Sage watched the candle on her vanity burn, inhaling the scent of willow bark and vanilla. She wanted to sit in her room, studying and shutting out the world until she had to deal with it again. But she knew she couldn’t.

The Moon Goddess Ball was tonight. It was an annual masquerade ball to celebrate the goddess and her gifts she bestowed on her creatures. For witches, it was a time to honor her for their gift of magic and power. But mostly, it was a time to party. ...