Chapter 3

"How are we going to find Order of Umbra?" Stella asked as we strolled through the streets of Salem, heading to the witch memorial downtown.

"There's got to be an underground section of the city where the supernaturals meet. I have Xinar looking into it. He's in New Orleans, but he's spent the most time of any of us in the United States," Aidon said as he stepped around a group of women wearing pointed hats. I'd visited Salem many times and loved the place. It had a unique charm that had always drawn me in even with the crazy tourists that frequented the place.

I squeezed my mate's hand and smiled up at him. "We could wait for Xinar to get back to us. Or we could follow Lilith's information. I sent her a message when we left the house. She doesn't know Olive, but she did say we might find information about the Order of Umbra in the Mellow Hag Bazaar, the magical market in Salem. She also indicated that might be the name of a group that used to live in hiding. She mentioned hearing rumors about a hidden community not far from Salem called Glimmerford."

Aidon beamed down at me. "Have I told you how sexy you are? You make it hard not to want to drag you back to the house and have my way with you."

Stella snorted and said, "Down, boy. We've got to keep searching for information. Besides, Tseki and Murtagh haven't arrived yet to set up the house. So there's nowhere close to go."

I wrapped my arm around Stella and handed Aidon my phone. "Not to mention it would be awkward for us to go at it with you in the next room." I chuckled and looked at Aidon. "Can you pull up directions to the Mellow Hag? They're in the message from Lilith."

Stella tilted her head and smirked at Aidon. "Can we talk about that name? Why Mellow Hag? It's not very flattering."

Aidon rolled his eyes. "You put a lot of emphasis in understanding names."

Stella thrust her hands onto her hips, dislodging my shoulder in the process. "That's because they're important. And understanding them might lead us to who is behind everything. My gut is telling me this is far more involved than Todd happening to come across a case he suspects involves magic."

A shiver traveled down my spine as if her words were a portent. "You're right, Stells. We were right to be wary that this was a trap," I told her in all seriousness.

Aidon twined his fingers with mine. "I really fucking hate that Dark witch. She"s going to pay when we get a hold of her. My father will ensure she suffers far more than Zaleria for this."

Stella shuddered dramatically. "Remind me not to piss you off. It's a good damn thing that you called Tseki and asked him and Murtagh to come."

Yes, it was. We would need all of us. We fell silent as we navigated to Salem"s hidden magical enclaves. We wound through crowded streets, narrow alleys, and shopping areas. And when we neared the monument, things got really interesting.

We had to be clandestine as we made our way. Nearing the memorial wall, we stepped through a magical portal Stella discovered and insisted we go through. It was akin to traversing a dreamworld stitched together with threads of arcane whimsy. It didn't actually take us to another location, hidden or otherwise.

We were still walking along the street as we had been before, but there was a veil between us and the mundies. "What was that about?" Aidon asked. "Are you sure we should have gone through that spell back there?"

Stella and I shared a worried look that made me lift my chin. She was doubting herself, and she shouldn't. Her instincts were reliable, and she needed to keep listening to them. I couldn't prove it yet, but I think she had some psychic powers.

Nodding, I sent Aidon a smile. "Absolutely. I mean, think about it. The Mellow Hag is in the middle of one of the most visited cities in the country. Mundies would notice if people vanished into thin air."

Aidon took out a small dagger, and I felt his powers churning just below the surface. "You have a point, but I won't relax until we enter the magical market."

I nodded and ran a hand over my stomach. We had too much on the line to assume there was no danger nearby. As we ventured deeper into the heart of Salem, the atmosphere transformed. A smile spread over my face when I spotted the old-fashioned wrought-iron sign that was weathered by time and swung gently overhead. It had the market"s name in an elegant, swirling script.

As we stepped through the threshold the air shifted, carrying the tantalizing scent of exotic herbs and mystical incense. The bustling market sprawled before us, adorned with colorful canopies and mystical symbols that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Stalls lined the narrow walkways, each one a treasure trove of magical wonders.

"You were right about why we passed through that spell earlier," Aidon said. "But keep your eyes peeled."

"We always do. That was the weirdest way to enter a bazaar," I replied. "I half-expect a rabbit with a pocket watch to jump out any moment now," I quipped, earning a chuckle from Stella and an amused smile from Aidon.

Stella"s laughter echoed through the marketplace. "If Wonderland had magical wards, perhaps."

Aidon pointed to the archway behind us. I hadn't seen it until then. "This enclave is shielded with formidable spells. I imagine Wonderland had something similar. How else would you keep the rabbit hole hidden?" Aidon laughed at my surprise. I hadn't expected him to know what she was talking about. He tweaked my nose and said, "Tread carefully. This would be an easy place for Lyra or her minions to hide."

"Tread carefully? That"s my middle name," I declared with mock seriousness. "Phoebe "Tread Carefully" Dieudonne."

