34 | J.W. Garrett
“I’m speechless that he’d care enough to do this.” Arista took the letters and held them against her chest. “Thank you. And I will.” “He loves you dearly.” Vinique beamed at Arista. “Now, on to my last topic. Suffice it to say, Whisterly was a master witch. She fought off attackers, scryed, created apparitions, and jumped between hosts of the living and dead when she was your age. Your potential is limitless, Arista. We have a whole coven of witches waiting to meet you and to assist in your training, especially your great-grandmother Arista, your namesake. I’ve set your immersion for tomorrow. That is, if you agree to be trained and hold sacred and secret the practice of witchcraft, continuing the lineage of our family bloodline and birthright. The decision is yours.” Vinique sipped her lukewarm tea again and studied Arista. “So I’m curious as to your thoughts regarding your path. I have an inkling from my quick read of you, but tell me. Do you feel compelled to continue?” It was Arista’s turn to grab her aunt’s hand this time. “At the beginning of our conversation I’ll admit that I was frightened.” Arista’s downcast eyes turned slowly toward Vinique. “But, as we talked, a calmness permeated through me that wasn’t my own. It was you, Vinique. You brought that to me, through me. I’m still somewhat apprehensive, but knowing you and my mother have gone through this journey before me I’m ready, ready to accept my path—my destiny. I’ve been floundering lately. Deep inside this feels…right and, at the same time, strange to even speak these words, but I’m excited in ways I never dreamed possible.” Vinique pulled Arista forward, surrounding her in a hug. “So glad to hear that,” she said. “We desperately need you. And we have a lot of work ahead of us. Your schedule will be rigorous, starting with your joining with the grimoire, the magical book of spells. This initiation will begin your journey into witchcraft that your mother and father began for you years ago.” “They did?”