Drake Sisters 03 - Oceans of Fire

afternoon.”
    “Cookies?” Jonas echoed. “Did you put some aside for me, Hannah?”
    “Doesn’t she always?” Joley answered. “It’s the only thing keeping her out of jail. You’re always threatening to arrest her for something.”
    Jonas winked at Hannah. “It’s the only way I can stay in cookies.” He gestured toward the kitchen. “I brought Aunt Carol’s pictures with me. I’ll go have a look at them and eat Hannah’s cookies while you all do whatever it is you’re doing—and don’t tell me, because I don’t really want to know.”
    “What herbs are you using, Libby?” Elle asked.
    “Ague root for protection; mallow, just in case Prakenskii is using black magic. It’s a very effective aid.
    And of course vervain. Would you like to watch what I’m doing and see how I prepare everything?”
    Elle nodded and stepped closer as Libby stood at the north-facing round table she’d set up as her altar.
    They didn’t consider their practice a religion; however, their work platform was always addressed as an altar. Libby placed the mixture of herbs in the center of the table with candles on either side. “I’m using purple, white, and blue candles because I want to give Abbey protection and healing,” she explained.
    “I’m also going to align the vibrations of the plants to increase their effectiveness.”
    “I can sometimes see the vibrations as a comet. Is it always like that?” Elle asked.
    Libby shook her head. “Sometimes it can be jagged lines or sort of a spiral. Once you see them or feel them you can energize the herbs.” She signaled the others and at once the room went still.
    Aleksandr felt a sudden rush of adrenaline pumping through his body. He was acutely aware of every detail in the room. The darkness. The flickering candles all around them. Anticipation heightened his awareness. Electricity crackled and snapped through the room. Libby’s voice filled the silence, a harmonious chant calling on the power of the earth, the wind, fire, and water. The Drake sisters and their aunt stood with hands touching, eyes closed, just outside the circle, surrounding Abigail and Aleksandr.

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    The air was charged with so much electricity their hair seemed to stand out.
    Aleksandr took a deep breath and inhaled the combination of strange fragrances coming from the herbs, candles, and incense. The air grew heavy. Small golden sparks arced from the Drake women’s fingertips, glowing first white and then yellow.
    Aleksandr’s heart accelerated. Teacups floating and people speaking the truth were one thing, but this ceremony was something altogether different. Power was building in the room. He drew Abigail’s hand against his heart and held it there as the house creaked and shifted as if coming alive. He felt the floor shudder and the walls seemed to expand. Small comets of purple and blue streaked across the ceiling, then faded away, only to reappear, merging into shades of the two colors, to pulse with a vivid intensity.
    The pictures of the Drake sisters and their ancestors on the wall began to shake slightly. The chant swelled in volume and Aleksandr was certain other voices had joined in. A far-off sound like the tinkle of chimes in the wind could be heard, the notes striking such an oddly discordant tone the hairs on his neck and arms raised.
    Colors spun faster, blurring together, the tails of the comets leaving behind sparks in the air. The chimes grew louder and more distinct. A call. A summons. Persistent. Reverent. Anticipation tightened the knots in his stomach. In the entryway, over a detailed mosaic, movement caught Aleksandr’s eye. Shadows swirled, rising up out of the tiles, taking shape as they emerged. Women. An army of women.
    Seven by seven they came out of the tiles swirling together in a shapeless gray mass and then separating into distinct individuals. They were transparent one moment and solid the next. More and more joined them, filling the room, standing solidly behind the circle of the Drake sisters. The women crowded in, voices swelling, candles flickering, power growing, packing the room until it seemed as if it was impossible any more could fit inside.
    The shadowy women lined up directly behind each of the Drake sisters. Those behind Libby had their arms raised toward the moonlight spilling in through the windows, just as she did. The others held out their hands to one another