“No. I stand by our decision to pull them out of the realm,” Kirin says. “We don’t know how long they would’ve remained hidden there, especially with the Dark Arcana gaining power. Lala confirmed as much.”
“Kirin’s right,” Doc says. “At least now we know where the sword and pentacle are, and we’ve hidden them with powerful magick. We’ll do the same when Ani and I locate the wand and chalice.”
“What?” I gasp. “Doc, no.” Fear grips my chest, making it hard to breathe. The idea of going back to the realm… of subjecting Doc or Ani to the pain that the rest of us already endured…
“It’s the only way, Stevie,” Kirin says, his touch on my shoulder reassuring. “Ani’s got the best shot at connecting with the wand, just like Doc does with the chalice.” He glances over at Doc, then back to me. “But we don’t have to go tomorrow. Or even the day after that.”
Doc shakes his head. “The longer we wait—”
“We need time to regroup,” Kirin says firmly. “Now that we have a better idea of what we’re dealing with in there, we can come up with a solid plan of attack, including better failsafes for coming out of the realm.” He squeezes my shoulder, his tone softening. “But Stevie, Doc’s right. We do have to go back. And we can’t put it off too long.”
I cover his hand with mine and nod.
“One week,” Doc says. “We’ll take one week to prepare. Next Friday, we go back in.”
On that ominous note, we head back to the altar, pack up the Book of Reckoning, and slip out into the night, making our way out of the rocky maze.
When we finally reach the open forest again, I turn my face skyward and close my eyes, letting the cool night air wash over me. The sound of crickets is a lullaby, and despite the crazy night, I smile, grateful for such a simple pleasure.
“Before we head our separate ways,” Doc says, calling my attention back to the group, “there’s another important matter I wish to discuss with everyone.”
My stomach twists, but when I meet his gaze, I see only a happy light shining back. Doc winks, and my mood improves exponentially.
“I know we’ve got much bigger problems on the horizon,” he says to the group, “but I don’t want to lose sight of the joyful moments, either. To that end, I would like to invite you all to celebrate Harvest Eve with me on Tuesday. Stevie, please extend an invitation to Isla and Nat as well.”
“Really?” I beam at him, tears pricking my eyes. This was going to be my first Harvest Eve in years without Jessa; I’d kind of put it out of my mind, too afraid to face it alone. “Harvest Eve was always my favorite. Jessa and I used to go all out.”
“Does that mean it’s a yes?” he asks, his tone hopeful.
“More than a yes,” I confirm, already picking out the perfect Harvest Eve outfit in my mind. “It sounds fun.”
Doc smiles, but the guys let out a collective groan, and his good cheer falters.
“Wait, what’s wrong with Harvest Eve?” I ask.
“Are you… cooking again?” Baz asks Doc, making air quotes around the word ‘cooking.’
“Doc cooks?” I ask. “I had no idea.”
“Sure, he… cooks.” Baz makes the air quotes again, and Ani and Kirin crack up.
Doc glares at them. “Don’t all rush to my defense at once, you ungrateful trolls.”
“We got food poisoning last time, Cass,” Baz says. “In case you forgot.”
“You can’t prove that was my fault.”
“The turkey was still frozen inside,” Baz says. “Generally a good indicator that something about the bird ain’t right.”
“Let’s not even talk about the deviled eggs,” Ani says, clutching his stomach.
“What was wrong with the eggs?” Doc asks.
“Probably nothing,” Ani says. “Until you left them out in the sun for four hours.”
The guys can’t stop laughing, but poor Doc just shakes his head, his holiday plans clearly foiled.
“Hey.” I reach out and grab his hand. “I would love to come to Harvest Eve, Doc. No matter what’s on the menu.”
