EPILOGUE

Divers recover the switchblade as well as the hat and wig, but they’re never able to find Max’s head or any parts of his body.

I’m able to make good on my promise to T’Chuba that I’d pass on her teachings to a new generation. My student is Amanda. I entrust her with the witchcraft I’ve learned over the years, and she is an attentive learner.

I never did take Officer Jim Greene up on that drink offer, but I did finally break down and get a security system installed at the store.

As of the time of writing this, I haven’t heard from or seen Bolan or the white swan, and I miss my wood sprite friend.

In my over two hundred years of life, I’ve been able to see and do some fantastical things. But a good portion of that time was spent living with unimaginable guilt for terrible occurrences involving innocent people, caused in part because of my inaction.

I still live in the same house in Smithwick, and I still run the store. Bregaris and Octavia are still with me and both are as mischievous as ever. I’m traveling more and have stopped using the longevity spell. Calvin is the first person I call to care for Bregaris whenever I’m away. I vow to return to England before I die.

My name is Catherine Howe, and I am a witch.

THE END