I spent the afternoon trying to do all the math homework that I should have done the week before. I actually finished most of it before I drove to Hunter and Skys place at eight to meet with Erin.
Hunter let me in. Erin and Sky were sitting on the couch as we walked into the living room. The lamps were glowing with new lightbulbs, and the books sat quietly on their shelves. There was no sign of what had happened the night before.
Ive already told Sky and Erin about last nights fog, Hunter said as I pulled off my jacket and kicked off my duck boots. Padding across the room in my thick socks, I curled up into the corner of the large brown velvet armchair that sat to the side of the couch, pulling my legs beneath me.
You say the shape you saw looked like a woman? Erin said to Hunter. He nodded.
Erin pursed her lips. Did she say anything? she asked me abruptly.
I flushed slightly under her intense gaze. No. She didnt do anything at all, I said. She just looked at us a minute and disappeared.
Erin lifted her eyebrows and turned to Hunter for confirmation. He nodded again.
But theres no doubt in your mind that this was something? Erin asked. This wasnt just some kind of problem with the weathera strange-looking patch of mist?
It was real enough that I nearly drove the car off the road. Hunters voice was certain, but I remembered the flash of doubt Id felt that morning.
Erin sat back and pressed her lips together. She sat perfectly still, and with her pale skin and delicate features, she looked almost like she was made of marble.
Do you think it was Ciaran? Sky asked. Her oval face was tense.
Perhaps, Erin said. Her gaze locked on my face.
The look made my stomach lurch. I felt afraid and defensive at the same time. Do you think it was me? I demanded.
Erin was unperturbed. Perhaps, she replied coolly.
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Erin cut me off. Morgan, I merely said it was a possibility. You may be causing these incidents unconsciouslywe simply cant rule it out. But right now, only two things are certain: strange things are happening, and they seem to involve you.
Or Hunter, I pointed out.
Thats true, Hunter agreed. He quickly described what had happened in the movie theater a few nights before.
Erin seemed to ponder this a moment. It seems that someone is trying to get in touch with one of you, she said. Perhaps its time we went looking for them.
Should we scry? Hunter asked.
The sooner the better, I should think, Erin said. She disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and returned with a small stone bowl filled with water. I was intrigued by the fact that she chose to scry with waterId heard most witches found it unreliable.
We joined hands, and Erin began to chant as we gazed into the water. Id never heard the words before, and they had an ancient quality that was both beautiful and terrifying. Although I didnt understand exactly what she was saying, I felt certain that Erin was calling on whoever was interfering with us to reveal him- or herself.
The water shimmered, and for a moment it almost seemed to glow silvery pink. The clock on the wall ticked on, but nothing happened. Erin began her low chant again, and this time Sky joined her. Still nothing.
Hunter sat to my left, and after a few moments I felt a shudder run through him. I squeezed his hand. I knew that he thought the strange incidents might have been messages for him from his parents. I knew that he was hoping they were and that by scrying we would see them. I was struck with the irony of itHunter was hoping to see his father, while I was terrified to see my own. Hunter shuddered again. I turned to look at him just as a wave of pain and fear washed over me. It was flowing from him. He groaned and fell backward against the floor, as if he were being held there. Sweat broke out over his face, which had gone deadly white.
Hunter! I cried.
Erin leaned over Hunter and peered into his face as I brushed damp golden hair away from his forehead. Sky hurried behind him and put his head in her lap. Hunter moaned and began to say something. I didnt catch the beginning of it, but I heard him murmur something that sounded like, Troptardeef. Then there was a string of words that made no sense to me.
I dug my fingernails into my palms. Goddess, please help him, I begged silently.
Hunters body shuddered once more, then he lay still. His breathing was labored and ragged for a moment, then began to slow. Finally he opened his eyes. Looking up at me, he murmured, What happened?
I swallowed hard, unsure how to answer.
Did you see anything? Erin asked brusquely.
Hunter struggled to his elbows, and Sky helped him sit upright. He rubbed his head, then said, Shadows. There was a narrow street, with cobblestones. And there was a wall. I. . I was in a walled city.
