“Understood, and agree.” A slight blush rushes over his face. “I wonder if we might learn a bit more about her last couple of weeks, though, by asking him to walk us through a few of their days together. Maybe she took him places, said other things. I mean, giving him a box of ancestral seeds and her blessing for him to inherit her farm can’t be the only thing she did. It’s obvious she was preparing for the worst.”
“True. But maybe she was just in love.” Honey stopped beside of him and laced her fingers with his. “I’m sad for them. I couldn’t imagine.”
“Yeah. Me either.” Roam leaned over and kissed her gently.
She put her arms around his shoulders and leaned back to look deep into his panther eyes. “Tomorrow then. We’ll go see them all. Sally, Tabitha, Gregg, and even Leahnora. Maybe Miles, again.”
“Yes. We will, together.” Roam scooped her up and headed for the attic.
Visiting the High Priestess
HoneyandRoamdecidedtheir first stop should be to speak with Leahnora Loveridge, the town's High Priestess. She was not really a true suspect, in their collective opinion. But Grumble had mentioned that she was one of Lily’s last visitors, and Miles said he alerted her about the weird vegetables and fruits in the woods. They had no choice but to pay her a visit. As they made their way through the quiet streets of Cauldron Falls, a chill crept down Honey's spine.
"Something feels off," she murmured. Roam's eyes scanned their surroundings, alert for anything odd.
"Let's make this quick," he replied under his breath. “I don’t think Leahnora is who we are looking for. Do you?’
“No. I don’t, but you never know.” Honey slide her arm in his as they continued on.
They reached the ornate iron gates of Leahnora's estate. The grounds were eerily still and silent. Honey raised her hand to ring the bell when the gates suddenly creaked open of their own accord.
Exchanging an apprehensive glance with Roam, Honey stepped onto the cobblestone pathway leading to the front entrance. “Why does this place always seem so creepy to me? The High Priestess is mysterious, but I’ve never thought of her as scary.”
“It’s not just you.” Roam shivered. “This place is errie.”
As they climbed the steps to the imposing double doors, a raven perched on the railing let out a grating caw. Honey jumped, her heart pounding. Before she could knock, the door swung inward. A tall figure draped in ethereal robes stood silhouetted in the doorway.
"Welcome," Leahnora intoned, her voice musical yet gloomy. "I was hoping you’d come."
Honey felt the hairs on her neck stand on end, but maintained her composure. "Good afternoon, High Priestess Loveridge. We were hoping you could spare a moment to speak with us about Lily McBride."
Leahnora's scarlet lips spread into a slow smile. "But of course. Please, come in. And do call me Leahnora."
Honey and Roam exchanged an apprehensive look before following Leahnora down a long hallway lined with flickering candles. The scent of jasmine and oranges hung heavy in the air. Leahnora's robes trailed elegantly behind her as she glided deeper into the manor.
At last, they reached a circular chamber draped entirely in black velvet. A low altar stood at its center, adorned with runes etched into obsidian. The only light came from more candles placed at precise intervals around the circumference of the room.
Leahnora turned, the firelight dancing across her pale features, catching the brush of freckles that graced her nose and cheeks. "What do you wish to know? Ask, and I shall answer."
Honey wet her lips nervously. "We understand you saw Lily recently. Did she seem troubled or mention anything unusual when you last spoke with her?"
Leahnora tilted her head, considering the question. "Lily was a bright spirit, but she had darkness chasing her that she could not escape."
Honey frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"She was conflicted," Leahnora replied, gliding closer. "Tormented by the gifts of her ancestors that came with such power. I warned her that hers was a dangerous path, but I’m not sure she listened. But you, Honey Hadwin, you will listen, I’m sure."
Roam cut in, his voice edged with impatience. "Did she give you any indication of who may have wanted to harm her?"
Leahnora turned her otherworldly gaze on him. "The true enemy dwells among us. We all know that, Inspector. But sadly, no. I do not know who you seek."
Before Honey or Roam could respond, Leahnora raised a slender hand. "I'm afraid I can tell you nothing more. The answers you seek for Lily are not here. Go. Look among the others. Come back when you need your own answers."
With that cryptic pronouncement, she retreated into the shadows, leaving Honey and Roam alone in the unnerving chamber. They exchanged helpless looks, more confused than ever by Leahnora's puzzling words. They knew one thing for certain—the High Priestess knew something. But that something was not about Lily’s murder.
The Suspects
Afterthebizarreencounterwith Leahnora, Honey and Roam headed off toThe Curious Moon, Sally Swanton's eccentric newspaper office. As they navigated the winding streets, Honey replayed Leahnora's cryptic words in her mind.
