I smiled. Nixie was totally Nora’s friend.

I opened the door.

At first all I could see was a towering bouquet of yellow roses.

That’s right. Yellow roses.

Nora always had plenty of flowers on hand, but she thought it might be nice to have one bouquet as a tribute to Constance, given that she was the one responsible for finally bringing tonight about.

Nixie’s face peeked around the bouquet. Her jaw dropped when she saw me.

“Hi,” I said. “Why don’t you let me take those from you?” I reached for the bouquet but hesitated at the look on Nixie’s face.

“I have three questions,” she said quite seriously.

“Only three?” I asked, taking the arrangement from her and placing it on the floor.

“First, where did you get that dress?”

I looked down at my black silk gown. “Nora made it for me.”

“Will she make one for me? That actually wasn’t one of my questions, but I’m adding it to the list.”

“She might,” I said with a smile. It really was a beautifully tailored dress. “Do you have an occasion in mind?”

“Who needs an occasion? I will wear it every day. I will wear it every night. I will wear it always and call it my precious.”

“Okay, then,” I said with a chuckle. “Next question?”

“What is going on here tonight?” she asked, trying to peek her head farther in the door. “It’s something magical, isn’t it?”

I positioned myself to block her view. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Brynn! You are killing me! Can I come to whatever this is?”

I smiled. “No. Not tonight. Tonight is for family.”

She sighed and her eyebrows formed a peak, resembling that of a sad puppy. I hated to admit it, but the girl was growing on me.

“Was that your third question? I’ve lost count.”

“I probably just need to accept it, don’t I?” she said, voice full of resignation.

I raised an eyebrow.

“I’m a witch hunter. You’re witches. You’re never going to confide in me.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m going to spend my entire life believing in something I’ll never have proof of. Truth is, I probably did make the whole thing up. I mean, my family thinks I’m nuts. Maybe they’re right.”

She was about to go on, but I reached out and grabbed her hand, effectively derailing her.

“What are you doing?” she asked, straightening her dejected posture.

“Nixie, please be quiet. I’m still not back to full strength, so I need to concentrate.”

Her eyes grew incredibly wide. “Why? What is happening right now?”

“Close your eyes.”

“But—”

“Do it before I change my mind.”

Nixie snapped her mouth shut and squeezed her eyes closed.

“Do not tell Nora about any of this. Or Izzy.” I stared at Nixie’s hand and murmured a few words under my breath. “Okay, open your eyes.”

Nixie let out a happy shout. “No! No way! It’s the flame!” Pure joy came over her face as she stared at the small pink flame swirling in her hand. “I can’t believe this!”