Cuckoo in the Coven

They walked hand-in-hand across the meadow. Sunny marveled at how good it felt, being with him, even though they’d had a row. “It feels like we’ve been together forever, and yet the time is so short.”

His hand tightened on hers. “I feel that way too.”

“What do you think it means?”

“We are right together.”

She nodded.

He pulled her closer, tucking her in against his side with his arm around her.

When they reached Eben’s workshop, Cullen lingered, as if reluctant to leave her side.

“Come in and say hi,” Sunny said.

Eben heard the bell ring and laid down his hammer. Picking up a rag, he wiped his hands and strode over to greet them.

“Come back once you’re done shopping,” Eben encouraged.

Cullen’s expression relaxed, and he set off.

Sunny watched him disappear down the street. “He’s worried because the deadline looms.”

“It’s natural,” Eben replied. He wore his leather apron. The shirt and trousers beneath were heavy duty and scored with smudges and burns.

Sunny turned to him and gave him her full attention. “Celeste tells me you’re going to instruct me on controlling the elements.”

Eben laughed, a deep, rolling belly laugh that never failed to make people smile. “I think you already have that in your grasp. You can already project yourself inside a storm to see the ship disguised by magic within the elements.”

I can? Sunny thought, still baffled by it all. “That just happened.”

“My aim today is to help you refine your skills.” He beckoned her over to the forge. “I want to show you how the magic works for me. I work with fire, and I’ll tell you about the moment I found I could control the fire as easily with my magic as I can with the tools I have around me.”

Sunny looked into the flames, far from convinced.

“I hasten to add I don’t do that on a daily basis. I enjoy the traditional method.” He smiled broadly. “It’s important not to abuse your magic, once you get a hold of it. It can be tempting.”

“I guess so.” Sunny stared into the smoldering coals, the rising scent entrancing her.

“Allow me to get the fire going again, and then I’ll demonstrate.” He squeezed the bellows, breathing in new life.

Sunny studied him while he worked. He was a handsome, soulful personality with eyes full of tales and glorious black skin. Why was he single, she wondered.

He glanced her way. “I hear Aveline is looking after your web design business for you,” he said, “while you study with us.”

Sunny smiled. Had he sensed her question, or was it a coincidence? “Yes, she’s been wonderful. During the quiet times at the library she’s doing my client website updates to give me time to work on...this.”

“She’s very good with web stuff. It’s way beyond me.”

“I’m sure it wouldn’t be, if you had time. But you’ve got enough going on here.”

“I don’t feel right, sitting at a computer.” He gestured at his leather apron and laughed.

“It suits you, and you make Cullen feel more at home. Your clothing seems more familiar to him than ours.”

“We all welcome him, as we did you.”

“Little did I know you were a...coven.”