Pandora leaned closer. “Alice Bishop. She’s the high priestess of this coven. Mostly because she started it.” Although it was generally understood by the coveners that while Alice held the rank of high priestess, it had become more of an honorary title. Alice rarely came to meetings unless there was something major to be discussed. As far as Pandora knew, that wasn’t the case this evening, but the woman was here for a reason.

Kaley nodded. “Cool.”

Alice came to stand in the center of the half circle. She nodded to those in attendance. “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” the witches answered back.

“I trust you are all well. I have a brief announcement, and then I’ll turn the meeting over to Dominique.”

Pandora whispered to Kaley again. “Dominique is a third-degree witch, and she’s one of the town’s councilwomen.” And, for the sake of most coven meetings, the real witch in charge.

Alice shot a displeased look at Pandora, a sign to be quiet.

Marigold slid her hand over and squeezed Pandora’s knee. Another sign to shut up.

Pandora took the hint.

Alice cleared her throat. “As you all know, the Black and Orange Ball is fast approaching. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nella Davis had to step down from the decorating committee. Fortunately, Delaney Ellingham has agreed to take her place. Because Delaney is already providing the cake and other desserts, we’re looking for one more person to fill out the committee.”

On the other side of the half circle, Martha Trevors raised her hand. “I can do it.”

“Very good. Thank you, Martha. Please make sure Delaney has your contact information.” Then Alice turned back to the group. “Thank you for your time. Dominique, the floor is yours.”

Dominique took over as Alice left. She looked around at those in attendance. “Anyone have any new business?”

Pandora thought about the treasure trove of goodies Gertrude had left behind, but with Cole on board, there was no need for the coven to get involved. That stuff was rightfully Kaley’s anyway.

No one had any new business, so Dominique launched the group into a discussion about scrying bowls.

Forty-five minutes later, the meeting was over, and Kaley was beaming. “That was so cool. Can I come to the next one?”

“If you’re still in town, sure.”

“Excellent.”

“Did you meet anyone you’d like to talk to about becoming your mentor?”

Kaley smiled shyly. “I want you.”

Pandora smiled back. “That’s really sweet, but…”

“But you’re still not convinced you and my dad will work out, are you?”

“No, I’m not. No one can know that kind of thing until they give it some time. But it’s not that.”

Just then Marigold, Charisma and Corette joined them and started asking Kaley how she’d liked the meeting, giving Pandora an out so she didn’t have to explain about her broken magic and all the complications that could bring. After a few minutes, Kaley seemed to have forgotten about it.

Eventually, Pandora said it was time to say their good-byes. “School tomorrow,” Pandora reminded the reluctant Kaley.

As soon as they were in the car, Kaley started with more questions. “Where can I get a scrying bowl?”

“Probably in the attic. I know there’s a scrying mirror up there, but until you learn some basics, I’m not sure what good either would do you. You can certainly try, though.”

“You could teach me the basics.”

And they were back to the mentoring. “Someone will, I promise.”

“Will you at least come upstairs and help me find it?”

“How about tomorrow night after your dad and I go to dinner and your homework is done?”

Kaley rolled her eyes. “Okay.”

When Pandora pulled into Cole’s driveway, she parked the car and hopped out to follow Kaley in.

Cole was sorting through boxes in the dining room. “Hey, sweetheart. How was it?”

It took Pandora a sec to realize he wasn’t talking to her.

Kaley was practically vibrating. “Dad, it was so cool. I learned about scrying bowls, and Pandora—”

“Miss Williams,” he corrected.

“Miss Williams is going to help me find one in the attic tomorrow after your date.”

He smiled. “Excellent.” He put down the box he was holding and gave Kaley a hug. “I’m glad you had fun.”

“I did, and I’d really like to go again, so we need to stick around. Like live here.”

“So noted.” And since he apparently wasn’t in the mood to discuss that topic again, he changed the subject. “Have you done everything you need to do for school tomorrow?”

“Mostly.”

“Kaley.”

She sighed. “I have like a chapter to read in Biology, which I’m totally going to do right now.”

“Get to it, then. I’ll be up to say good night.”

“Okay.” She gave Pandora a wave. “Thanks for taking me. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Kaley clomped up the steps, leaving Pandora alone with Cole. “How was your night? Did you have a talk with Gertrude?”

“Hey!” Kaley reappeared on the landing at the top of the steps. “Look what I found in the hall.”

She held up a black feather.

Cole stiffened. He opened his mouth, but said nothing.