Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
And so, for the next half hour or so, we fill the others in on all that’s happened. Everything from supposed time slips to nightmares.
“It’s escalating,” Mr. Corey guesses. “I’ve felt the energy shifting in Salem since we got home from Philly.”
“I’ve sensed the same thing,” Lorelei admits. “And that was before I knew about what happened with Giles. Something’s in town.”
“How fresh are the protection wards on your homes and businesses?” Astrid asks.
“I cast new spells every day,” I answer. “I keep a simmer pot on the stove, carry black tourmaline, and scatter fresh salt in all four corners, every single day.”
“Good, those are all good,” Xander says with a nod. “But we can do more. We know that despite all our protection spells and wards, the bastard was able to get to us anyway. We need to do more this time.”
“There’s been no change in Hallows End,” Jonas offers, looking around the group. “Everything is as it should be there.”
“That’s a good sign,” Xander replies. “Mr. Corey was nice enough to loan us some old grimoires he had stored away so we can continue our research. If anyone here has anything like that they’re willing to loan us, I’d really appreciate it.”
“I think you need more people doing that research with you,” Percy adds. “That’s a lot of information for the six of you to comb through.”
“Five,” I counter, shaking my head. “All my time is focused on the Tapestry of Fate. And I have questions on that, too.”
“Well, it seems we have our work cut out for us today,” Mom says and pulls a notebook out of her apron and then plucks a pencil out of her hair, which never fails to make me smile. “Let’s start with some lists and go from there.”
It takes all day and breaking off into teams so we can cover ground quicker.
My mom, Giles, and Jonas, along with some of the more artistic members of the coven, join me in figuring out the tapestry.
“What if it’s not a scene from Hallows End before the curse,” Mom says slowly, “but rather of a celebration in Hallows End once the curse is lifted? Perhaps we infuse our magic into simply making it happen. Manifestation.”
“I think you’re on to something there,” Jonas chimes in, excitement in his eyes. “If it’s a celebration happening in the modern-day world, we won’t have to worry about the aging and passing of the townspeople.”
“Oh, I like that a lot.” I nod vigorously. “I was worried about that the most.”
“You’re not the only one,” Jonas replies and pats my shoulder.
“So, a modern-day celebration,” I mutter, making notes. “I wish I could see it. The village, that is. I’ve never been there, so I don’t know how to translate what it looks like into the design.”
“I wonder if Jonas can take you,” Xander says, clearly overhearing our conversation.
“It’s worth a try.” I’m excited as I turn to Jonas, but he looks apprehensive. “What? Lucy’s been there.”
“Because she’s my soulmate,” he replies. “And it was risky. If you go with me, no one in the village can see you. It could be catastrophic.”
“Okay, I’ll go first thing in the morning when it’s light enough for me to see, but not many people are out and about.”
“It’s a village stuck in time, more than three hundred years ago,” Jonas reminds me. “These people tend to livestock. They’re up very early.”
“Okay, what about evening before it gets dark? That should be dinnertime, right?”
“That might work,” Jonas mutters.
“I have to go during the day. I won’t be able to see anything in the dark.”
“I wish he could just smuggle in a camera,” Mom says.
“I’d really like to see it for myself,” I reply and reach over to rub her back in reassuring strokes. “Please, Jonas, let’s try.”
“Okay. Let me think about what day is best.”
“Oh, this is exciting.” I clap my hands, but when I glance over at Xander, I see the worry in his eyes. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “Nothing at all.”
Chapter Nine
Giles
“Oh, what a cute little rock shop.”
I look up and offer the customers a smile. The warm weather brings more and more tourists to Salem, leaving the off-season in the past. I’d welcome the additional business at any other time, but my mind is currently occupied with thoughts of Breena at home alone and all the work we have to do.
Still, I have a business to run.
“Not just rocks,” the other says, pointing my way. “It looks like they have real jewelry, too.”
“Wow, okay.”
I wave at the two women. “Hello. Welcome. Is there anything in particular I can help you find?”
“Well, we’re sort of new witches. Baby witches,” customer number one reveals with a nervous smile. “And I love crystals and stuff.”
“Oh, me, too,” woman number two agrees with a vigorous head bob, sending her blue and pink hair waving around her face.