Page 74 of Vampire so Virtuous

“Oh, really? That’s not—” Cally began.

“Great idea!” Lily said with enthusiasm.

“I approve,” Zara added self-importantly.

Eve grinned at her. “Seems like that’s settled, babe.”

Cally made a face. “I don’t need a love spell. There’s no one I like anyway.”

But Priya wasn’t to be deterred. “I meant a finding spell. For Cally’s boyfriend, who we all know is out there right now.” She reached for her bag, rummaging within. “I’ve already written it.”

Cally saw the eagerness in Priya’s eyes, the determined set of her jaw, and swallowed a groan. After her recent experience—and the vision she’d had—Cally wasn’t so sure this was all harmless fun anymore. But Priya rarely got to shine in the group, and even now, she was using her turn to help someone else. Zara and Lily wouldn’t have done that. Cally swallowed her objections. “Thank you, Priya.”

Priya’s obvious delight made the effort worthwhile.

“We should use rose quartz for this,” Zara said firmly, taking charge of the situation. There was a flurry as they reached into their bags. Eve handed Cally a spare without being asked. “Priya, your spell?”

The usually reserved Priya seemed full of purpose. She had four sheets of paper in her hands, which she passed out with quiet efficiency. Cally didn’t get one and tried to resist peeking at the others’ as they read in silence. The minutes ticked by as she chewed her lip.

“Are we ready?” Zara asked at last, and there was a murmur of assent.

“What do I do?” Cally whispered to Eve, but she only winked in return.

“Ladies, your pins, please,” Zara called.

Feeling awkward, as usual, Cally pulled a sewing needle from her pocket and carefully unwrapped it. Eve had given it to her before they’d left her apartment.

The coven turned inward, absorbed in their minor act of self-mutilation. Cally pricked her finger, carefully wiping the trace of blood on Eve’s spare rose quartz, trying not to think about the sanitary implications.This blood thing is stupid, and there’s far too much of it in my life lately.

“Crystals, please, girls,” Zara instructed, and they all held them out, arms extended toward the center of the circle, candlelight reflecting off their pale pink facets. “Priya? When you’re ready?”

“Mmm, yes.” She closed her eyes, and the others copied her. Cally glanced around the circle then closed hers, too. It was bad enough joining in when she felt such a fraud, even worse when she was the subject of the coven’s focus. But Priya had started.

“By the energies of earth, air, fire and water;

In this sacred space, we weave our magical order.

Cally of our Coven, with intentions pure;

Seeks a man of love, our energies to ensure.”

It was tough to roll one’s eyes while they were already closed, but Cally managed anyway.

Lily, to Priya’s right, recited her verse. To her credit, there was no hesitation, despite having just learned the words.

“Spirits of guidance, heed our call;

As we cast this spell, may love enthrall.

By the power of attraction, this spell we cast;

May Cally’s desires come true, and forever last.”

Zara took over, her mystical voice returning. Cally felt she should be grateful for the effort.

“As above, so below, the circle is sealed;

Cally’s wish for love, by magic, revealed.