Stella shot me a look of playful disbelief. "Your middle name is Alicia, not "Tread Carefully.""

"Details, details," I waved her off with a chuckle.

Approaching the first storefront, the air buzzed with a peculiar energy. Stella"s fingers danced through the air, tracing invisible sigils as she murmured, "I'm picking up various layers of magic. Fae, witchcraft, and something more elusive."

"Elusive? Is that magical speak for "We have no idea what this is"?" I teased.

Aidon was scanning the people going about their business. "It"s intricate. I can"t decipher the threads. Maybe a creature from beneath the sea. I always have a hard time with my uncle's domain."

"It's not important enough to put more energy into it. Let's get the lay of the land first and then decide who to approach," I said as I swept my arm over the bazaar.

We stood there, taking everything in before we started walking down the main street. A shop named "Cauldron Concoctions" displayed an array of bubbling cauldrons, each emitting a soft glow. Next door, "Crystal Whispers" showcased dazzling crystals, their facets catching the sunlight and casting prismatic patterns across the makeshift aisles.

Drawn to everything, we started walking. A quaint store, "Herbal Enchantments," wafted the fragrant aromas of rare herbs and enchanted plants. I felt a subtle hum of energy as we passed, almost as if the plants were whispering secrets.

Stella lingered near a stall called "Witchy Attire." She smiled over at me. "Look at these," she said excitedly. Garments of rich velvet, adorned with celestial symbols and shimmering threads, hung on racks. Aidon hardly noticed anything. He was busy looking for danger.

Further down, we encountered "Potion Parlor," where multicolored potions simmered in ornate bottles. The stall keeper lifted her hand in greeting. She was a wizened woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "These are my standard tinctures, but I can make anything you need."

"No, thank you. We're just looking now," I replied. I didn't feel comfortable talking to her. Any witch that offered to make anything someone wanted seemed sketchy to me.

I made a mental note to come back and look through the bookstore named "Arcane Tomes." You could never have too many books. As we strolled, I noticed the subtle names cleverly chosen for each establishment. They blended seamlessly into the historical architecture of Salem. The market thrived as a hidden haven, but would have fit right in with the rest of what we'd seen if you took away the magical items.

A few seconds later, something down an alley across from us caught my eye. "Wait. What's that?"

I was already between buildings by the time Aidon and Stella called out to me. I came to a stop well before the magical wards. "This feels different from the rest of the bazaar," I told them.

We stood before what looked like a brick wall. "Do you feel that breeze? I bet it's a portal to Mellow Hag," I observed as I ran a hand around the wards. "I wonder if this goes to another section of the market."

Aidon pursed his lips. "I doubt if it's a normal entrance and exit. It feels like the wards are repelling us. What made you come down here, anyway?"

Gesturing to the wards, I explained how I had seen them flash for an instant. At least, that's what I thought made me take off down the passageway.

"We should go through here and investigate whatever is on the other side," Stella said before she turned to Aidon. "Can you handle these, or should we start practicing our magical knocking? I don't think Phoebe and I shattering their protections will earn us any favors."

Aidon's brow furrowed as he examined the barrier. "I"ll do my best. Although, you two creating a spell that magically knocks might be easier."

I leaned toward Stella, whispering, "Magical knocking? Is that like rapping on the door with a wand?" I snickered at my joke.

Stella giggled. "More like a polite cosmic vibration. I have faith that Aidon"s celestial finesse will get us through."

Aidon"s prowess worked its magic, and the wards yielded to his cosmic charm but weren't destroyed. As the invisible barrier opened, it revealed a hidden enclave. I marveled at the natural beauty that unfolded before us.

The neighborhood was more of a homestead on dozens of acres. Something that shouldn't have been possible in the middle of Salem. "This is a realm outside ours," I whispered.

Aidon nodded, and I noticed black lightning traveling over his clenched fists. It traveled down his blade. My heart started racing, and I tugged Stella closer to me and moved to Aidon's side.

There was a lot of space between the houses. I couldn't see all of them through the trees and across the distance. The structures were surrounded by elegant landscaping. A garden was close to us, where moonlit petals danced in the breeze of otherworldly energies. Luminescent creatures flitted between arcane blooms, their presence adding a touch of whimsy to the mystical landscape.

"Welcome to the magical wonderland of Salem," Stella declared, the hint of sarcasm in her voice replaced by genuine awe.

I chuckled. "Careful, Stells. Wonderland might get jealous."

Aidon gestured towards the unfolding scene. Carefully, we stepped into the hidden enclave. Stella stuck close as Aidon guided us through the foliage. I tried to make sense of the mystical energies that painted the air in rich hues. It was like following a living compass, each twist and turn dictated by the unseen currents of magic.

