The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
Contents
Chapter Eighteen
Overview
Mika recovers, rejoins the household, and commits to Solstice plans. Jamie shocks everyone by deciding to visit his mother in Liverpool; Ian objects, then maneuvers Mika to accompany him with a speed spell. The next morning, Jamie confides his fears to Ken, who frames Ian’s protectiveness and advises hope without control.
Summary
Mika wakes after a day of magical exhaustion, lets the girls and Circe into the attic, and heads to dinner despite teasing about wearing Jamie’s coat. In the kitchen, the household fusses over Mika’s recovery. The girls proudly demonstrate new spellwork, and Mika explains she plans to forage before the Winter Solstice to replenish potion ingredients.
At dinner, Lucie urges Mika to join their Solstice festivities, and Jamie suggests taking the girls foraging. When Ian hints Jamie should also go, Jamie reveals he will be away in Liverpool for his mother’s sixtieth birthday at the Tate. The family reacts with shock and concern, but Jamie insists on going.
Ian condemns the plan as foolish. To mitigate the trip, Ian proposes that Mika go and use a speed spell; after brief hesitation, Jamie asks and Mika agrees, preferring to wait in the car rather than face crowds. This settles the immediate tension and confirms the next day’s plan.
The following morning, Jamie, tense and second-guessing the visit, vents to Ken. Ken gently explains Ian’s matchmaking protectiveness and their enduring love for the once-wounded boy Jamie was. Jamie admits Mika could break his heart; Ken counters that she may not, and even if she leaves, he should leave a window open for her return.
Who Appears
- Mika MoonRecovers from magical exhaustion, rejoins dinner, plans Solstice foraging, and agrees to use a speed spell to take Jamie to Liverpool.
- Jamie KellyAnnounces Liverpool trip for his mother’s sixtieth, faces pushback, asks Mika to come, and later admits fears about being hurt.
- KenComforting mediator; explains Ian’s protective motives to Jamie and counsels leaving a window open for Mika.
- IanObjects to Jamie’s trip, then pragmatically suggests Mika accompany with a speed spell; later avoids confrontation.
- LucieChecks Mika’s health, champions Solstice festivities, and joins the family’s dinner conversations.
- TerracottaSharp-eyed and blunt; questions Mika about Jamie’s coat, demonstrates spellwork, and probes Jamie’s travel plans.
- AltamiraEager for Mika’s return, shows origami swan animation, and reacts strongly to mention of Primrose.
- RosettaProudly tap-dances her doll, imitates Lucie, and earns extra screen time for cleaning her room.