Chapter 24

Savannah's POV

I did it. When I was sure that the thread was completely gone I opened the flow of energy. I could feel the immaculate flow to the threads and from the threads back to the source. My work here was done. I joined Natalie and the others in the backyard.

“It's done. Dalia is no longer a threat.”

This time Natalie could use magic without any difficulties.

“You're our coven leader now.”

“No, you are. I'm your leader in name. They don't trust me, but they trust you and so do I. I have to take care of a number of things which require me leaving. They need a leader and that's you.”

“Thank you, Savannah. Now about that barrier?”

“Let's get to work. What do I have to do?”

“We'll join our powers to form a ball. There's an incantation we have to say as we do that. When we start chanting, the ball will expand. The longer we chant, the larger it'll be. When it's the right size we stop and the barrier will be in place.”

“This doesn't sound too complicated. Do I have to learn the spell?”

“Yes and you cannot leave anything out or it won't work.”

Twenty minutes later the witches formed a circle. We held each other's hands. Then slowly one by one, the witches released their magic and so did I. I poured a great amount of magic into this. We couldn't afford failure. Then Natalie looked at us and nodded. This was the signal to start chanting. I was nervous, I couldn't mess this up. After the third time, I was confident. Just like she said, the ball of magic was rapidly expanding. After a few more rounds she raised her voice telling us that the last round of incantation arrived. When we finished we released our hands and called our magic back.

“Did it work?”

“Yes, I can feel it. We couldn't have done this without you, Savannah. You're extremely strong. You poured so much magic into the ball, but you don't seem exhausted.”

“I'm not. I don't even feel a bit tired. I'm just glad that it worked. I'd love to stay longer, but I really need to go. I have to find the members of my bloodline and Iris' grimoire.”

“At least stay for dinner. It'll be served in an hour.”

“Okay, but I really can't stay any longer.”

“I won't keep you. Just promise you'll visit.”

“I promise. This is my number. If something happens please call and I'll come.”

“I will.”

After dinner I said my goodbyes and opened a portal. I might've been a little too specific when I imagined Maddie's living room. When I arrived Maddie flung a broom in my direction. I could absolutely understand her. The portal opened in the middle of her living room. I quickly ducked to the side and barely avoided the broom colliding with my head.

“Maddie, what the actual fuck?”

“Jesus, Sav. What the hell were you thinking? You scared the shit out of me. I was just chilling when this thing appeared in my living room and someone stepped through it.”

“It's a portal and it's harmless. So am I for the record.”

“I know that jeez, but you could've used the front door, like any sane person would.”

“Sorry. I'm still learning portal travel. It might happen once or twice more. If it does, please don't attack me with a broom or anything else for that matter.”

“No promises. Now tell me everything.”

And I did exactly that. Maddie deserved to know every single detail. After I finished Maddie was blinking rapidly. I think I broke her this time. I thought that until she bombarded me with at least ten questions. And I answered every single one of them.

“Will you help me with the search?”

“Are you kidding me? Of course I will. When do we start?”

“I was thinking about tomorrow after work. The library and archives are open till 8 pm.”

“Okay, we'll meet there at 3 pm then.”

“Perfect. I finish at 2:30 pm. We'll have about five hours to search through the records.”

I was anxious the whole day. Teaching felt like a never ending thing. I had no other choice, but to survive the day. After I got Zamyr's number from Maddie, I sent him a message. He said he'd come tomorrow. We chatted for a while, but then I fell asleep. After my last lesson I headed to the library. By the time I arrived Maddie was sitting at a table.

“Where do we start, Sav?”

“All I know is a name or maybe two. Elizabeth Russeau or Elizabeth Martin. Iris wasn't sure about the surname. I just hope that there are some records.”

“Yeah, there are. As I was waiting I asked the librarian. She said that the records date back to the founding of the town.”

“That's good. Do you think she'll let us see them?”

“Hopefully. I know that these documents are precious.”

This was a big fear of mine. Asking for information was one thing, but requesting to see that information was another. These documents were centuries old and prized possessions.

“I'll go ask her.”

“Okay, I'll wait for you here.”

“Excuse me! Can I ask for something?”

“Sure. How can I help?”

“I've been looking for my family tree. I might sound insane, but I had a dream about a woman who lived here in the late 17th century. Is there a chance for me to see the records?”

“You're not insane. I've encountered multiple people who came looking for their ancestors based on a dream. Usually they only go back to the late 19th or early 20th century. You're the first one looking for a person living such a long time ago. We have the records, but they're not available for the public, but this time I can make an exception.”

“Thank you so much. This means a lot to me.”

“I thought so. Now follow me.”

I waved Maddie over and she joined us. The librarian, Ms. Cruise showed us the archives. This part of the archives was behind a closed door.

“I'll leave the door open for you. Here's the key. Please lock the door when you finish. The library closes at 8 pm, but you can stay as long as you'd like.”

“Why are you making this exception?”

“Because I know who you are. I cannot be considered a witch, but I know the history. My family lost the ability to do magic two generations ago.”

“I didn't know this. And now I really appreciate doing this for us.”

“Don't. You've thanked me earlier and that's enough.”

After the discovery she left us alone. I looked around and thankfully everything was organized.

“What year are we looking for?”

“ 1692. That's the year Iris died.”

“Then let's get to work.”