You said something, Erin informed him. Do you remember what it was?
Hunter shook his head. NoI just remember the shadows. . and the feelings. What did I say?
You said, Its too latetheres nothing I can do,Erin replied. In French.
Hunter stared at her. I dont speak French, he said.
Erin didnt reply to that. Do you know why this happened?she asked.
No, Hunter replied. Then he said, No, again, but his voice was less certain.
Erin leaned toward him. Do you think you know why this happened?
I think it may have been one of my parents, trying to contact me, Hunter admitted.
Hunter. Skys voice was almost a gasp. Are you sure?
No, he said quickly. No, Im not. Thats only what I think it was. But it could be anything.
The words settled over me like a cold weight, sinking into my bones. A feeling came over meit was the same feeling Id had the night before, when Hunter and I had rounded the bend in the road. It was a deep feeling of dread.
I reached for Hunters hand and felt slightly better at the familiar warmth of his touch. I was worried for him. But more than that, I was worried about the future. Worried about us. I didnt know what the messages meant. . but I had a horrible feeling that their power was great enough to tear us apart.
Morgan, I think we had better begin our lessons as soon as possible, Erin said. Are you free tomorrow afternoon?
Yes, of course. Where should we meet? I asked. Here?
Actually, Hunter broke in, Alyce suggested that you hold your lessons in the back room of Practical Magick. She thought it might be a good idea in case you need any books or tools.
I nodded. That works for me.
For me as well, Erin said.
Everyone was subdued as we said good night. Sky seemed particularly pensive. As I laced up my heavy boots and pulled on my jacket, I wondered what she was thinking.
That was frustrating, I said as Hunter walked me to Das Boot.
I know, he agreed. I just wish we knew what all of this meant.
I remembered the violence of exploding lightbulbs and kamikaze books. Could Hunters parents really have been behind those things? It seemed unlikely. I thought of my own fatherCiaran. That sort of violence was more his style.
As if hed been reading my mind, Hunter said, Morgan, I heard from Eoife this afternoon. The council has found out Ciaran is definitely in Spain. Theyre closing in. Its only a matter of time before they have him in custody. Eoife said to tell you they couldnt have done it without you.
Relief swept over me, followed by anger, startling me with its strength. Anger at the council for making me spy on my own father. Anger at Ciaran for all the evil he had done, for the taint he had passed on to me. Anger at myself for the tug of kinship I still felt for him. Oh, no problem. Im great at spying on my relatives, I said bitterly. Just let me know if you need any info on Mary K.
Hes dangerous, Hunter said quietly. You did right, even though it was hard.
I closed my eyes and tried to let Hunters voice calm me. I knew my father was dangerous. But when I was with Ciaran, Id felt a strange connectionsomething Id never felt before. Knowing that this man was my real father, that his blood ran in my veins, had given me a visceral sense of belonging. I felt that I knew Ciaran almost better than I knew the members of my adopted family because part of him was in me.
And I knew his true name.
The thought echoed up from the depths of my mind. I knew Ciarans true name. Hed said it in a forbidden spell hed used when he was trying to win me to his side.
When you know someones true name, you can control him.
I had never told Hunter. I could have told him right then. I could have said Ciarans true name. But I didnt. They already have the sigil, I told myself. Hunters right; theyre going to capture him soon. They dont need his true name.
If Ciaran is the one sending these messages, Hunter said fiercely, he will be very, very sorry. His words slashed through the chill air like a blade.
Do you wish you were therein Spain, tracking him? I asked. I had seen Hunter put the braigh on Cal once, and once on David Redstone. The spelled silver chain burned witches skin, raising angry red blisters. I knew that Hunter hadnt enjoyed using it either time. But now I wondered how he would feel putting it on the wrists of the man whod almost killed both of us more than once.
My job is to protect you, Hunter said simply. According to the council, that is my sole responsibility for the moment.
I frowned. That doesnt answer my question.
Doesnt it?
