September 12, Thursday

THE BELL above the door chimed softly as I entered Sophia's Jewelry. The shop was a treasure trove of glittering gems and intricate metalwork, each piece seeming to whisper secrets of its own.

Franny looked up from behind the counter, her smile faltering slightly when she recognized me. "Josephine. What brings you in today?"

"I'm looking for a specific crystal. Vivianite?"

Franny's eyebrows shot up. "Vivianite? That's an... unusual request."

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. "It's for an acquaintance. A souvenir."

"I see," Franny said, her tone skeptical. She disappeared into the back room, returning moments later with a small, velvet-lined box. Inside lay a deep blue-green crystal, its surface shimmering with an almost metallic luster.

"It's a powerful crystal," Franny said, her eyes never leaving my face. "Used for clarity, truth-seeing. Some say it can even reveal hidden enemies."

I swallowed hard. "Interesting. I'm sure my... friend will appreciate that."

"Mom?" A voice called from the back. "Have you seen my—" A young woman emerged, stopping short when she saw me. "Oh. Hi, Josephine."

I recognized Dora, who worked at Blakemore Books. "Hello. I didn't realize you were Franny's daughter."

Dora nodded. "I help out here sometimes when I'm not at the bookstore." Her eyes lit up. "Wayne's so excited that you're reading his manuscript. He can't wait to hear what you think."

I nursed a pang of guilt. I really needed to return the manuscript, but I wanted to read it again. "It's quite the story. Wayne has a vivid imagination."

"He hasn't let anyone else read it. What's it about?"

"Um, I probably shouldn't say," I hedged.

Franny gave Dora a pointed look. "Wayne obviously wants to keep its contents secret until it's published."

"Right," Dora said.

I looked back to Franny. "How much do I owe you?"

As she rang up the sale, I could feel her eyes boring into me. When she handed me the small, wrapped package, her fingers lingered for a moment. "Be careful with this," she said softly. "Crystals have a way of... amplifying intentions. Make sure your friend's are pure."

My fingers tingled where hers touched mine. "Of course. Thank you."

I hurried out of the shop and onto the sidewalk. My heartbeat was elevated as I hefted a primary ingredient for the curse. I still needed to find the dried coneflowers and something Curtis had given me, but that was a problem for another day.

As I bicycled back towards the Whisper House, a cool breeze rustled the leaves overhead. For the first time, I noticed how the trees lining the street seemed to lean in, their branches creating a canopy that felt more ominous than sheltering.

Did I really believe in all this? In witchcraft and curses and the power of crystals? A few months ago, I would've laughed at the very idea. But now...

Now, I was actually excited about it.