chapter 12_ Tabitha

Grace and Steve were engaged in fisticuffs when Rachel intervened.

"It's time for lunch, you two should come inside,"Rachel interjected.

Reluctantly, they both glanced at each other before disentangling themselves.

"You're fortunate that Rachel interrupted us; otherwise, I would have triumphed over you,"Grace confidently remarked to Steve.

"Keep dreaming,"Steve replied with a chuckle.

...

As they all sat down to enjoy their meal, James suddenly reached for a folder and placed it in front of Grace. Confused and curious, Grace couldn't help but glance back and forth between the folder and James, wondering what was going on.

"This folder contains all the details regarding your college admission,"James explained, his voice firm and resolute. "You start next week, but before that, you must complete your training with Malcolm today. I insist that we avoid any mishaps like the one from last week."With these words, James made it clear that he expected nothing less than excellence from Grace as she embarked on this new chapter of her life.

Grace felt a wave of excitement and nervousness wash over her as she opened the folder to review the details of her college admission. She had been dreaming of this moment for years, but now that it was actually happening, she couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.

As she flipped through the pages, Grace couldn't help but feel grateful for James' unwavering support and guidance throughout the entire process. Without him, she knew that she wouldn't have been able to achieve her goals and pursue her dreams.

With a newfound sense of determination and purpose, Grace finished her lunch quickly and headed outside with James to go to Malcolm's place.

...

Simon, Mira, and their coven convened in a dwelling to discuss the search's latest development.

"Did you truly lose her in the middle of nowhere? And were you incapable of breaking the cloaking spell?"interrogated an elderly gentleman among them. "Is there anyone capable of casting such a potent spell?"he mused aloud.

"Yes,"chimed in a middle-aged woman. "There is only one witch powerful enough to cast such a spell. However, if my understanding serves me correctly, she should have perished long ago."

Mira interjected curiously asking: "Who might that be?"

"Tabitha,"replied the woman.

The room was filled with astonishment as Tabitha's name was mentioned; it was prevalent amongst witches who revered her as a legendary figure while others worked hard to match her power.

"But isn't she deceased?"queried one member.

"Yes, she is,"responded the middle-aged woman.

"Then why did you claim that she was the one? Please enlighten us, Esme,"implored the elderly gentleman.

"She had a son who was born to a guardian,"disclosed Esme.

"Wait! Isn't he deceased as well?"interjected an individual in attendance.

"That was our initial belief,"confirmed Esme.

...

Recall my previous instruction, Grace, to empty your thoughts and concentrate. Guard your mind and prevent any intrusions,"Malcolm advised.

In the obscurity, Grace sat down with shut eyes while Malcolm positioned himself in front of her, awaiting an opportune moment.

"I am prepared,"declared Grace confidently.

"Are you certain?"queried Malcolm as he scanned their surroundings for any safeguarding objects. Finding none, he placed his palms on either side of her head.

"All right then, I shall enter,"announced Malcolm before closing his own eyes.

.....

"Given our inability to uncover the location, allow me to experiment with a new incantation I have been developing,"Esme proclaimed to her comrades. Observing their reactions, she ascertained that they had no objections and proceeded.

"May I inquire if you possess any of her personal possessions?"queried Esme of Mira.

"Yes, Max obtained her scarf from the orphanage,"replied Mira while rummaging through her handbag. "Here it is."She then handed over a blue scarf.

Esme retreated into her quarters and reemerged holding both a map and an onyx vessel resembling a cauldron. After unfolding the map onto the table's surface, she placed the black container atop it.

"I thought you intended to test your new method? Why are you resorting to employing a location spell?"inquired a middle-aged woman with crimson locks.

"Indeed, you are correct. This is indeed a location spell, albeit with a unique twist: it will guide us to anyone who has had contact with the target individual. Perhaps this person can lead us to her,"Esme stated.

All present nodded in comprehension.

Esme proceeded to place the scarf into onyx vessel and began reciting incantations. The scarf then ignited and after several minutes, the flames died down and she poured its ashes onto the map while continuing her chant.

Anticipation filled the room as everyone watched as the ash moved across the map's surface. After traversing all four edges of the map, it eventually settled at its center point - an exciting development for all involved. However, their excitement quickly turned to surprise when suddenly, without warning or precedent, flames sprouted from within said map before leaping out through an open door nearby.

The group stared at Esme inquisitively; yet despite this unexpected occurrence she remained calm and collected: "This hasn't happened before...but let's follow where it leads."With that declaration made firmly by Esme herself, she led them outside - each member following closely behind - ready for whatever lay ahead on their quest for answers.

They followed the trail of fire to the garden outside the house and came upon a figure encircled by flames. As they approached for a closer look, their shock was palpable at the sight of its countenance.