Hunter gazed at the hulking forms of the trees, and I suddenly realized the full weight of what he was saying. He thought he was receiving messages from his parents. And he couldnt do anything about it because he had to stay in Widows Vale to take care of me. That had to be incredibly frustrating. More. It had to be agonizing.
Cant you tell the council how important this is to you? I asked. If they catch Ciaran, I wont be in danger anymore.
Hunter shook his head, not looking at me. The council wants me here.
I looked at him, feeling a rush of sympathy. I thought of how very young Hunter had been when his parents had disappeared. I could only imagine how fiercely he wanted them back. Im sorry, I whispered.
Hunter didnt speak. He just reached out, took my hand, and brought it briefly to his lips before letting it go.
Ill help you find them, I said.
Good, was the last thing he said before retreating up his front walk. He didnt look back as I got in my car and drove away.
5. Forces
Morgan lost it last night. I dont know if she went crazy or if her powers short-circuited or something, but things started flying around the room and exploding, and it scared the holy crap out of me.
Now I dont know what to do. The circle started off really well. I dont know much about Wicca, but theres something about it that feels almost like a tune I only half remember from childhood. The words are long forgotten, but if I try hard enough, Ill remember the melody, and everything will fall into place.
Thats what the way I felt last night for a while.
Morgans magick feels like something else. Im afraid of it in the way I used to be afraid of leaving my closet door open when I was five years old.
I wish shed just leave the coven. Then Mary K. would feel better and I wouldnt have to be afraid anymore.
Alisa
Mr. Powell waited until the last five minutes of class to pass back the graded exams.
The class buzzed as he made his way around the room, placing papers facedown on desks. Well done, he whispered to Claire Kennedy, and, Great job, to Andy Nasewell. Hope fluttered in my chest. Andy wasnt a great student. Maybe I hadnt done as badly as I thought.
Mr. Powell slapped a paper on my desk. His hand was still a moment as he looked down at me. See me after class, he said. Crap. I turned the paper over, my heart thumping. At the top there was a big red number. Sixty-three.
The bell rang and everyone streamed out of the classroom, comparing papers and chatting. Quickly I shoved my exam inside my binder and shuffled up to Mr. Powells desk. I could hardly even look at him.
Morgan, he said, folding his arms on his desk, weve spoken about this before. Your grade in this class has dropped significantly since first semester, and Id hoped to see more improvement. Mr. Powell looked up at me. He was a good teacherthe kind who really seemed to care about his studentsand he looked concerned.
I know I messed up, I replied. Ive just been a little. . overwhelmed lately.
This was the second of four major exams for this marking period, Mr. Powell said. The exams are what determine your final grade.
I did a quick mental calculation. Even if I got a hundred on each of the other two exams, my final average would be a seventy-eight. Seventy-eight. That was pretty far from my usual honor roll standards.
You do realize, Morgan, that junior-year grades are what most colleges look at when they are determining admissions,Mr. Powell went on. Im afraid Im going to have to let your parents know about this.
Oh, no. Is there anything I can do? I asked. Some extra credit or something?
Mr. Powell thought for a moment. I dont like to give one person a shot at extra credit without giving the whole class the same chance, he said slowly.
Im sure other people would like to bring up their grades, I suggested.
Mr. Powell sighed. All right, he said. Ill announce it to the class tomorrow. Write a five- to eight-page paper on any historical subject for a maximum of twenty extra points on the next exam.
I stifled a groan. Twenty points. That didnt sound like much. But when I did the average in my head along with two other perfect exams, I realized I could end up with an eighty-three average for the marking perioda B. It would be tough, but I could do it. Thanks, Mr. Powell, I said quickly, and turned toward the door.
Morgan, he called after me.
Yes? I paused in the doorway.
He looked at me over the tops of his bifocals. Make it good, he said.
Did you talk to Robbie? I asked Bree as we walked out of English. It was our last class. I hadnt seen her or Robbie all day, except from a distanceneither one of them was at the usual spot in the morning or at lunch, either.
