We Divine Three (The Divining Sisters Book 2): The Divining Sisters Series, #2

By Heather Hardison

Book 2 of The Divining Sisters Series

 

After reuniting in this lifetime, Alex and Izzy begin their search for their long-lost sister from another time who has started appearing in their dreams just as a mysterious stranger arrives in Salem and befriends Esme. Alex and Izzy's bond intensifies the more they uncover about their shared incarnations, but as a past struggle re-emerges and threatens Izzy, Alex fears losing her so soon after reconnecting. She's faced with coping with the challenges of her growing gifts and looming threats of her own as Izzy fights for her life. Will Alex and Izzy piece together more clues of their intwined fates as they search for their sister? If they find her, will their sister remember them, and will she be open to combining their gifts to unlock their destiny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Hardison
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215480861

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Heather Hardison Ph.D.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations contained in critical articles or reviews. This novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, businesses, organizations, locations, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is completely coincidental.

For information contact:

[e-mail]

http://author.heatherhardison.com

Cover Design by Heather Hardison and Andy Hardison

Cover Image: Vectorstock image named Female hand with gem pendants and moon hand drawn by Croisy

About Author Photo taken by Andy Hardison

First Edition: February 2023

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dedication

Dedication Page

This book is dedicated to all those dreamers out there who never stop searching for meaning in the divine. The universe is always speaking to us. Our job is to listen.

Definitions

Definitions Page

di·vine

/dəˈvīn/

verb

To foretell, especially by divination

To guess or know by inspiration or intuition

To practice divination

div·i·na·tion

/ˌdivəˈnāSH(ə)n/

noun

The art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge, usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.

Unusual insight: intuitive perception.

Chapter One

Alexandra Steele

Memphis, Tennessee, July 2019

***

Alexus picked up a crooked tree branch and drew a circle in the dirt, enclosing herself and her younger sisters, Isadora and Hester, in the sacred circle. She dabbed a drop of anointing oil on her wrists and third eye. Her sisters followed suit as they watched the moon rise high in the sky.

Under the protective light of this Hunter’s Moon, I open this circle and call upon our ancestors to commune with us on this sacred night, Alexus called out to the wondrously bright full moon as she stroked the amulet draped around her neck.

Inside the circle, Alexus drew down the energy of the glowing orb as Isadora drummed beside her. Hester held a small, wooden bowl as Alexus directed the lunar energy into the shimmering water cradled in the bowl.

There was no need for the sisters to speak. They moved as one as the magic flowed between them as it had for centuries. This ancient magic resided in their bones, coursed through their veins, and thrummed through their fingertips. Every cell was alive with the hum of magic that had been passed down through their lineage for millennia. Every full moon beckoned them to the woods to celebrate the magic that accompanied the moon reaching its peak strength. Moon magic had been a ritual that their ancestors had practiced for generations. They had gathered under this same glorious moon to weave spells, cast runes, and set intentions.

As the moon matured each night between the new moon and full moon, a spark flourished within Alexus — a spell yearning to be cast. Tonight, they needed clarity for the days to come, and she wove her spell with this intention. She feared the witch hunters were closing in, and she needed guidance on how to proceed to keep her sisters safe.

Isadora slipped into a trance as she methodically drummed, chanting softly as Alexus declared their full moon intentions.

As the magic thundered to the surface, Alexus’ skin crackled with electricity, stiffening the tiny hairs on her arms and the back of her neck. The words burst forth as she released the rush of magic that had been building over the past few days as if the words had been aching to be spoken and liberated at this very moment.

As you shine your majestic light down upon us on this divine night, we give our thanks for the blessings you provide. With open hearts, we ask for clarity, intuitive knowing, and foresight for this next fortnight. May your light heighten our connection with our ancestors and guide us through these dark, trying days. She sprinkled the newly gathered moon water around the fire and threw salt into the flames as they chanted and Isadora drummed.

Alexus’ body ached with a desire for her words to reach the heavens where her ancestors watched from above.

Would they hear her plea?

At that moment, her neck prickled, and her skin tingled from head to toe.

They had heard her prayer.

The sisters danced in celebration that their ancestors were watching over them and showering them with a protective spell. The moonlight danced in the water as each sister jubilantly drank from the bowl before closing out their lunar ritual.

With linked hands, the three sisters chanted in unison, So say we; we divine three; so mote it be.

