AuraSwipe

Chapter 13

I had to warn Dani—fast. My heart raced as I dialed her number, the anxiety coiling in my stomach like a live wire. I paced my apartment, each ring of the phone amping up my fear that time was running out.

"Hazel! What's up?" she answered.

"Okay, first off, I'm so sorry for being the world's worst matchmaker." I winced, bracing myself.

"What?! He's the best guy I've met in years!" Her voice faltered, then dropped with a sigh, heavy with disappointment. "Wait... does this have to do with Eli? Was he a total creep?"

"Definitely--but I don't know the whole story," I admitted, rubbing my temples. "I haven't figured out who's involved in this whole mess yet, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Here's what I do know: AuraSwipe is a scam. It's a honey pot designed to track people who can legitimately read auras. The app draws them in, then pinpoints their locations for... who knows what kind of creepy surveillance or recruitment."

Dani was silent for a moment, then groaned, "Great. I knew dating in this city was sketchy, but I didn't think CIA-level sketchy. What should I do?" I could tell it was a dark joke, but her voice trembled. Three years of happy hours and inside jokes, and I'd never heard that edge in her voice before.

"I'm going to guide you through a protection spell," I said, my voice softening with intent. All those times she'd playfully asked for tarot readings suddenly felt like practice for this moment. "Before we start—and I know this might sound intense—but what do you hold sacred? Think carefully. If you had to place your trust in a higher force, would it be a goddess, an ancestor, or maybe a guiding spirit?"

Dani paused, considering it. "I've always been into, like, Norse mythology? Does that count?"

"Absolutely. Freyja would be a powerful choice for you—she embodies love, protection, and the fierce spirit needed to face challenges head-on. Now, find a candle and a small token that feels right to you, and I'll walk you through everything."

As she rummaged around, I could hear the anxiety creeping into her voice. "Are you sure this is gonna work?"

"Definitely. It's all about your intention. The power is already within you; you just need to channel it."

"Thanks, Haze." Dani's voice was steadier now, more like herself. "For having my back. And for not letting me find out about all this... surveillance stuff the hard way."

"Always. Text me when you're done with the spell?" I waited for her confirmation before ending the call.

After we hung up, I set about gathering the materials for a more complex protection spell, one that would last. I wasn't naive enough to think that the higher-ups at AuraSwipe—or Project Oracle—would just leave me alone. I'd pissed off some powerful people. The least I could do was make sure they didn't find me so easily.

I sifted through my supplies, pulling out a black candle for banishment, symbolizing the removal of negative influences. The weight of that choice settled in my gut; I knew this wasn't just a simple ritual anymore. Next, I selected a small vial of pink salt from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, renowned for its high vibrational energy and protective qualities. A small piece of obsidian followed, a stone known for its ability to deflect harmful energy. I'd only collected these supplies as a precaution, but I was glad I had. To be honest, I'd never needed a protective spell on this scale before.

The basics had always sufficed, but now it felt like I was building my own etheric home security system—layering in extra protections and safeguards to guard against unseen threats. The thought was sobering; I knew I needed every layer of protection I could muster. But I wasn't going to stop there. If Project Oracle was as big as Kyle said, they wouldn't stop at just watching. They'd come after me, Dani, and countless others until we were either under their control or out of the way.

That wasn't going to happen on my watch.

I glanced down at my phone, recalling the contact info I exchanged with Kyle. We'd decided to communicate through an encrypted service, ensuring that our conversations remained private. He had promised to send me the evidence I needed to expose AuraSwipe. If I could make it public, maybe I could tear down their operation before it got any worse.

But I knew I'd need help—from witches, psychics, and other magic users: people who had been "profiled" like me. And I'd have to outsmart Eli. He was slick, dangerous, and more connected than I could imagine. That didn't mean he was unbeatable. I just had to learn his strategy before he caught on to mine.

                                                                                     -- 
A knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts. I moved cautiously, checking through the peephole. A bouquet of deep crimson roses, mingled with dark calla lilies and thorny branches, sat in a sleek, black vase on my doorstep. I quickly opened the door and snatched the arrangement, glancing around before stepping inside and locking the deadbolt.

A small card dangled from the flowers, the words scrawled in handwriting I didn't recognize.

"You're smarter than I thought. But don't get too comfortable. —E"

My heart raced as I read the words again. The paper suddenly felt hot between my fingers, and before I could process what was happening, flames licked up from the edges. I gasped—not in fear, but in surprise and pure, electric thrill. The fire didn't burn me, instead dancing across my skin like a caress. The note crumbled to ash in my palm, and a wild smile spread across my face. So this is what you get when you push a witch too far.

"I don't intend to, 'E,'"  I announced to the empty room.

Then, I walked briskly to the window, cupping the ashes in my palm. With one swift motion, I pushed it open, letting the cool night air wash over me. I leaned out, tossing the charred remains and watching them scatter. The embers caught the moonlight as they drifted away. Let Eli and his corporate spies think they had me cornered.

As I closed the window, my phone buzzed with a text from Dani: "Spell done. Ready to raise some hell?"

I smiled, feeling the warmth still tingling in my fingertips. They wanted to track witches? Fine. Let's see how they handle being hunted.