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‘But I didn’t know about it, because it was spelling me. Somehow.’

‘Rayenne says it’s the fog,’ Aiden murmured.

‘I’m not sure that’s not a bit creepy.’

‘It might help if you think of it more as an invisible, good-natured fairy godmother, who has been there nudging things in the right direction for you.’ Katie grinned. ‘I mean, how many times has one of those “just a Hudsbury thing” events worked out in your favour?’

‘Like your house,’ Ophelia added.

‘My house? Please don’t tell me it’s haunted!’

‘No, it’s fine. But didn’t you tell me you nearly didn’t get it? That a couple who weren’t local were all set to move in, but it fell through at the last minute – which turned out to be the perfect timing for you?’

‘That wasn’t just luck?’

‘Nope.’ Katie laughed. ‘And do you really think your roses bloom so much earlier and for so much longer than other places because you’re that good of a gardener?’

‘I had… until now.’ She exhaled slowly, trying to keep her equilibrium. ‘But now I’m questioning pretty much everything I thought I knew about… everything and just about my entire life!’ She buried her face in her hands, trying not to freak out.

‘I’m really sorry I couldn’t tell you.’ Katie wrapped her arms round Mia. ‘Are you mad at me?’

‘No. It’s not your fault. By the sounds of it you were under a spell too. And I doubt I would have believed you because, apparently, I was be-magicked. Or be-spelled. Or something. Which I seemingly have been for most of my life.’

Katie rubbed her back, soothingly, and as much as she appreciated the gesture, Mia couldn’t help wishing it was Aiden hugging her. She peeked at her friend through her fingers.

‘It’s a lot, I know. Do you want to come upstairs and binge on sugar until you feel better?’

‘I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ve had more than enough of this place. No offence.’

‘None taken.’ Ophelia laughed.

‘I just want to go home. To the house that, apparently, magic decided I should live in.’

‘I’ll walk you back,’ Aiden offered.

They made it halfway there before Mia worked up enough courage. ‘Aiden, I’m sorry but I need to ask you something.’

‘Anything.’

‘Did you spell me into bed?’

‘No. I swear I didn’t. At least, not deliberately. I did warn you about the cookies.’

‘You did.’

‘And, in my defence, I didn’t know then either.’

‘Really?’

‘Truly. I think Ophelia and Rayenne tried to tell me beforehand, but the whole magic protecting itself thing was working against me. I only truly learned magic existed after our first Friday night.’

‘Aiden, that’s really sweet…’

‘It’s the honest truth, I swear. It’s funny that you thought the magic was coming from me, because the reality is – for me – you were the key that unlocked magic. And I’ll be forever grateful to you for that.’

‘I didn’t do anything.’

‘Whether you planned it or not, you changed my life – for the better – Princess.’