Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Because that car was notnormal. It sat there and radiated harmlessness as if that were its job. It carried touches of gentle magic: delicate cinnamon threads of safe traveling, homecoming beacons, nodding sunflower traces of energy. The person who owned that car knew about simple magic, domestic magic, herb-infusions and charms. The person who owned that car was often tired—sparkles around the weave of spells suggested the satisfied weariness of someone who did a job that needed doing—and also, Colin observed, had a very neat hand at braiding strands of power so they’d buttress each other, not interfere or distract.

The person got out of the car. Colin’s immediate impression was of cheerful woodsy masculinity: jeans, plaid shirt, boots. The man looked tall, but from this angle everyone did.