Fire Within - By Ally Shields Page 0,78

to our heritage. Without the Book of Shadows, my witchcraft will always be less than it could be.”

“I have heard of the books that belong to witch families but have never seen one. Tell me about yours. Why is it missing?”

“I’d be surprised if you had seen one. Witch families don’t share their books any better than vampires share their secrets.”

Andreas gave her the vampire one-shoulder shrug that was the equivalent of an eye roll. “In the old country, witches and vampires did not mingle or share anything except animosity.”

“You mentioned that once before—that our two races were enemies. Something about a big fight for domination, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, but I hardly think we have time for a history lesson, Arianna. Later perhaps, when we are not fighting a demon.” He straightened and came to stand in her path. “Can you quit pacing long enough to answer my question? Tell me about your Book of Shadows.”

Ari moved away from him, stopped next to the kitchen counter, and explained how the history of any witch clan was recorded from generation to generation through spells, potions, and magical experiences. That each clan’s powers were genetically tied to that written record.

“I know all that,” he interrupted. “I want to know what happened to the Calin Family Book of Shadows.”

Ari’s lips pressed into a straight line. She didn’t like talking about this part. “My mother was the last keeper. When my parents’ boat exploded on a Gulf of Mexico fishing trip, the Book disappeared. Maybe it was with them and perished in the fire. No one knows for sure, but it has never returned to me. I would have been the next keeper.”

“Losing both parents must have been hard.” His voice was soft. “I am sorry.”

“It was a long time ago. I was six. But the point is without the Book my magic is limited, my witchcraft abilities incomplete.”

“It is hard to think of your witch fire as limited,” Andreas said dryly.

“You’d change your mind if you ever saw Moriana in action. She can control the wind and the rain. And call upon forces you can only imagine. Her power continues to expand because she’s building on the knowledge of her ancestors.”

“I do not doubt your words. I was merely making an observation. I feel the sleeping power within you. Do not under-estimate yourself, little witch.”

“I don’t think I do, but my skill levels aren’t good enough. I rely on my Guardian training, not my witchcraft, and I don’t think that training will solve this particular problem. We need some really great magic.” Ari was discouraged and, if totally honest with herself, maybe feeling a little inadequate. Or more than a little inadequate. After all, she was a witch, from a long, proud line of witches. Why couldn’t she do the things she needed to do?

“Perhaps you have spent too much time waiting for the Book.”

Ari frowned up at him, knowing he was trying to tell her something. Was he suggesting she could be the source of this magic? How? What could she be doing differently? She sensed, more strongly than words, his belief she would find the magic they needed. How could she have less faith in herself?

Without magic they couldn't possibly defeat the demon, but where did she get it if not from the fire spirits? Without the Book, there was only one place to look for the answers. A place she’d been taught to go since a babe in her mother’s arms.

“Don't freak out,” she said. “I'm going to try something.” She closed her eyes, allowed her mind to drift, and reached deep inside herself, calling out to her inner witch source. As always, it appeared as a small white light in her mind’s eye. She drew near the center, the real world fading away. Ari grew light-headed and swayed on her feet.

“Steady.” Andreas placed light hands on her shoulders. Neither his voice nor touch interfered with the trance.

When Ari’s inner eye reached the glow deep inside, the familiar peace and serenity surrounded her. Only this time something was different. She’d come looking for answers, and her witch source embraced the asking. She stood suspended in time as images and faces swirled around here. Her parents, Great-Gran, Yana, and many she didn’t recognize, yet she knew them. The Calin witches. They were all with her, not really so far away.

She felt an increasing surge of magical energy, bursting with purpose. A knowing. Ari almost laughed. It was so simple. The incredible secret