The scent of sage and lavender hung thick in the air as Lily stirred a bubbling cauldron, her mother's quiet chanting a soothing backdrop to the morning's work. Sunlight streamed through the shop's front windows, catching motes of herb dust that danced like fairy lights.
A jingle of bells announced another customer. Lily looked up to see a burly man with wild hair and amber eyes scanning the shelves nervously.
"Can I help you?" she asked, setting aside her wooden spoon.
The shifter approached the counter, glancing furtively over his shoulder. "I need more of that protection balm," he muttered. "The strong stuff."
Lily nodded knowingly. "Of course. I just finished a fresh batch this morning."
As she reached for a jar on a high shelf, the shop door opened again. A familiar presence sent
