Page 97 of Kiss of Magic

England

There was a perception spell around the site. To the human eye it looked empty and serene, just as it should at nearly midnight. Indeed, huge amounts of money were spent by police and authorities to keep trespassers away. Not surprising, given it was one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country.

Blake hadn’t quite believed it when Lenore had told him where – and what – the lock was. But as he gazed at it now, gleaming in the moonlight, it made perfect sense.

“Stonehenge. Should have known.”

“It’s been here for nearly five thousand years,” said Dani. “Created by the angels to be the lock. Hidden in plain sight.”

The circle of stones towered majestically. Dani gazed up at the monoliths and tried to fight her rising panic. She was glad when Blake took her hand.

“You okay, Blue?” She nodded, though in truth her heart was beating like a frightened little bird. He squeezed her fingers. “Where is everyone? Looks deserted.”

“It’s not. Step into the ring. You’ll see.”

They walked forward hand in hand. As they cleared the outer circle of stones, Blake blinked rapidly. The empty space in front of him blurred and changed. Suddenly it was full of tiny points of light, bobbing like fireflies and casting a warm glow across the circle. A dozen women dressed in white stood silently, each one positioned in front of a monolith on the outer perimeter of the henge.

They were all facing towards the centre where a large horizontal rock lay partially embedded in the soft earth. An elderly woman was next to it, chanting something low and melodious. He recognised her from the viewing crystal.

Lenore.

She came towards them, leaning heavily on her staff.

“Dani. Welcome.”

She held out a hand. Dani paused before taking it.

“Can’t say it’s a pleasure, Lenore.”

“And yet you’re here. Your coven will remember you in song and word for all millennia.”

“Super. That makes it all worth it.”

Lenore ignored her sarcasm. She turned to Blake.

“You delivered as promised, hunter. Your remuneration will be deposited by morning. You have our thanks. Go in peace.”

“Go?”

“Yes. Your part in this is ended. You may leave.”

Dani snatched her hand from Lenore’s.

“No! He can’t go!”

Lenore looked at her quizzically.

“Child?”

“I want him to stay. He has to stay.” Dani turned to Blake. “You will stay, won’t you?”

“Sure, Blue. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m sorry, hunter.” Lenore shook her head. “This is an ancient ritual. Old magic. We cannot have a human here.”

“Put it this way. Either we both stay. Or neither of us do.”

“You think you can defy an entire coven of witches?”

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