It’s #BookQW and not the ‘night’ our heroine expected!
Luna stays busy with her younger sisters and widowed father–one of many reasons she’s hesitating to commit to Salm of the Seas.
More from Chapter 5:
“How will we clean it in a week?” Nebula asked.
With a sigh, Luna perched on the edge of her chair. “Starting tonight, of course. We have”—she counted to make sure—“six more days, not counting today, until the celebrations and tours begin. We’ll do the best we can. With magic.”
Stella sucked a breath, her face lighting up.
“Papa won’t like that,” Nebula said, yet she was smiling, too.
“Papa is the one who got us into this mess. He won’t say anything.” She moved a few dirty dishes. “Mam wouldn’t have liked it either, and that’s what’s really bothering him. The house never looked like this while Mam was alive. We don’t have her…”
“What? Determination? Training?” asked Nebula. “Don’t say it’s because she died and didn’t finish teaching us—that’s what Frannie says.”
Aye, Nebs’ critical friend would say that. “Don’t let him see you using magic until I can talk to him.”
Nebula crossed her arms. “He’ll say we don’t have the energy to spare.”
They didn’t. Working with mechanical equipment didn’t generate magic. Windborne wizards created their energy through interactions with the land, its plants and animals. Luckily, running the lighthouse covered their family’s contribution to the Tern Bay enclave’s shielding, as well as earning Papa pay in trade credit. “Gardening and outdoor chores will create a bit of magic. See if we have any garlic bulbs to put out. Pet the chickens and herd them to the corners of the yard to search out bugs instead of just scattering feed. I’d contact Mr. Grouse and see if he has any rescue birds in need of care, but I dare say we don’t have the time.”
Stella huffed. “Then we can’t use magic? Wait, we can go after that bird I saw!”
Luna glanced at the clock, its hands showing half past six. “Salm is due here in five and a half hours. It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen him, and I’m not missing my time with him.”
Nebula snorted.
“Luna and Salm,” Stella began singing, “sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N—”
Luna pointed a glowing finger. Stella ducked. “Remember, I might not have much, but the magic I do have is lightning hot.” Any mention of lightning sent Stella scurrying for her covers. She hated storms.
***
Read the first chapters on the book page: Keepers of the Seas Cliffs.
Buy the ebook (The paperback is coming soon!)
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