Sha'ka was alone in her shop. Misa had managed to catch the witch before she closed and left for the day. There was a heavy silence between them, and Misa kept her eyes on the faces decorating the walls.
She waited because she didn't want to push. Misa had seen how distressed Sha'ka was the moment the witch saw her, as if the mere sight of Misa melted away the strong mask the witch had maintained throughout the day. The only thing that had been said between them was Sha'ka's invitation to her hidden room.
"How do you feel, Misa?" Sha'ka asked, breaking the silence.
Misa didn't miss a beat. "Good. As long as I keep Tika's magic cloaked and release what I can't contain, I'm okay. What about you?"
Sha'ka smiled, but Misa could sense it wasn't genuine. "I've been better."
"And Brin?"
Sha
