I asked around among the few Elm witches I sort of knew, and they pointed me to the hotel lobby, where the main administrative offices had been converted into a central command for their Matriarch.
Klaeris rose from her desk when she saw me, smiling wide. "Ophelia!" she said. "I haven't seen you in a while. But some of the witches who live near you say you have been working some spectacular magic."
"Yeah," I rubbed the back of my head. "It's good to have something to practice. I actually had a question for you about magic, if that's alright."
"My knowledge is yours," Klaeris said. "Ask away."
I hesitated. I could start with the question about magical theory, then move into more complicated territory. Or I could dive right in.
"I think I'm in love with Imogen," I blurted out. "And I th
