Dust on the Altar (A Lighter Shade of Darkness)

Charlie tilted his head and said softly, “Don’t worry about April. It’s a mild spell, easily broken by willpower. Willow was only trying to take one worry off your mind. She would never put her in danger.”

Jade gave him a sideways glare. “Of course not. That’s not the point.”

“What’s not the point?” April asked from the porch. She was carrying a large vase in each arm as she walked carefully down the porch steps toward them.

Jade breathed a sigh of relief that the tables had already settled into their positions inside the tent. “Oh, nothing. Coven business.” She waved a dismissive hand in Charlie’s direction, then quickly approached April. “Here, let me help with those.” She took one of the vases and followed her into the tent. They each placed one in the center of a table, and Willow brought out two more.

“April, it’s so kind of you to grab the last vase out of the kitchen, thank you.”

April nodded and hurried out of the tent. Jade put on her best fake smile and said to Willow, “I hear you spelled April?”

Willow raised an eyebrow at her and said in a voice far too cheerful, “Why yes, child, I did. And I’ll spell you too if need be. Now, I suggest you climb down off that high horse you rode into town on and stow your pride in a box. You knew what you were getting into when you came back, and I’m guessing if you really care about April as you claim, you prepared her as well. We have bigger issues to deal with than me putting a mild glamour on your friend.”

She flicked her wrist toward the tables. A breeze blew through the tent, chasing sparkling lights, which swirled over each table like glitter on the wind. As the sparkles passed, full place settings appeared in their wake.

The last table was set and the glittering light show swooped out the door just as April entered with the last bouquet. “I think I hear a car—what?” She looked around at the tables. “You guys are fast.” She smiled at Jade as she placed the bouquet on the last table.

Willow said, “I’ll go greet our guests. Charlie, you know where the serving dishes are. It’s so nice of you three to plate our part of the meal, thank you.” She waltzed quickly out of the tent and up the porch steps.