Chapter Twenty-Nine

Mika pulls Primrose aside and firmly declares the girls will remain together at Nowhere House. Primrose cites the Rules and the danger of young witches cohabiting, proposing separation with guardians attached, but Mika refuses and insists on privacy to talk.

Mika challenges Primrose’s rigidity, pointing out that even Primrose bends rules when needed, and argues that witches cannot live truly alone. She presses about her own upbringing, suggesting Primrose’s cold distance came from trauma inflicted by relatives who taught her to see herself as harmful.

Primrose bristles, power crackling, but Mika holds her ground. Mika contends that happiness and community are worth the risks because witches can protect each other, ward mistakes, and grow together. After a long silence, Primrose softens and agrees to be kept informed of all developments, even allowing that she might visit.

The girls burst outside, having eavesdropped, and celebrate that Primrose will not separate them. Primrose meets them properly, and the tension melts as they get along. Night falls and snow begins.

As Primrose departs, she asks if Mika will return to the York house. Terracotta fiercely declares Mika belongs with them. Taking a leap of faith, Mika chooses to stay, embracing love and the found family she’s built.