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‘You mean Samhain, surely?’ A woman who Amrita thought was vaguely familiar smiled as she approached.

‘Of course.’ Jamie smiled. ‘I just wasn’t sure if Amrita would know the term.’

‘I didn’t.’ Amrita smiled as her brain caught up, and she realised it was the woman who had given her directions before. In this light, her grey eyes looked almost silvery, and she wore velvety blue skirts that swirled around her ankles, topped off with a cloud-grey jumper that almost perfectly matched her eyes. She seemed almost ethereal. ‘But I’m guessing it’s Halloween-related.’

‘Samhain is what it was called for years before the church got hold of it.’ Her eyes twinkled. ‘Welcome to Glimmers and Sparkles, Amrita. It’s nice to meet you properly.’

‘You too. It’s Rayenne, right?’ Amrita shook her hand, ignoring Jamie’s curious look.

Rayenne nodded. ‘Nice to see you, Jamie. Katie’s out with Ophelia but tells me you’re raiding our kitchen.’

‘Yes, if that’s OK?’

‘It’s far more Ophelia and Aiden’s realm than mine. If they are happy with it, I have no complaints. Although I am supposed to remind you not to take anything from the top shelf, or touch any of the jars marked with black or purple. They would not be suitable for cooking.’

For a second, Amrita thought there was a… look that passed between them before Jamie nodded. ‘Fair enough. We’ll be quick. I appreciate you hanging around to let us in.’

‘I have a late reiki appointment.’

‘Well, I still appreciate it.’

‘Is it upstairs?’ Amrita asked.

‘The kitchen? No.’ Rayenne smiled and headed towards the back of the store, pausing to pet one of the prettiest cats Amrita had ever seen. ‘This is Mist. You should probably say hello.’

‘Hello, Mist,’ Amrita said obediently, holding out her hand to be sniffed for a couple of seconds before the cat butted against it.

‘Hey-hey hi-hi!’ A rush of air and a ghostly blur arrived.

‘I know you.’ Amrita smiled. ‘It’s… Moonlight? No.’ She corrected herself when the bird gave her an unimpressed look. Who knew beaks could have facial expressions? ‘Lunar. Hello again, Lunar.’

They spent a couple more minutes fussing the animals before Rayenne ushered them towards a row of shelves reached up to the ceiling, filled with the most interesting things Amrita had ever seen. Closer, she could see there were books, notepads, candles, bottles sealed with wax and filled with oddities that glittered, and strange pictures and ornaments that seemed to be impossible – like optical illusions that tried to move as she looked at them. And what looked like a nest filled with trinkets, bits of twine and tinfoil and random leaves. But nothing that looked like herbs or spices.

Her eyes widened as Rayenne reached into one of the shelf spaces. There was a click and the whole case swung open, revealing a simple but bright kitchen that was lined with smaller shelves filled with jars, bottles and boxes. It smelled incredible – sweet, savoury and fragrant.

‘This is… wow.’

‘Thanks, Rayenne.’ Jamie accepted a notepad from her.

‘Just note down anything you take, and I’ll leave it for Aiden to sort. And remember, not the black or purple jars.’

‘We’ll be careful,’ he reassured her.

‘Thank you so much,’ Amrita said, remembering her manners.

‘You are very welcome.’ Rayenne smiled, the expression slightly thoughtful – like she knew something she wasn’t saying. ‘I need to prepare for my client. Make sure the door locks when you leave.’

‘Will do.’ Jamie turned back to Amrita.

‘This is incredible.’

‘I’m glad you like it.’ Something in his tone caught her attention.

‘Did you have something to do with this?’ She ran her hand along a wooden shelf.

‘I said I’ve known Mia and Katie my whole life. When Katie and Ophelia got together, helping with a few design elements for the shop was an easy way for me to be supportive. And it was good fun. Do you think you can find what you need here?’

‘And then some. It’s wonderful, Jamie.’ She reached for the first jar – bay leaves – and yanked her hand back.