Chapter 10
The First Magic
“You okay, Penny? You look sick!” Katie drew back as if afraid her friend was contagious.
Penny had stepped through the door and into the hollow a few minutes past the usual meeting time to find the fire already lit and Katie pacing before it.
“Thanks, Kat. You always say the sweetest things!” Penny was too tired, too frustrated, and too overwhelmed to hide her irritation. The fact that Katie was right didn’t help. If she looked anywhere near as bad as she felt, then Katie’s appraisal was probably an understatement.
Katie gave her the look, and Penny instantly regretted her prickliness.
“I’m sorry. I fell asleep and almost didn’t wake up in time.” She yawned hugely, as if to prove her point. “I’m just tired.”
“It’s okay,” Katie said, and though sh
