Typhoon & Tempest

Chapter Nineteen

Haidan sat on the furthest log from the bonfire with his back to the forest and watched the party in full swing. He wore his best shirt, silently thanking his mother for convincing him to pack it, and kept his eye on the host herself. Cody floated around to each attendee, personally thanking them for coming, but she avoided Haidan - or more, he avoided her.

He sat in the shadows, knowing the bonfire light would ignite his skin if he bared any flesh, so he watched the party from the outside. He did have Niall for company but he left soon after Lily did, despite Nerida's call for her to be alone while she was emotional. No one could stop the nymph though; he flew off as soon as his uncle's firm hands were off his shoulders.

Haidan leaned back a little on the log as he saw Nick laughing with a girl, her hearing aids gleaming in the light of the bonfire. He smiled seeing Nick's attire - he was wearing one of Cay's dresses because of Cody's "Dresses Only" theme for the women and seemed to be the life of the party.

"You must be Haidan." A sweet voice said before someone joined him on the log. Haidan internally groaned, knowing he'd been caught.

"You must be Cody." Haidan greeted, looking over at the witch next to him, holding a glass of water. "You're party's been quite entertaining."

Cody smiled softly, adjusting herself in her golden dress. "Thank you! It's been a crazy day planning it all, from the food, the theme, who's invited-"

"Even tripping Lily in the river yesterday?" Haidan raised an eyebrow when Cody's smile fell. "I saw your magic."

"Haidan, darling," Cody rested her hand on his arm, quickly frowning at how hot his skin was through his jacket. "I felt how stuck her ankle was and I used my magic to free her from the seaweed. I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression."

Haidan's brow was still raised as he looked at her hand on his arm. "Seaweed only grows in salt water - Lily would have tripped on moss." He said, and Cody immediately removed her arm.

"You're quite smart aren't you Haidan?" Cody grinned, looking him over. "Lily's lucky to have you at her side."

"I'm not at her side."

"Every queen needs her council." Cody surveyed her party with a small frown.

"Lily's not a queen, she's a Supernova." Haidan said. "She's the most powerful here. She doesn't need anyone."

"But she's not here." Cody looked pointedly at Haidan. "So who's the most powerful after Lily?"

Haidan shifted in his seat, thinking. "I don't know. I don't know what everyone's capable of."

"What have you seen your friends do?" Cody leaned forward slightly. "What are you and Jacinta capable of?"

Haidan snapped his gaze to Cody at the mention of the wicked witch, flickering over her shoulder. "Ask her yourself."

Cody leapt to her feet and stood her ground as Jack herself approached, with hands on her hips. "Cody, sweetie," Jack grinned wickedly. "I'm loving your party. The cakes are divine."

"Thank you Jack," Cody's expression fell slightly. "I'm sorry for before, I didn't know about Lily. I was just fol..." Her hand clammed tightly around her water. "Never mind."

"You were just following...?" Jack frowned. "Following orders?"

Cody brushed the imaginary dirt off her dress and stared long and hard at her fellow witch. "I've just seen Rodger and Nerry over there, I've yet to thank them for attending," was all she said, staring for a little longer before heading over to them on the other side of the bonfire.