A Reckless Witch - By Debora Geary Page 0,16

together, the further away I can hear him, at least when he’s got his barriers down. I think he’s been flying Devin around.”

Oy. “Only an idiot gets on a broom magically driven by a four-year-old.”

Moira giggled. “Devin’s always had the soul of an adventurer, dear.”

That was one way to put it. “You weren’t his big sister.”

“Don’t you worry.” Moira patted her hand. “One day soon, he’ll find himself a nice girl and settle down.”

Porky pink pigs would fly first. Nell wiggled an eyebrow at Lauren. “You interested? He’s tall, dark, handsome, and rich.”

Damn. Was Lauren actually blushing?

Moira’s eyes sparkled. “You’d make beautiful babies together.”

Lauren’s laughter bounced off the walls of Realm. “I think there are enough babies in the works at the moment, don’t you?”

Something odd tripped in Nell, just for a moment. Whatever it was got interrupted by Ginia’s call. “Mama, I think Auntie Nat’s baby is playing with fire again—can you come check?”

That was interesting—the baby had been very quiet lately, and her daughter didn’t have fire talent. “How can you tell?”

Ginia shook her head. “I don’t know, exactly. It just feels like something is shifting, kind of.”

That got everyone’s attention. Sophie moved over to sit beside Nat as well, laying her hands gently beside Ginia’s. A moment later, she looked up, frowning. “I can feel it too, but I don’t know what it is.” She looked at their apprentice healer with respect. “It’s really subtle—I’m impressed your scan is picking that up.”

Nell and Moira both moved in. Nat looked up at Lauren and grinned. “You might as well come too. My belly has plenty of real estate these days.” It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to position five set of hands on one baby, but they managed.

Nell shook her head first. “I don’t feel anything.” She laughed as the belly under her hands rippled. “Well, besides the kicks. Whatever it is, she’s not playing with elemental magics.”

Moira tilted her head. “I don’t feel it either, but my healing scans aren’t nearly as strong as Sophie’s.” She patted Ginia’s hand. “Or yours either, apparently. You do me very proud, sweet girl.”

The glow on her daughter’s face made Nell’s heart tilt a little.

Lauren’s breath of awe shifted all their attention. “She’s mindreading. I can hear your feelings echoed in her mind.” She frowned. “I’ve never noticed that before. And her head hurts, a lot.”

“Emergence headache.” Sophie leaned forward again, eyes intent. “That’s what you were feeling, Ginia. Help me clear her channels.”

Nell took her hands off Nat’s belly. Time to let the trained healers fix things. She spoke very quietly to Lauren. “The baby’s got mind powers?” Even Aervyn hadn’t come into mind magics that young.

“I think so.” Lauren nodded slowly. “And she’s picking up a lot. Too much, I think—my head would hurt if I was taking in so many other thoughts and feelings. Nat’s mind is most prominent, and that’s really soothing for her, but…”

Moira nodded. “You’ll need to teach her to barrier, then.”

Lauren frowned. “Nat?”

“No, sweetheart. Our newest little mind witch.”

“I’m supposed to give magic lessons to an unborn baby?”

Nell tried to stifle her giggles—Lauren looked totally gobsmacked. “Ask Jamie for ideas. He worked with Aervyn on some basic control over his elemental powers before he was born.” Not that it had worked all that well…

“We should have her channels cleared now.” Sophie looked up at Nat. “Ginia will be able to take care of that for you moving forward, and Jamie could probably do it in an emergency. It would be good to do at least once a day, at least until she’s born.” She grinned. “Or until Lauren teaches her how to barrier.”

Nat laughed and looked at her best friend. “I guess you’re starting your aunt duties early.”

Lauren still looked dazed. Nell snickered and leaned over toward Moira. “I guess that means we know at least one member of the birthing circle, then.”

Moira nodded sagely. “It’s a wise choice.” She patted Lauren’s hand. “You’ll do very well, my dear.”

Now Lauren looked utterly panicked. “Me? That’s insane. I’ve never had a baby. I’ve never even seen a baby born.”

Nat took her hand, highly amused. “Breathe deeply. I hear it’s supposed to help.”

~ ~ ~

It was always the same dream. Sierra yanked on power lines, fought the thick-as-water air that slowed her down. Faster. Her heart slammed in terror and the exertion of trying to move faster than the wind.

Fear. Awful, tearing fear. She wouldn’t get there in time. Hurtling over the ocean, skimming