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They all seem set on getting to know me, which is somehow stranger than the small-town vibes, but I like it. I’ve made friends already, thanks to Farrah.

When my mom tells me about an arts and crafts fair, I know I have to go. I used to be a painter, like my mom. Sure, I haven’t worked on my art in a while, but it will be good to connect with other artists. And Dave, one of Farrah’s friends—maybe one of my new friends?—is supposed to be there.

I approach his booth, inspecting the wood sculptures—some tiny, some gigantic. “You made these?”

“Uh-huh. Like what you see?”

“They’re gorgeous.” I lean down to squint at one in the shape of a moon. Not too big, not too small. It would look good on a shelf, I think. “I need some decor for my room. It’s so bland in there right now.”

“This is a good place to be, then. You should check out Aris’s paintings over there. Beautiful stuff, and he’s a good friend of mine.”

I glance at the man in question. He has curly dark hair, an umber complexion, and fangs poking from his mouth when he smiles at a beautiful, plus-size woman with coppery hair. His wife, or so I’ve heard.

“I think I will.” I stand upright and give Dave a big smile. “But first, I’d like to buy the moon.”

“Congratulations.” He easily picks up the moon and packages it with grace. “You’re my first customer of the day.”

“But I definitely won’t be the last.”

Dave and I exchange a few more pleasantries, and I leave his booth with a paper bag in hand, set on reaching Aris’s table next.

Someone else captures my attention first.

Sterling.

I haven’t seen him since he visited the cottage three days ago. It’s odd, but his presence seemed to soothe our new home, and I haven’t quite worked out what that means. I don’t trust it. The nightmares will return any day now.

Dreams of a wailing woman. Of sunken eyes. Of young adulthood ripped away.

There’s something off about him. How did I miss that when we first met? I can’t believe I took someone that annoying home—then again, it wouldn’t be the first time.

A pretty face can do a lot to distract me, and Sterling is stunning. The sun beams into his hair, golden pieces shining among the darker brown locks, and his warm, fair complexion soaks up the sun’s beams. Even in the daylight, there’s something about him that reminds me more of the mystery the sun creates.

Shadows.

Sterling turns, his gaze locks with mine, and my stomach flips. He doesn’t wave. Smile. Anything.

I look away and march on, but of course, someone else interrupts me before I can reach Aris.

Jewel greets me with a friendly smile. “Aurora. I was hoping to catch you. I didn’t get a chance to collect your contact information last time we spoke.”

She was hoping to speak with me, and I’ve been avoiding her. Oops.

I chuckle and twist my fingers together. “Right. We should totally fix that.”

Agreeing to her mentorship is easily one of the top ten silliest things I’ve done. A new mentor? I don’t want a new mentor. My dad was my last mentor, the only one I’ve ever had. I’m not ready for someone else to take the role on, and I’m only going to let her down. Whatever magic she thinks I have in me, she’s mistaking it for what my father had. What he was.

Strong. Smart. Powerful.

My father didn’t give me many gifts. Everyone says I’m the spitting image of my mom, but it’s more than physical. He was powerful. My mother’s magic, the same as Leo’s, is more about creation with art. My magic was supposed to be the last tie to a family of star witches, but now, I barely have any abilities to speak of.

Jewel leads an entire coven. She already has Sterling to mentor. What is she doing with me? Sterling is probably going to be a better student for her, but somehow, that thought is the one thing keeping me holding on. I can’t make it that easy for him.

“I’d like to speak with you this morning,” she says. “My office is in the town hall. I have a task for you and Sterling.”

I have to force myself to keep my face straight. “Really? Both of us? Together?”

“Yes.” She cocks her head. “If that’s all right with you. I’ve been mentoring him for years, and he’s a good witch. A good man.”