The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
Contents
Chapter Three
Overview
Mika extinguishes Altamira’s witchfire with ease, confirming the girls’ powers and her own competence. The household reveals Lillian’s long absences, the risks of concentrated magic, and an imminent threat: Edward Foxhaven’s December visit. Pressed to train the girls fast, Mika hesitates but ultimately commits to return and stay through the challenge.
Summary
Mika witnesses a rope ladder blazing with green witchfire as a child climbs it unharmed. She calmly summons and extinguishes the fire, stunning Ian, Lucie, Ken, and Jamie, and confirming the girls’ magic. Asked why she was recognized, Mika hears Ian sensed a witchly “sparkle.”
Over tea, Mika learns Lillian rarely returns and left few instructions, though her wards keep Nowhere House hidden and safe. Mika explains that witches together attract mischief and increase magical volatility, meaning the girls’ frequent accidents stem from their proximity, not only lack of guidance. Ian argues this heightens the need for Mika’s guidance, while Mika warns her presence could intensify the power concentrated on the grounds.
The group reveals a looming crisis: Edward Foxhaven, Lillian’s bigoted solicitor, will arrive on December 26 to collect confidential documents. Because the girls haven’t left the warded estate in two years and Lillian refuses to return, exposure risks are high if the girls lose control. Mika cautions that full mastery takes years, especially for seven-year-old Altamira, and that attempting to leash all the house’s magic carries its own dangers.
Needing time to think, Mika leaves but is haunted by memories of her lonely, isolated upbringing and solitary discovery of magic. Moved by what she lacked as a child, she returns to the door and agrees to come back and stay, planning to move in on Friday—with her belongings, plants, dog, and even her koi and their pond—to help the girls prepare before Edward’s visit.
Who Appears
- Mika MoonWitch protagonist; extinguishes witchfire, explains risks of concentrated magic, and agrees to move in to train the girls.
- Ian Kubo-HawthornCheerful guardian; recruits Mika, reveals Edward’s impending visit, and pushes for Mika to stay.
- LucieCaretaker; defends Lillian’s wards, worries about accidents, and supports bringing Mika in.
- KenPragmatic guardian; stresses the girls’ need for guidance and suggests Mika manage power during Edward’s visit.
- JamieWary librarian; challenges assumptions, correctly interprets Mika’s warning about witches together causing volatility.
- AltamiraYoung witch; accidentally ignites the rope ladder with witchfire, illustrating the girls’ unstable magic.
- RosettaYoung witch; present offstage, cited as needing training and affected by concentrated magic.
- TerracottaYoung witch; present offstage, one of the trio whose uncontrolled magic is a central concern.
- Lillian NowhereAbsent witch and guardian; set wards, remains away on excavation, leaving gaps in guidance and information.
- Edward FoxhavenLillian’s prejudiced solicitor; scheduled to visit Dec 26, his presence threatens to expose the girls’ magic.