I remind myself that despite whatever challenges we still face, we are blissfully young and free. And right now we all sing at the top of our lungs to Logan’s music selection. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” blares at top volume, the perfect song for this super-shot of road tripping. Cleo’s pick, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Run Away With Me,” will come next. Then for my turn I will insist on Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer,” my favorite sing-along anthem of all time.

I know Chase will then insist on his own favorite karaoke epic, Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” It wouldn’t make my own list, but I have to admit, I’m quite curious to see how Anwar handles this particular ballad.

Almost as curious as I am to see what this glorious chapter of overflowing cups and shimmering beaches has to offer us next.

CHAPTER SIX

CHASE

WE MAKE SURE to park Charvan around the corner from Azure Tarot, just in case any Wanderers do come looking for us here. Amelia’s new companion seemed amused by our trend toward caution, so we had to waste another fifteen minutes walking him through the details of our trip so far. Absolutely zero part of me thinks a stranger like Anwar should be joining us on a day this important, but as Amelia silently reminded me, I owe her one. At the very least, Anwar seems kind and respectful enough not to interfere too much.

We find Azure Tarot on a corner of Summerland’s main street, a sleepy stretch of beach town paradise. Inside, everything is cast in cool tones and smells of fresh soaps and salt spray, with doors kept open to ocean views. It’s like we’ve entered another reality, yet again. Where Maggie’s Mother Earth Occult was all dust and decay, Azure Tarot is all bright and breezy. The shop is uncluttered, offering only a few products: healing crystals, assorted turquoise jewelry, and several copies of The Azure Tarot—an original deck, advertised for readings with the creator herself.

Lauren “Lady Azure” Baxter stands behind a glass counter wearing an aquamarine caftan and a necklace that bears Perilli’s signature symbol, recreated with sapphires on a platinum cup. Being in Lady Azure’s shop I feel a deep resonating calm, paired with an even deeper sense of illusion. It’s like we’ve suddenly dived into an ocean trench, our surroundings both serene and filled with the unknown.

As usual, Amelia feels no similar instinct for caution, seeming immediately at ease with Lady Azure. Then again, perhaps Amelia is working her just as hard with her burst of openness, retelling select details of our past day’s encounter. Either way, I can’t blame Amelia. Lady Azure radiates maternal warmth, like she stepped right out of a Nancy Meyers movie with her perfect blond hair and blue eyes.