Vine limped to the table and picked up the broken charm.“It’s getting worse, Sable.When did it break?”
“When we were plating the cake.”
“So, around seven?”
“Yeah.”
“You managed to hold it together?”
“Sure, until the baby’s daddy showed up.Then, it was arms everywhere.”
Vine looked at the charm.“I will make something stronger.”She turned and walked slowly to the carriage house in the back.
Sable pressed her fingers to her lips.“I should stop her.”
Jennika looked at her.“Bring coffee and pastries.She isn’t in on the abstinence.She needs the coffee.”
Sable nodded and got a mug and a plate, set them on a tray, and then ran a single serving through the coffee maker.“Damn, that smells good.”
Jennika leaned back and groaned.“Go and help our enchanter.I will be here or within fifty feet of this spot.”
She waited until her friend was out of the kitchen and then pushed to her feet.The fire needed tending.Her feet were silent on the grass until she arrived at her spot.She called the fire and swirled it around her.Xiroth’s kiss had gotten her all worked up.
* * * *
Xiroth was restless, and he flew through the night, pausing when he saw the flash of fire on the ground.He flew in low and watched from the shadows as Jennika moved in martial art patterns with fire in her hands.
* * * *
Jennika was nearlyfinished when she felt something tingling and familiar.She completed her meditation and looked to the shadows.“Xiroth, what the hell are you doing here?”
He walked out of the shadows with his array of wings visible.“I was restless and needed flight.I came down to see if anything was on fire.”
She sighed and rubbed at her back.“I had extra fire and had to get rid of it before I could sleep.”
Vine’s hoarse voice said, “Oh, this is the pixie.Sable mentioned him.”Vine walked up to her and handed her a wristband.“Here.It will help you sleep.You can hear the baby’s heartbeat if you touch the blue stone.”
Jennika hugged her.“Thank you, Vine.”
Vine nodded and walked into the house.
Xiroth looked at her.“What is she?”
“The enchanter.She’s making protection and concealment charms for any of us who cross her path.She’s also my cousin.”She smiled.
“Her voice?”
“Her story to tell.Not for the faint of heart.”She smiled sadly, “But she made it, and she’s here.”
“She also bleeds power?”
“Sort of.She puts it in objects that keep us safe, makes our homes safe, and helps us control what rises and roars.”
Xiroth frowned.“What caused you to emit fire tonight?”
Jennika looked at his concerned expression.“Take a wild guess.”
He paused, blinked, and smiled.“Ah.I could help you with that.”
