"This is beautiful... ouch!"
"Iselen, pay attention, babe..." I whisper holding her by her arm before she falls on the ground after tripping over the curb. "It's better if you look where you step."
"I'm sorry, I'm too busy looking up... It's stunning..." My girl shakes her head, smiling, and I can't help sighing. She's right, to be honest, the old houses on Bourbon Street with their wrought iron balconies full of flowers are beautiful and she hasn't seen them at night, with the lights on and full of people enjoying a good dinner, a drink and live music. I'd enjoy the views too if the circumstances were different, I adore this city and always find something new and fascinating despite I've visited it many times, but I'm too concerned today.
"My love, listen..." I whisper brushing a lock of hair away from her forehead gently. "Maybe we could stay tonight in New Orleans to have dinner if we finish today's task early. I bet the coven will love the idea... Lester, what do you say?"
"Gumbo, jambalaya, banana flambé with rum and beignets... Count me in." My brother smiles and nods, his first honest smile since we summoned the shaman yesterday, it's weird for Lester to remain quiet and depressed and I'm worried. It's pretty obvious it's hard for him to cope with this situation, he's lost Tävibo, a man he loved and respected, but also has to accept that his friend's soul is trapped in a limbo unable to leave while a demon, witch or whatever it is, is getting all his energy.
"Why don't you call Angelie and tell her to book a table for us somewhere? Mahsati, Jaru and Louisa can come too... Other members of the Council have already left, probably."
"Our sister won't want to leave her baby behind with a sitter," Ivy looks back at me over her shoulder and I nod.
"But Diana Siena doesn't mind the noise around her so she can bring her. Listen... Lester, call Angelie and tell her to book a private dining room for us, we can have dinner and later, those who want to enjoy live music, can go downstairs and have a drink at the bar while Louisa and those who prefer to enjoy a quieter place and the views of the street from the balcony, can stay upstairs. Tell her to make sure the restaurant is entirely wheelchair accessible." My brother shows me a thumb up and takes his phone.
"You're a smart witch, Ruby Rose," Iselen smiles and kisses my cheek before holding my hand.
"I got that from my mom," I answer amused and we both rush to follow our sisters while dodging some tourists.
My druid seems to feel better after a good night's sleep despite she didn't have dinner yesterday and was complaining about her headache, the fact that Jaru was unable to get rid of the pain even if he's one of the best healers in the world made me feel very anxious and I spent hours hugging her in bed while thinking of what creature could be so powerful to scare her hunter so badly. I don't like this, the situation is more complicated than I've ever imagined despite Iselen's grandmother's warning, and my anxiety travels to my sisters through our connection. We're all very tense and our energies are unbalanced: Elvira had an argument with Ivy this morning because of a stupid thing, Savannah and Thyra are fighting more than usual when their different voodoo cultures clash, Aletta shouted at one of her clients through the phone, Lester is depressed and barely eats...I hate to see them like this because I'm supposed to maintain the equilibrium in my coven but I'm too upset to do my job properly.
"Everything will be all right, babe," Iselen whispers in my ear and I relax slightly. "You're the most amazing witch I've ever met, our sisters and Lester are the best too and people supporting us and giving us advice are really powerful. The Goddess has our backs... we can't fail."
"I know, it's just that..." I shake my head, frustrated. "We're all in danger and you're my responsibility, all of you... and the baby. I have to... I need you to be okay."