***

Alexandra Steele awoke moments before her alarm was set to go off. She cherished her dreams of lifetimes past with her soul sisters. These nightly visits gave her comfort that they would soon cross paths again. The heartache that crept in late at night was crushing, but these memories of their past incarnations soothed that homesickness she’d grown accustomed to the past few weeks since she and Izzy had discovered that they had a sister.

Dreams of the three of them together gave her hope that the prophecy from her dream over the summer just might come to pass. In a dream from their past life as oracles at the Oracle of Delphi, she’d heard a prophecy high on the mountain, Someone is coming into your life soon. Prepare for her arrival. That same night Izzy had heard a voice whisper, Alexandra is one of three sisters. All they knew so far was this sister existed, and both felt strongly that they could soon be reunited with her given that they’d received messages about her on the same night.

Since that night, they’d both begun to have dreams of her, although no clear identifiers had come through. Most of their dreams and visions had come in a blurry haze or in a piecemeal fashion, which didn’t offer any clear assistance. They were both determined to find her, no matter what it took.

What they knew for sure was that they both were feeling a stronger energetic presence through these dreams and recollections. Alex was sure she had connected with her energy a few months ago when tapping into their past coven’s energy. It was only for a moment, but her energy had been so warm and comforting. It had only fueled her desire to reconnect with her. She hoped their sister could feel them too. This was the first dream where she’d retrieved a name — Hester. Finally, they had their first clue.

Minutes later, Alex shuffled her new Oracle of Shadows and Light deck while reflecting on her dream. The Three Witches card flew out of the deck along with TheThree Fates card. She grabbed her Lightworker Oracle and pulled a card to complete the spread – the Past Life Activation card.

From this quick reading, it was clear that their gifts from past incarnations were awakening. Her reunion with Izzy almost a year ago had activated her mystical gifts and set their journey in motion. Before long, they might be reunited with Hester as well.

*

Alex flagged down the hostess at the Highlander Pub. She and her younger sister, Nina, had been shopping at several of the boutiques on the Middleton town square all afternoon. 

They settled into their small table in a dimly lit corner of the pub for a quick bite and a glass of wine.

So, how’s work? Have you been busy this summer? Alex asked, perusing the wine menu.

Everything’s been slow. It’s depressing, Nina moaned.

Gosh, I’m sorry. Maybe things will pick up in the autumn months.

She shrugged. Eh, I’m not sure I want to continue in real estate.

Really? Alex put her menu down and leaned in over the small table. Have you got something else lined up?

Nina frowned. Not yet.

Have you thought about going back to your art? That’s always been where your passion lies anyway, Alex said after requesting a glass of malbec from the waiter.

"That’s what I want to do, but it’s hard to make that work financially. That’s why I’m so conflicted about it."

Might be time for a shift then.

Probably. I’m not feeling this job anymore. It’s been too much of a struggle.

Is this a recent change?

I’d say it’s been this way about the past year or so.

Hmm. Alex chewed on her bottom lip.

What? Nina asked before taking a sip of her pinot noir that the waiter had just delivered.

That’s not surprising now that I think about it, Alex said. Saturn’s in Capricorn right now, and with you being a Cancer, you’re being impacted too.

If you say so, Nina said with a laugh.

Cancer’s the opposite sign of Capricorn on the astrological wheel.

How in the world do you know that?

I’ve been studying astrology the past year and soaking up as much information as I can, especially where Capricorn is concerned. It has been a rough few years for me, too. Astrology has helped me to understand why things in my life have been flipped upside down.

That’s funny that we’re opposites on the wheel. We’ve always been polar opposites.

I know, right? I laughed when I learned that too.

I didn’t realize you were into astrology. That’s pretty cool. It seems like something I’d like if I had the time to get into it. Nina swirled her pinot in her glass. I’ve always been drawn to the moon.

That’s because Cancers are ruled by the moon.

Nina laughed. I guess you really do know a lot about this stuff.

I’m just a beginner, but I’m totally fascinated with it. I’m astounded by how much birth charts reveal about someone and their life path.

Hmm. Nina leaned back in her chair. I wonder what mine would say.

We could find out, Alex said, leaning in closer.

You can do that?

Sure. All I need is your exact birth time. I obviously know the rest of the information. After we print your chart out, I could walk you through it if you’re interested in learning about your current planetary transits.

Yeah, I’d love that! Nina said with renewed energy. It sounds like a lot of fun, but you’re going to have to explain everything to me. I don’t even know what a ‘transit’ is.

I’ve got you covered. If you’ve got time tonight, you can come on back to the house and we’ll have a look at your chart.

