She wasn’t one to express her feelings on a regular basis, especially to Hannah, who she considered an enemy. That meant Hannah was sitting up straighter and taking notice now that it was actually happening.
“He didn’t think I was good enough for Cooper,” Astra sneered. “He was always giving me these disappointed looks.”
“You weren’t good enough for Cooper,” Hannah argued. “I mean ... you’re really pretty and powerful, but you didn’t treat Cooper well. Everybody knows it.”
“Cooper is not some delicate flower who constantly needs someone to kiss his ass,” Astra growled.
“No, but there’s always a need for common decency,” Hannah pointed out. “You didn’t respect Cooper and Tyler picked up on that. He’s a good guy.”
“If you say so.” Astra rolled her eyes and leaned back on her elbows. “Tell me about the dancing man.”
Hannah did as instructed, although she wasn’t certain if Astra was digging for her own edification or because she wanted to help. When she was finished, Astra looked genuinely perplexed.
“And he actually poofed when he disappeared?”
Hannah frowned. “I don’t know if ‘poofed’ is the right word. He just kind of blinked out of existence. There wasn’t a cloud of smoke or anything, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Clouds of smoke only exist in movies.” Astra tapped her bottom lip and shifted so she could study the large expanse over Hannah’s shoulder. She couldn’t make out the town from her vantage point, but she could picture it in her mind. “It sounds like a magical nexus is forming. Seven lines to be exact. I’ve sensed it a few times myself when crossing along the highways over the past few days. I thought maybe I was imagining it ... but apparently not.”
Hannah’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m not sure what that means,” she said finally. “What’s a magical nexus?”
“A meeting of multiple types of magic. Abigail has books in her library. You should do some research.” Astra dusted off the seat of her skirt as she stood. “Basically it means you’re about to have a magical war of sorts waged on your land.” She looked almost giddy at the prospect. “Given the power emanating from Casper Creek, I can’t say I’m surprised.”
Hannah was at a loss for words. “But ... what should I do to stop it?”
Astra shrugged. “Nothing. You’re not powerful enough. Basically, multiple magical beings are about to converge on your property and wreak havoc ... but there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.
“Well, maybe you can die,” she offered after a beat, her lips spreading into a wide grin. “Personally, I would be thrilled if that were the case. You’re nothing but a headache ... and I’ve always wanted to see a magical nexus in action. I think there’s a way to tap that power.”
She looked lost in thought and then shook her head. “Anyway, I’m looking forward to watching you die. If Cooper survives, I’ll make sure to help him pick up the pieces.” The smile she sent Hannah was twisted. “Have a nice what’s left of your life.”
Hannah glowered at her. “I should’ve known better than talking to you.”
“You really should have,” Astra agreed, not missing a beat. “I’m not your friend.”
“I would never make that mistake.”
“I’m also going to offer you a piece of advice,” Astra added. “Stay out of this. When the fight comes — and it will come — you should turn your back on it. This is bigger than you.”
“I don’t see where turning my back is going to be an option,” Hannah countered. “They’re coming straight for me ... although what makes you think there’s more than one?”
“Because there are seven magical threads running under Casper Creek right now,” Astra replied, matter-of-fact. “They’re overlapping and working against one another. I have no idea what it means, but it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Hannah rolled her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “Well, thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.” Astra turned to leave and then stilled. “They’ll come at you from every angle. I don’t see where you have the power to stop them. You should send Cooper away for his own safety. He’ll die to protect you, and it will be a wasted effort.”
Hannah swallowed hard. “Thanks for that. Maybe you should spend more time worrying about that witch trying to take over your coven than me, though. It seems to me you have your own problems.”
“Stormy,” Astra said darkly. “I’m well aware that she’s a problem.”
“So ... perhaps you should deal with her.”
“Oh, I plan on dealing with her.” Astra was grim. “That doesn’t change the fact that you’re about to be magically overwhelmed. You can’t save yourself. The others, though ... . If you care about Cooper as much as you say you do, you should want to protect him.”
Hannah wanted to dismiss the suggestion outright — that would irritate Astra and she was always up for that — but she couldn’t. The notion of Cooper being in danger because of her twisted her stomach. “I’ll take it under advisement.”
“You do that.”
COOPER TOOK A SWING AROUND TOWN while waiting for Hannah to return. He was tired of listening to Boone and Tyler tease him about being a mother hen, but his agitation was on full display. He planned to give Hannah exactly ten more minutes before he went after her. He simply couldn’t sit back wondering if she was okay.
Unfortunately for him, he ran smackdab into another worker when making his rounds. “Becky,” he said lamely when he saw the younger woman. She’d been something of an absent presence over the past few weeks and he was actually surprised to see her.
“Cooper,” she offered stiffly, refusing to meet his gaze.
Cooper worked his jaw as he regarded her. Weeks before, in a fit of anger, she’d said things that she couldn’t take back. In
