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“This is my sanctuary Not many are allowed in You’re like family So, when you came to me witch to witch, there was no other option but to invite you down” She clarifies the lines between us As lead witch for the hty Lord of New Orleans Court, Blazh, she has to be careful about our interactions At the moment, he and Cristobal are on friendly tere swiftly As lord of a large portion of land in addition to Cypress, we’re neighbors

“Knoould do the same for you, Hal”

She smiles “I believe you You’re the only visitor I’ve had here from back home”

My heart aches for her “I’m sorry, Hal”

“Don’t be I knehat I was forfeiting when I h the losses”

“I’ic, I’m pleased to see her happy She deserved far better than her lot in life Magic can do s, but it can’t fix a broken family riddled extreme sexism and dysfunctionality

“Let me show you one of my favorite parts of the house The kitchen” The white the area White subway tile on the walls is a contrasting backsplash to her butcher-block countertops The appliances are top of the line stainless steel, and theabove the deep-set sink overlooks a large, well-kept garden

She bearow as much of my own produce and herbs as possible”

“I totally understand that Spells are so redients are fresh”

The rest of the house continues to be equally light and airy with pops of soft colors, and high-end, engaging pieces of art and décor Very little of her previous life exists here Her pictures are sparing, and the embellishments all seem new Suddenly, I appreciate my family, warts and all

We end up on the co roolasses half full of cola

“Tell s you over this way”

“I’nize It’s old So old even Cristobal couldn’t pinpoint it He’s working on finding soht be able to, but I’o too long”

“And you don’t want it on your conscious?” she says

“No I owe theet my hands dirty and protect them?”