Elements of Power (Council of the Harvest Moon Book 1)

by Kate Stoessel

  “No,” I said, grasping his arms and putting them back around my waist.

  “Is this ok? You don’t have to dance with me,” he said, studying my face.

  “It’s better than ok,” I looked up at him trying to convey everything I was feeling through our locked eyes. “My powers are quiet.”

  Understanding crossed his face, and he reached up and curled one of my loose hair strands around his finger before tucking it behind my ear. It was such a tender gesture. I curled into him, resting my head on his shoulder. We moved together to the music. In Viv’s illusion, I felt so free. Surprisingly, there were two more slow songs after “Purple Eyes,” and I was incredibly grateful to get to stay in Perry’s arms for as long as I did.

  When the music eventually stopped, I hesitantly picked my head up and let my hands fall, but Perry left one hand on my waist as Viv began taking us out of the illusion. I curled into him again as the room began to swirl and morph, hoping to alleviate some of the dizziness. The change from dark concert hall to well-lit cottage was an abrupt one. Blinking frequently, my eyes slowly adjusted to the light.

  “If you are covered in foam, please go spell yourself clean on the patio,” Viv called, releasing Lavinia’s hand. She looked over at Perry and raised an eyebrow at the way he was holding me. Feeling self-conscious, I moved away from him and walked over to the illusionist, who was spelling the room back into order.

  “I’m glad to see that someone else is in good enough shape to cast spells.” She looked frustratedly at the foam on the floor. “Do you know a good spell for foam removal? I tell them all of the time to let me be the one who conjures things. When I create an illusion, it is temporary, and we don’t have to figure out how to get foam stains out of the carpet.”

  “I can handle it.” I focused on how I wanted the foam and any foam damage to be gone. “Aperrō ,” I called.

  She looked at me impressed. “Wow, I’m glad you’re here. If I had tried a vanishing spell, I’m pretty sure Perry wouldn’t have a cottage anymore.”

  “My mom is a stickler for being precise,” I replied with a smile.

  She nodded. “Your mom is Morrigan Lethestone, right?” I nodded and Viv continued quietly. “I can’t imagine she would be happy about you getting cozy with Perry.”

  “What?” I asked, shocked by the statement.

  “Isn’t she like ‘Team ACC’ all the way? Best friends with the Luminary Witch?” When I didn’t respond, she continued. “Perry’s family is not...” She was cut off by Orpheus and my trainer coming back in from the porch. Orpheus took us both in and gave Viv a pointed look.

  “What does my Mom…” I was cut off before I could continue.

  “It’s time for the blessing,” Orpheus announced as he headed into the kitchen to get the cake. Viv gave me a last look before circling up with everyone else around Perry. I made a note to finish the conversation with her later. In the meanwhile, I cleared negative thoughts from my head, so as not to influence the blessing. The birthday blessing was a ritual in every magical household. I had done it so many times before that it was second nature. Toddlers could recite it with ease. As an adult witch, though, it carried magic with it, and I wanted to make sure to focus so that Perry could reap whatever benefits it could bestow. Westin lit the white blessing candle and we all focused on the flame before reciting together:

  We bless thee magical child.

  On this the day of your birth.

  May the candle’s flame spark good fortune,

  And a year of good health and mirth.

  Say goodbye to the problems of old.

  With water you’ll be washed anew.

  Take advantage of all opportunities,

  And success in all that you brew.

  The flame danced high into the air with the power of such a collection of witches. After the blessing, Orpheus spelled the cake into slices and was trying to fly everyone a piece. He was a little tipsy at this point and a couple of people ended up with frosting on their faces and clothing. Perry came and sat next to me with his slice of cake and one for me too.

  “I figured it was safer if I just carried you a piece,” he said as he sat down.

  “Is this your mother’s handiwork as well?” I responded, taking the cake.

  “No, Lavinia made the cake. She’s working to graduate with an artisan specialty and open a bakery.” He sighed. “I hope she gets the chance.”