Heck yeah. Let’s do it, Nina replied, her face aglow with hope again.

*

Babe, we’re back! Alex announced.

So soon? Jackson called out from his office. I figured you’d be gone all night. He walked into the kitchen as Alex hung up her purse in the laundry room.

Nina wants to have a look at her birth chart, so we decided to move our girls’ night here.

Ah, he replied, hugging Nina. Haven’t seen you in a while. It’s good to know you’re still alive.

I’m still kicking. Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. I need to get by here more often.

So, Alex has roped you into this stuff too, huh? he asked with a grin.

She’s pretty convincing. If it’s anything like she’s promised, I’ll be over the moon. I need something to go my way for a change.

Can you open a bottle of wine for us? Nina’s going to get Weston to send over her birth certificate so we can run her chart.

Any preference?

How about the red blend we picked up at the winery last week.

I’m on it, he said, heading to the wine cabinet.

A few minutes later, Alex typed in Nina’s birth information that Weston emailed after she’d called and begged him to break away from the football game long enough to search for her birth certificate in their safe.

Voila! Alex presented Nina’s newly printed birth chart as Nina sipped from her wine glass after catching up with Jackson.

I highlighted the important planetary transits for you right now. See, this is where Saturn’s impacting you currently — your fifth house, which is your creative hobby house. I think that tells us your art will be coming back into the picture. You also have a Uranus transit in your ninth house, which means a spiritual expansion is on the horizon for you. This tells me you’ll be open to all kinds of new belief systems.

They moved to Alex’s home office where she spent the next hour pointing out significant planetary placements and upcoming transits that Nina might need to look out for over the next few years.

This stuff’s so interesting, Nina said, wrapping her thick, brown hair around her finger as she studied her chart. I wish I had known all this before. It would have saved me a ton of time and energy. I’ve been banging my head against the wall the past year when nothing was materializing.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone knew about these tools that can give us so much insight?

Sure would. Nina’s gaze landed on Alex’s bookcase behind Alex’s chair. Her eyes narrowed. Hey, what are those cards?

Alex cast a quick glance over her shoulder. Nina was pointing directly at her tarot cards. Alex swallowed hard. She hadn’t thought about Nina spotting the tarot decks in her office. She had been reading for clients the night before and hadn’t put them back in the closet. She hadn’t anticipated that they would come back to the house after dinner.

She still hadn’t told her family about her tarot studies. She had been sucked into the world of divination for the past year but still found it hard to broach the subject with her family members. Now was as good as any time to confess her newest obsession.

Tarot cards, she squeaked out.

Tarot? You can read cards? Nina asked, surprised.

I dabble in it.

Since when? Nina jumped out of her chair and walked over to the bookcase to investigate the cards closer.

Since last fall.

How did I not know?

I wasn’t sure how anyone in the family would take it. I’ve been doing it on the downlow. Her heart quickened, and she reached for her wine glass to take the edge off.

Who are you, and what did you do with my sister?

Alex laughed, relieved that her younger sister didn’t seem too fazed by it.

Do you read for other people?

Sometimes, if I think it would help them.

Does it work?

Oh, yeah! They’re spot on. The cards never lie.

Hmm. Nina read the back of the box she was holding.

You know, if you want to know more about the changes that are unfolding in your life, I’d love to throw a tarot spread for you. Tarot and astrology go well together. Tarot gets right to the heart of the matter. I find it immensely helpful, especially when contemplating options for the future. And it’s great for offering insight into blocks and helping to navigate your way forward. If you’re up for it.

I’m up for anything right now! You know…that whole Uranus in the ninth house or whatever you said earlier. I could use all the guidance I can get at this point. I just can’t believe you can read these. Nina shook her head as she placed the cards back on the shelf. You’re full of surprises tonight.

I kind of stumbled onto it last year and was hooked immediately. The more I learn about it, the more I want to share it with people.

Sign me up. When can I get a reading?

How about next weekend. It’s getting late tonight.

I’ll be here.

Butterflies danced in Alex’s stomach at the thought of sharing her new gift with someone so close to her. If she was going to devote more time to her tarot studies, she would have to get used to opening up about it. It was risky but also exhilarating — like magic always was.

