“Where is he?” Horace complains but waits some more.
Hours later, when the toy hasn’t returned, Horace punches at the glass and surprises himself when it breaks.
He’s weak.
He has to find more energy.
So, he leaves the mirror and decides to start early with the next toy.
But when he tries to slip into those mirrors, a powerful spell blocks him. He tries again and again, but every mirror he attempts is protected.
Rage surges with an energy all its own.
“How dare they?” he demands, baring his teeth.
This won’t do.
This won’t do at all.
Now he has to teach them a new lesson and search for another toy. One who isn’t connected to a coven. A random plaything.
But as an idea takes shape in his mind, he calms.
Oh, yes. This will be a delight.
Chapter Fifteen
Jackson
“Your room is on the main floor,” Millie says to Miss Sophia after they tour the house.
Honestly, I’m shocked that she agreed to stay. The fact that she did tells me that the thing we’re up against is scarier than any of us wants to admit.
“Oh, this is lovely,” I hear Miss Sophia say as they walk into a room off the kitchen. “You didn’t have to put fresh flowers in here.”
Daphne and I share a smile.
Of course, we did. Butter her up a bit.
“We’re just so happy you’re here,” Millie says. “I know it’s a full house of people, but it won’t be for long. I want to keep you safe.”
“Ruth and I will be just fine,” Miss Sophia says as the three of them come into the kitchen. “I didn’t agree to come because I’m afraid for us.”
Ruth pours herself a cup of tea and takes a seat next to Daphne at the bar.
“Then why?” Millie asks.
“Because I fear there’s more to know, more to learn than I originally thought. We’ve only scratched the surface. And now that he’s targeting witches, it sends this whole thing into a new ballgame, so to speak. I’ll be busy with research, but I also want to keep my eye on you girls. And Ruth, as well.”
“There’s safety in numbers,” Ruth adds. “It’s smart to be together. Where are Brielle and Cash?”
“They just left a bit ago to get started on her first ghost tour of the day,” I reply. “Cash will be with her at work every day until this is over.”
“Good,” Miss Sophia says. “I don’t want any of you alone.”
“We have the library set up as a workspace,” Millie says. “There are some extra desks in there, as well. It seems appropriate, and I really like the atmosphere in there.”
“Well, that makes sense,” Miss Sophia says with a soft smile. “I’ve heard stories about the many hours you spent in the library during your last lifetime.”
It’s still so weird to me to think that Millie and Lucien lived in this very house a hundred years ago in a previous life.
And that Miss Sophia is their direct descendent from that time.
It’s just…crazy.
My phone pings with a text.
Miss A: Hello, darlin’. Oliver and I can go home today. Would you be able to drive us?
Me: Of course. I’ll head that way now.
“Oliver’s being released from the hospital.” I stand and lean over to kiss Daphne’s cheek. “I’m going to go take him and Miss Annabelle home.”
“I’ll go with you,” Daphne says, standing with me.
“You don’t have to—”
“No one goes alone, remember?” Daphne winks and glances at Millie. “Do you need us to stop and grab anything for dinner?”
“Oh, no, I have everything,” Millie says. “Be safe out there.”
We have to fight traffic to get to the hospital. When we finally walk into Oliver’s room, he’s dressed and ready to go.
“Perfect timing,” Miss Annabelle says with a smile. With her big handbag on her arm, she gestures for us to go.
Oliver looks fantastic. I don’t remember the last time I saw him looking so energized. So young.
“Wow, did they give you a sip of water from the fountain of youth?” I ask him. “You look great.”
“Feel fit as a fiddle,” he replies with a smile as a pretty nurse pushes his wheelchair. “Guess I need to drink more water.”
“That’s it?”
“Seems so,” Oliver replies. “Hooked me up to that IV thing for a couple of days, and today, I feel so much better.”
“Well, it’s good to see you looking healthier,” Daphne says as she pats Oliver’s shoulder. “I was worried about you.”
“All these pretty girls, worried about little ol’ me.”
Oliver preens as we take the elevator down, and they all wait for me at the hospital entrance as I hurry to get the car.
“Does anyone else feel like some beignets?” Oliver asks us all.
“His appetite is back,” Miss Annabelle says with a smile. “Darlin’, you can have whatever you like.”
“Then beignets it is,” Oliver says. “As long as y’all don’t have nowhere else to be.”