  I took a bite of the delicious cake. “Well, she’s certainly talented enough. This is delicious!” It was four layers and each one tasted like my favorite cake flavors in perfect harmony. I knew enough from looking around that the cake must have tasted different to everyone, a tough spell to master.

  “Khlorie,” he paused, choosing his words carefully. “Lavinia can travel as mist. There is no spell that can keep her out of a building or room. She can go anywhere. It is a coveted gift. She won’t get a choice.” I thought back to the events of yesterday and our conversation earlier about being discreet with my abilities.

  “There has to be something we can do,” I responded seriously.

  Orpheus stumbled over. “Perry, why am I getting concerned vibes off of the two of you? It’s your birthday party. You’re with a beautiful woman. If you are talking about concerning things, you are doing this wrong.” I blushed a bit, embarrassed at his words.

  “Thanks for the advice,” Perry said patiently. Orpheus leaned over and put his hands on the air elemental’s cheeks.

  “Oh, you are so much happier,” he exclaimed and then reached out towards me. Perry deflected his hand away before the empath could touch my skin.

  “Maybe it’s time for you to head home and sleep it off.” Perry suggested protectively.

  “I get it. I get it,” he blurted, throwing his hands up as Perry was walking him out.

  In fact, most people were now saying goodbye. Perry gave Viv a hug and thanked her for a wonderful night. I went into the kitchen to collect my bag and when I came out. Perry was the only one left.

  “I should get home too. Thanks for sort-of inviting me. I had fun.” Perry moved closer and took my hands.

  “I’m happy you came,” he said smiling. “I know that I haven’t been as helpful with your powers as I should have been. I can’t explain everything, yet.” He took his hands out of mine and began running them through his already disheveled hair. “Just know that I want to keep you safe more than anything.” He paused like he was just remembering something. “Speaking of which,” he said as he grabbed a wooden box off the mantle. When he opened it, he revealed a case full of potion vials. “These are mind blocking potions. I take one every morning and I think you should too. It will allow you to decide, at least somewhat, what Spindlewick knows about you. Professor Tryllestav has probably already told President Sager about class. She will probe for details. This will keep your mind clear. Take a few days’ worth and then...do you think your Mom would brew you some?”

  Jarred by the sudden change in the tone of this night, I collected myself before responding. “Yes, she wanted me to take some with me when I left home. I didn’t think it was necessary.”

  “Good,” he responded thoughtfully. “Hers will be more powerful than mine.” Handing me a few vials, I slipped them into my purse. “If you take them each night at the same time, they will provide 24 hours’ worth of coverage. Will you do this, please?” I nodded and started walking towards the door.

  When we got there, I didn’t walk out right away. We just stood there for a moment.

  “Happy Birthday, Perry. I hope it was a good one.”

  “The best one,” he said quietly tucking another strand of hair behind my ear.

  With his touch lingering, I walked out into the night with a new outlook on what life at Spindlewick could be like.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “I’m surprised it took you this long to ask me for mind blocking potions. Of course, I will send you some. You’ll have a month’s supply by tomorrow.” It felt good to see my
mother’s face on MirrorChat. “Did something bring this request about? Is everything ok?”

  “I’m ok, Mom. I just want to be able to decide what people know about my power,” I responded.

  “That is smart. Now, you are acting like my daughter. Speaking of your powers, why do I have to learn about how things are going with your powers from Virtue and Felicity? You should be the one updating me.” At her words, I nearly dropped the Mirror.

  “How do Virtue and Felicity know about my powers?” I asked quietly, already suspecting the answer.

  “Apparently, President Sager gives them weekly updates on you kids, but that is beside the point Khlorie. I am your mother, and I should know things before a government report comes through.” Her words made the fears of my classmates more real.

  “I triggered my fire power on Friday. No one knows that yet,” I replied monotonously.

  “How did it go? Did anybody get hurt?” My mother asked, looking nervous.

