In the vial, the liquid shone with an ivory light. The blessing she had used when she had taken the water made it glow with Power. Jamming it into her pocket, she slammed the door.

How much time had that taken? Three minutes? Five?

Falling to her knees in the middle of the road, she drew a pentagram. As she reached each point, she chanted.

“Holy Air, I implore thee, attend to me.

Hallowed Water, I implore thee, attend to me.

Come, Fire.

Rise, Earth.

I beckon you, Sacred Spirit.

Banish all weakness and fill my well.

Power within, power without,

Bless my vortex,

Fill my hand,

Bathe me in the Moon’s white light,

As I make my stand.”

With each phrase, she brought herself more into alignment. Here was her placement in the cosmos, exactly here, with the elements gathering around her like friends around a warm fire… if those friends were as ancient as the universe and as essential as gods. Her vortex spun slowly at her feet, acquiescent for the moment, and magic poured from her left hand.

A wave of Power hit—elegant, sharp and distinct. She recognized Josiah’s magic as it poured over her. He had found a way to reach her without using the phone as a conduit. She wanted to reject it. He had been running on sheer strength of will at the police station, but she also thought she might need all the help she could get, so she opened herself up to draw it in.

God, he was so strong, and she could sense he was boosted by the full force of his coven. The magic poured in until she felt as if she were floating above the pavement. “Okay, enough,” she muttered. “I can’t take any more. Ease up, love.”

The magic eased slightly, as if he could hear her, or more likely, he could sense she was full to the brim. She anchored herself back into her body.

Another massive wave of energy hit. This time she recognized Sarah’s rich, abundant magic buoyed by the Everwood coven. The ends of Molly’s hair lifted. This time, when she felt her awareness floating up, she tethered herself only lightly to her body.

She marveled at what they had achieved and basked in their combined Powers like bathing in rare wine. “Holy shit. I owe everyone flowers and chocolates.”

Sarah’s laugh ghosted through her head. She thought she heard Josiah whisper, <Survive until we can get to you. That will be thanks enough.>

Then her own magic rose to match theirs. Lightning gathered at the edge of her vision. Her sight splintered, and she seemed to see several things at once.

There was Josiah, standing bare-chested in sweat pants with his feet planted wide, catlike eyes flaring yellow as he pulled energy up from the earth and poured it into her.