The Coven's Grove Chronicles, Tome 2: Anna

Chapter One

Hannah looked up into the canopy of giant trees, though “giant” might not have been the correct term. Colossal seemed more appropriate. Five years ago, she would have thought the types and sizes of flora surrounding her would never exist again, but, under Miranda’s supervision and assistance, Hannah had nurtured this small patch of wood into something unlike anything on the planet. She and Miranda had been at it for a little over four years now, and the results had proved nothing less than staggering.

The giant grove had germinated within the heart of a pile of fallen trees, located at the convergence of several hillocks. The natural landscape had provided a deep, rocky bowl that helped camouflage the enormous pines, oaks, and sequoias that now grew here. If seen from the air, the trees would still be much larger than their surrounding cousins, but, to the untrained eye, the difference would appear to be caused by a large hill, not prehistoric-sized vegetation.

Hannah moseyed toward the dais that she, Miranda, and Rhea had created three years ago. Its base grew up from the mossy earth in a tangle of roots and vines. A rough, tapered block of white quartz had been pulled up from the earth by the surrounding trees. Their tangling roots had offered themselves up to become part of the living altar.

Rhea had chiseled a smooth bowl into the giant block that now served as the coven’s cauldron. She had also etched ancient runes around the lip of the bowl, and the sides of the stone, which pulsed with soft golden light.

The summoning incantation the three of them had performed last summer remained strong to its purpose. Soothing vibrations thrummed from the ground into Hannah’s bare feet as she approached the heart of their home. She placed her hands on the white stone and smiled. Warmth crept into her hands, slow and steady. The feeling was on the verge of intoxicating.

Hannah stepped back, admiring the work she had done to create such a wondrous thing. It worked, she thought with a pang of heady excitement. I can’t believe it really worked.

Alix’s arrival this last winter had been proof enough for Hannah that their magic was indeed effective, but she wanted more. Hannah’s gaze went to the forest around her. She would like to see the growth that had started here expand further out into the region—into other states even. To achieve such a feat would require a great amount of power, power they had yet to possess.

They would need more sisters.

Months ago, when the three of them had enacted the spell, Hannah had hoped Miranda, their matriarch, was correct when she had said the incantation had worked. Now, there was no doubt in Hannah’s mind that more sisters would come. She would just have to be patient.

“It’s truly beautiful, Hannah,” Miranda said from behind her.

Hannah turned, in surprise, with a laugh. “You startled me.”

“My apologies, that was not my intention.” Miranda stepped from the edge of the forest into the clearing. Even dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt, she maintaining the classy poise of an aristocrat. She moved with the fluid grace of a fashion model, her long legs shapely and navigating the uneven terrain with ease. Broad shoulders and hips gave her that classic hourglass figure most women would kill for. Her wavy auburn hair glistened as she walked closer to the glowing runes. She gestured to the root and stone altar. “Your work is a beautiful thing to behold.”

“You’re too kind,” Hannah beamed. “Though I couldn’t have done it without you and Rhea.”

“Even so, your power made all of this possible,” Miranda said as she opened her arms to the forest surrounding them. “But, that’s not the reason I’ve come.”

Hannah arched a brow. “Oh?”