“I placed scouting vines near all the portals as a precaution,” Callan said. “I’ll keep tabs on the one by the orchard to make sure you’re all clear, and I’ll send a leaf message if I get word of any problems.” He scribbled something and sent a leaf floating on the breeze, presumably alerting our waiting coalition members of where to meet me.
“And I’ll make sure the Wisteria Windchimes are near the board members to keep them calm and not suspicious,” Heath said. “At least until the jewelweed starts exploding.”
“Good thinking. And with Callan and Hollis around the festivities, they may not suspect anything is going on. They’re used to Meadow running off,” Nalin said.
Meadow pulled a face but didn’t deny it. “Glad my frequent wanderings are coming in handy tonight.”
“I’ve got theRecipes for Deceptionbook in my bag, just in case,” Laurus said, and I couldn’t help but smile. Everyone hadcome together with their own contributions, and we just had to pull it off.
“Everyone have their petal portal pendants on them in case you need a quick exit?” Kaito asked.
Nods rippled around the group.
I patted my pocket, feeling for the nine seeds Meadow had encouraged me to get. They formed a damp lump against the fabric.
“Are we ready to do this?” Meadow asked. The stack of the petal portal pendants we had made were around her neck. She must have sneaked away to get them after dinner.
At her question, the members of the Root and Vine Society gathered in a circle. Heath blew a handful of daisies into the air, Kaito tossed in some shamrock clovers for luck, and Callan caught them on a tendril of air so that they floated softly around us in slow motion.
“Good luck, everyone,” I said.
“Luck and legumes,” Kaito replied, and everyone echoed the words.
It was fitting to learn a new magical botanist-ism at that moment. “Luck and legumes,” I repeated.
“Let’s go show those board members who’s the botany boss,” Meadow said.
The group nodded, Yasmin caught my eye and gave me a smile and nod of encouragement, then we split, each of us off to our individual tasks.
As the rest of the group dispersed, Callan took my wrist and pulled me close. He brushed his lips against my forehead in a soft kiss, and I savored the tenderness of it. “You’ve got this, local.”
“Of course I do. I had a good tutor.”
He smiled, and some of my anxiety ceased. “I’ll see you at the charging circle in thirty minutes,” Callan said.
“I’ll be there.”
Chapter Sixty-One
My heart squeezed when I saw the collection of magical botanists waiting outside the wall when we climbed over. Meadow’s mom was there, Kai and Nevah were standing with hands intertwined, and Wyatt and Professor East were just arriving.
In addition to the Root and Vine Society, we had assembled a powerful coalition. And it was time for us to put our strengths together and challenge the structures that had been in place for decades.
After saying hello to Meadow’s mom, I greeted Kai and Nevah. “Long time no see.”
“What’s a little cross-country trip to take down a grass affinity with world domination plans?” Nevah quipped.
She and Meadow bumped hands, clearly familiar with each other.
We were exchanging greetings as normally as possible, but there was tension in the air.
“Are we ready to go in?” Wyatt asked.
I tensed as headlights crossed us, and we each turned to the approaching car. When it parked and a figure emerged, I smiled. “Eli! What are you doing here?”
“Rhodes extended an invite,” he said. “Figured as the only one here with experience using an unsanctioned Floracantus and falling ill from it, I could be here to lend a healing hand if needed.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, unable to say more because of the thickness in my throat. Every single person was there to support our mission, which included supporting me, and I would never forget it.
