These Witches Don't Burn (These Witches Don't Burn, #1)

by Isabel Sterling

I spend the morning in a cocoon of blankets, hiding from the reality of it all.

Being suspicious of everyone is exhausting.

“She’s about this tall and suffers from a chronic case of sarcasm.

“I’ll think of something,” I say, not altogether confident in my ability to pull this off.

The grand gesture sounded exciting, but now I feel ridiculous.

dozens of dancers who wear blush like armor.

Morgan’s voice washes over me like the mist off a waterfall. Gentle yet inescapable.

A flicker of hope burns inside me.

The air tingles with power between us, sending shivers across my skin. I wait until I can’t handle the anticipation a second longer.

She tastes like berry lip balm and second chances and endless possibilities.

when she kisses me again, language loses its meaning.

They look so similar, and I’ve already forgotten the difference.

night falling like a blanket to snuff out the light,

Tears coat my eyes, turning our sleepy neighborhood streets into a smear of color, like paints dripping down a canvas.

The whole world trembles in the presence of my rage. But my magic cries out for more.

It’s all going to burn.

The power is instant, rippling across my skin, sending shivers of desire across my flesh.

It’s hard when the people we loved move on without us.”

I hate the winter months, when the sun disappears before we’ve eaten dinner.

“And it’s nice to know you’re capable of saying sorry. Even if it’s only when you want something from me.”

It’s like I’m embarrassed and excited and terrified all at once, and I can’t seem to fully inhale around so many emotions.

My whole life, I’ve been taught to hide my magic at all costs. It’s become this secret, personal thing. Yet the idea of finally showing Gemma my true self, showing her all of who I am, holds a thrill of freedom.

I need this Hunter caught so I can stop suspecting everyone I know of trying to kill me.

It’s almost like walking into a sunset with all the red and gold in the leaves.”

We anchor each other. Two lost ships in a storm.

I can’t stop moving. If I stop, I’ll break. I’ll shatter like glass.

I push everything down until there’s only vengeance. Only power.

All my worst fears have already come to pass. Why should I care about the rules?

Even though I know it’s impossible, I allow myself the dream.

But I don’t want rest. I want answers.

This time, I’ll have magic on my side.