Bree hugged her notebooks to her chest. No, she admitted. She was wearing a long black leather skirt and a woolly black sweater with a plunging neckline, and it made her look mysterious and a little sad.
I wasnt all that surprised. Bree hated relationship talks. Why not?
To be honest, Robbie was pretty freaked out by the circle on Saturday, Bree said. Yesterday didnt really seem like the best time for a chat, you know?
Bree, you need to talk to him, I said.
I know, I know. Bree hesitated, her dark eyes clouding over. Actually, she said finally, I think maybe you should talk to Robbie. That scene at the circle scared the crap out of him. God, Morgan, it scared the crap out of everyone. Me too.
But that wasnt me, I insisted. It scared me, too.
We stood there in the hall for a moment, just staring at each other as students streamed past us. I had no idea what to say. Finally Bree reached out and grabbed my hand. Look, Morgan. If you say it wasnt you, then I believe it. Ill talk to Robbie for you. But you should know that hes worried about you, and so am I. To my dismay, her eyes filled with tears. Bree wasnt a big weeper. Were friends, right?
I swallowed hard. Right.
Okay. Bree gave me a watery smile. Ill talk to him. About both things.
She dropped my hand and turned toward her locker. I trudged to mine, silently cursing these strange things that kept happening. I was as afraid of them as everyone else. Yet everyone thought I was behind them.
Standing in front of my locker, I felt a faint, icy breeze blow past me. The small hairs at the back of my neck rose. Had anyone else felt it? To my right, I saw Cindy Halpern struggling with her locker combination. Maybe it was just my imagination.
I spun the lock and yanked on my locker door. It swung open with a bang. I jumped back to avoid the avalanche of books and papers that cascaded out.
God, Morgan, Cindy said, rolling her eyes at the mess, get a Trapper Keeper.
I ignored her. My instincts were clamoring. It was true that my locker was a royal disaster, but the way my stuff had shot out of it. . I peered down the hall to see if other strange things were happening, but all I saw was students shoving books into backpacks and pulling on jackets. I cast my senses, but I didnt sense any sort of sinister presence. Frowning, I eyed the mess on the floor. Maybe it really was just the result of a locker that hadnt been cleaned out in a while. I bent and started gathering papers.
Need some help? asked a voice behind me.
I glanced up as Alisa crouched and began stacking my books. This looks like the bottom of my dads closet, she said. Her voice was heavy, and she seemed tired.
I stopped gathering my papers and looked at her. Are you okay? I asked.
Alisa frowned. Actually, no, she said. II wanted to tell you. . Im leaving the coven.
I was so surprised, I sat down on the floor. You are? I asked. The image of Bree with tears in her eyes, telling me that Robbie was worried about me, clicked into my brain. Why? I asked carefully.
Alisa ran her fingers through her hair, pulling it away from her oval face. Things are just going too far for me. She looked down at the floor, then up at me. The magick Ive seen lately. . it scares me. These are powerful forces, Morgan. She leaned toward me until I could see myself reflected in her eyes. Theyre dangerous.
I got the feeling that Alisa wanted me to promise that nothing frightening would happen at a circle again. But I couldnt. I didnt have any idea what had caused the strange magick on Saturdayand I certainly didnt have any control over it. Im sorry, Alisa, I said finally. I guess you have to do whats right for you.
Alisa looked at me a moment and then nodded. Okay. But I just wanted to tell you. . I have a bad feeling. The magick youve been practicing is bad for everyone. Im talking about the whole coven, she said in a low voice. I think you should stop what youre doing. Be careful, Morgan.
Yeah, Morgan, be careful, said a voice above us. It was Mary K., her book bag slung over one shoulder. I tried to read the expression on my sisters face. Mary K. and I hadnt had a real conversation since the night of Hunters dinner, but Id felt that she was softening toward me a bitand now she was obviously here so I would give her a ride home. I hoped she hadnt overheard anything just now that would freak her out again.
What does Morgan have to be careful about? Mary K. asked Alisa.
