Page 12 of Spirit Storm

“If I remember correctly, the Hallowinds possess a Concordance Mirror, do you not?”

“We do.” I think about the enchanted mirror in the upstairs hall and how it is forever mocking my own magical alignment.

“Excellent. Then I must ask if you would consider loaning it to the healers here at Arcana. Only until this complication has been rectified.”

“That could take years.”

“Unlikely… but I suppose it’s possible.”

I press the heel of my fingers against the throbbing taking root behind my eyes. “I’m not sure. I want to help, but if Lily or Violet need it,” or even me, “I’d rather it be right where the Hallowind ancestors intended it to be. Also, no offense, but I know what an enchanted item like the Concordance Mirror is worth.”

Do I think it might help the rescued witch, and possibly the other witches who follow, if they present with the same complication? Yes.

Do I also think this could be a convenient and convincing way to take possession of a priceless magical heirloom for their own benefit? Hells yes.

“I see. While you think about it, perhaps speak to Mr. Howe. He might be able to broaden your understanding of the good work we do here at Arcana.”

Passing the buck to my boyfriend is smart. Wylder’s been a devoted volunteer and magical mentor at Arcana for years.

“All right, I’ll speak to him.”

“Good. Please do let me know what you decide, and be assured, your sisters are in good hands regardless of your decision. I will update you the moment we have anything concrete regarding Violet’s affinity situation."

"Thank you, Headmistress."

The line clicks off.

I sit with the phone in my lap for a moment, the muffled rise and fall of Miss Edna holding court seeping through the door to the dining room.

Was Headmistress Briar actually assuring me that my sisters will be safe regardless of my decision, or implying they won’t be safe unless I give her the mirror?

Ugh… why can’t people just say what they actually mean? I hate all this political bullshit.

With nothing to do about it now, I pocket my phone and head back out to finish my shift.

“Everything all right?” Marty asks as I check on my tables and get back into the groove.

“Yeah, it wasn’t about my sisters. Everything is fine.”

I hope.

But honestly… I have no idea. Of course I want to help the rescued witches in their recovery, but heirloom enchanted objects are a big deal. Letting someone else take possession of it, in another plane, no less, is not a small ask.

The rest of my shift passes in a blur of rote actions and a buzz of mental warring. From one minute to the next, I’m flip-flopping with my decision.

And despite the prompt from Headmistress Briar, I really do need to speak to Wylder about it.

By 2 p.m., the lunch rush is over, and I hang my apron on my hook in the back hall.

The kitchen is a wall of heat and fills the air with the familiar scents of grilled meat, onion rings, and all things comfort food.

Tanner stands at the grill, one hand on the spatula, the other reaching for a ladle. It’s the kind of easy multi-tasking that only happens when someone has mastered the job of his heart, and it lives in their body instead of their head.

He glances up the second I pass the door. “You off, Poppy?”

“Yeah. Do you mind if I grab the last couple of pieces of berry pie? Asher’s been too busy with his training to bake, and he gets frustrated without reward desserts.”

Tanner chuckles and tips his head sideways. "Not a problem. Can you come here a second before you go?"