Daughter of a Witch

An Unexpected Visitor (part 1 of 2)

The Westview farmers' market was alive with vibrant energy, the sound of cheerful chatter mingling with the scent of fresh produce, baked goods, and blooming flowers. Agatha strolled leisurely with Rio and Y/n, savoring the rare moments of peace and quiet their lives allowed.

Y/n's dark brown curls caught the sunlight as they bounced with her every step. She looked effortlessly ethereal in a flowing, earth-toned dress that swirled around her ankles. A shawl embroidered with delicate floral patterns draped loosely over her shoulders, lending her an air of timeless elegance. She had returned home for spring break from college, missing home more than she thought she would.

"Mama, I think we've bought enough honey to last us until the next millennium," Y/n teased, her arms laden with a basket overflowing with jars and small bags of herbs.

"Don't be ridiculous," Agatha replied, inspecting a bundle of lavender at a nearby stall. "It's not just for tea. Honey is a key ingredient for many spells, you know. Versatile, magical, delicious-what's not to love?"

Rio raised an eyebrow, smirking as she adjusted her sunglasses. "You said the same thing about the rosemary you insisted on buying last week. Have we even touched it since?"

Agatha gasped, clutching the lavender dramatically. "How dare you? Rosemary is sacred-an essential component of-"

"-of spells, you haven't cast yet," Rio finished, laughing softly.

Y/n rolled her eyes but smiled, clearly used to their playful banter. "You two are why we always need extra storage in the kitchen." She adjusted the strap of her basket and stopped at a stall selling handmade jewelry.

"Don't get distracted, cariño," Rio said, her tone teasing but warm. "We still need to find those herbs for your potion practice."

Y/n waved her off with a grin. "I can multitask, Mom. Besides, if I don't get this shopping gene from one of you, I'll break the family tradition."

Agatha chuckled, reaching out to pluck a piece of fabric off a vendor's table. "Oh, darling, it's not a gene. It's an art form. You'll learn."

The three meandered through the market, often chatting with vendors or admiring handmade goods. It was a perfect afternoon, the kind of day that made Westview feel like a sanctuary.

But peace, as always, was fleeting.

As they rounded a corner near a stand selling potted herbs, Agatha froze. The jovial conversation around them dulled in her ears, replaced by a sudden, sharp awareness.

Rio noticed immediately. She placed a steadying hand on Agatha's arm. "Sweetheart, what is it?"

Agatha's lips parted, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the crowd. "A presence," she said quietly. "One I haven't felt in... centuries."

Before Rio could press further, a voice drifted through the air, silken and cold.

"Agatha."

The three of them turned toward the sound, and there he was-Magnus. He stood a short distance away, his piercing gaze fixed on Agatha. Time seemed to have barely touched him. His dark hair was slicked back, his angular features sharp, and his long black coat tailored perfectly to his lean frame.

"Agatha," he said again, stepping closer. His voice was smooth, almost disarmingly so. "It's been too long."

Agatha straightened, her body rigid with tension. "Not long enough."

Magnus's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Is that any way to greet an old... acquaintance?" His gaze shifted, falling on Rio, then Y/n. His expression faltered briefly when his eyes landed on Y/n.