“Next, we reveal ourselves to the general public. If we spin it well, so many pathways will open up.”

“How do you figure?” Gladys asked.

“Well, for instance, we can monetize our work openly. Look at Danica and Clem. They pretend to fix stuff the slow way. Imagine how cool people would find it if they could actually watch them do their repair work? Ethel could sell her charms openly in her online shop, and witches could stop worrying so much about blending in. We’d be able to just…live. As ourselves. And share our lives with whomever we choose. I was thinking that if we start the process, others might come forward as well. We’ve lived in the shadows forever, but I want to believe there’s a place for us, now. That the world has changed enough.”

“You mean other ‘special’ communities?”

Leanne nodded. “Though we’ve lost touch, the archives indicate we’re not alone among humanity. The point is, this needs to happen, and I’m the person to push it through.”

“You talk like you’re a bulldozer,” Gladys said.

“I’m the witch who just won a seat on the city council.”

The older witch smiled. “I like your confidence. For the record, this is exactly why I chose you. You make big moves, and you follow through. You asked what I think? Do exactly as you’ve said you will. Change the world, Leanne. I believe in you.”

Her chest tightened. “Thank you. Your endorsement means a lot to me.”

“Then I take it we’re done? Because I aim to eat a lot of delicious food tonight.”

Leanne shook her head. “Not quite. I’m telling you up front, I made a protective amulet for my husband, just in case. And I plan to tell him everything as soon as I’m allowed. I don’t want to fight the council, but if anyone even looks at him sideways, we’ll have a problem. You can pass that along to the powers that be, if you’re still holding sessions.”

At that, Gladys threw back her head and laughed. “Look at you, little fire starter. You’re willing to fight the whole council for your man?”

“And then some,” Leanne said grimly.

“We’re on hiatus anyway, so I can’t share your warning, my dear. And then you’ll be online in the new year to get started on that sparkling agenda.” With a faint smile, the older witch headed back toward the bright lights of the Yule revels.

She needed to keep Trev safe for two more weeks…and how the hell could she do that if he was somewhere else? Once she started on the council, it should be less dangerous, and soon after—if her initiative went well—she could tell him everything and see if he could accept her with no secrets in the way. If he could, if—