As we rounded a corner, the faint scent of herbs and the distant hum of ethereal incantations filled the air. Before us lay an enclave of witches, a gathering that felt like a convergence of worlds. Their robes billowed in the otherworldly breeze, and the air crackled with the energy of their shared craft.

Stella approached the coven with a confident smile. She was the people person among us and won over everyone she encountered, so I was happy to leave her to it. "Hello there. We are here looking for a missing woman. My husband is a police officer in the mundie world and they received reports when a couple witnessed Olive disappearing from inside her home. He asked us to look into this as one of Salem"s mysteries. Can you tell us if you know her? Or what happened to her?"

One of the women stepped forward. I'd bet she was their leader. She was shrouded in one of the cloaks we'd seen in the market that was adorned with arcane symbols. She regarded us with shrewd eyes. "Knowledge is a river, and you stand at its confluence. What you seek is known to us, but the path is obscured by the veils of destiny."

I gaped at Stella, who shook her head. Aidon wasn't as confused as we were. He nodded knowingly. "We tread with respect, seeking only to unravel the mystery surrounding Olive. We understand she would never use magic so openly. Can you shed light on why someone would have taken her like that?" Damn, I had no idea my mate could be so diplomatic. I wouldn't have thought to point out we didn't think she broke the law intentionally.

The witches talked to one another, but all I heard were their quiet murmurs. A witch, whose fingers were adorned with shimmering charms, stepped forward. "Olive walks the threads between realms. She's a guardian of the hidden doorways. In her absence, the balance falters."

Stella inclined her head. "Can you help us find her? Any guidance you can provide would be appreciated."

The witch with arcane symbols spoke in a voice that resonated like a distant echo. "Seek the Elderpine, where shadows and dreams intertwine. There, the veils thin, revealing the echoes of her journey."

Aidon furrowed his brow as he asked, "Elderpine? Is it a place or a state of being?"

The witch"s reply was a cryptic smile. "Elderpine is both a place and a state, a convergence of realms where truths and illusions dance in an eternal waltz."

With that said, the witches dispersed. Their cloaks trailed like wisps, and we were left with a puzzle wrapped in an enigma. I turned to Aidon. "What in the hell did she mean, Elderpine? How can we find something we don't even understand?"

Aidon grinned, his blue eyes reflecting the ambient magic. "We will have to do some more research. But if you remember that it is a state of mind, I have a feeling your magic can take us there."

I snorted as I turned and headed back to Mellow Hag. "You have far too much faith I know what I'm doing."

Stella opened her mouth to ask something, then closed it and held up a finger when we crossed back into the market. "Not here. Let's get out of this place."

Nodding in agreement, we traveled to the wrought iron gateway and left the bazaar behind. When we were on the street heading away from the memorial, Stella stopped at the mouth of an alley. "What if we ask other paranormals if they know what happened? Those witches gave us a cryptic answer that might have been a big fat lie. I didn't sense Lyra's power in that hidden pocket, but I wouldn't put it past her to plant false information. I think we ask around and see if any others have heard about what is going on."

I patted her on the back. "I was wondering if we should believe that confusing bullshit."

Aidon turned to his left and started walking the way we'd traveled from the coffee shop earlier. "I sensed Fae congregated together in a bar. We can ask them what they know. Those that spend a lot of time drinking socially often have their ear to the ground."

I slid my arm through his and clutched him tightly. "Was it that bar at the end of the mall?" I asked.

"It was. Did you feel them, too?"

"Not exactly. I felt magic coming from the location, but I didn't know it was a large gathering of Fae." I blew out a breath, trying to gather my scattered brain. Pregnancy brain was no joke. And it didn't help that I was a geriatric pregnancy.

"Don't sulk, Queenie," he said. "You picked up on the power baked into the stones over the years. You didn't dig deeper, but I was worried Lyra was lurking nearby."

Stella smirked as she grabbed the handle and opened the door. "You're also older than dirt and know what the various species feel like, whereas we have less than two years in the magical world."

The chatter in the bar dissipated and all eyes landed on us, making me suck in a breath. It was unnerving to have so many people looking at us. A Fae woman with iridescent wings and eyes like obsidian shards stepped forward. Her gaze bore into us with a piercing scrutiny that made my skin crawl.

Stella greeted them with a nonchalant wave. "Hello there. We're just passing through. We don't mean to interrupt your celebration or whatever. We're hoping you can help us."

The stern-looking woman crossed her arms, making her wings rustle like an impending storm. "Outsiders in our neighborhood. What do you need?"

Aidon stepped forward. "We need information about a missing woman named Olive. It seems as if she was taken into the mystical folds of Salem. It was witnessed by mundies, so any information you have would be appreciated."

The Fae regarded us with a mixture of skepticism and annoyance. "A witch kidnapped in our territory? How utterly pedestrian. I don't see why we should care about these trivial concerns."

