Page 115 of Starrily

Torn between checking the upstairs (and scared of what she might see) and checking the situation in the living room (also scary), Callie went for the living room instead. “Mom, what’s happening?”

Mom walked around the room, consulting a book and arranging candles, statuettes, and flower petals. “I did a reading for Phoebe yesterday.”

That explained precisely nothing. “And?”

“It said she should try eating shrimp again for an ‘interesting experience.’”

“Isn’t Aunt allergic to shrimp?”

“I suppose that’s covered under ‘interesting experience,’” Raleigh said.

“I told her not to do it!” Mom waved her arm, and the leaves of the book rustled. “But no. She’s gotta try eating shrimp again.”

Callie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Between Raleigh and Phoebe, she wouldn’t have bet on her aunt to be the one bested by food.

Theia came around the corner and rubbed against her legs. Callie picked her up and ran her hand down her long, smooth fur.

Mom looked past Callie’s shoulder. “How is she?”

Nana stood at the doorway, and walked into the room as she answered, “She’ll be fine. Eventually. But she needs a good long rest.”

“What does that mean?” Callie looked between the two. “Can we not do the ritual today?” She wasn’t sure what outcome she wanted. Postponing it would mean more time with Raleigh—but also prolong the torment.

“We have to,” Nana said. “The moon is just right. But Phoebe can’t participate, and we need a third to be the stabilizer.”

“What’s that?” Callie asked.

“Phoebe was supposed to keep contact with Raleigh until we could switch out his body with Simon,” Mom said. “It’s not as complicated as it sounds—she’s not contacting any ghosts, just staying in touch with him.”

“But it still has to be someone with a feeling for such things.” Nana’s eyes stopped on Callie. “You’re gonna have to do it, child.”

“Me? No, I—I know nothing.”

“Knowing ain’t the same as feeling,” Nana said.

Please, no.Anything but that. Callie was willing to admit some things her family did were real, but that could stay in their domain. She wouldn’t mess with the paranormal any more than she had to.

Except … she might have to.

“What about Shanna?” she looked at the blonde. “Don’t you know more about this?”

Nana scoffed. “With the curse that girl’s got on her? I wouldn’t let her touch Raleigh with a ten-foot pole during the ritual. No offense, honey.”

“None taken,” Shanna said. “I understand.”

“It’ll be fine, Callie,” Mom said. “It’s not rocket science.”

“I’d have preferred that.”

Raleigh laughed. “You can do it, Phoenix. I trust you.”

She sighed. “Fine. Tell me what to do.”

The preparations continued. Shanna left them the locket and moved to the furthest side of the room. Mom showed Raleighwhere to stand in a circle made of wax droplets and flower petals, and Callie stood beside him outside the circle. They faced each other and pressed their palms together at the level of Callie’s chest; then, Mom lightly bound a string of metal and beads around their wrists.

It feels like a wedding.A shame it couldn’t be. She wondered if, once Raleigh returned to his old life, he would eventually find someone else. Would she be like Callie, or completely different? Would he smile at her the same?

She shook her head. There was no reason to dwell on such thoughts; she’d only make it worse for herself.