“What’s going on?” I whispered back. “This is all a bit strange.”
Before she could answer, Hazel spoke. “Emma is right, this is a big deal. But first, I’m interested in hearing why Isobel has come today.”
I looked at all the expectant faces staring at me and suddenly felt overwhelmed. “Um, it’s okay. You’re clearly in the middle of a meeting.”
“You’re the subject of the meeting now,” Hazel said. “In a good way, I mean. You opened the door.”
“Are you sure you didn’t just forget to lock it?” I insisted.
“Very sure,” Emma said. “Now spill.”
I blew out a breath, suddenly feeling like I was under a microscope. But I needed the help, and Rafe was counting on me, even if he didn’t know it. “I think I have the gift of reading curses and enchantments, but I haven’t got a good handle on how to use it. I’ve been practicing,” I hurried to say, “but I really need to learn to use this power ASAP.” Should I tell them about Rafe and why I needed control of the power?
“For Lavender House?” Emma asked.
“Yes,” I said, latching on to that explanation. And I really should have thought of that. This power could help me figure out the specific details of how Lavender House had been enchanted, and that could help me fix it.
Also, I shouldn’t be throwing away my own goals for a man. True, he was in a horrible state and needed help, but I had a bad history of putting men before myself, and I needed to work on that.
“I think we can help you with that.” Hazel gestured and said, “Come here.”
I went to her and stopped right in front of her. As I did so, Emma said, “Hazel is particularly good at reading other people’s magic and diagnosing problems.”
“I’m just going to lay my hand on your chest, all right?”
I nodded, and she pressed her palm to the middle of my breastbone. I drew in a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her palm and the buzz of her magic. It flowed inside me, a fizzing sensation that made me giggle.
I snapped my mouth shut. “Sorry.”
Hazel smiled. “Don’t worry about it. My magic has that effect.” She frowned. “Although I’m sensing that your power is quite tangled up inside you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you been ignoring it?”
I winced. “Maybe a bit. For the last ten years.”
She blew out a breath. “That’s not good. Magic can’t be left alone with nowhere to go. It requires a witch to keep it in order. It’s a partnership, and you weren’t doing your part.”
“I know.” Heat flushed my cheeks, and I wanted to sink into the floor. “I had some…life things going on. But I want to get back on track and embrace my power.”
“Good. Because you’ve got a lot of it.” She removed her hand, and the fizzing sensation faded. “We can help you untangle it. You’ll still need to practice to become proficient, but it will be much easier to get caught up.”
“Oh, fates, thank you so much.” I looked around the room and found nothing but friendly, understanding faces.
I felt tears prick my eyes. I hadn’t expected to feel such emotion, but having all of these supportive, smiling women staring at me was the most wonderful feeling. Even Lily, who had been a bit snobby a moment ago, was looking at me with an understanding expression.
“I say we get started now,” Hazel said. “We were nearly done with the meeting, anyway, and since everyone is here, it’s a good time. And if Isobel is meant to join the coven, there’s no time to waste.”
Meant to join the coven.
I’d never been meant to do anything in my life. I’d kind of just floated along, but now I had goals.
It felt wonderful.
Hazel gestured for everyone to stand. “Let’s move this to the garden. Lily, will you please collect the athames? Holly, the crystals?”
“On it!” Holly hopped up and ran from the room, excitement glittering in her eyes. Lily followed, albeit a bit more slowly. But she gave me a smile as she passed, and I smiled back.
“Do you have a familiar, Isobel?” Hazel asked.
“I do. Shall I call her?” I sure as heck hoped it worked.
“Yes, she’ll need to be here for this.” Hazel turned back to the women who were leaving the room. “The rest of you need to call your familiars as well, if you have them.” She shot me a look. “In an ideal world, the familiars would attend the meetings, but none of them listen to orders unless they think it’s important.”
“Hopefully, this will qualify,” I said, smiling. I wanted to see everyone’s familiars, and magic always worked better when they were present.
“Oh, it will. A new coven member is a big deal.” She held up a hand in a slow down gesture. “Not that it’s official yet. Let’s get your magic untangled, and then we’ll talk. I realize we haven’t even asked you if you want to be a member.”
I do! I wanted to shout. But I just smiled and nodded, trying to play it cool. “I would, I think.”
“Good. I like the feel of you. You’ve got good energy.”
“Thanks.” A grin spread across my face.
“Now, come on. We’ll go out back. It’s the perfect day for this.”
I followed her to the back garden, which was a beautiful rectangular space that stretched out from the house. It was surrounded on all sides by high stone walls covered in vines. Autumn flowers bloomed in profusion, and their scent filled the air. The sound of running water came from the back of the garden.
Familiars were appearing out of thin air to join their witches—a skunk, two cats, a large gray rat, and tiny teacup poodle—and I realized I’d better try to call Poa to me.
Poa? I need you. I called to her with my mind. I’d done this in the past and it had worked, so hopefully, she’d listen to me.
A moment later, she appeared, staring up at me with annoyance. This had better be good.
“It is, I promise.” I gestured to the other witches and their familiars, and she turned to look at them.
Now this is what I’m talking about. Approval sounded in her voice. Finally, you’re hanging out with some real power.
“I’ve got real power,” I said, offended.
But it’s a mess.
“Not for long. That’s why you’re here.”
Oh, good. Let's get this show on the road.
Chapter
Eighteen
Isobel
Hazel was definitely running this show. In her white dress and colorful jeweled belt, she looked like a bohemian princess as she swept her arm out in front of her and removed the grass from the ground with a shower of sparks. A perfect circle of fresh earth remained, and all ten witches took up positions around it. Half the witches had familiars, and the animals stuck close by their sides.
“You’ll be in the middle,” Hazel said. “But give me a moment to prepare the space.” She went to the center of the circle and knelt, drawing a delicate gold athame from a hidden pocket in her skirt. The ceremonial blade was inset with gems that glittered in the bright autumn sunlight, and she used the tip to draw a circle in the dirt about a meter across. She then pressed her hand to the soil and hummed a note that was so pure and beautiful, it didn’t sound human.