“I thought you were here to be freed from a spell.”
“I am. But I decided to risk entering the witch’s realm because of this pony. When I saw you’d kept it, I supposed there had to be a reason.”
“I told you why. He’s a good luck charm.”
“Why would a powerful witch need a good luck charm?”
“I use whatever presents itself to make my magic.”
“If I take it back, will the spell be removed?”
She took the pony from his hand and returned it to the mantel. “I’ll divulge no secrets.”
Outside, one of the barred owls called, “Whoo-a!”
Keith smiled, looking out the window at the forest. “Is the owl your familiar?”
“There’s a pair that might have a nest hole out back. Come see.”
She led him to the screened porch. “Their nest might be that hollow in the big chestnut oak over there. I sleep out here so I can be close to the owls and all the other night sounds. You should hear when the flocks of black-bellied ducks fly over at night.”
He looked at her mattress, a lamp, and several bags of clothing on the floor. “So you’re basically camping in the woods again.”
“But with a toilet, shower, and kitchen close by. And a fan.” She pulled the chain to turn on the overhead fan.
“How very civilized. But no air-conditioning?”
“It’s broken, and I can’t afford a new system yet. For now, I just don’t wear clothes.”
He grinned. “Really?”
“No one can see this house. And if someone tries, Quercus would put a quick end to their peeping. He hears anything that moves out there.”
“So I noticed.”
Even in the dim twilight, she could see how much the heat and humidity were making him sweat. He was dressed for October weather in Ohio, in khaki pants, long-sleeve button-down shirt, T-shirt, and closed shoes. She was barefoot, wearing shorts and a tank top with nothing under. When Max was around, she had to wear clothes, but she wore as few as possible in the muggy weather that wouldn’t abate until closer to December.
“Speaking of clothes, you need to shed a few,” she said.
He lifted his brows. “Do I?”
“You look hot.” She gestured toward the mattress on the floor. “Have a seat. That’s my couch, dining room chair, reading recliner, and bed. Take your pick.”
“Do I have to say which I chose?”
“It’ll be your secret.”
He sat down. She sat next to him while he took off his shoes and socks. She slid off his shirt and T-shirt. “Better?”
“Much. Are we starting the spell removal?”
She stroked her hand on his chest. “You know, you’re much too trusting.”
“Am I?”
“Here you are in a witch’s lair at night, and you assume I’m going to remove that spell?”
“You aren’t?”
She rose up on her knees and almost but didn’t quite kiss his lips. “Maybe I’m going to make it stronger instead.”
“That would be bad,” he said, taking her in his arms.
“I told you I am.”
He pulled her down to the mattress, holding her against his chest. “Bad witches like to be on top, if I remember correctly.”
“You have a good memory.”
“It’s been painfully good.”
“I can fix that.” She stripped off her tank top.
“I feel better already. Your magic is strong.”
“You have no idea. Ready for more?”
“Why ask when your spell has me in unconditional surrender?”
“I seem to remember you have some pretty strong magic of your own.”
“You knew?” he asked.
“I knew. That was no toy pony you hid in my pocket.” She pinned him beneath the weight of her body. “May the best magic win.”
PART FOUR
DAUGHTER OF RAVEN
1
Raven stood a foot away from the wooden fence. She was always careful when she went to the boundary. She made sure her feet didn’t touch a piece of grass that leaned over onto Jackie’s land.
Jackie’s family was busy, hurrying in and out of the house. None of them noticed her standing at the fence. They were packing their car for a long camping trip. To Colorado—Rocky Mountain National Park—Jackie’s mother had told Raven on the last day of school.
Raven watched Jackie’s new father, Mr. Danner, arrange things in the back of the SUV. He’d been Raven’s gym teacher for three years, starting when Raven was in third grade. He and Ms. Taft fell in love right away and married the summer after Jackie finished elementary school.
Jackie came out of the house and gave something to Mr. Danner that made him laugh and pat Jackie on the shoulder. Raven was glad Jackie and Huck had a nice man like Mr. Danner for a father. And Ms. Taft was very happy. Her name was Ms. Danner now—because she hadn’t wanted to keep her ex-husband’s name, Jackie said. Jackie called himself Jack Danner. He had told his friends to call him Jack since fifth grade, but his family still called him Jackie. Raven did, too. He was a lot bigger now, but he would always be Jackie to her.
Raven stepped closer to the fence when Reece came out of the house with Huck. He must have slept over, and the Danners would take him home as they left town.
Reece immediately noticed her. He said something to Huck, and both boys jogged across the lawn toward her.
“Checking out the greener grass on the other side of the fence?” Reece said.
“I guess so,” she said.
Huck looked sad and angry, as he always did when anything about the fence was mentioned. Reece, of course, had made it into a joke since the day she’d told them she couldn’t put one foot on the other side.
“When do you leave for Montana?” Huck asked.
“Tomorrow,” she said.
“Why is everyone going to see more of this nature shit?” Reece said, gesturing at the fields and trees. “If I could get out of here, I’d go to New York City.”
“I’ll go with,” Huck said.
Reece held up his hand for a high five. “Road trip. First one of us who gets a car.”
Huck slapped his hand and looked over his shoulder. “Speaking of trips, I have to get
