Still, we could have done more.

Magically, we could have done more.

Before she began baking, Izzy had set to doing just that. She had warded the house and the property behind the iron fence that surrounded the backyard. That way someone could come up to the door without suffering any ill effects, but no one without our stated permission was getting beyond it or to the B&B’s private grounds without experiencing an excruciating headache. It was a little like closing the barn door after the horse had run off, but it still felt necessary given the circumstances.

I was grateful when the sun’s first rays found their way into my loft above the garage, so that I could give up on the idea of rest entirely.

I got up, wrapped a throw around my shoulders, and padded across the wood floor to peek out the window above my kitchen sink. A jogger loped by, panting out clouds of frosty air. Definitely scarf weather.

Any other morning, I would have made a cup of tea and started a fire in the old stone hearth to warm up the place, taking my time to get the day started. Years ago, the loft had been my great-grandmother’s workroom, her cauldron still rested on the mantel, and I loved everything about it, from the exposed beams of the ceiling to the old wood floors covered in plush throw rugs. But there was no time for coziness today.

Now was the time for action.

I splashed some water on my face, brushed my teeth, then quickly dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a thick red scarf. My grandmother had knitted it years ago, but a preservation spell kept it fresh and soft. I then pulled on my boots and dropped my messenger bag onto my shoulder.

Time to get going.

I thought I had made my preference of doing this alone clear, but clarity was sometimes lacking in our household. My aunts’ desire to protect and support me was wonderful. It really was. But they sometimes went overboard. I scooped up my keys. Besides, I felt pretty good about going into town today. I could go to the bookstore and see Theo. I had done it many times before. It would be fine. I didn’t need my aunts hovering over me, constantly asking how I was doing. I pulled the door open.

“Good morning, darling. How are you doing today?”

I should have known.

Izzy stood waiting for me on the wood platform on the other side of my front door. She had always known when I was trying to sneak out. I’d never got to go to any of the really good high school parties.

I sighed, but I also couldn’t help but smile. She looked pretty adorable with her plaid poncho and wicker basket. Even the tip of her nose had reddened with the cold to a shade that perfectly matched her coat.

“I’m fine,” I said dryly. “You’re up awfully early.”