When I arrived at Mom’s house later that evening, the entire coven was milling around the house and into the backyard. I was confronted by a wall of chattering noise. Aster came to give me a hug when I entered the front door.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“We’re casting a protective spell on Twyla to keep her safe on the other side,” Aster said. “Then potluck dinner.”

“Oh, great.”

She led me through the kitchen to the back porch where the coven was gathering. My cellphone pinged and I looked at it. Raven.

“Raven is on his way,” I told Aster. Bear walked up to us, holding Puma.

“Raven told me you’re moving in with him,” Bear said before taking a swig of beer.

“Is that true?” Aster asked, suspicion in her voice.

“Yes. It is. The Council assigned me here and Mom kicked me out.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Aster asked me skeptically. Remembering her lecture, I knew she was more concerned about Raven than about me.

“It’ll save me a lot of money in rent, so yeah.”

“Okay, Olivia,” she said, taking Puma who had started to fuss. “Just remember what I told you.”

“Aster. It’s going to be fine. Raven and I belong together. Okay? We’re just picking up where we left off five years ago.”

“If you say so.”

I did say so.

I wished they’d get off my back, but I was beginning to get used to my family again. I’d grown a thicker skin. I’d dealt with the past. Raven had helped me do that.

A hand slid around my waist, and Raven pulled me into his hip.

“Hi babe,” I said, putting my arm around his waist.

“Did I miss anything?” he asked.

“Just this pregnant woman threatening my life if I hurt you.” I shot my thumb at Aster and she stuck her tongue out at me.

“Don’t worry, Aster, if she takes off again, I’ll kill her myself.”

“Good. Someone has to keep her in line,” Aster said.

“Hey,” I whined, slapping Raven on the chest.

They both laughed at me, and I laughed too.

The coven gathered around the circle, lighting the center fire. Mother, Fox, and Felix led the ritual.

Everyone clasped hands around the three at the center, who held hands with each other around the fire. Our chanting built up the energy, focusing it on the leaders.

Mother began to spin a protection spell and Fox and Felix added details as they flicked their ember-tipped sticks in the air.

The rest of us continued to chant, the rhythm growing faster and harder as the magic grew. Fox and Felix sealed my mother’s protective wards and the coven pumped it full of power with our collective strength.

We slowly pulled the chant back as the coven leaders closed the magic at the center of the circle. We then pulled back even further and closed the outer circle before putting out the fire and closing off the magic we’d drawn from the earth.

“I felt it connect,” Mother said. “She’s under our protection.”

The sound of approval filled the backyard. “Now, we eat,” Mother said, waving everyone after her toward the kitchen.

Half an hour later, the entire coven was seated at a long table in the backyard filled with flowers and candles. The orange glow of the sun shimmered behind the swaying willow branches. Little plumes of white fluffy seed pods floated on the air.

Bottles of chilled white wine were opened and poured. Delicious food cooked by my mom, Aster, and several others from the coven covered our china plates.

Even with Twyla missing, the joy and harmony of the coven could be felt pulsing under the surface. For the first time, I really felt like I was finally home.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” Margery said, standing with her wine glass. I gulped, wondering what horrible thing she might say about me.

“To my sister, Olivia.” I braced myself for snark. “Who finally came home again. For her bravery and strength. She’s taken every threat against us head-on. You’re a real hero. To Olivia.”

She raised her glass and everyone around the table said, “To Olivia.” I just about shit my pants hearing that. Instead, I broke out in a cold sweat, not sure if I even deserved this.

“Thanks,” I said. “After Dad died, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I didn’t know how to make up for my mistake. So I just made it worse by running away. I’m not running anymore. I’m home for good.”

“No one blames you for Dad’s death, Olivia,” Margery said.

“Not even you?”

“It wasn’t your fault. I was messed up for a long time after losing him. I still am, really, but I know it wasn’t your fault any more than it was Twyla’s. I see that now.”

“Thanks Margery. That means a lot.” It did mean a lot. Her words sent a chain reaction of emotions through me. The defenses I’d built up over the last five years came crumbling down and I was flooded with the warm glow of the love coming from my family and my coven.

Raven threaded his fingers through mine and kissed me on the forehead. The coven continued chatting and more toasts were given. They liked to praise each other when someone was in danger. It was kind of their thing.

I leaned over to Raven and whispered in his ear. “I’m so happy.”

“I’m glad, babe. I’m happy too.”

He wrapped his arm around me and held me close. The heat of his body filled me with warmth. And I sighed.

“For the first time, I finally feel like I’m home.”