“You can,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically firm. “I know you don’t believe that, but it’s true. And it’s time you started wanting more for yourself than mere existence.”

I shot him an uncertain look.

He held up his hands. “I know. I know. I’m not one to talk. But you deserve a full life.”

“So do you, Gideon.” The corners of my mouth twisted into a smile. “And, again, look. You’re outside.”

His eyes sparkled as the last few drops of rain fell around us. “I am. I am outside.”

“It feels good, doesn’t it?”

His chest swelled as he took in a long, slow breath. “It feels wonderful.”

We smiled at each other for a second before my uncle’s face dropped.

“Gideon? What is it? Are you having another vision?”

“No, but I am seeing something.” He pointed his staff in the direction of the town buildings.

I couldn’t figure out what had him so transfixed at first, but then I spotted movement. It was a person. A person climbing out of one of the windows of the records building.

Wait. Was that Liz?

Chapter 36

I’d had the thought too late.

She was too far away. I couldn’t be sure.

I debated making a run for her, but the building was right beside the woods that ran along the Blackstone River. She’d see me coming. I’d never get there before she lost me in the trees. But I had to know! I had to know if it was Liz.

“Gideon,” I said, clutching my uncle’s arm. “We need to do something. I think that’s Liz Coleman, but I can’t be sure. We need a spell.”

My uncle’s brow furrowed. I could tell he wasn’t following. “A spell?” He looked back over to the building, piecing it all together. “I don’t know,” he stammered. “I’d need to think about it.”

“We don’t have time!”

I searched Gideon’s face, but I could see he was at a loss, just like I was.

The person in the distance dropped from the window ledge to the ground. Time was running out.

Think, Brynn. Think.

Nora needs you.

Suddenly a memory of Nora popped into my head. Nora in her floppy hat and sundress. Nora laughing. Nora swirling me in the air, saying, You, Brynn Warren, are my kind of witch.

That was it!

“Gideon! The children’s rhyme. The one that trips people. You need to do it.”

My uncle stared at me, dumbfounded.

“You know the one. You have to say it.”

He shook his head.

“I can’t do it,” I said. “My magic is too unstable.”

“You can do this.” Gideon grabbed my hand. “You’re not alone this time.”

I stared at my uncle, willing his certainty into my heart, then closed my eyes.

“Bumps and lumps, stumbles divine.” A familiar tingling sensation ran up my arm from Gideon’s hand. “Trip up anyone from the Graves bloodline.”

My eyes flew open and narrowed in on the person about to disappear into the forest.