Fatal Consequences (The Sheva Chronicles Book 3) by Michael Todd & Michael Anderle

Author:Michael Todd & Michael Anderle [Todd, Michael & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2024-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

The next morning, Valerie nestled in her nylon sleeping bag. Dew covered the outside, but the inside was nice and warm. All around her, birds tweeted and chirped in the trees. The first rays of the sun peeked through branches and sent warm light toward the silver sky.

As she scooted out of her bag, she looked around the campsite. The ring of stones they’d used to contain the fire was dusted in black ash. A pyramid of mostly-burned sticks still smoldered in the middle of the circle. The scent of burning pine mixed with the sweet fragrance of dewy grass.

Valerie rummaged in her duffel bag and found a thick wool sweater. She traded the cozy sweatshirt she’d slept in for the sweater, then pulled on her leather jacket and headed for the woods.

She followed the scent of fresh water until she found a stream. After filling her flask and mixing a quick potion that she bolted down, she crouched by the water and twirled her finger counterclockwise over the surface.

Her witch sister Adelaide came into view. Adelaide wore her long silver hair braided and twisted at the nape of her neck. Her ball gown had sleeves and a tall collar, but she still looked cold. Her breath formed a cloud. Apparently, it was a crisp, cold fall day back in Salem.

“Valerie!” Adelaide’s smile traveled to her eyes. “What a pleasant surprise. We’ve been wondering when we’d hear from you.”

Valerie had directed her outreach to a stream by the apple orchard, hoping someone would be nearby. She was happy that someone was Adelaide.

During the time Adelaide had served as the coven’s high priestess, she’d been difficult to get along with. But ever since she stepped down and gave the role to Margery, she’d been much more pleasant and relaxed.

“It’s been hectic here,” Valerie remarked. “Yesterday, we traveled for several hours by plane and car, then worked late into the night.”

“Where are you now, dear?”

Valerie glanced at her surroundings with wonder and awe. “I’m in one of the most beautiful forests I’ve ever seen. It’s in the northwest. The corner of the country. The land here is so lush and wet. It rains so much, and the water nurtures the plants. They’re all so happy.” Greenery burst from every nook and cranny. Even the rocks and dirt basked in the damp moisture. Insects hummed and chirped, and birdsong filled the air.

She breathed in. “Walking on this land is like walking through a raincloud.”

Adelaide squinted. “Well, it’s doing wonders for your skin and hair. My goddess, you look ready for a cover shoot for Witches Fashion Monthly!”

Valerie laughed. “A side perk, I guess.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “We have to move on soon. Ben is going to work with Sam and Carol to book our next plane tickets. We’re hoping to travel to Alaska later today. We have to shop for supplies before then, and Thomas is trying to squeeze in a quick date with a woman he met.”

Adelaide giggled.

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