Page 58 of Secrets of the Eternal Flame

He studied me. ‘You’re sure?’

‘I insist.’

‘Let’s give it a few minutes until you feel better, and then I can drop you somewhere in town. This really is the arse end of nowhere – it’ll save you walking miles.’ He wasn’t wrong.

I nodded. ‘Okay, that would be good.’

Two minutes later, Ernie returned with a pint glass of water, which he placed on the coffee table in front of me. ‘I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me,’ he said. ‘I’ve got the other potion brewing. It won’t be long.’

‘The one to use to destroy the grimoire?’ I asked, impressed. For an old man, he certainly moved fast.

‘That’s it.’

As I forced myself to sit up straight, I noticed the difference in how I was feeling. The change in my magic was surging through me. Just like Ernie had said: somehow Iknewthat whatever I tried to do, I’d have more control over it. And as much as I hadn’t planned on using it, it was surprisingly tempting.

I looked at the glass, which was slightly out of reach. I could either move to get it or… With a buzz of excitement rippling through me, I opened my hand and focused on the glass. Before I had time to work out whether I was completely out of my mind or not, the glass had bolted through the air and landed in my hand with so much force that most of the water spilled over the top.

‘Holy fuck,’ I said.

Fraser grinned. ‘Nice.’

Ernie stuck his head in the room. ‘I heard swearing. Everyone okay?’

‘Fine,’ I promised. ‘Is that potion ready? If so, we’ll get out of your way.’

‘Just another minute and I’ll decant it.’ He disappeared again and came back moments later with a stoppered vial.

I took it and kissed my grandfather’s cheek. ‘Thanks for everything, Grandad.’ His answering smile was everything.

As Fraser drove me into town, I realised I had a few pressing issues to juggle. I needed to find the objects, andthen I needed a fire witch. And I really didn’t want to go to Farah for this, not now that she was pregnant. Hopefully, Nour would know another one.

I pulled out my phone and hit dial. ‘Hey, Bea.’ Nour’s voice sounded far cheerier than when I’d left her in her sister’s hellhole.

‘Hi. How are you doing?’ I asked. ‘Did you and Maddie talk things through?’

‘Yes, thank you. Thank you for everything. I feel much better now.’

‘No problem,’ I said. ‘I’m sorry about earlier – with Farah.’

‘Stop apologising! It wasn’t your fault.’

I disagreed but let it slide. The last thing I wanted to do was put this on Nour after the mess I’d made that morning, but unfortunately I didn’t see what choice I had. ‘I hate to do this again, Nour, but I need another favour. I don’t suppose you have any other fire witches in your coven, do you? Strong fire witches?’

‘Another fire witch? No, sorry. The last one with any power was my grandmother – that was why everyone was so excited when Farah’s powers started to manifest so strongly. The coven thought it would have someone to take over that line of magic, but then it became clear that wasn’t the case. Hopefully her little one might be strong, or maybe Farah’s powers will remain elevated after the birth. What do you need a fire witch for?’

‘I’m looking into destroying the grimoire if I find it,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll come up with something else. I’ll speak to you later.’ I paused, ‘And give Ezra my love if you see him.’

‘I will.’ She hung up.

‘No dice on the fire witch?’ Fraser asked.

I sighed ‘Nope. We still have Farah as an option. I need to speak to Gwen, too, and explain the danger of keeping the Codex once we recover it.’

‘She’s spent years guarding it,’ he pointed out. ‘She’s not going to be thrilled at the idea of destroying it.’

I sighed; I knew he was right. ‘I’m hoping that if I explain about the threat my grandmother – or any other sorcerer – presents, she’ll do the right thing. With my magic unbound, it’s more likely that Granny will come for me one day, even if we don’t know when.’

Fraser’s hands tightened on the wheel; he didn’t like that one bit. I hastily changed the subject. ‘Can you drop me off at Gwen’s shop?’

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