Chapter Two

Isobel Frey

Memphis, July 2019

Isobel Frey gently stirred honey into her chamomile tea as she sank into her recliner, decompressing from a long day of energy healing sessions. She flicked through her emails and clicked on the latest one from Alex, which included an online article on The Smithsonian website. The article, A Sorceress’ Kit Was Discovered in the Ashes of Pompeii, included an image of a recovered medical kit showing a collection of trinkets that the archaeologists believed were used in rituals, fertility remedies, and fortune-telling. Her skin prickled as she read about the carved scarab beetles, tiny skulls, dolls, and uncovered buttons made of bone that were found in the kit. She flashed back to an incarnation she shared with Alex in Pompeii in 79 AD.

She performed a fertility ritual to bless the woman sitting in front of her. This blessing would help to prepare her womb for fertilization. Objects similar to the ones in the kit she’d just been reading about were spread out in front of her as she worked.

She sensed Alex outside the dwelling and glanced out the open window of the clay hut. Alex led a group of children through the village on a lesson outside. A bright yellow and green aura danced around her under the hot sun.

Izzy traveled back to her living room as the vision faded. Seeing Alex so happy in her teaching role in that lifetime lit up her heart chakra. She was doing her best to help Alex work through her intense fear of stepping into the spotlight in the here and now. She was determined to reconnect Alex with her love of teaching. It was the role she’d always shined best in. She’d led countless covens in many of their previous incarnations, and in this lifetime, it was Izzy’s task to help her remember who she was and to reconnect her with her mystical gifts as she embraced her power that had been dormant in this lifetime until their reunion last autumn. Alex’s gifts had grown over the past year, yet Izzy knew things would escalate soon. She worried that Alex might pull back if things unfolded too quickly.

As she sipped her tea, she set an intention to help Alex realize her potential as a teacher and to help build up her confidence to prepare her for what was coming. She knew the depths of Alex’s power. She just had to reconnect her with it. In their many shared lives, Alex had been her rock; her strength had been impenetrable. She had gotten disconnected from herself along the way, but Izzy knew she, of all people, could help her sister remember how powerful she truly was.

As Izzy stood up to put her teacup in the sink, she stumbled. Her head spun, and she lost her balance. On her way to the ground, she grabbed a chair nearby to steady herself before collapsing into the chair, discombobulated.

Whew. That was close.

She stayed put for a few minutes to get her bearings. She often came home fatigued from a long day of work, but her energy levels had been waning for a few months. Her dizzy spells had become more frequent. Worry crept in that it could be more than burnout, and uneasiness washed over her when she contemplated the possibilities. Part of her didn’t want to know, but this dizzy spell told her that she couldn’t continue to ignore the warning signs by throwing herself into her work with Alex. Although, she’d rather focus on their efforts to piece together their dreams and clues from past lives if it was up to her. It was better than the alternative of doctor visits and waiting for test results. Finding their sister had become priority number one over the summer, which had served as an excellent distraction from her growing symptoms and fears.

What she dreaded most was telling Alex. She hadn’t filled her in on her worsening fatigue or brain fog over the past few months. The last thing she wanted was to worry her needlessly or add to her list of burdens. They both had a lot on their plate. This could derail Alex’s growth, and that was something she wasn’t willing to risk.

Exhausted, Izzy crawled into bed a few hours earlier than usual. Max wasn’t even home from work yet, but she needed to rest up for tomorrow’s busy schedule of healing sessions. It was crucial to build her energy back up by morning. She would need all the strength she could muster to tackle what ailed her. 

It wouldn’t take her long to fall asleep tonight. She just hoped she’d join her sisters once again in the dream world. Connecting with them each night was medicine for her soul. No better healing than that.

***

Isadora sat next to the fire as her younger sister, Hester, sketched an outline of their cottage. Hester hadn't spoken much since they’d come home after the altercation with her schoolmates.

Alexus opened the cottage door and sat her basket on the table next to her divination cards.

Is Mother not back yet? Alexus asked. It is already dark out.

She must still be at Rebecca’s. She made a cake to take over and said she might stay to help her finish the quilt they started last month.

Hester, have you finished your schoolwork? Alexus asked, glancing at her sketching by the fire.

Hester continued sketching and acted as if she hadn’t heard her older sister’s question.

Hester, speak when you are spoken to, please, Alexus scolded.

Isadora cast a warning glance Alexus’ way and crossed the room to pull Alexus aside, out of earshot of Hester. She is in a foul mood this evening.

Any particular reason?

I found her walking home from Reverend Spencer’s this afternoon with a group of schoolgirls taunting her again.

What for this time? Alexus picked out a few potatoes from the sack in the cupboard and began peeling them to start dinner since their mother would not make it back in time.