  “No Mom, I was able to control it and contain it in a fireplace.” I replied, knowing I would have to answer her questions before I could ask any of my own.

  “That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you sweetheart. I was a little worried when they told me about the tsunami, but things are definitely moving in the right direction.” Relief was plain on her face. “I always had faith in you. You’ve always been talented.”

  “Mom, why do Virtue and Aunt Felicity get such frequent briefings about Spindlewick? Do you know?” Trying to keep my voice casual, I began my line of inquiry.

  She thought about it for a minute. “Sweetheart, they need to make sure that you all are safe and that no one is planning to use enhanced powers against the ACC. It is standard protocol. We stay strong because we stay vigilant. You know that.”

  “The kids here, well they are under the impression that none of us will have a choice about what we do after graduation. They are scared that they will be forced to use their powers to fight, especially with the escalating tensions with the fairies.”

  My mother waited a minute, her lips forming into a thin line. “Khlorie, we all should be happy to do our part to help maintain the greatness of the American Continental Coven. I think that your friends are being a bit dramatic. I didn’t raise you to shirk your duty to your country. We know, more than most, how dangerous this fairy threat can be. If your friends have enhanced abilities and the witches of this country teach them to use those abilities, isn’t it their duty to give back in whatever way the ACC requires?” My mother’s patience was wearing thin.

  “Yes, mother. Of course,” I replied, knowing that I was doing no one any favors by continuing to question her. “I will do a better job keeping you up to date on my magic.”

  “That’s my girl. I will talk to you next Sunday.”

  Taking a deep breath, I thought about the kids graduating Spindlewick this year. What would they be asked to do? As if answering my question, the Sunday evening edition of The Salem Standard appeared on my desk.

  LW Pruitt meets with Mermaid Premier: Will she get Bhlaosc’s support at the Council of the Harvest Moon?

  California: LW Felicity Pruitt continues her coast-to-coast tour in support of fairy registration legislation. On Saturday, Pruitt met with the Premier of the Pacific Ocean Mermaids, Cordelia Bhlaosc, in order to try to sway her to vote for the legislation at the Council of the Harvest Moon. No press were allowed within earshot of the conversation between the two leaders. However, Pruitt confirmed exclusively to The Salem Standard that talks with the Pacific Premier “were very promising.” She continued “I was able to share with Cordelia the overwhelming evidence of fairy terrorist activity against witches and how that terrorist activity is affecting the mermaids in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the few river and lake mermaids across this continent. Our intelligence officials put together quite the dossier. So, the Premier now has the whole picture. She knows of the danger that we face. It is up to her to take a stand for the safety of her people.”

  Premier Bhlaosc released the following statement after the meeting with LW Pruitt. “I was very pleased to spend time with Luminary Witch Pruitt and learn about the concerns that are leading her to seek this legislation. The Pacific Mermaid Assembly will meet and consider her words before voting at the Council of the Harvest Moon. As always, the PMA will put our values of tolerance, camaraderie, and intellectual curiosity at the forefront of this conversation.”

  Protesters lined the beach behind magical barricades with signs reading things like “Freedom and Equality for All Supernaturals” and “Fairies are friends not foes.” Egill Njáll, the director of the American Continental Coven’s advocacy group, Supernatural Equality Works (SEW), has been traveling to every stop on LW Pruitt’s tour and responding to her claims. Speaking to the protestors he said “Luminary Witch Pruitt travels from town to town with her message of fear! She wants to scare us into forgetting our history. When the humans were busy slaughtering each other in their Civil War, supernaturals came together and decided that we would never be so cruel and petty. We formed the Council of the Harvest Moon to make sure that peace between Supernaturals was always a priority. Every supernatural group has a vote and delegates. When did this coalition of peacekeepers become a tool of oppression for the witches of the ACC? Passing legislation to further curb the rights of fairies is NOT the purpose of the Council. It was what it was established to stop.”

  With only Oregon and Washington left on LW Pruitt’s grand tour, polling among witches continues to illustrate that this legislation remains a divisive issue.

