“That celebration of love, of passion, leaves you as open and vulnerable as you can possibly be. You let go of worldly concerns, worries, problems, and the voices of our ancestors are tuned in and turned up, like a radio. Every witch has a different method of tuning in, whatever they most identify with or find important. So how do you think you can get in tune with that experience?”

Amelia knew immediately. “I didn’t know who I truly was until I met Byron. She gave me the freedom and security to become the Amelia I always wanted to be.”

Magda smiled. “Then you focus on Byron and your love. Take my hands and close your eyes.”

Amelia held Magda’s hands and closed her eyes as directed. She heard Magda gasp at her touch, and she opened her eyes quickly. “What’s wrong?”

Magda stared at her silently. “Do you feel quite well?”

“Yes, why? In fact I’ve been full of more energy since we came home,” Amelia said.

“Good, good. Now close your eyes.”

Amelia did as she was asked. There was something Magda was keeping from her, she knew it. It was a strange question to ask out of nowhere.

Magda continued, “Now think about Byron, picture her, and feel the love filling up your body.”

She started to feel the love and warmth spread around her body, then envelop it.

“Take deep breaths and concentrate on the garbled voices,” Magda said.

The voices were loud, shouting over each other, but with each breath they quietened, slowed, and started to become an individual voice.

We will help you, Amelia. You are the descendent, the voice said.

“I can hear it.” Amelia was amazed. She’d done it.

“Good, now thank the ancestors.”

“Thank you.” Amelia did feel a bit strange thanking something she couldn’t see.

“Now open your eyes, but keep that channel open. Breathe and stay calm.”

Amelia did that and stayed focused. “It’s hard work.”

“Magic is hard—that’s why not everyone is capable of it. You must practise every morning in quiet meditation,” Magda said.

“Will I be able to call for the Grand Duchess or my mother?” Amelia asked.

“If you practise, you have the capacity to do anything, Amelia.”

* * *

Katie finally finished for the day. She made her way upstairs and made a beeline to Alexis’s room. They needed to talk after earlier today—plus Alexis hadn’t fed from her since this morning. Before they left the New Forest they’d agreed that Alexis would only feed from her, so Katie assumed Alexis had drunk bottled, and she’d be hungry.