“I insist. Someone like you who has overcome many obstacles…I would like to learn more. To see what might be in store.” She held out her wrinkled hands. “Indulge an old woman.”
I relented. Part of me wanted to spend time with someone who’d met my mother, however briefly. It kept the connection alive.
The crone guided me to an area at the back where potions were stored on a shelf. Two cushioned chairs were separated by a small round table.
She motioned to the chair on the left and I sat. She contemplated the bottles before selecting a squat blue one. She thrust the bottle at me.
“Drink this.”
“How very Alice in Wonderland of you.” I unscrewed the cap and sniffed. “You’re not poisoning me, are you?”
“If I wanted you dead, you’d already be on the floor and your blood drained for research purposes.”
I scrunched my nose. “Nice image.”
She pointed to the line on the bottle. “You drink half. I drink the second half.”
I brought the potion to my lips and drank. “Tastes like chicken.” I handed her the bottle and she finished it in one gulp. This obviously wasn’t her first rodeo.
She smacked her lips. “Sometimes the kick comes later.” On cue, she closed her eyes and her body went rigid.
“Marguerite?”
“Fire! Blood!” Her entire body began to convulse.
Was this normal? I didn’t typically let anyone read me. I’d only made an exception because she already knew what I was.
“A building topples.”
Topples or melted? Was she seeing the past or the future? Would there be more destruction at the hands of this wizard?
“What was done becomes undone,” she continued. “The circle of creation. Destruction.” Her eyes opened and fixed on me, growing rounder. “And you at its center. The eye of a coming storm.”
I was at its center, but only because I’d been foolish enough to accept the work. I should’ve said no and walked away when I had the chance. Too late now.
Suddenly her eyes rolled to the back of her head and white foam gathered at the corners of her mouth. Great. My future was so bleak that I managed to kill the witch reading it.
“Marguerite!” I turned her face to the side and slid my fingers in her mouth to keep her from biting her tongue. I checked her pulse. Too strong. I had to calm her.
Gently I patted her cheek and tried to bring her back to reality. “Marguerite, you’re finished. You can leave the vision behind now.”
The crone coughed and bolted upright. Her almond eyes blinked at me. “You’re in grave danger.”
“Yes, we covered that ground. Fire. Blood. Yada yada.”
The crone’s cracked lips formed a thin line. “If you don’t walk away now, great harm will come to you.”
“Define ‘great harm.’” I mean, as long as it didn’t result in death, I figured I could handle it.
She removed a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the corners of her mouth. “You’ve survived this long. Don’t piss it away now.”
I clucked my tongue. “Such language, Marguerite.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you with the flower. Perhaps it’s for the best.”
“Perhaps.”
And perhaps I’d have to find another illegal gardener. There had to be more than one in a city this size.
I left the hothouse feeling drained. No matter what the crone said, I knew it was too late to walk away now. Princess Davina. The stone. Erratic dragons. Melting buildings. Waterspouts. Whatever was happening, I had to stop it before the entire city was in danger. If that meant great harm befell me, then so be it.
15
I was pleased to return home and discover new windows had been installed. Thank the gods the menagerie could return.
I opened the window that led to the balcony to test it. Very nice. The owner had spared no expense. Then again, knowing him he’d gotten these windows on the black market, which was why he insisted on changing them all at once.
I noticed a pigeon outside with a note secured to its leg. I whistled and it flew over so I could remove it.
“I assume this message is for me.”
The pigeon fixed me with its absent beady eyes. I unrolled the note and the pigeon flew away.
Come to the library soon. More books.
That was good news. Unfortunately Pedro would have to wait. I needed to bring the animals back from the holiday home before they mutinied.
I gathered my materials and sat cross-legged on the floor. I stared at the chalk circle and chanted.
Jemima was the first to appear, followed by Herman. The pygmy goat bleated and charged out of the circle.
I apologized profusely and made them each a huge bowl of food. Only then did I cook something for myself. I was ravenous.
As I finished eating, my phone buzzed. I didn’t even get a chance to speak before Kami’s voice burst through the speaker. “Come out with us tonight.”
“You can’t be serious. I’m exhausted.”
“You’re always exhausted.”
“It’s been quite a week, Kami. Can you blame me?”
“Everyone needs R&R. There’s a new club I want to try. Neera’s coming too.”
Inwardly I groaned. “I’ve been all over the city today.”
“Then you need a drink. I’m buying.”
I rolled my eyes.
“If I can’t twist your arm over the phone, I’ll come over there and do it in person.”
“Please don’t.”
“Then meet us at Holborn in an hour.”
“I want to be asleep in an hour.”
“Nope. You want to be dancing with a drink in each hand.”
I could tell this was one battle I’d lose. “Fine, but I’m only staying for an hour max.”
“Wear something sparkly to offset your dull attitude.” She hung up.
I dragged myself into the bathroom to freshen up. It wasn’t every day I put on lipstick—and today wouldn’t be one of them either. I washed my face, ran a brush through my tangles, and changed my outfit. I chose a purple jumpsuit that was tight enough to be flattering but stretchy enough to move comfortably. I left Babe behind, but I tucked Bert and Ernie in discreet places. One could never be too careful.