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“How was the drive, kiddo?”Ez asked, interrupting Alice’s memory.

It was a two-hour drive from her home to The Coven Club. Ez wanted to be close to Alice, yet not too close to attract attention. They had decided Alice would move to central Ohio, and Ez would move to the northeast.

“Long, but fine,” Alice replied.

“So, what’s the urgent thing you wanted to see me about?” Ez asked.

“I need a favor.”

“A good favor or a . . . special favor?”

“Let’s go in the back and talk. Away from other ears.”

“A special favor it is,” Ez said. “Follow me.”

Alice moved around the bar and followed Ez through a doorway. They proceeded down a hallway, passing a few of the offices. At the end of the hallway was a wooden door covered in ornate iron fixtures. Very similar to the one in Alice’s basement. Ez pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. She pulled it open to reveal a massive library.

Rows and rows of books and sacred scrolls containing arcane text. Stained mahogany bookcases stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Ladders on railings allowed those who wanted to ascend to the top to peruse various works. The colorful spines worn with age. Many old texts and some new ones. The smell of old paper overwhelmed Alice’s senses. A yellowish-orange glow emanated from vintage lamps hanging from the ceiling.

Ez was a coven witch, a keeper of the knowledge. She preserved ancient history, spells, rituals, and other things for witches and wizards to use. This was her sanctuary. If they needed a more secluded place to talk business, then Alice knew this was the place to be.

“So, talk, kiddo. What do you need?” Ez asked.

“How did the meeting with the Vampiric Conclave go?” Alice asked with a crack in her voice.

“They won’t intervene. They’re claiming it’s a business dispute. We’re on our own,” Ez said. “You didn’t come all the way up to ask me that question, did you?”

Alice hung her head. Her hands pressed together in front of her mouth. Thoughts raced through her mind. She knew what she wanted to ask, but was afraid of Ez’s answer. She parsed the words carefully, making sure they were crafted so Ez wouldn’t freak out.

Alice dropped her hands, breathed deep, and pulled back her shoulders to conjure the confidence needed for her next words. “We need to move again.”

“Out of the question,” Ez said as she flailed her arms in exasperation. “I finally got this place settled. I’m notmoving again.”

“You don’t have to move. Just Hugo and myself.”

“Why?” Ez placed her hands on her hips.

“They know.” Alice took a deep breath. “The vampires know I have the spell.”

Ez dropped her hands to her side. “Are you certain?”

“Yes. They told me. They know. They tracked us down. They . . . they found out about the news article where people spotted Hugo. They know about my wine. They put two and two together and figured—” Alice’s voice cracked. “This is my fault. Again, everything is my fault.” Tears formed in Alice’s eyes.

“It’s not your fault, kiddo.”

“Yes, it is. The Savinos promised to make our lives miserable if I don’t give them what they want. They’ll make sure the Raskins lose their store. They threatened to pick the town apart piece by piece until they get their way. Until they have the spell.”

Ez lowered her head. “I’m sorry, kiddo. I’m truly sorry.”

“That’s not all. They don’t just want the spell. They want me to join them. They talked about how we’d be perfect for each other,” Alice said.

“What did you tell them?”

“I told them to go to hell. I work for me and me alone.”

“That’s my girl. Stand your ground.”

“They told me to reconsider. If I don’t join them, they’ll make life difficult. They didn’t elaborate, but I can guess. If I stay there, I’m a threat to the town. If I leave, they’ll leave too, trying to find me again.” A tear fell down Alice’s cheek.