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‘It’s not that,’ Katie explained. ‘People who aren’t awake to magic, they’ll just see the fabric – but not the movement of it. It’ll be a beautiful dress in their eyes, but not magical.’

‘So, I can see it because I recognise magic?’ Amrita asked, still trying to understand everything.

‘Yes. And because you’re welcoming it into your life.’ Mia squeezed her arm. ‘You are welcoming it, right?’

‘I guess… I am.’ She’d obviously thought about it, but hearing the words so plainly was still very odd.

‘I’m so happy for you!’ Mia grinned hugely.

‘Mia, I’m thinking this as an overskirt to your dress’ – Beth stroked the formerly blue chiffon again – ‘to make it a bit unique from your mum’s, and more yours.’

‘I’d love that.’ Mia nodded. ‘But, as it’s shorter, there’s one other tweak I’d like to make. Something I think Aiden will like…’

* * *

Jamie carried the last stack of plates he’d been given into the barn and added them to the table alongside all the others and stepped back to look around. He had to admit – even knowing what Hudsbury was like – that he was impressed. People had really banded together to make something amazing for Aiden and Mia, and the barn, which had been a dusty, oddly smelling space filled with random junk a few days ago, was now a bright, welcoming space ready to celebrate. The building thrummed with energy that was old and strange, yet weirdly familiar, and seemed to be trying to help them as windows and doors obligingly opened and dust rolled itself into neat and tidy piles that waited patiently to be disposed of – as if it realised that blowing the mess into the little courtyard and across the trees would be inappropriate.

‘Oh wow.’

He turned to see Aiden walking through the door.

‘Mia is going to love this. I can’t believe how much has been done. This is incredible.’ Aiden smiled at Elara. ‘I can’t thank you enough for letting us hold this here.’

‘I’m glad you like it.’ Elara finished placing the last of Lily-Ann’s vases of flowers. ‘Just waiting for the rest of the fairy lights to turn up so we can have light tonight, and then we’re done in here.’

‘It’s a shame telling me about the surprise would have ruined it. I could have made some of my spell jars.’

‘There’s still a few hours before we’re expecting Mia.’ Elara grinned. ‘And, funnily enough, I found a huge stack of old jars and bottles just a few minutes ago that you could use. They’re in the old pantry if you think you might have time…?’

‘This place is amazing.’ Jamie shook his head. ‘I’ve obviously worked in buildings that have a good atmosphere – some even feel like they have a soul – but since you’ve bought this place, Elara…’

‘I know. It feels like the inn is alive on some level, doesn’t it?’ she answered, her eyes sparkling.

‘Exactly. You feel it too?’

‘I think it might have called me here, to be honest.’

‘I know that one.’ Aiden laughed. ‘It’s one of those Hudsbury things.’

‘What do you think?’ Jamie asked him. ‘I know Mia loves your spell jars.’

‘Yeah, she does, but I’d need herbs too, and there’s probably not time to make enough.’

‘We can call Ophelia and Rayenne and have them bring what you need from Glimmers,’ Jamie suggested. ‘And I can help with constructing them, so long as they’re simple. And Lily-Ann will probably help if you ask⁠—’

‘I don’t mind helping, either.’

Jamie turned at the voice and promptly forgot what he was saying. Amrita stood in the doorway, wearing a deep blue dress highlighted with golden embroidery. Her hair was loose over her shoulders and down her back and picked up reddish and golden tones from the sunlight streaming in from behind her.

‘I mean, if I can. I’m no witch.’ She paused and licked her lips – deep, cherry red – as though tasting the unfamiliar word before continuing. ‘But I can follow a recipe, and I am pretty good with herbs and spices. Eating ones, at least.’

‘That would be really good.’ Aiden grinned. ‘I’ll give Glimmers a call and see who’s still there.’

‘Are you sure about this?’ Jamie asked Amrita quietly, while Aiden was making the call. ‘You don’t have to.’

‘I think I’ll be OK with it.’ Amrita smiled, her gold-rimmed eyes flickering away from his for a moment before, almost shyly, finding them again. ‘I’ve been working with Rayenne for the past week. She’s been helping me to understand some things.’

‘I’d like to hear about that, when we have more time. If you’d like to tell me.’