I waited nervously. Alisa glanced at me, then picked up a pile of my books. She has to be careful not to get buried in this pile of crap, Alisa said as she slid my books into place on the shelf. I was just recommending that Morgan wear bright-colored clothing so we can find her if she gets hidden in the next locker paper slide.
I gathered the rest of my papers and scrambled to my feet. Just a second, Mary K., I said. Let me find what I need. Ill be ready to roll in a minute.
Actually, Mary K. said, Im here for Alisa. Were going over to her house to study. She turned to Alisa. Ready?
Sure, Alisa replied. See you around, Morgan, she said over her shoulder as she turned to walk down the hall.
See you later, Mary K. added, giving me a small wave. I called Mom alreadyI wont be home for dinner. She trotted after Alisa.
Okay, I said. See you. Watching their retreating figures, I couldnt help feeling a little stab of jealousy. . and fear. Sure, Alisa had just covered for me nowbut what if later she told Mary K. that the coven was dealing with powerful forces? What if she described what had happened on Saturday night?
Would my sister turn against me even more?
6. Restricted
I tried to talk to Morgan today. I told her that I was uncomfortable with some of magick being used in Kithic. So, naturally, Morgan said, Oh, Alisa, thank you so much for telling me. Im sure that if youre uneasy, others in the coven must be, too. Ill be sure to tone down my freakish witch powers so that we can all enjoy the simple, quiet magick of Wicca together. Without unleashing dark forces of the underworld over which we have no control.
Yeah, right. Actually, what she said was more like, Whatever. Too bad for you.
So now Ive said that Im leaving Kithic. Theres only one problem. That means I actually have to leave Kithic. Theres a nursery rhyme that keeps repeating in my mind. I think my mom must have said it to me when I was little: No beginning or no end to hearth, home, or friend. Its about belonging.
I feel like I belong in Kithic. But Morgan doesnt care.
I wonder if other people in Kithic have really thought about what Morgan is doing. I mean, her powers are amazing. I guess its possible that everyone is so wrapped up in the mystique that they havent really bothered to think what shes doing or where it might lead. Or maybe they have, but they just cover up better than I do.
Its not that I think Morgan is evil. I just dont think she realizes how dangerous she is. Maybe I should write a letter to town paper to warn people that this is happening. It feels kind of underhanded. But this is dangerous stuff. I feel that people have a right to know.
I just dont want anyone to get hurt.
Alisa
The bell over the door at Practical Magick jingled as I walked inside. Closing the door quickly against the cold, I breathed in the warm spicy scent of incense and the familiar smell of old books. Alyce looked up at me from behind the counter, and her face instantly broke into a smile. Morgan, she said, youve got a visitor.
There were two other people in the store, browsing through the herbs. Is she here already? I whispered as I walked to the counter.
Alyce nodded gravely. In the back.
I grimaced. That meant I was late. Thanks. I hurried past the tall wooden bookshelves toward the curtain that separated the rear of the store. I was irked that I couldnt stop to chat with Alyce. Besides being the owner of Practical Magick, she was the leader of the Starlocket coven and a good friend. Wed been through a lot together these last few months.
Youre late, Erin said coolly as I pulled back the curtain and stepped into the combination storeroom-office.
So I heard, I replied, sliding into the folding chair across from hers. I hadnt gotten much sleep the night before and wasnt in the best of moods.
Erins eyes flashed. Morgan, I am here at the behest of the council. Ive traveled a long way to get here, she said. And Ive got less than two weeks to teach you everything I know about magickal defenses.
Sorry, I mumbled to the table. Okay, so I was late. Was that the worlds biggest tragedy? Did she have to treat me like a five-year-old? It was bad enough that the reason I was late was that my English teacher had grabbed me on my way out of school and lectured me for twenty minutes about how I wasnt "working up to potential.
Erin leaned forward, and I felt compelled to look up at her. There are some members of the council who put a great deal of stock in your powers, she said in a voice that sounded almost like a purr or a growl. But let me tell you somethingthose powers will never be anything but a dangerous toy until you learn to control them.
There was half a moment while we stared at each other, and I felt Erins intensity like heat from a fire.
