“Just because it’s drawn well, it doesn’t mean it’s going to work.” She tensed her shoulders. “Especially when I’m the one doing it.”
“Hey.” Moving behind her, he held her arms, proceeding toward the shoulders and neck while gently massaging her. “You’re a capable, confident witch.”
A shiver ran down her spine, as much from the tickling of his breath against her neck as from her own words being repeated back at her.
“No curse can conquer the powers of nature,” he said. “But you can.”
She closed her eyes, content to swim in his voice, revel in his touch.
“This ritual doesn’t involve mating, right?” Chris’s voice came.
Shanna opened her eyes.
“Because I’m getting some vibes.” Chris pointed between the two of them.
Simon cleared his throat, and Shanna jumped away from him. “No. Only chanting and whatever else the individual wants to do, to call to the nature spirits.”
Simon gave her a nod of encouragement, and with shaky legs, Shanna stepped into one of the smaller circles. But as she looked at the other two circles, an idea sprang to mind. “Would you two like to help?”
Simon and Chris looked at each other.
“I’ll do it,” Chris said. “Witchcraft sounds neat.”
Simon gave a slight nod. “Always.”
With some confidence resurging, Shanna led each to their circle. “Does anyone know how to whistle?”
Simon let out a long whistle.
“Perfect. You’ll call to the wind. Yours is Aurai, the nymph of the breeze.”
Simon gave her a mischievous smile.
“What?”
“I’d rather have the nymph of water.”
She had no idea what he was talking about or why that sounded like a seduction line. She shook her head and turned to Chris. “You’ll be the lightning. Yours is Taranis, the god of thunder.”
“Aren’t those two from different mythologies?”
“They are,” Shanna said. “But I’m an eclectic witch. I combine multiple practices—take bits and pieces that resonate with me.”
“What will you represent?” Simon asked.
Shanna looked at the bits of the blue sky visible through the thick canopy. “The rain.”
But first, there were connections to be established. She handed a small crystal to both Simon and Chris and, with her wand, drew a connection to the crystal in the middle circle. After lighting the herbs in the bowl, she moved to her designated space and took a deep breath.
“Follow my lead,” she said to the other two. She clasped her hands, holding the crystal in front of her. “Relax, and breathe deeply. Focus on the crystal and your intentions. Clear your mind of all other thoughts.” She let hers whirl away. “Spirits of the earth, air, and water, we turn to you.”
With a bit of delay and a bit of wavering, Simon and Chris repeated the words.
“We give you our offerings, so that in turn, you grace us with yours.”
After repeating the words again, Chris went, “Can I go first?”
Shanna nodded.
