RISING SHADOWS (Shadows Book 2)

Chapter 27

The handfasting of Susan Phillips was a welcome distraction from everything. For now at least, I was still High Witch of the Coven of the Obsidian Star, and so had certain duties to perform, one of which was marrying couples and welcoming their chosen partner into the coven.

It wasn't my ideal escape, that would have been me locked in my bedroom with a much-loved book and a bar of chocolate the size of a cow. That or to continue where Rafe and I left off the other night.

My core throbbed at the thought. I cleared my throat.

Spring had arrived at last, painting the meadow of Croft Heath in hues of fresh green and delicate blossoms. The air carried a crisp sweetness, and the sun, though shy, cast a warm glow upon our sacred ground.

The altar was set, prepared with the offerings to the Goddess made by Susan, her parents and Julia, her soon-to-be wife. Black goblets glinted in the low morning sun and were surrounded by flowers and crystals - rose quartz for true love, trust and tolerance, and blue agate for truth and harmony. The altar was also littered with fragmented offerings of opal and garnet to represent their birth months. Earlier, I'd put a length of black ribbon down next to the goblets.

"You look more nervous than I do," Julia smiled at me. I'd only exchanged a few words with her before now, but I decided that I liked her. A dream-like gown of green tulle floated around her frame and a crown of flowers sat on top of chin-length silver-blonde hair. Despite the blunt cut of her bob, she seemed anything but. She'd make a welcome addition to our coven.

"I've never married anyone before."

This time she laughed. "Neither have I."

I laughed too.

We shared a moment of comfortable silence before the guests began to arrive. The coven members came first, dressed in their finest black robes and carrying sprigs of spring flowers which will form their own offerings to the Goddess in the hope she blesses the union. They took their seats on the strange mismatch of chairs which had been sourced from all homes in the coven, including a couple from the cottage's kitchen table. My coven chatted and laughed among themselves, and a gnawing in my gut made told me I was going to miss them.

The families and friends of the couple were the next to arrive, Susan's family in obsidian black, and Julia's a rich-red terracotta. Finally, Susan emerged from the forest path dressed in a matching dress, and flowers interwoven into her hair. The burns on her face, which she'd gained fighting the Iron Moon, were hardly a blip against her radiance. Either side of her, Mr and Mrs Phillips beaming.

I took up position in front of the altar. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Fawn sat amongst the congregation. She shifted in her seat, her attention captured by the tree line beyond. I must find time to speak to her today.

As Susan reached the altar, her mother stepped forward and placed the length of black ribbon from the altar in my upturned palm. Susan's father laid his broom at his daughter's heels.

In my head, I whizzed through all the steps I needed to perform. With shaking hands, I brought Susan's hand upon Julia's and proceeded to wrap the ribbon physically binding them together.

"Together you will walk the path of life, side by side, hand in hand. You will laugh together, love together, and face all adversities together. May the Goddess bless you. Water, fire, earth and air."

"Water, fire, earth and air," everyone repeated.

Then, Susan and Julia made their own personal vows to each other. Susan promised to find something to smile about everyday, to appreciate Julia's love of 80's rock, and attempt to watch something other than true crime shows. In turn, Julia swore to always be present, to learn how to tolerate true crime programs and turn the volume down a little when she's dancing to her music.