“Anyone with an ability can perform necromancy perfectly. It’s what caused the mundane to fear us, and those dark covens feel that’s how witchcraft should be. Darkness and death,” Leo informs.
Victor swallows his food before speaking. “I guess that is why Superior Charles mentioned witchcraft is becoming more modern.”
Leo shrugs. “You can say that. We’re not dressing in black. We’re not making sacrifices to please our gods. We aren’t using our magic to overthrow the mundane. Because we’d be outnumbered even if we did.” He takes a big bite out of a rib before he continues with a mouth full of food. “We use our magic more for good, in a way. We’re not all about goat’s blood and demons. I mean, there are demons, but we don’t use them the way they want us to.”
Victor looks around the ramada and notices a diverse mix of people from different walks of life. “Leo, if you’re in Superior Charles’ coven, why don’t you live with him or in Dallas?”
Leo looks up at Victor. Victor chuckles as he commands several more wet wipes over. Leo smiles as he finishes eating and cleans his face.
Leo drinks some tea before he can answer. “Back in the day, covens did live with, or close to, one another. That’s why Superior Charles has such a large ranch house. It was only about20 years ago when his coven decided to live on their own. But they would still serve under him.” Leo pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. “Serve is a strong word.”
“I get it,” Victor responds. “I take it most of the coven here live elsewhere?”
“Yeah, but most of them live in Texas. I’m one of the few to live out of state,” Leo mentions.
“Why do you live in San Francisco if you’re in this coven?” Victor asks.
Victor notices his question must have struck a nerve in Leo. But Leo finishes his bite before he responds. “Derek and I were allowed to live outside our covens since our marriage was practically a peace treaty. We chose to live in San Diego because it was closer to his coven. After we broke up, I didn’t want to move back to Texas, so I chose San Francisco because my parents live in Santa Rosa. The house they live in was my grandma’s on my mom’s side. And my parents prefer the weather in California to that in Texas. But there’s nothing to do there. So, San Francisco. Also, I got a terrific deal on my apartment.”
“How’s that treaty now?” Victor questions.
“Since we’re still technically married, the covens must keep the peace. I wouldn’t look into it too much; it’s still confusing. But needless to say, I can still live elsewhere.”
“I guess letting you live wherever is one way covens are becoming more modern,” Victor remarks. “Are all covens the same way?”
“No,” Leo replies. “There are a few covens that still live together. But most live in the same neighborhood or within a mile from their superior’s home.”
Victor sets down his utensils once he finishes his late bite. He looks over at the table where Superior Charles and his elders aresitting. “He asked me to come back so he could help me with my empathic ability.”
Leo looks over where Superior Charles is sitting. “You should take him up on his offer. He’s one of the best empaths right now. He’s a strong leader, even though he’s not the grand warlock.”
“Did he go through the trials?” Victor asks, looking back at Leo.
Leo continues looking at his superior. “He tried but couldn’t make it past the trials to become the High Priest.”
“Speaking of titles,” Victor turns in his seat to look at Leo better, “he called you Lieutenant Magi Leo. You didn’t tell me you had a title.”
“Yes, I’m a second lieutenant. I’m working to become chancellor, but the sheriffs aren’t happy that I’m about to out-rank them.”
Confused, Victor tilts his head. “Wait, there’s a ranking system?”
“Oh yeah. It’s a headache to try to understand, but most covens, especially the larger ones, have ranks. It’s mostly used for our responsibilities and in battle. Right now, I’m mostly involved with training young witches and warlocks. And being a mentor helps me become chancellor quicker.”
“What would your duties be as chancellor?” Victor queries.
“I would be able to represent my coven at the council and have some leeway in the voting process,” Leo explains.
Victor leans against the table and ponders, “I didn’t picture you as a politician.”
Leo snorts in disgust. “Such a nasty word, politician. I would never abuse my power to play my own game.”
As Victor snickers, plates of pecan pie with vanilla ice cream start sliding down the table and stopping in front of everyone. “I’m not sure I can eat dessert. I’m full from that brisket.”He looks over Leo’s shoulder and sees Superior Jackie walking toward them. “Speaking of politicians.”
Superior Jackie stops in front of Victor and Leo with a smile. “Afternoon, gentlemen. Before I go, I wanted to give Victor something.” She digs through her purse and takes out a round, white business card with a pink emblem and hands it to Victor. The emblem features an elegant design of a rose with the stem forming a subtle “J” shape. “I heard Charles gave you an invite, and I wanted to give you one too.”
Leo cocks an eyebrow and looks at Victor. “Two in one day. Very impressive.”
Victor takes the business card from Superior Jackie. “Thank you, Superior.”
