Cuckoo in the Coven

“Do you really think it’s because of Sunny?” Willow asked, as she took her turn at the telescope.

“Has to be. I’ve been matchmaking these last ten years or so and he hasn’t bothered me—why this time? Got to be Sunny’s potential he’s drawn to.”

“And you’re sure you sure it’s Cullen she’s dreaming of?”

“My spell doesn’t reveal the identity of her dream man, but he’s a local man we haven’t been able to account for, and it may be him that Fox has taken interest in. He may have known Cullen Thaine at some point in the past. In fact that may be why he’s here.”

“To cover his tracks?”

“His dark deeds...”

Willow looked at Celeste with a skeptical expression. “Don’t let your emotions get involved this time.”

“You know as much as I do how hard it is when Fox turns on the charm, but I don’t intend to roll over for him, don’t worry.”

Willow’s skeptical expression didn’t shift. “Do you think we should warn Sunny?”

“No. She needs to discover her magical heritage for herself, otherwise it would be unnatural.”

Willow sighed and hugged her. “Be strong. You can see this through. I have faith in you.”

“That’s the risk with matchmaking though, especially with a lost soul, but I honestly believe Sunny is strong enough. We can only reveal the gift to those who can use it, after all.”

“Yes, and she’s intrigued with the house, its history, and the man in her dreams. I too believe she has her grandmother’s blood, and it’s strong enough in her veins. And I’m quite sure she could deal with anything Fox might throw at her, especially with you backing her.”

Celeste gave a relieved laugh, pleased Willow had her back. “There’s only one way to find out??.”

Willow smiled. “I’m glad you’re not letting Fox’s shadow get to you.”

“No way, quite the opposite.” Celeste tossed her plait over her shoulder.

“You’ll be working your magic this evening, sister?”

Celeste nodded.

“May I watch?”

“Of course. The more the merrier.”

/> “And more powerful,” Willow added.

When they got down to the kitchen, Wellington, Celeste’s cat, was waiting expectantly, as if he knew it was time to make magic.

Celeste pushed the contents of her kitchen table to one side with a swipe of her arm, and unloaded her bag of stones, pebbles and crystals, totems she invested her magical power in.

“Sunny dreams of her man every night. Thanks to you, tokens of time, and the earth’s bounty,” she whispered to the stones.

Wellington jumped up on to the table to watch and Willow curled up in the nearby rocking chair.

“So, what do we think, Wellington, do we think Sunny’s ready?”

Wellington blinked at his mistress, his gaze steadfast.

“Yes, we thought so too.”

The cat settled onto the table, folding his limbs under him.

Celeste rummaged amongst the crystals and gems, and pulled out several suitable gems. “Each gem is a soul in time,” she whispered.