  LW Pruitt had no comment about the recent resignation from the Council of witch delegate Antonia Stregg. It is thought by many that Stregg is resigning due to disagreement with the proposed measure. Sources tell the Salem Standard that they believe Pruitt’s camp will address the resignation when a pro-registration replacement to the Council has been found.

  “Oh Felicity, where is all of this leading?” The glow of the week erased, I was brought back to the startling reality that we were on the brink of war with the fairies. They certainly could not let this call for registration pass unanswered. If war was coming, less of the students at Spindlewick would be given a choice of how to use their powers. The ACC would be heavily recruiting and needing to weaponize their most powerful citizens. I hoped desperately that a peaceful solution could be reached before it was too late.

  As I sat thinking, a strong gust of wind blew open my window. Peeking outside, part of me hoped that Perry would be standing there, but it was just a blustery night. Looking at the way the wind bent the branches and danced between the cottages, it was clear that air was a powerful element. That was all President Sager saw when she looked at Perry. She didn’t care about the tender way he cared for his plants or the way his face lit up when he spoke about his mom and hybrids. We were all nothing more or less than our powers. An idea struck me. It was a long shot, but I pulled out my Magic Mirror anyway.

  “Henry Bishop,” I shouted, and the magic began to smoke and swirl, until the kind face of my grandfather came into view.

  “Khlorie?” He looked surprised. “Is everything ok my girl?” Behind him was a sterile white wall that I didn’t recognize.

  “Hi Grandpa,” I smiled. “Everything is ok, I just wanted to talk with someone more...open-minded.”

  His smile grew large on his face. “Well, you have all of my attention.”

  “What do you do when you start to doubt the things you were taught as a kid?” I asked finally.

  “I’d say that is a sure sign that you are growing up and a mark of great intelligence, but don’t tell your mother I said that. What are you doubting?”

  “I am beginning to wonder about the specialty system,” I added meekly.

  Grandpa laughed. “Controlling everyone by forcing them to make a huge life choice at 18 and then wear an identifying color for the rest of their life, isn’t a good idea?” His sarcastic tone took me off guard, but I was pleased to hear s
omeone say it out loud.

  “But the Bishops helped create the system,” I countered.

  “Yes, and just because something is your family’s legacy doesn’t mean that you can’t take a stand against it. In fact, it is more important that you take a stand against it. Time travel teaches you that history’s mistakes just keep repeating when everyone is too proud or scared to make change.” He paused. “Now with this ridiculous Fairy Registration Bill…”

  “But the fairies killed your son,” I began. “I would think you would support the bill.”

  Grandpa Bishop shook his head. “Finch would never have supported punishing an entire group of people for the actions of a few. It’s just wrong, Khlorie.” He paused. “There are things about your father, about me, that you need to know. Things he would want you to know. You have more in common than red hair and green eyes, I suspect.” He looked at me carefully through the mirror. “Are you alone?”

  “Yes,” I responded.

  “Cast a noise blocker spell so that no one can hear us. It’s very important Khlorie. I will wait.” Placing the mirror down on my desk, I walked a loop around my room, set my intention, and called “ Atremizō .” The telltale buzz of a well-cast noise blocking spell lined the room. Sitting back down, I nodded to Grandfather and he took a deep breath.

  “Are you really in Europe, Khlorie?” My eyes grew wide with the question.

  “No,” I responded finally.

  Grandfather’s face creased with concern. “How is Spindlewick these days?”

  “You know about Spindlewick?”

  The Time Travel Witch took a deep breath before continuing, “Your father went to Spindlewick. He was an earth elemental.”

  Nearly dropping the mirror, I gasped. Covering my face with my hand, I looked at the purple eyed witch with shock. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

  “Your mother doesn’t know, and your father and I were sworn to secrecy, same as you are. You know how it is with Spindlewick. So much secrecy. If I had known, I could have prepared you. Do you have the same gift as Finch?”