The stack of books shifted against Sage's ribs as she reached the first step. She redistributed the weight as her purse strap began digging into her shoulder, the hot tea carrier was growing damp against her palm. One step. Two. The leather of her smallest book squeaked against the glossy cover of the largest. Three steps. Four. Her pinky finger cramped beneath the bottom book's spine. At the fifth step, the massive door loomed before her, its glass panels reflecting the af

Naomi drew in a deep breath; her hands trembled as she struck the match, raising it to the first candle. The flare finally took to life, then the second, the third, one by one, until the eye shape blazed completely on her living room table. Smoke from sage curled up from the flames, and in the center, a crystal ball caught the light like a pupil dilating in the dark. She could still hear Jade’s voice in her head: "Oh my God, Naomi, just drop me the money. You know I'm good