Witch

• Altair's Nightmare •

Pronunciation Guide for the Chapter:
Altair — all-tie-air
Nyyxi — nix-ee

"Run, Carter!" I shouted as my best friend raced against kids from other schools. I looked over at his sister Claire, who was also my best friend, as she jumped up from her seat and screamed for him. I stood too and she wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

"Faster!" She yelled, jumping up and down as he passed one of the other racers. He was two away from being in first as they rounded the last corner and Claire stopped jumping, gripping my hands tight and watching her brother like a hawk as he pushed himself to go quicker. He passed another one and was a few feet away from the runner in first right as they crossed the finish line. I cupped my hands around my mouth and cheered for him as they all slowed down to catch their breaths. Claire began to lead me down the steps of the bleachers towards the track. "Come on."

"You did great," I said as soon as Carter was in earshot, "I don't think I've ever seen you run that fast."

"Don't you still go on to state?" Claire asked him, handing him a water bottle and watching as he opened it and drank it all in one go. He took a deep breath and nodded at her.

"Yeah, I still get to go," he replied, smiling at the two of us. "I could hear you two all the way on the other side of the track."

"Well, someone's gotta cheer," Claire rolled her eyes, "mom and dad will be upset that they missed it." Carter looked between Claire and I before he shook his head.

"No they won't. I bet whatever meeting their in right now is way more exciting." I watched the thrill leave his eyes as he spoke and I lowered my gaze to the ground. They never talked about their parents much, unless it was to fill me in on whatever deal their father had struck with the next growing company. Tension began to fill the air and Claire huffed a big sigh to break it.

"Come on, I think this deserves a celebration," she announced, looking over at me. I looked up to meet her gaze and returned her smile. "Let's go to the Brewery and get some drinks!"

"Sounds great," I replied, watching as Carter quickly gathered his things so we could go.

"Who's driving?" He asked as he began our walk towards the parking lot.

"I am, obviously. You need to rest," Claire told him. He looked over at me with a knowing smirk and I laughed a little. We both knew that she didn't care whether he got rest or not. She'd just gotten her license and volunteered to drive us everywhere.

"Make sure you wear your seatbelt, Eliza. Do you remember the last time she—"

"Look, it wasn't my fault, that guy turned into the wrong lane!" Claire exclaimed, looking over her shoulder at them and shaking her head. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?" Carter shook his head and then broke into a run, giving his sister a little shove as he passed by her.

"Last twin to the car buys the coffee!" he told her, breaking into a full sprint towards their little car. Claire started to run as well, not nearly as fast as Carter was.

"That's not fair! You're literally a racehorse!" she complained. I broke into a run as well, not wanting to get left behind. Carter made it to the car first and tried to open the passenger door, which was locked. "Ha!" Claire ran around to the other side and unlocked it, laughing as she slid into her seat. I climbed into the back and we were off to our favorite hangout spot: the Brewery. 

It was a locally owned café that was open all the time, even all night. During the day, it served as a coffee and tea shop for the townfolk who needed a boost of energy. After midnight, it only appeared open to the local witches.