Page 4 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

Once I ensure that there are no watchful eyes to observe my process, I kneel and touch the ground, sending forth fluttering tendrils. They coalesce into spiderlings, dark blots of energy that skitter to and fro, sensing familiar patterns and building a web in my head. I close my eyes, mentally reviewing what transpired here.

Thea.

Of course it was Thea, but I needed confirmation to track her. The spiders try to lead me toward the gates, but I already know that was how she escaped. Instead, I climb the ladder to the loft and surround myself with her belongings. I sit amid her pillows and blankets and childhood playthings. The whole space is permeated with her essence; I drink it in until I can feel her.

With some targets, attuning to their signature is torture. But with Thea, it’s a pleasure. She feels like wild places, like laughter and lightning, like warm breezes and swift-running rivers. When I reach for her, I feel clean. Ah. There.

If I could, I would let her go, but disobedience would mean revealing one of my closely kept secrets, and so I open a portal.

3

A Spell for Gilding and Glamour

You’re not interested in fancies and fripperies, but I can teach you how to make yourself into the brightest of diamonds. At some point, you may want to look your best to captivate someone special. I remember your first crush, my gem. You were devastated when that dryad said you were too young and she’d never leave her tree to be with you anyway.

Now, I do think your natural charms are enough, but should you wish a little boost, I’ll gift that knowledge. Here’s the working I used in my courting days. Strongest cast in the dark.

You’ll require:

A bowl crafted with rose quartz

Soap made with fresh rose petals, dried lavender, and lemon verbena

A flax towel hand spun by someone who loves you, warmed by a flame you kindled

A silver mirror to confirm your allure

For this working, you fill the bowl with pure, warm water. Lather the soap in your hands and wash your face gently. It’s part of the ritual, though the simple care may leave you glowing even without a glamour. You’re a beautiful soul, and it won’t take much magic for others to see you as I do.

Rinse the suds using the quartz bowl. Pat your face dry with the linen towel. Take up the mirror and do three recitations. Choose the features you love about yourself. In my courting days, I said to myself, “Mudge, you’ve fine bright eyes. And look at that magnificent hair! And that friendly smile. Why, anybody would be lucky to get your attention.”

Finally, know this: Anyone worthy of you won’t need a glamour to see your worth. They’ll know already, but there’s no harm in wanting to stand out. Use this working well, and know that my fondness for you knows no bounds, my darling daughter.

Thea

I’ve made it to the outskirts of the swamp when the air thins around me and energy crackles fiercely enough to lift my hair in the static charge.

This is such bullshit.

A moment later, a portal opens and Kerboros, House Winter’s enforcer, emerges. His name is similar to a legendary dog Da told me about. Humans believe it has three heads and guards the gates of the Underworld. And to be honest, Kerboros has some qualities in common with a ferocious, bite-drunk cur. It feels like cheating, how quickly he ran me to ground. But then, the court and those who serve them have powers beyond my reckoning, most of which are used to keep the wild fae beneath their collective thumbs.

“Your presence is required,” he says.

Then he nudges me toward the portal. Kaleidoscopic energy swirls around me, bursts of color and pops of sound that leave me reeling; off-balance, I tumble into the courtyard with such force that I land on my hands and knees, scraping the skin. Blood smears the ground when I brace myself. I know better than to rise. My stomach churns. Traveling this way is a good test of abdominal fortitude, as I’m a shudder away from tossing my guts on the paving stones. I’m not sorry because the pookas were miserable, and my pride ranks below their sorrow, so I’ll apologize before anyone asks me to.

It’s not the first time. I’ve learned it’s helpful to pretend penitence eagerly.

As I raise my head, I realize the entire coterie is present. Lord Liskaal and Lady Valnevi, encircled by courtiers and social climbers, regard me icily. Small wonder, as I’m more of a tree climber, and today, I’m also smeared in green and brown goop. I can’t wait to get this over with. I hope these two supercilious assholes exile me to the wildlands today. Rain and Fen possess enough power to protect me from execution, but banishment from court? Yes, please. And my so-called parents wouldn’t object to that decision.

For me, it would be a dream come true. Please send me to the wildlands with orders never to return. I’m so excited about the prospect that I could scream.

“You have despoiled what should have been a joyous and momentous occasion,” Lady Valnevi proclaims after a protracted silence. Before I can say a word, she continues, addressing the court instead of me: “I should censure this scapegrace appropriately, but other matters weigh heavier for the nonce. We cannot allow inconvenience to destroy the accord we have so painstakingly brokered.”

I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I have a bad feeling.

“An accurate summation, and most generous, my love.” Lord Liskaal lifts her elegant hand and seals a kiss against her silvered glove.

Lady Valnevi gestures. “Take her. Have her washed. Everything shall proceed at midnight, as originally planned.”