The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
Contents
Chapter Six
Overview
Mika settles further into Nowhere House, relocating her magical pond and greenhouse and bonding with the girls by demonstrating anchored spells. Over lunch, Terracotta tests Mika with a mock-murder threat, which Mika defuses. Lessons are set for mornings, but Jamie blocks the girls from joining Mika at the beach, revealing distrust.
Summary
The girls show Mika Lillian’s bedroom and cluttered study, underscoring Lillian’s controlling absence. Outside, Ian enthuses about Mika’s magic while Ken suggests placing Mika’s floating pond and greenhouse in the back garden. Mika moves them, feeling relief once they are anchored in place, then returns to finish settling into the attic.
With the girls present, Mika offers a favorite spell demonstration. She unveils her “Can’t-Do-Withouts” vials and explains anchoring long-term magic to external energy sources. Using peppermint essence at the balcony threshold, she ties a ward to keep insects out, illustrating maintenance and the concept of anchors like Nowhere House’s trees and annual ward renewal.
At lunch, Terracotta arrives dressed for a “possible funeral,” admits she doesn’t want Mika there, and theatrically threatens to kill her in her sleep. Mika calmly replies, “Suck it up, buttercup,” and warns about her protective dog, diffusing tension. Jamie gently reprimands Terracotta, and the table conversation resumes.
Lucie proposes shifting regular lessons to free mornings for magical tutoring, and Mika agrees, though she secretly doubts her teaching ability. Afterward, Mika invites the girls to the beach with Circe, but Jamie abruptly refuses, claiming he needs help in the library. The strained moment makes it clear to Mika that Jamie doesn’t trust her yet.
Who Appears
- Mika MoonNew tutor settling in; moves pond and greenhouse, demonstrates anchored spellwork, defuses Terracotta’s threat, agrees to morning lessons, senses Jamie’s distrust.
- TerracottaHostile and theatrical; dresses for a ‘funeral,’ threatens Mika, resists the new tutor but backs down when challenged.
- JamieGrim librarian; patient with Terracotta yet firm, and blocks the girls from going to the beach with Mika, signaling distrust.
- AltamiraEnthusiastic and blunt; eager for spells, laughs at Mika’s bug-ward, previously floated unexpectedly.
- RosettaObservant and considerate; asks practical questions about wards and timing, engages with Mika’s lessons.
- IanCheerful actor; excited by magic, pushes for spell talk, helps host lunch, proud of recruiting Mika.
- KenGroundskeeper; proposes locations for pond and greenhouse, invites Mika for tea, supportive presence.
- LucieHousekeeper; reins in Ian’s curiosity, arranges morning tutoring schedule, keeps household running.