I couldn"t resist injecting a bit of sarcasm. "Oh, I don't know. How about if the mundies discover the magical world, then life as you know it will end?"

The woman"s eyes narrowed, clearly pissed at me. Stella jumped into the conversation, saying, "We heard the Fae are the best at unraveling secrets. Any chance you"ve seen an older witch who might have been involved in a sketchy secret society?"

The Fae exchanged glances, their silent communication leaving us in suspense. After a few tension-filled moments, the woman unfolded her wings. "All I can tell you is that we"ve sensed disturbances. Unsettling energies. If your missing witch has stumbled into something beyond her understanding, that"s not our concern."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Disturbances? Any chance you could point us in the direction of these unsettling energies?"

The Fae sighed theatrically and stalked over to the large picture windows. She pointed to the northeast, where I saw a distant grove. "Follow the whispers of the wind. It might lead you where you wish to go. Or not. Magic is fickle, as I"m sure you"ll discover."

With a flutter of wings, she turned her back on us. Aidon pulled us out the door. When we reached the sidewalk, Stella turned to me with a wry grin playing on her lips. "Well, that was a delightful conversation. Who knew they were so grumpy?"

I chuckled, glancing toward the distant grove where the winds whispered secrets. "I should have known. Bas is Fiona's fae mate and is as surly as a bear. Let"s see where these fickle whispers lead."

Stella led the way, and we discovered paranormals throughout Salem. When we reached the trees, it felt like wandering into an otherworldly nightclub where the dress code was capes, and the DJ spun incantations. Aidon took the lead through the metaphysical dance floor with an air that promised violence.

"Are we sure we"re not trespassing on some VIP section?" I quipped as we surveyed the ethereal fog that blanketed the outskirts.

Aidon smirked and continued forward with a sexy swagger. "You're supposed to be listening to the whispers of the wind. Whatever that means."

Stella chuckled. "You understood that cryptic crap, but elemental powers are beyond you. And here I thought you were a god."

"I prefer to think of myself as Phoebe's mate," Aidon said with a smile.

My heart swooned hearing that. Squeezing his hand, I said, "I need to focus on whispers."

We were on nothing more than a nature walk. A magical one. The flowers were in bloom, the shrubs were a vibrant green, and the canopy above was full. It was beautiful, but I heard nothing. Our surroundings gradually transformed into a secluded grove where the air hummed with energy. Aidon halted and scanned our surroundings.

I inhaled deeply and opened my ears. Surprise flitted through me as I registered a vibration in the air. "We"re getting warmer," I declared. Tracking dark magic had become a game of hot and cold when Stella and I were being held on the island, so it was easier to pick up variations around us.

Chills trailed down my spine when the trees in this enchanted grove swayed with an almost sinister rhythm. Their branches cast ominous shadows. Stella grabbed my hand, and I held tight to Aidon.

"I think we"ve found the supernatural disco ball," I remarked, eyeing the central clearing.

Aidon smirked. "More like the epicenter of a mosh pit."

As we approached the heart of the grove, my eyes landed on symbols etched into the bark of ancient trees nearby. They pulsed with a dim, malevolent glow. They revealed a language that transcended my comprehension.

"Dark magic graffiti," I observed, running my fingers over the enchanted carvings. "Freaking Lyra. Can you interpret these, Yahweh?"

Aidon shook his head. "These are new to me. Are you picking anything up at all?"

Closing my eyes, I stood still and focused on the wind. Eventually, whispers registered. My eyes snapped open, and my mouth dropped open. They were telling me to walk to the west. I was moving without telling my friends anything. We left the grove and were back in civilization.

I stopped at a peculiar shop. Its sign pulsated with an otherworldly glow that whispered more secrets. "Is it just me, or is this town designed to give us trust issues?" I quipped, nudging Stella, who seemed lost in the subtle vibrations of magical energies. I wasn't sure if I understood what they were telling me.

Stella chuckled. "I"m waiting for the magical talking cat to confirm that we"re in the right place."

A meow echoed through the cobblestone streets, making the three of us jump ten feet into the air. We exchanged knowing glances as a sleek black cat sauntered by. Its eyes gleamed with otherworldly wisdom.

"Are you here to help us?" I asked it. The feline sat on its haunches and stared up at me.

"A magical cat, huh?" Aidon raised an eyebrow. "What"s next, a sentient broomstick with a sassy personality?"

I snorted and bent to scratch its chin. It reared back and took off. "Any bets on what sort of ancient, enigmatic entity we"re about to disturb?" I asked Aidon.

He shrugged. "My money"s on a disgruntled spirit with an axe to grind."

Stella interjected, "Let"s not make bets on supernatural entities. That's like tempting fate."

"Good point. Shall we go inside?" I asked my partners.

Aidon nodded and pulled the handle, making a bell above the door jingle. The sound was ominous and made my throat go dry. What the hell were we going to encounter next?