Chapter 067

[Apple]

"Why are you bowing," I look between them. "Hazel, this is my grandmother, Araminta Graves I..."

"No, Apple," my grandmother places a hand on my shoulder. "She is right," she exhales deeply, dusting off her hands on her skirt. "Araminta Graves, Granny Araminta, is just a ruse, a role. This is my true form," she smiles. "But most of our community only sees this face in very rare moments."

"She's your grandmother," Hazel looks up at me in wonder. The way she sees me now changes as she looks at the two of us side by side. "Coven Master Althaea Allspirit is your grandmother?" She looks between us and recognition clicks followed by confusion. "Why are you showing me this? I'm honored but..."

"She needs allies," my grandmother explains as she helps Hazel stand. "Now more than ever. The brighter she shines the more attention she'll bring, and not all of that attention will be good."

My grandmother leaves that statement hanging in the air above us like a dark cloud, not explaining