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“You care for Benedict,” Lady Catherine stated.
Mariah blinked in surprise. “Well, I don’t like what has happened to him,” Mariah responded.
Lady Catherine’s gaze narrowed on her, and Mariah shifted uneasily. Those hazel eyes saw far too much.
“You are both foolish. Your battles drew emotions from you: respect, loyalty, pride, a desire to win, and caring. You can torture one another, but no one else may. These battles brought a sense of togetherness between you. Hear me well; only when truth speaks does strength truly exist. I’ll aid Benedict in his coming war, but I cannot win for him. Only his heart will. Should you fail to adhere to the truth, he’ll fall, and so will many thousands of innocents,” Lady Catherine warned.
“Take Mariah to the apartment. Tonight, I’ll watch,” Lady Catherine said, turning her gaze to a spot on the wall.
Mariah looked and saw nothing.
“Oh, he is out there. Do not fear Mariah. Nobody may pass my walls unless I give permission!”
Mariah allowed Benedict to lead her away, even as she watched Lady Catherine. The ghost spun slowly as if she was tracking somebody outside. Mariah jumped when a shutter flew open, and there was a loud thump as if it had hit someone. Seconds later, the shutter closed again, and the intruder was locked back out. Mariah raised an eyebrow at Benedict.
“Allow the Black Cat to have her fun. It’s rare Lady Catherine gets to play!” Benedict said as he secured the adjoining door and led her into the kitchen.
Mariah watched, bemused, as Benedict busied himself, making hot chocolate for her.
This she could get used to!
???
“Hello!” Hilary called, stepping into the inn.
Mariah turned from where she was speaking to Mr Evans, who was spending the morning checking the restoration was going well. Mariah was incredibly pleased with what had been achieved, and the kitchen was fully underway. The plaster had also been removed from the two parlour walls, opening the dining and seating section into a much larger space.
“Hi!” Mariah exclaimed as Hilary, Prudence, Edith, and Rose-Marie entered. The Black Cat responded to them immediately before the inn settled. Benedict popped in, and although he remained invisible, Mariah could sense him.
The four witches exchanged glances, and Mariah wondered if they could also feel him.
“We thought we’d visit and say hello and have a nosey around!” Edith announced, stepping forward.
“Is the time okay? Are we disturbing anything?” Rose-Marie asked.
“No, no, everything is fine. Let’s go through to the apartment,” Mariah answered, smiling warmly.
Benedict fell into step behind them and ignored Fluffers, taking a swipe at his ankles. One day he’d get even with the fluff ball!
Mariah led them into the warm living room, where they took seats before she left and made them hot drinks. They exchanged small talk before Mariah spoke up.
“Okay, while I’d love to believe this was merely a friendly visit, I know you’re up to something!”
“The cheek!” Edith bristled, and Mariah sensed a momentary doubt at the indignation on the three older women’s faces.
“That’s enough!” Rose-Marie laughed. “We are up to something. Here, we brought Benedict a gift.”
Rose-Marie reached into her bag and pulled out a small box.
Mariah took it as cold air brushed past her. With a confused frown, Mariah opened it and gasped. Inside lay a heavy gold chain with an amulet attached. On it was a coat of arms that Mariah didn’t recognise.
“Where did you get this?” Benedict demanded, appearing out of thin air and taking the box.
“You gave it to our ancestors,” Rose-Marie said, although she was startled. The three other women’s mouths dropped open at his sudden appearance.
“Your ancestors?” Benedict quizzed.
“When the four witches followed the priest, you knew they were there. With your powers, you’d have known the priest was fraudulent. The magic that aided the inn came from witches, the true daughters of Gaia. You gave that to Hilde, Temperance, Esme, and Gertie. They knew the amulet would return to you when it was required. Every generation has given of herself and imbued a part of their magic into this,” Prudence said.
