Chapter Eight

In the garden by the koi pond, Mika gathers Terracotta, Rosetta, and Altamira for their first proper lesson, with Jamie supervising from a nearby tree. She opens with questions, addressing expectations: control won’t be mastered by Christmas, but they will begin learning safely, especially to protect the nonmagical caretakers.

The conversation turns to secrecy and Edward’s December visit. Mika and Jamie agree the girls may discuss him. Rosetta wonders about being known; Mika empathizes but stresses risk, pointing to accepting nonmagical families as potential allies. She explains she knows twenty witches who meet quarterly, joking about the “Very Secret Society,” and warns that Primrose—who prizes secrecy—must not learn about the girls because she might try to separate them.

Pressed on her history, Mika admits she grew up in Primrose’s home with nannies who were replaced and had their memories erased when they discovered magic. She calls memory tampering “icky,” while Terracotta argues harsh measures can protect loved ones. Mika prefers honest dialogue with the girls, then lightens the mood by introducing the named koi.

Mika assigns a simple animation spell using pebbles to gauge power and control. The girls concentrate hard; the pebbles don’t move, but Mika senses near success. Jamie notes he saw a twitch and shows rare warmth, encouraging Terracotta. Mika reframes their fear as the result of being taught to dread power, telling them practice and mutual support will build confidence: they have each other.

Inside, Ian watches the lesson with delight and hints at matchmaking Mika and Jamie. Ken and Lucie sharply discourage him, recalling a previous failed attempt and warning that pushing romance—especially with undisclosed secrets in Jamie’s past—could hurt him. Ian promises nothing credible, leaving the household braced against meddling as the lesson concludes.