“I really don’t know what I’m supposed to say.” Mel lifted her hands, then dropped them again. “I don’t know if I’ll ever take all this in. I never even bought into the tooth fairy.”

“That’s a pity. Then again, it seems to me that a very practical mind would be unable to deny what it sees. What it knows.”

“I can’t deny that he’s different. That he has abilities … gifts. And that …” Frustrated, she let her words trail off again. “I’ve never met anyone like him before.”

Morgana gave a low laugh. “Even among the different, Sebastian is unique. One day, perhaps, we’ll have time for me to tell you stories. He was always competitive. It continues to infuriate him that he can’t cast a decent spell with any real finesse.”

Fascinated, Mel stepped closer. “Really?”

“Oh, yes. Of course, I don’t tell him just how frustrating it is for me to have to go through all manner of stages to get even a glimpse of the things he can see simply by looking.” She waved it away. “But those are old family rivalries. I wanted a moment with you because I realize that Sebastian trusts you enough, obviously cares for you enough, to have opened that part of his life to you.”

“I …” Mel blew out a breath. What next? “We’re working together,” she said carefully. “And you could say that we have a kind of relationship. A personal relationship.”

“I’m not going to intrude—overmuch—in that personal relationship. But he is family, and I love him very much. So I have to tell you—don’t use this power you have to hurt him.”

Mel was flabbergasted. “But you’re the witch,” she blurted out. Then she blinked. “What I mean is—”

“You said what you meant, aptly. Yes, I am a witch. But I’m also a woman. Who understands power better?”

Mel shook her head. “I don’t know what you mean. And I certainly don’t know how you think I could possibly hurt Sebastian. If you think I’ve put him in any danger by involving him in this case—”

“No.” Eyes thoughtful, Morgana lifted a hand. “You really don’t understand.” Morgana’s lips curved as her eyes cleared. It was obvious, beautifully obvious, that Mel hadn’t a clue that Sebastian was in love with her. “How fascinating,” she murmured. “And how delightful.”

“Morgana, if you’d just make yourself clear …”

“Oh no, I’d hate to do that.” She took both of Mel’s hands. “Forgive me for confusing you. We Donovans tend to be protective of each other. I like you,” she said with a charming smile. “Very much. I hope we’ll be good friends.” She gave Mel’s hands a squeeze. “I’d like to give you something.”

“It isn’t necessary.”