shook her head to silence him, not wanting to worry the girls.
“Have you heard?” Kara asked conspiratorially.
“Heard what?” Karina replied.
“A baby has died in the village and the mother is demanding the head of a witch.”
Karina swooned and fell into Jeremiah’s arms.
“Who’s baby?” Jeremiah demanded.
“Margret Danforth’s.”
Karina took a deep breath and looked into Jeremiah’s eyes, knowing no good would come from the deed she’d just done.
Chapter Eleven
“I have no doubt, Jason. It’s her,” Caris confirmed.
“I thought so too, Caris, at first. But if it is, then why hasn’t she recognized us? I always thought once we found one another the veil would fall and our souls would sing in recognition.”
“You know why! We’ve been fighting for this for centuries. Always searching, always being thwarted. But this time...we’re close. How else do you explain the increased attacks?”
“I don’t know, Caris. But just because Trin is powerful, it doesn’t mean she’s the one. A spark here and there doesn’t compare to soul singing,” Jason stated flatly.
“I suppose you’re right, but there’s something definitely going on with her. She has power unlike any other I’ve seen. Her vision was made real, playing out right before my eyes. She shrugged it off when I asked about it, but I’m telling you, she’s special.”
“I agree she’s special, Caris, but I’m not convinced she’s the one we’ve been looking for.”
Caris dropped onto the couch, “I’m tired, Jason. It’s been centuries since I lost my magic. At what point do we give up?”
Jason moved to take her hand. “I’m tired too, but I’ll never give up. Let’s get some rest and I’ll do another seeking spell once the moon rises. You take Trin to Ipswich as planned and we’ll continue to live our lives as we always have. Our time will come.”
“Thanks again for inviting me, Caris. I’m so excited for this trip.” Trin beamed.
“Of course. I usually try to get back home at least a couple times a year to restock. I mean, I know there are closer stores where I could find what I need, but there’s something special about going home to the place where you first discovered your magic,” Caris smiled.
You have no idea , Trin thought. She hadn’t yet returned to Ipswich in any of her previous lifetimes, mainly because of the worry of how it would affect her. But today, she felt ready.
“Do you still have family in the area?” Trin asked.
“No, not anymore,” Caris’s sad smile answered any further questions Trin had. She’d lost family too, and that’s probably why they relocated to BlackBrook––to escape the pain.
They spent the next five hours chatting about anything and everything as the chilled landscape of Vermont and New Hampshire passed them by.
“Getting close now,” Caris announced as they turned on to MA-133.
Trin squirmed in her seat as they made their way to the heart of the small town. The landscape, though covered in snow, still held a familiar air. The brick buildings maintained an old-world feel, as did the John Whipple house that now sat at 53 S. Main Street.
Trin chuckled. This First Period house she visited as a child had been moved and was now a museum. It had obviously been expanded sometime after her hasty and necessary departure in 1693, since the original structure consisted of only a half-house timber frame with a chimney on the right side. Now, the beautiful three-story wood frame home stood proudly with two gables and casement windows containing hand-blown glass. Trin’s excitement was almost palpable as information continued to free-flow into her mind.
A few turns later, they reached a small brick storefront located at the very end of what would be considered the shopping district, if Ipswich had such a thing.
“Here we are.” Caris turned off the car and grabbed her purse. “Thought we’d get to the good stuff first, then we can go have a late
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