The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Jamie broods over Mika’s disruptive presence but gradually softens, charmed despite himself by Circe and Mika’s curiosity about the library. News arrives that Edward won’t delay his visit, sharpening the stakes. Mika urges recalling Lillian, sparking conflict until Jamie defends the girls as simply children. Vulnerability about Mika’s childhood leads to a tentative truce and a shared hope the world could be kinder.
Summary
In the library, Jamie vents his irritation at Mika’s arrival and the omnipresent dog hair, even as he grudgingly admits fondness for Circe. He reflects on his Before-Jamie optimism versus his current guarded After-Jamie self, resenting Mika’s relentless cheer.
Mika enters, apologizes for Circe, and asks about the library. Jamie unexpectedly laughs and explains it is a private academic archive he manages and digitizes, mailing rare volumes to scholars. Their guarded banter briefly eases his defensiveness.
A text from Ian confirms Edward won’t delay his visit, renewing Jamie’s exhaustion with secrecy. When Mika gently asks if he’s okay, Jamie admits he’s tired of keeping secrets. She suggests recalling Lillian; Jamie dismisses the idea, and Mika criticizes Lillian’s absence, clarifying the real problem is the solicitor, not the girls.
Jamie, protective of the children, snaps that they’re difficult because they’re kids, not because they’re witches. Realizing he misread Mika, he softens. He recognizes Mika’s lifelong pressure to “fit,” noting her caregivers treated her as different even before discovering her magic. Mika admits learning to perform normalcy.
Jamie insists she shouldn’t have had to contort herself. As Mika leaves, she notes the girls will have to fit in to live beyond Nowhere House. Jamie counters that the world could be kinder, and Mika concedes with a “Maybe,” marking a tentative truce and growing rapport despite looming pressure from Edward’s impending visit and Lillian’s absence.
Who Appears
- JamieNowhere House librarian; grumpy yet protective. Opens up about secrecy fatigue, defends the girls, and softens toward Mika.
- Mika MoonNew tutor; curious and kind. Connects with Jamie over burdens, challenges Lillian’s absence, recalls her isolating childhood.
- CirceMika’s well-behaved dog; comforts Jamie by quietly keeping him company in the library.
- IanCaretaker; texts Jamie a screenshot confirming Edward won’t delay his visit.
- EdwardSolicitor; refuses to postpone his visit, increasing pressure on the household.
- LucieCaretaker; emailed Edward to delay the visit, but he refused.
- LillianAbsent guardian; Mika urges recalling her, but Jamie says there’s no point.