Page 48 of XOXO

Here it comes.

“The moon is very full tonight on our land,” I jump in to say. “If you’d prefer to only part with a single stone, then that would still fulfill our purpose.”

“I can charge them myself,” she says sharply. “I also maintain them, girl. I don’t need a minder. I’m old, not senile.”

Shit. I realize that if we borrow a stone from the Coronada, we’ll have to replace it eventually. I haven’t the faintest idea where to find a prepared moonstone. We still have the cracked rock stored in the bin for safekeeping, but I’ve never been particularly good at mending.

“Of course not, Coronada,” Brynn says. “We come in the utmost respect.”

She grunts at that and eyes us both. Scrutiny and skepticism coat her expression. She considers us like this for a long moment, and her eyes sink to our joined hands. A knowing smile crosses her face.

“You may have them back to charge on the coven’s land, just as soon as you provide a temporary replacement.”

“A . . . what?” I stutter.

“A replacement. Can’t be leavin’ my shop unprotected.”

“Right, of course,” Brynn says. “We unfortunately aren’t prepared and apologize. What can we provide in exchange? Your safety is vital to our community.”

That’s laying it on a little too thick. She doesn’t know the Coronada’s place in our ranks. She’s basically the wacky aunt of the coven.

The lack of familiarity is obvious, even to the Coronada.

“I don’t trust you, girl,” she says, poking a grizzled finger at Brynn. She nods to me. “You though—you I know.”

“Born and raised Silverthorn coven.”

“Lauren’s girl.”

“Yes.”

“She still have that limp?”

It’s a trick question. The Coronada cured my mother’s limp three weeks ago—which means she’s testing me. She could be figuring out if I’m a shapeshifter or some kind of mimic.

Which means she doesn’t trust me either for some reason.

“Not since your tonic,” I inform her. “Thank you for helping her. You know my mother; she’s more likely to complain until the moon sets than fix it.”

The old woman delivers a lopsided grin and nods crisply. “Fine. I’m sure you want to be on your way. The wards around the shop aren’t complex. If you can bring me an amethyst, it’ll do in a pinch.”

That’s not so bad. We probably have some at the cabin.

“Yes, Coronada,” I say.

She draws her head back and the grin spreads into a Cheshire smile.

“You know where to find a nine-inch, wish-kissed amethyst, girl?”

I gasp out a what? before I can stop myself.

“Amethyst is the only commercially available stone that can replace a moonstone, but to allow it to hold a charge, it must be wish-kissed. I’ll need at least a nine-inch specimen to fill the void left by the moonstone.”

“Where are we supposed to find a wish-kissed amethyst, let alone one that size?”

“Ask Miri. Unless you cannot?”

She sits back on her stool and crosses her arms.

---