"She said that, what's a circle?"

“Seriously, you don't know? Amy and Jasmine never said anything?"

"No. I have no idea."

"A circle is three or more women who can do witchcraft."

“Witchcraft!? What the fuck? Amy, Jasmine, and Amber are witches?

Fuck off they are."

“Notice any strange birthmarks on Amy or Jasmine."

“Yeah, a little heart-shaped one, under their left breasts. They both have one. In the same spot.”

“One of them had it first. It transfers to the others when the circle forms. They're in a circle. Usually very lesbian. Just the nature of what they do."

Daniel whispered. "Aren't witches evil?"

Grace laughed. "Yes, some are. Most are. So are some spell casters.

And clerics. Shit, everyone can be evil, Daniel. But they're hedge witches. Not full witches. Hedge witches are usually in tune with nature. They don't cast spells like spell casters. They observe nature, the winds, and other shit like that. They know a few ceremonies. Under the full moon and shit like that. They make little charms and things for love, avoiding pregnancies, getting people to fuck off when you want them to. Now hedge witches can be trained to be actual witches and cast real spells like a spell caster. The city can provide that. Problem though is that the full circle needs to attend. They likely don't know that. They are tied together for life, Daniel.

"Aw, shit."

"Yes, shit. And that means if you tie yourself to Amy and Jasmine, Amber becomes part of that deal. When Amy and Jasmine sided with you, they cast their vote. They sent a message to Amber that was basically, tough shit, you're coming. They've been in the bedroom all day talking about you. Amber thinks you did something to them. She's the heart of the circle, by the way. Problem is, she thinks that means she's also the boss. Circles can't work that way. They all need to agree. Equal authority. Amy and Jasmine get it. Amber's fighting it. As far as I can tell, only because she fucking hates men.

"One more thing you should know, Daniel Davies. Because of their nature, hedge witches are drawn to power. Their love for you may be the result of you finding your power.”

Daniel shook his head. "I don't think that's the case here. Amy was in love with me long before I found out how to spell cast."

“Okay, good. That does make a difference. But Amber may not believe that. She'll use it against you. Use it to drive a wedge between you and the others."

“Wow, you really don't like her."

“I recognise her."

“You know her?"

“No, I used to be just like her. Your sauce is gonna burn."

Daniel cursed and pulled the pan off the stove with his bare hands.

He was quick enough that he didn't get burned. He quickly put the pots with vegetables on the stove. He turned to the skillet and added the tarragon, a slab of butter, and sprinkled flour all over.

He stirred it quickly. In minutes, he had a sauce mixed together. He put it on the edge of the stove to keep warm.