From what I gathered from her on the walk home, she was sketching as usual as the girls played after their lessons, and the reverend’s daughter had one of her fits and fell to the ground. She worked herself up real good with a bloody nose and all. Hester dropped her sketchpad to help poor Mary, but as the girl came to, her mother spotted the sketch. She had drawn a girl lying on the ground with blood running down her face.

I take it they saw fit to accuse Hester of harming Mary herself.

Precisely.

I have tended to Mary before. She has these fits regularly. Hester was not the cause, Alexus stated confidently.

You and I know that, but how do you think the village will see it? Word is traveling already. They will likely see it as validation of the rumors that already follow us.

Alexus nodded her head. Ah, I wondered what the whispering was about as I passed the Mayberry’s place tonight.

Isadora sighed. This is how it always starts.

On the positive side, it seems Hester’s clairvoyant skills are developing.

Isadora nodded in agreement. Her prophecy skills have been the most consistent thus far.

That is some good news at the very least. Alexus abandoned her cooking station in the kitchen and walked over to her younger sister. Do you have anything to say about what occurred this afternoon?

What is there to tell? I do not fit in here, and I never will.

This is nothing new for any of us. Alexus said with her hands upon her hips.

They think me the devil. Must I go back there? Can mother not teach me? Hester cried out.

Has it grown that bad? Alexus asked, frustrated.

They make the sign of the cross when I walk by. I will not go back. She slammed her charcoal pencil down on the floor defiantly.

They were calling her a ‘witch’ when I walked by, Isadora added. I had hoped this time she would make friends, she whispered to Alexus.

That does not appear to be in the cards in this life, Alexus whispered back. And we are witches, so can you blame them?

Alexus sat down next to Hester and brushed her hair as she continued to draw. This is precisely why we have spoken about not using your gifts in front of others. Mayhem ensues.

I never mean to.  

I know you did not mean to this time. You are not at fault. We need to take more caution in the future, though. If your gifts develop further, we may face this more and more.

If I do not return, there is nothing to worry about, Hester muttered, sulking.

I cannot bear to send her back to that schoolhouse after how they have treated her, Isadora pleaded.

Sheltering her does no good. She cannot hide forever.

I know. I detest watching her retreat into herself with each growing day. Her gifts cannot grow if she becomes fearful of her own power, though. I saw how merciless they were to her. It will be a miracle if she continues her mystical studies after such ridicule.

She must, Alexus shot back, turning to face Isadora. She is next in line to lead the coven after you. Mother has retired as High Priestess. It must be one of us that fills that role. If anything happens to me, the two of you must be ready to take my place.

Do not say such things! I could not bear it if anything happened to you. Isadora knelt in front of her sister and grabbed her hands. You are too important to us.

Alexus stroked Isadora’s face. I do not like thinking along those lines either, but we must plan for them nonetheless.

She cannot return. If she does, she may shun her gifts. Would that be preferable?

Obviously, that is not what I prefer. Whatever it takes to keep her progressing is what we will do, Alexus conceded. I am too weary to have this fight.

She will be ready when the time comes. I can cover her academic studies in addition to her training.

What about your studies? We cannot let your gifts stall in the meantime.

I can manage both. You have your hands full with the coven, Isadora said, standing back up.

No. If we are taking on her studies full-time, we will bear that burden together.

Thank you, Hester said, jumping up and hugging Alexus and Isadora before skipping outside to watch for their mother.

Show me this drawing of Mary, Alexus said, gesturing for Isadora to hand her the sketchpad Hester had abandoned by the crackling fire.

Isadora picked up the pad and froze. Hester’s latest sketch detailed a familiar foe.

The witch hunter from your dreams, Isadora said, gasping before turning the pad over to Alexus.

A tall, brooding man stood outside a cottage door similar to the one they sat in at that very moment.

That settles that. Alexus sighed. It appears it is once again time for us to move on. He will find us shortly if we remain here.

Isadora threw her hands up in the air in frustration. Again?

At least none of us grew attached to this place. Hester might be delighted to leave.

Mother will not. She had made friends with a few of the neighbors — Rebecca for one.

It does not matter now. Start packing up. I will break the news to mother and the coven. Time is of the essence.

***

Izzy woke up to a text from Alex.

ALEX: I had a dream about our sister. I have a name — Hester.

IZZY: Eerie,I just dreamed about Hester, too!

