But Im just going to enjoy this breakfast before we deal with this.

The scent of rosemary filled her nose, and she glanced at the door. Somethings off, Juliette said, leaning to her left to see over Victor.

What do you mean? he asked.

Juliette closed her eyes and said, I smell rosemary. She opened her eyes and craned her neck, looking around the diner. I think it means magic is near.

Yeahpowerful magic, he said, clenching his jaw.

As soon as Victor said his last word, the door to the diner flung wide open.

Juliette and Victor leaped to their feet, hands raised, but before they could do anything more, a witch walked in and swooped her hand, casting a spell that froze everyone.

Hello, my pretty. Boy, do I love saying that, the witch giggled and then wrinkled her nose as she smiled, assessing the room.

You must be Juliette, she said as she pointed, unfreezing Juliette. She wore a black coat that skimmed her knees and a black top and lace skirt. Her long braids were twisted with gold ribbons and cowrie beads.

Juliette pushed her left hand out, shooting a bolt of energy out from her fingertips.

The intruder was knocked down, falling on her back.

The stranger lay on the floor and leaned up on her elbows. Oomph! That was uncalled for. She remained on her back, then sat up, pressing a hand on her lower back. My back, she said, wincing.

Who are you and why are you here? Juliette said, instinctively standing in between the witch and everyone.

Okay, so youre pretty and like to fight. Nice combo, but you may want to hear me out before you continue attacking me. Im here to help you, the witch said, rolling to her side and crawling to her knees, all the while moaning. She finally stood up.

Im sorry, Juliette said, but you cant come in here and just freeze us like were your puppets. She stepped closer, feeling guilty.

The witch deftly swiped her hand up with a swirl of purple smoke laced with shimmering stars, which knocked Juliette off of her feet.

As Juliette jumped to her feet, the jewel that was embedded in her palm pulsed and grew warm. She shook her head. Who are you? Why are you here?

First, dont judge a book by its cover, the witch said. Im Fabienne.

Do you have a last name?

Fabienne chuckled, Do you think I need one with an entrance like that? May I? she asked, leaning closer.

May you what? Juliette asked, raising her shoulders. She took a deep breath.

See the gem.

Juliette stepped back but held her hand up for the woman to see.

Its more beautiful than I thought. Fabiennes smile widened, and she tapped her chin, as though she were browsing in a high-end jewelry store.

Why are you interested in me or this gem? Its better that you leave.

Im not leaving. Fabiennes voice rang loud in the diner and her gaze rested on Victor. What I want to know right now is who he is and why do you keep looking at him like that? Fabienne asked.

Dont worry about anyone or anything here. Im the Lead Witch. Juliette frowned, knowing that she didnt have to answer this strange witch, who had just blown into the diner like a hurricane. Whoever you are, just leave. Weve got a lot going on right now, plus a rebellion coming soon. This is not the town you want to vacation in. Try Miami. Juliette pointed to the door.

Oh, you two are sweet on each other. How nice, Fabienne said, clasping her hands and tucking them below her chin, I wish I had time to be a Lead Witch, to be an actor, and have a boyfriend. Now its all making sense to me.

Juliette crossed her arms.

Fabienne dropped her hands and laughed. I was Lead Witch for a while until my younger sister recouped from a poisoning. I was a substitute in a way. One thing I realized is that being a Lead Witch is hard work and demands all of a witchs time. No wonder you screwed things up royally.

I will not stop being myself just because Im a witch, Juliette said.

They remained silent as they stared at each other.

I did such a fabulous job stepping in for my sister that The Council noticed me. And theyve found my talent.

Congratulations, now go.

So, heres the thing, youre on probation, Fabienne said reaching into her bag and unrolling a parchment paper on the table. She pointed to the word probation at the top. It says it right here.

What?

Ill be ruling Belle Fleur with you until the two moons probationary period is over. Im your new Co-Lead Witch.

Juliettes eyebrows shot up. No. It cantwhat if youre lying? Why should I believe you? What if this is fake?

Pascal will be here soon. Look, I know its tough. But its two moons, eight weeks. Before you know it, Im gone, and either you get your territory back fully, or they replace you. Fabienne wove through the statue-like people, plucking french fries from their plates and popping them in her mouth. Mmmm, these are good.