The Coven is clearly set up to be multifunctional and accommodate lots of patrons, but this early afternoon only three people are present, all huddled together around a long table. They are occupied by a rolling chalkboard, which contains all kinds of numbers and lists—and one phrase written at the top.

The King of Pentacles. Bingo.

“We have customers,” one of the three says, breaking their concentration. The other two look our way, and they all stand to greet us.

“Sorry, it’s been a slow day,” says the first to arrive, a young woman with flowers tucked into her long black hair. “I’m Supriya, and this is Sherwin and Rowe.”

Behind Supriya, Rowe offers a smile, and Sherwin just nods. Following our alias trend, I assign each a persona based on their outward vibes: Supriya Coachella, Rowe Lizzo, and Sherwin Practical Magic.

“So what brings you into Chills Coven today?” Supriya asks.

“We’re driving up the coast, and someone we met recommended stopping in here,” Amelia answers, not missing a beat. We all agreed to keep our lies as close to the truth as possible, without giving ourselves away. “Do you know Lily Baxter?”

I nearly wince—that’s quite the opening risk Amelia just took. Luckily, all three of our marks quickly shake their heads, without a trace of recognition.

“Still, love a rec!” Supriya says. “So what do you know about our space?”

“Not much. But it looks amazing.”

“It’s all the vision of Rosa Resfriado, the founder of Chills Coven,” Supriya continues. “She imagined it as a coworking community designed for sisterhood but open to everyone, with a focus in the art of scientific spellcraft. Our members and customers use the space diversely, but we three are the Coven coordinators.”

“Though we’re better known as the three wicked stepsisters,” Sherwin adds without a hint of irony. It’s then that I notice Sherwin wears a light layer of makeup, perfectly accentuating his features.

“Forgive Sherwin, he lives for all things Hocus Pocus,” Rowe says. “But we all have our specialties. Supriya handles the floral shop and essential oils brews. Sherwin is our resident drag night hostess and budding wiccan.”

Rowe glances at a small stage in the shop corner, prompting Sherwin to wink.

“And I’m our empress of mathematics,” Rowe continues, “but I also run the award-winning coffee counter. Trust me when I say: I mix magic in a cup.”

“Science meets spellcraft,” Amelia says. “So, like, astrology and the tarot, too?”

“Rosa actually handles that stuff if you’re lucky enough to be read by the queen herself,” Sherwin says. “She usually only does sessions while she does nails, which are as sharp as her reads.”

“Rosa kind of adopted us, her coven of stray children, so to speak,” Supriya says. “Everyone is welcome here as long as they have something organic to offer.”