Here we are! said a voice. Suddenly the curtain was pulled back, and Alyce bustled in with a teapot and mugs. She glanced at Erin. Licorice still your favorite?
I looked from one to the other. Do you two know each other already? I asked.
Of course, Alyce said. Weve been friends for years.
I tried to hide my surprise. They were friends? But they were such oppositesErin seemed as hard as steel, while Alyce was about as hard as a featherbed.
We havent seen each other in a long time, though, Erin said, smiling at Alyce.
Too long, Alyce said. Which reminds me. Ive been saving something for you. Pulling a key ring out of her pocket, she crossed to a heavy wooden desk at the back of the room. She opened one of the drawers and pulled out a large gray metal box. Then she chose another key, opened the box, and pulled out something large and flat and wrapped in a piece of dark cloth. When she came closer, I saw that it was a square of black silk. My pulse quickened. Black silk had strong blocking propertiesit was often used to wrap magickal objects that might be dangerous. Alyce put the object on the table, then pulled the fabric away from it, revealing an ancient leather-bound book.
Where did you get this? Erin whispered. Shed gone pale.
At a library sale, if you can believe it, Alyce said. About a year ago. I dont think they had any idea what they were selling.
I read the faded gold lettering on the cover. On the Containement of Magick, it said. Harris Stoughton, I said aloud, looking at the authors name. It sounded vaguely familiar to me.
A horrible man, Erin said. A witch who used hysteria to wipe out other witches.
When she said that, I remembered where Id heard the name beforefrom some of my reading on the Salem witch trials. I hadnt read anything about his being a witch, though.
I thought that you should have it, Alyce said to Erin. I dont like keeping it here, but I dont want it to fall into the wrong hands, either.
Erin flipped through a few of the pages warily, as if the book were something dangerous, then snapped the cover closed. Its a rare book. Looking up at Alyce, she added, Thank you. A book like this can be dangerous, but it can also be useful. Erin faced me. The first rule of magickal defenses is Know your enemy.
The bell over the front door jingled, and Alyce went to see to the customers.
Erin pushed herself up from the table and walked over to the curtain. Tracing her fingers around its edges, she muttered a harsh-sounding phrase. Now no one will be able to hear us, she explained when she saw my confused expression. Ready?
I stood up and followed her to the center of the room. We faced each other for a moment. In a flash Erin caught my wrist, and I felt a crackle of electricity ripple through me. But I had been expecting this move. Quickly I threw up a block, as Hunter had taught me. Instead of building, the energy quickly dissipated through my body. Where she held my wrist, I felt the energy die in Erins hand as well.
Erin stepped back. That was good, she said simply. You know the divagnth. And youre strong.
Damn straight, I thought, feeling a rush of pride.
Erin took a step away from me. I took in her small form. I stood at least a full head taller than her. I felt great strangely strong, physically powerful, as if Id been pumping iron or something. Weird, I thought. But very cool.
Things are not always as they appear, Erin said. As I stood wondering what that meant, she suddenly seemed to grow taller. Her mouth elongated, and she smiled, revealing long sharp fangs, each as thick as my finger. I felt my pride evaporate as her shoulders broadened and her green eyes turned darker, glowing with a cruel light.
I shrank away from her as cold panic washed over me like a slap of icy water. With horror, I understood that she was more powerful than I was and that she was evil. Why hadnt I seen it before? She had put up a spell so that no one could hear us, and now she was going to kill me and take my magick.
Erinor whatever the thing before me truly wassent out slim wisps of gray smoke. The dark vapor grew thicker and began to fill the room. I felt myself choking.
The creature took a step toward me, and I stumbled away from it. It opened its horrible jaws. Fight, it said in a voice that was more animal than human. Fight me.
I racked my brain for a blocking spell, but I couldnt think clearly. My body was pulsing with adrenaline. Did Alyce know that Erin was evil? Did Hunter know? What would happen to them once I was gone and this thing had my magick? I had survived so much in the last few months. Was this really how I would be done in?