Page 43 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

“Suits me,” Zeph says. “Rosa, are you with me?”

“Against my better judgment,” she grumbles.

Thea stops them as they move toward the postern gate. “Wait. How will we find each other again?”

“No worries, love. I could find you in the dark.” Zeph flashes what I presume is meant to be a charming grin, and I clench my jaw.

Their knavish discourtesy deserves a rebuke, and I wish I could deliver it. My hand twitches toward my weapon, and I take a breath. They probably didn’t mean for it sound so…suggestive. It may be a reference to Thea’s aura, nothing more, but anger still simmers at the bottom of my soul, tinting everything crimson.

I stare at them, narrow-eyed, as Thea laughs. “I suppose that’s true. Which is a sign that it might be tough for me to go unnoticed, but I’ll try my best.”

“Mm, fascinating.” Rosa flutters off with Zeph, following like a young fae chasing a butterfly.

“Let’s give them a head start,” Thea suggests.

I have no objections. Silently, I open my pack and offer a flask that still has a little water left. Tepid, at this point, but she looks pale. I fight a smile when she accepts it immediately and wonder how it would feel to be close enough to someone, truly close, that they would accept me without question, always believe me, always take my side. I suspect I’ll never get nearer to that than this—these precious moments with Thea.

“Tell me about Taragon.” It’s an abrupt conversational gambit, and inwardly, I wince at how bad I am at this. It sounds like an order, not how I meant it at all, but I don’t know how to show interest. I can’t force myself to say more—to explain my curiosity or to clarify the peremptory statement.

In my childhood, Liskaal killed anyone who showed partiality for my company, and I drove people away rather than see them destroyed for displaying even a whisper of kindness. I’m playing a dangerous game with all the irons I have in the fire, but if all factors align, I will, one day, succeed in securing my release from the Winter Court.

Thea laughs. “Yes, boss. Right away, boss.”

I press my lips together briefly, feeling so absurd, it stings. “Please?”

“Better! Don’t worry, you’ll figure out this talking-to-people thing. I can be your training partner.”

Partner. A stunning pang—it feels like I’ve been punched in the chest. Even if she’s joking, I hate how much I relish that word.

It requires all my aplomb to speak in a repressive tone. “If you insist.”

“I’ll stop teasing you. Taragon… Let’s see. We met when she was fostering in the Winter Court. Her family owns a tavern in the market, on the mercantile side of the palatial plaza. She stayed with me and Da for a few years, and we got close. At one point, we were like sisters. We tried to stay in touch, but correspondence can be irregular between the courts, and arranging visits in the wildlands is a challenge too. For different reasons.”

I nod. Communication between the courts can occur through scrying surfaces, like crystals, pools, or mirrors, or messages that arrive in the form of written letters, carried sporadically by whoever happens to be traveling. Both options carry a risk of tampering or interception, so it’s often better to visit personally whenever possible. But Thea lacks an innate facility with portals, and the mushroom circles can be slow since mushrooms sometimes choose not to cooperate. In addition, Liskaal controls her almost as tightly as he does me, albeit for dissimilar reasons.

“So you haven’t seen her in a while?”

“Unfortunately not. But she’ll be an asset to the team. If you think Da is likable, you’ll be amazed at how sweet Tara is. She could make a pixie purr.”

“High praise indeed.”

“I think it’s probably been long enough,” Thea says then.

I glance at the gates. No sign of Zeph or Rosa, so I agree. “Let’s find your friend. It should be a memorable reunion.”

Eyes wide, she lowers her head with a soft groan. “I really, really wish you wouldn’t say stuff like that.”

21

A Spell for Friends and Fraternization

Sometimes, my gem, through no fault of our own, we lose track of our friends. Time or distance has their way with us, and we fall out of touch. I’m guilty of this myself, and I have a few old companions I’d love to see once more, but our paths haven’t crossed in longer than I care to recall. At such times, we can take matters into our own hands, make it more likely that old friends will be drawn in our direction, and we can enjoy a sweet reunion, catch up on recent exploits, and swear never to let the connection lapse again.

With this particular charm, you must truly want it, however. An idle fancy or simple curiosity won’t carry your wishes on the wind. This spell will be carried only to a true heart’s match, someone near and dear who would greatly move you to behold them again. Your will makes all the difference, spiced by the warm regards of long-held fondness. I have no doubt that if you went wandering, I could use this working to bring you back to me, as I have never known anyone I miss more than you, darling girl.

This charm is best done in full daylight with no hidden intentions. You’ll need:

A round piece of yellow moonstone