Everwild (The Healer Series, #1) by Kayla Jo Page B

like nobody lived
here. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and a beautiful
picture was painted on it. It was a mosaic with bursts of color and
pattern, making it seem like you were falling into the ceiling.
Willow grew dizzy just by looking at it, so she continued her way
to the sound of voices in a room off the main hallway.
    Willow walked in, and every eye in the room
turned their gaze on her. She only expected the Aldridge family.
What she didn’t expect was the entire Emerald Circle warlocks
gathered in one place. At least thirty people filled the room. Some
warlocks were sitting, and others were standing and conversing
quietly. There were a few witches here as well, standing beside
their husbands or talking to the others around them. The lighting
was dull, and the fireplace burned a green fire that cast a
glowing, eerie light on the faces closest to it.
    No one spoke for the longest time. Everyone
was just staring at her, assessing Willow with their judgmental
expressions. She was nervous and was sure that they could hear her
heart beating out of her chest. Willow was only sixteen. Today was
her birthday and she had lost her family, never received her
talisman, almost died, and found out she was a freak in the magical
world. Her future was uncertain, and as she watched the warlocks
before her, their features dark and questioning, Willow knew that
she wasn’t safe. Something was wrong. The somber, angry faces told
her so much more than words could. Trouble was heading her way, and
there was nothing she could do about it.

Chapter 4
Bunches and Barrels

    The green fire heated Willow’s face and dried
her hair as she sat on the floor facing the warlocks around her.
She spotted Declan on the couch across from her. He was wearing a
T-shirt that revealed a tribal tattoo banded around his upper left
arm. Upon further observation, Willow saw that most of the warlocks
had the same symbol marked somewhere on their bodies as well.
Warlocks did not own talismans like witches did, but instead,
marked themselves with a special symbol designating them to their
specific Order. It was very elaborate looking and contained spells
and magic within the ink that allowed the warlocks to strengthen
and control their magic. The symbol acted like a talisman, but they
also drew upon the Circles’ magic as well, which made their magic
far more superior to witches since they could also use the magic of
their companions. The Emerald Circle was the most powerful Order,
which meant each warlock in this room was extremely powerful as an
individual. Emerson did not let just anyone into his Order.
    Willow recognized a tall, hefty figure
towards the back of the room. It was Bane, Emerson’s right hand
man. He was a powerful ally, practically matching the great
warlocks’ skill and magic casting ability. Willow remembered
Portia-Anna raving about him and his strength and how she would
gladly accept a marriage proposal from him. Remembering Portia’s
carefree spirit and flamboyancy, sorrow pricked her eyes. She
wished her sisters were here to help her. She longed for them to be
here. She needed them, and for once in her life, they weren’t
there. She had no one to comfort her and even in a room full of
people, she felt all alone.
    Every warlock in the room was covered in ash
and dust. They had participated in the fight, and they looked worn
out and tired, especially since it was well past midnight. Everyone
at the party had come to their manor expecting food, fun, dancing,
and excitement. What they received was chaos, death, betrayal, and
loss.
    “Many things were discovered tonight,”
Emerson interrupted Willow’s dismal thoughts. “Hekate has betrayed
all magic casters. She attempted to extract Willow’s life, but
failed, thanks to you, my brethren.” Emerson bowed his head
respectfully to the warlocks, acknowledging their efforts and
bravery. It was what made Emerson a great leader. He was respected
by all, but he seemed to respect