“Oh, hi! Hold on.” She pushed the door open and then went to her phone, lowering the music that blared out of the speakers. “Sorry. Dropkick Murphys. For some reason the loud music helps me focus and create my lists for the week.”
Behind her, a large wooden table dominated a massive kitchen, which was equal parts quaint and old-timey and modern and industrial. Stone walls and high ceilings with thick beams reminded you that you were in a castle, but slick stainless steel prep tables showcased modern features. At the wooden table, several notebooks lay spread out and opened, and a laptop was shoved to the side.
“Lia, this is Liora. She is Zara’s sister and Gloam believes she’s next in the Order.”
“No way.” Lia’s face lit up. A New York—or was that Boston?—accent tinged her words. “Welcome. When did you arrive?”
“Um, two days ago,” I said.
“Archie was hoping you’d have a spot of lunch for us, so we could chat.” Faelan checked a slim watch at her wrist. “And I’ve got to get back to clients shortly.”
“No problem. I’ve got a chili in the pot. Does that suit everyone?” Lia gestured to where a large stainless steel pot simmered on the stove. “In the dining room?”
“Perfect,” Faelan said. We waited as Zara commanded Mitch forward and they navigated through the kitchen and into a sort of setup area that housed stacks of plates, cutlery, linens, and tableware. I gasped as we stepped out into the dining area.
The restaurant was both overwhelming and cozy at the same time.
“This used to be the ballroom,” Lia said, seeing my expression as I looked up at the tall ceilings with massive ornate wooden and iron chandeliers, beautiful stone walls with votive candles tucked in the crevices, and tall windows overlooking the gardens. “We made it smaller by creating these walls on either side with faux greenery and adding lighting.”
On two opposite sides of the room, tall greenery walls closed in the dining area, making it feel more intimate, and tables of various sizes were scattered through the room.
Movement whirled, and I gasped as a…creature… in a red hat with big eyes dashed through the room with a tablecloth in hand. In seconds, a table was set, and I was left clutching Sir Buster so tightly that he began to growl.
“Sorry, sorry,” I whispered, easing my grip on the dog. Had anyone else seen that? Why was nobody reacting to the fact that a goblin had just raced through the room? Was this something todo with my powers? Confused, and more than a bit unsettled, I eased toward the door. Maybe it was best if I left altogether.
Lia turned and must have seen something on my face that had her throwing her head back with laughter.
“I forget. That’s Brice. He’s my kitchen broonie.”
I blinked and pressed my lips together, tilting my head at Lia. She seemed mostly sane, but I’d only just met her.
“I know, I know.” Lia laughed again. “Trust me, it took me a moment to wrap my head around it, too. Particularly as I’m not from Scotland and not as in tune to all the magickal elements that come with the history here.”
“A broonie?” I swallowed, uncertain if this was some sort of hazing that went along with initiating people into the Order of Caledonia.
“Aye,” Faelan said, smiling as she took a seat at the freshly made-up table. “We’ve got a kitchen elf, garden gnomes, my fox, a talking crow, a ghost coo, hedgehogs … honestly the list goes on. It’s quite a magickal hodgepodge of creatures and witches we’ve got here, isn’t it?”
“What about a squirrel?” I blurted out and then flushed when Zara swung her head toward me.
“A squirrel?” Zara asked.
“Och, have you met your familiar already?” Faelan asked in delight, and Zara’s face crinkled with concern.
“Her familiar?”
“Many of us have a familiar. Gloam’s mine. I know I’ve told you he’s just a recovering patient, but he’s actually my familiar. Many magickals have familiars. They help when doing spells or just act as a companion as needed,” Faelan explained, beaming as a bowl of chili landed in front of her.
“What the—” My mouth fell open. I hadn’t even seen the broonie this time, but clearly he’d delivered the chili.
“I know. He moves fast,” Faelan said, acknowledging my look of surprise.
"What happened?” Zara asked.
“Um, the house elf moved like the speed of light and delivered a bowl of chili to Faelan at the table.” Automatically, I took Zara’s arm and helped her to the table, and she bent and unharnessed Mitch so he could be off duty for a bit. Mitch immediately bounded over to where Harris and Lady Lola lounged in the corner and made his introductions. Sir Buster squirmed in my arms, so I put him down so he could race off and lord his importance over Mitch.
“I can sense him. He’s got a pleasant aura,” Zara said, settling back into her seat. Her eyes took on that dreamy expression they did when she looked inward. “He’s a sweet soul.”
A soft sound at Zara’s side had her turning, and my eyes rounded as Brice appeared. He moved slowly as he put the bowl of chili in front of Zara, and then took her hand, placing it on the bowl so she could feel where it was.