Henry examined the cavernous room as he approached Coralis, soaking up every detail. Light glittered and danced as it reflected off the tiny quartz crystals embedded in the ceiling. They look like stars, thought Henry. As he focused on an area directly overhead, it hit him. “They are stars,” he whispered in wonder.

“Stars?” Brianna poked her nose out to see what her brother was talking about.

“The quartz in the walls. It’s been arranged to look like the constellations!” He spun in a circle. “There’s the archer, Sagittarius, and the Gemini twins. Oh! And there’s the southern hemisphere!” Henry pointed to another set of constellations across the room. “This is amazing!”

“Very perceptive,” Coralis said, and Henry thought he caught a hint of genuine admiration in the Wand Master’s voice, but it was gone just as quickly. “Now stop babbling like a disturbed child and get over here. Mr. Osborne!” Coralis boomed, and Henry turned to see the spirit of another well-dressed man on the far side of the room. The man cringed and began to dissolve into the wall.

“Not so fast!” Coralis hurried over and took a small parcel from the spirit. He opened it to reveal several sparkling gemstones, which he brought to a cabinet. Henry caught only a glimpse inside, but the cabinet appeared to contain a gemologist’s dream selection of minerals from around the world—some of which he’d never seen before, even in books.

“Your days as a mercantile agent are long over, William,” Coralis said, returning the gemstones to their proper place. “And the market for these is well beyond your reach.”

“I am sorry, sir.” Mr. Osborne’s voice was full and deep. Henry could easily imagine him bellowing from a podium. “I was simply … cleaning them for you. Are you certain you don’t need to have any of these fine samples appraised?”

“I am quite certain.”

“Very well, then. Good day to you all.”

“That’s the problem with these old haunts,” Coralis grumbled as the spirit faded from view. “Too many temptations for the poor bored souls left behind.” He opened a small drawer in the cabinet and selected a clear quartz ring that fit him perfectly. He then led Henry to a large ebony desk, the top of which was inlaid with swirls of iridescent opal. “Give your sister to Molly.”

Henry reluctantly handed Brianna over. He hadn’t realized how much he depended on having her with him. He suddenly felt very alone as he faced the scowling Wand Master.

“Take off your coat and give me your hands.” Henry did as directed, and Coralis roughly grabbed his wrists and placed his palms directly on the center of the desk. The opal coursed with energy, rippling through a dazzling display of color that ranged from orange to purple to brilliant blue.