Witches' Whimsy

Dawn on the Mystic Loop

The hours bled together as Lia and Shadowpaw traversed the city, visiting every magical landmark they could think of. Each one felt like a dead end. They'd found no trace of another cursed box, no signs of tampered wards, and no lingering malevolent energy. With exhaustion settling into her bones and the sky beginning to lighten with the first rays of dawn, Lia trudged along the sidewalk near the river. The golden light of the rising sun bathed the city in its warmth, but it did little to soften the ache in her feet or the weight in her chest.

Shadowpaw padded beside her, his steps silent as ever, though his tail flicked impatiently. "This is a waste of time," he muttered, breaking the long stretch of silence. "You're dead on your feet, and we're no closer to answers."

"I know," Lia replied, her voice raspy from fatigue. "But we had to try."

The sight of a bus stop up ahead made her sigh in relief. She approached the glowing runes etched into the stop's post, reaching out to wave her hand over them. The magic shimmered faintly in response, a ripple of energy that signaled the Mystic Loop Transit to send a pickup.

"You could save yourself the trouble," Shadowpaw offered with a sly grin. "I can jump us home in no time."

Lia snorted, shaking her head. "Hard pass. I'm not in the mood to throw up on my own shoes."

"You're so dramatic," Shadowpaw grumbled, but he didn't press the issue.

"I'm serious," Lia said, shooting him a look. "Your shadow-hopping thing? It's like being shaken up inside a storm cloud and then spit out. My stomach's still twisted from that little jump in the dragon's cave. And that was—what? Yesterday morning?" She rubbed her face with her palms, groaning softly. "Why does it feel like it's been five years in the last twenty-four hours?"

Shadowpaw stretched lazily, clearly unfazed. "Fine. Enjoy your slow, clunky mortal bus ride."

"Gladly," Lia shot back, leaning against the stop's post.

Moments later, a faint hum filled the air, followed by a shimmering distortion that materialized on the street. The Mystic Loop Transit bus arrived with a soft whoosh, its sleek, rune-etched frame gleaming faintly in the predawn light. The vehicle appeared mundane enough at first glance—a slightly oversized city bus painted in a deep, glossy blue—but closer inspection revealed the intricate magical designs that pulsed softly along its surface.

The door hissed open, and the driver—a tall, imposing troll wearing a tidy uniform—nodded at Lia as she climbed aboard. "Morning," he rumbled, his tusks gleaming as he grinned faintly.

"Morning," Lia mumbled back, swiping her transit pass across the scanner. Shadowpaw leapt gracefully onto the bus behind her, earning an amused glance from the driver.

Inside, the Mystic Loop was a marvel of magical engineering. Enchanted lanterns cast a warm, steady light that didn't strain the eyes, and the air smelled faintly of citrus. The seats were wide and cushioned, designed to accommodate passengers of all shapes and sizes—literal and metaphorical. Lia passed a pair of goblins sitting near the front, chatting animatedly in their guttural tongue, and a young witch cradling a spellbook on her lap.

The bus operated seamlessly within the bounds of the magical community, weaving through the city via routes that avoided disturbing the unaware. Lia had always been impressed by how efficiently it worked; the runes inscribed along the frame kept it invisible to non-magicals while amplifying its speed and safety for those in the know.

As the bus glided smoothly along its path, Lia sank into a seat near the middle, propping her bag on her lap. Shadowpaw hopped up beside her, curling into a tight ball but keeping one eye open as if daring someone to disturb them.