Witchy Sour(82)

Another speech followed, detailing the rise of The Faction and the dangers that hid in our midst. Word of the attack against me had spread, and paranoia had seeped into the minds of some of the islanders. Children were called to bed early, and parents looked over their shoulders and locked their doors. Luckily there’d been no further incidents, but it was only a matter of time now. Chatter about the unity and strength of The Faction was loud and clear, and even the most skeptical of islanders were forced to pay attention.

I’d zoned out toward the end of the speech, not recognizing many of the names as Ranger X began to announce the Candidates one by one. When there was only one name left, Poppy elbowed me. “Look, she’s up!”

“I started this speech by saying this was a year of changes. Now and again, we must revisit the rules we have in place and ask ourselves why they are there.” He looked up, his gaze eerily falling on mine for a long moment before he blinked and scanned the rest of the crowd. “Our policy against female Rangers is one of them. It ceases to exist as of today. The strongest, the smartest, and the most deserving individuals will join our program. With that said, I am pleased to announce our first ever female Candidate. She has landed here through hard work, perseverance, and bravery. Above all, her selflessness has saved a life. I am honored to present Zinnia Dixie as a Candidate for the Ranger program.”

The applause was thunderous. Tears streamed down Mimsey’s cheeks, and even Trinket dabbed her eyes with a beautifully embroidered hanky. Zin’s siblings went as wild as orangutans on cotton candy, and the rest of the audience was no different. Ranger X had to signal upwards of four times before the islanders quieted down. “These next weeks will be difficult ones for the Candidates, but I believe that I speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to it. Without further ado… let the training begin.”





Chapter 30



“I had no idea becoming a Candidate was such an honor,” I murmured to Poppy as we descended the stairs from the arena amid a sea of excited bodies. “I mean, I knew it was difficult and honorable, but this is like a reality TV show. The Candidates are celebrities.”

“It’s the highest honor,” she said, looking over her shoulder in search of Zin. “I’m so proud of her.”

“Me too,” I said. “Will we get to watch the training?”

“You’ll be able to watch some of them via live broadcast, though there are a few private sessions.” She winked. “It’s an exciting time.”

“By the way, I forgot to give you this. I finished it up this morning.” From my oversized purse, I pulled out a sealed bottle of her Vamp Vites. “I tried it myself, and it seems to be working fine.”

“Oh, thank you,” she gushed. “I ran out of the temporary supply earlier today. I was going to check with you, but with everything going on, I forgot. You are a lifesaver.”

Before I could wave off her thank-you, a shadow appeared by my shoulder. “May I have a word?”

I looked up to find Ranger X’s large frame standing over me, his outfit impeccable despite the warmth of the sun this afternoon. I glanced to Poppy, who nodded back with wide eyes. “Okay,” I said. “But I need to find Zin.”

“I’ll be quick,” he said in a clipped tone. “I promise.”

“Take your time!” Poppy yelled after us as we walked away. “Zin will understand—I promise.”

I hid a small smile as we walked away, our shoulders not quite touching. We hadn’t spoken much in the past weeks.

Once we were a safe distance away, he peered through dark lashes at me, his gaze a complicated one. “Zin’s really something. You should be proud of your cousin.”

“I am.” I nodded. “I’m really happy for her.”

As we walked away from the arena toward the bungalow, we passed the same spot he’d kissed me on the night we’d discussed the complicated thing between us.

“I talked with my Rangers,” he said abruptly. “We sat down and reviewed our best practices and rules. All of them.”

“I suppose you had to, what with Zin becoming a Candidate.”

“All of the rules. Not just that one.”

“Mmm.”

He turned to face me. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t changing the rules for selfish reasons. We’re a team at Ranger HQ, and that wouldn’t be fair.”

“That’s very noble of you. Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“We decided to open up the rules regarding relationships,” he said. “It’s on a trial basis right now. Turns out, most of the Rangers have a—shall we say—special sort of friend on the side anyway. It was unanimous.”