She raised an eyebrow. “Diabolical? Evil? Sinister? Like witchcraft?”
I gave an apologetic shrug. “Pretty much.”
She strode over and grabbed my shoulders. “Savannah, these are labels
that people use to try to take your power. Don’t ever let anyone take your
power or make you doubt yourself. Magic is a tool. It can be used for good or
bad.”
“But summoning demons? That seems, like, always bad.”
“Gun violence is a plague in Chicago. You’re a good shot. Does that
make you evil?”
I grimaced. “I hope not. I just worry…” I held up my hands and
summoned my magic. Dark, smoky shadows twisted around my fingers.
“Would you rather make leaves grow and flowers bloom?”
I looked at the inky darkness drifting from my hand. “Maybe? Could I do
that?”
She shook her head. “I know a young woman, like you, who had power
over plants. She nearly brought a blight on the whole world. There are two
sides to every coin.”
I let the magic dissipate.
“Savannah, you’re strong, and you have a good heart. Trust it.” She
clapped her hands. “Now, let’s summon some demons. Casey, fetch the
coal.”
My head spun.
Having a conversation with my aunt was like listening to an airline
captain come over the intercom and say, “Sorry about the turbulence, folks.
Everything is going to be okay,” followed shortly by, “Good news, there are
enough parachutes for everyone, and the flight attendants are standing by to
help you put them on.”
A scent of nutmeg filled the room as a stream of light poured from my
aunt’s hand into the runes of one of the circles. The sigils illuminated one by
one until the whole circle was lit and crackling with magic. “This is a circle