“Genius,” I whisper, placing my pointer finger on my chin.
We grab our Witch’s Heart cocktails, a specialty of The Black Cat, and make our way to the black leather booths.
“So tell me what’s up,” she says as she settles in, attempting to adjust her far-too-short dress.
“I’m looking for witches who’ve been shopping around for a dark spell. Darker than the usual fare.”
“Why?”
I hum. “That I can’t tell you. It’s best if you’re left out of it.”
“Color me intrigued. I can’t say off the top of my head. But I can ask around discreetly in the places a person might go for things of those nature.” She furrows her brow. “With the approach of the equinox, anything planned would already be put into progress. That much energy would be the perfect conduit for an additional boost.”
I think back to the moon in my dreams. Maybe it was a deadline.
“Thank you. I’ll owe you one.”
“Why are you so cordial?” Hal tilts her head, her honey-colored hair brushing the top of her shoulder. “The rest of the families shun me.”
I frown. “I know what it’s like not to fit in those rigid boxes they create, and it’s not my place to judge. You may make questionable decisions, but you’re not that dark, Hal”
She wags her pointer finger, which is painted a lovely shade of blood-red, at me. “Not yet.”
My shoulder lifts in a careless shrug. “You know the risks. Me lecturing you about them would serve no purpose. Besides, we’re like family. We grew up together. History means something.”
“You might be just what this generation needs.” She smiles, her teeth gleaming white under the club’s lights. “There’s such a wide gap between us and them. They don’t understand how badly we need to modernize and branch out out
side of our tight knit circle. I think you get that. It takes a visionary willing to rub others the wrong way to bring about great change.”
“I appreciate your faith in my abilities.” I peer down at my purple drink and stir. “I’m not. I’m new and still learning. I’m sure I’m going to screw up, but I have the family’s best interest—”
“And that’s why you’re the right choice. We’re all whispering about it amongst ourselves. Speculating on the when and if you’ll be placed at the head of the family. Care to give me a spoiler alert.”
I snicker. “If I had anything concrete, I would. It might get really ugly with the way some of my kin want to sit on the throne.”
She clicks her tongue. “Because you want to isn’t a valid enough reason. Many of the younger generation have drifted away from the old ways and our families because of the archaic believes. I think they might come back for you if you campaigned hard enough for them. We both know there’s strength in numbers.”
“You think we need more numbers? Witches I mean.”
“I think our families have been ruling for a long time, and there are many who’d like to topple us. If we get lazy and complacent. That may happen.”
Nodding my head, I bite the inside of my inner lip. Definitely don’t want to ruin this lipstick! Damn bad habits. Gotta remember to stop biting my lips. “Noted.”
She’s right. The four families have dominated and ruled for a long time. There are plenty who’d like to take our spots here. Part of the council, we make up four of the thirteen spots that create a makeshift coven who keep the others in line when necessary. Important to have when big things happen, it’s more of a nuisance that requires meetings, balls, and other frivolous and expensive occasions during times of peace.
She hums. “I didn’t realize how much I missed this, spending time with my sister in the craft.”
“Call me whenever you’d like. I mean my schedule is insane right now, but I’ll make time.”
She gives me a genuine smile. We’re both taking risks. If our vampires go to war, we could easily end on opposite sides of the battle. She could be reprimanded for reaching out to me, and I could be snubbed for dealing with a shunned witch within the community. At the moment, none of it seems to matter. Until she gives me a reason, I refuse to shy away from reconnecting. I’m not ready to trust her, but I’m willing to give her a chance. I hope that reason to end our friendship doesn’t come at the end of a pointy blade buried in my back.
***
“I’m hating this place a lot less now that I no longer live here,” Sacha says.
I laugh. “You don’t say?” What was once her apartment will serve as our office for Witch for Hire, our makeshift paranormal investigation service. Founded by the four major families, it unties our hands and places us in a position to help those who need it regardless of politics. We’ve spent the past few days getting her ready for business. It’s been a welcome break from the court and the drama that comes with them.
Now, three desks fill the main room. Bookshelves—filled with herbs, gems, and grimoires—line the walls. A pullout couch, end tables, and a small fridge ensure we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way. We have a long way to go before it’s perfect, but I can see the vision coming to life.