Page 74 of The Book of Unwritten Stories

‘That, my dear, was your father.’

Morana was overwhelmed. She had finally felt the presence of one of her parents and somehow it was like a piece of her had been healed.

‘What about her?’ She pointed to Clara whose face was contorted in rage.

‘I wouldn’t worry too much about her. The thing is, after that little outburst of energy her magic depleted itself. The spell book has a failsafe kind of magic about it. Her name wasn’t written inside of it, and therefore she wasn’t the rightful owner and she didn’t even know the spells were not complete. They would never have worked for her the way they would for you and Dora because only a descendant of Lucine or John could complete them. Now, she can’t even stir her morning tea using magic because she broke the rules set by the very council she presides over.’

‘Yes, she did. Ladies, I am sorry it took us so long to get here when you called. It’s tourist season and Essex Street is still busy. You know what it’s like trying to get through those crowds.’

Arnie was grinning at them, and Pennywise was standing behind him looking every bit as terrifying as the real deal.

‘We’ll take her from here, of course, unless you want to press charges for trying to kill you, then it will be the cops.’

Morana shook her head. ‘How do we explain this without sounding like lunatics?’

‘We can’t, but it’s your choice.’ Lenny was smiling at her.

‘No cops, let them deal with her,’ Morana said.

Lenny released Clara, the light dissipated and Clara fell to her knees. It was Dora who spoke. ‘You messed with the wrong family.’

Arnie took hold of one arm, Pennywise the other. ‘She certainly did. I’ll be in touch, ladies, to sort out her replacement.’

Lenny rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t bother, we’re not interested.’

Sephy smiled at him. ‘Take no notice of her, she’s always grouchy after a bit too much spell work.’

They watched as Clara was led away. Morana was sitting on a turquoise cast-iron chair. Her face ashen in the light of the moon, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief at the whole situation. Her voice sounded scratchy and barely above a whisper as she asked, ‘Now what happens?’

‘That depends on you,’ answered Sephy. ‘What do you want, Morana? It’s your choice.’

‘To learn to be a better witch and be a part of your family. It would mean the world to me, if you’ll still have me. I know I messed up big time and I’m sorry for all of this.’

‘Excellent, that was a very good answer. You haven’t messed up, you were put into a difficult situation that was not entirely of your own doing, and you have stepped up and handled it as well as could be expected. We would love to have you as part of our family, dear. You will be a most welcome member of the English Coven.’

Hades was circling the air, cawing with delight this time.

‘Come on, let’s go home. I think this calls for some black magic.’ Lenny mimed lifting a glass to her lips, and Morana laughed.

‘Oh, God, yes please. Can I have double because I almost died?’

‘Don’t be dramatic, dear, you sound just like your aunt Lenny. It was just a nick.’

Sephy laughed.

As they got to the turnstile, Lenny sighed. ‘I’m too old for this, my climbing days are well over.’

‘Then it’s a good job you only have to walk through it.’ Dora laughed. ‘It’s the way out, it turns that way.’

‘Thank goodness for that.’ Sephy laughed.

They walked to the van. The crowd of tourists had lost interest and gone, leaving the sidewalk empty. Lenny, Sephy and Dora squeezed into the front, letting Morana and Hades sit in the back. Once the doors were shut Sephy winked at Dora then Lenny before turning around to smile at Morana.

‘Well, there is only one way to end this evening now that you are an English woman by association.’

Lenny nodded. ‘Oh, yes. We must end this most challenging night with the new witch ritual, mustn’t we, Dora?’

‘Yes, I suppose we must,’ Dora replied.