The evening died down. I was left sitting alone again, but this time my basket of crystals was full of energy. Their surfaces pulsed with pink light. The elves' energy was different, but it was intense. It wasn't as easy to mix with my own, but when I did, I felt powerful.

I collected the basket and went downstairs. I bid good night to Cherry with a nod. I carried my basket through the back then started up the stairs.

"Beloved," Liam's deep voice drew my eyes up from the stair ...