Chapter Three

Hazel Palmer

Salem, Massachusetts, July 2019

Hazel Palmer’s ‘69 mustang pulled into Salem, Massachusetts, as the hot summer sun rose high in the sky. With the top down, the breeze made the heat bearable. Her legs had fallen asleep after driving straight through lunch; she needed to stop to stretch.

She parked her car on Essex Street and strolled through the town peering into the storefront windows adorned with witches and brooms.  She hadn’t planned on driving this far north, but she couldn’t fight the magnetic pull that had drawn her in this direction all week.

Her stomach growled.

Oh, right, lunch.

She followed the mouthwatering smell of fish and chips to the entrance of Rockafellas, a local restaurant.

Just missed the lunch crowd. Good.

She made her way to the bar.

Sit anywhere you like, the bartender said as he whipped by with full glasses to deliver to patrons at the end of the bar.

Can I get you something to drink? the bartender asked a few moments later, throwing a Rockafellas coaster down in front of her.

Iced tea, please.

You got it. He dropped a lunch menu next to the coaster.

She flipped through the menu as she waited.

Anything look good to you? He set her drink on the coaster.

Everything looks good; that’s the problem. The fish and chips were tempting, but she wanted something lighter.

The fish tacos, Hazel replied, closing the menu before she changed her mind again.

Excellent choice. Are you staying in town or just passing through?

Not sure yet. Any recommendations for hotels if I stay?

Depends on your price range. Places start booking up the closer we get to autumn, and prices climb this time of year.

Right, that makes sense.

The inns are starting to fill up. Check with the Hawthorne Hotel, he suggested before putting in her order with the kitchen.

She pulled up the Hawthorne Hotel on her phone and skimmed the page for the prices of the few rooms available.

Her stomach sank.

She couldn’t afford a few hundred dollars a night. She checked the sites of a few of the local bed and breakfast inns, and the bartender had been right — no vacancies for the next few weeks.

She had a limited amount of funds in her pocket that would need to be stretched until she could pick up work. She wasn’t sure what her plans were for the foreseeable future. There was no way to know when her next paying gig would materialize. She lived on the road, and never gave too much thought to where she would end up next.

She’d been traveling up the East Coast for weeks with no specific long-term plans, but now she would need to stay in town long enough to earn some cash to keep traveling. She took odd jobs along the way to make ends meet. She hadn’t gone to college like her peers, so she relied on her artistic skills to get by. She didn’t stay in one place too long and enjoyed traveling the country and drawing the places she visited along the way. Unfortunately, she had no savings and would need to find a job soon or she’d be sleeping in her car for the week.

*

After her late lunch, Hazel walked down Essex Street to check out a few of the shops and hunt for any leads on job openings where she could earn some quick cash. She had struck out at most of the shops so far. No one needed any help for the season.

She opened the door to The Coven’s Cottage but turned around at the last minute as something pulled her down the street. She followed a group of tourists to Alchemy, a charming mystical shop.

An array of scents greeted Hazel as she opened the door to Alchemy.

Mmm…sage, patchouli, and lavender.

The store housed a range of items from books, crystals, and incense to all kinds of divinatory tools. She gravitated toward the tarot section in the back of the store. She didn’t own many tarot decks as she was always on the go and had to keep her possessions to a minimum, but she owned a few trusty decks that never steered her wrong. While she didn’t have the funds to purchase any new decks, she still loved to browse all the new ones on the market. Her original Rider Waite Smith Tarot and The Everyday Witch Tarot were her most used decks that she would never part with.

Moments later, she found herself gazing into the crystal ball sitting atop a wooden table in the middle of the store. As she peered into the orb, she was overcome with déjà vu as if she’d been in this store before.

That’s not possible.

Even though it made her uneasy, she glanced back into the crystal ball. A vision slowly began to form — a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length brown hair gazing into the same crystal ball.

Was she seeing herself looking into this orb?

No, that can’t be. The hair color’s darker, and the woman’s older.

This image lured her closer to the surface of the sphere. It was as if the woman was reaching out to her.

Hazel stumbled backward, losing her balance.

Can I help you, miss?

Oh, I’m sorry. I just got dizzy for a moment. She stepped away from the crystal ball, bewildered.

Here, why don’t you sit down for a moment until you feel better. The store clerk grabbed a chair from the palmistry reader’s table and offered it to her.

Thank you. Hazel sat down and shook her head, still struggling to work out what the vision meant. She found herself telling the clerk about the image she’d just seen.

You must’ve heard this same thing from many customers.

"No, not really. Most people don’t see anything, although they try their darndest. Every once in a blue