Page 77 of A Lady’s Guide to Witchcraft

The sun was sinking into the ocean, turning the air every shade of blue. It was still warm, with butterflies congregating in the yarrow. The outdoor tables should be filled with chattering customers, the walkways with couples wanting a romantic moment. She ought to be running out of sunwheel cookies, rose-petal honey, scones in the shape of oak leaves. Sachets of St. John’s wort and lavender to burn at the bonfires for blessings, water gathered last solstice in tiny glass bottles, painted acorns, rowanberries strong on red thread.

“Where is everyone?” Ethan asked, appearing in the doorway. He was starting to look as though he belonged here, even though he was a yew tree in a sea of roses.

She liked having him in her home. That was going to be a problem.

“Everyone is too scared to risk coming here,” Briar said instead, with an annoyed sigh. “Charles convinced them that they might look guilty by association.”

“I can make it look like an accident.”

She smiled.

“I’m very good at what I do,” he insisted.

“I’m sure you are.”

“I don’t understand you. You are letting them walk all over you. Him especially.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Is it? Because Petal is safe on my ship.”

“I know that.” She did know that, and it was still a wonder to her. Because she believed him. Petal was safe. “But when the shields lift again and Petal wakes up, I still have to live here.”

“But he doesn’t.”

She had to admit, it was a lovely feeling to have someone so dangerous grumbling over her. Something she could never have imagined. Something she would remember and cherish when she was old, gathering her flowers. “The Asters have power in Haven.”

He snorted. “That’s not real power.”

“I know. But it’s more than I have at present.” She shrugged when he scowled. “It’s true. Anyway, no one’s going to go against them for the sake of a cup of tea and a frosted biscuit.” She paused. “Perhaps they’ll come for the notoriety when they get bored. Although if Matthias’s eclairs aren’t enough to lure them back, nothing will be.”

But it wouldn’t be enough to pay off her mother’s debt. Not nearly. Not in time.

He shook his head. “Fucking Haven.”

“Haven,” she agreed. “Anyway, Matthias took the rest of his baking to sell at the beach. It would be a shame for it to go to waste. He worked so hard and was so pleased with himself.”

“And you?”

“I’m just waiting for the next Iron Crow or the next Keeper to break in and start smashing more teacups.” She reached for the amulet pieces tucked into her stays to reassure herself.

But she was not reassured.

Because she found only cotton and ribbons and skin.

No moon charm.