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seventeen.”
    A familiar ache formed in Jewel’s stomach. She didn’t like to remember her London years. Her mother didn’t love her; she’d always known that, but at seventeen, she finally realised that Kara hated her. “She suggested executing me. For nothing. They all know that as well. Why would they think I’d care about anything to do with her?” She wondered if it was the right time to tell Maya she’d already decided to return.
    Maya picked up a handful of sand and let it run through her fingers. “You know the coven. They’re all about duty to the bloodline, and you are Kara’s only child. I think they expect you to come back and take over the coven. Or at least sort out the problems with your mother.”
    “What? They must be insane.”
    “I know.” Maya shifted to face Jewel. “But your grandfather and your mother have headed it as long as anyone can remember. It’s a subconscious thing.”
    “It’s not hereditary.” Jewel pulled her knees up and placed her head on them. “Anyway, I’d rather spend the rest of my life cleaning barnacles off a kraken.”
    Maya laughed, a short, sharp gasp. Jewel lifted her head and smiled reluctantly.
    “Well, no one’s going to make you,” Maya said. “And actually, I think Kara would put up a bit of a fight. That’s one of the problems.”
    “Okay.” Jewel wrapped her arms round her knees. “Tell me what’s got them stirred up.”
    “Well, the first thing is, Kara’s taken a lover.”
    “She has?” Jewel couldn’t understand why that was an issue. Kara gave the impression of being a cold fish, but she must have had sex before. At least once.
    “It wouldn’t be a problem, but he seems to have a lot of influence over her. And none of it good.” Maya paused. “We think he’s a renegade. I’m pretty sure he’s used some dubious magic. I can feel it round him.”
    “Dubious?”
    “Blood, death, final sacrifices. You know I can sort of see people’s auras? His is oily and the colour of tar.” Maya shuddered in an exaggerated manner. “The whole house is covered in it.”
    “Has anyone tried to talk to Kara?”
    “Loads of people. She won’t listen. She’s always done things her own way, and now the coven doesn’t know how to talk to her. And to add to the problem, she refuses to talk to them. There hasn’t been a proper meeting for nearly a year. They’re desperate.” Maya touched Jewel’s arm. “I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to come. It wasn’t my idea to ask you in the first place.”
    “I can’t see that I’d be any use.” Jewel bit her lip. “You know she never had any time for me. I was going to tell you, though, I’d decided to come back anyway.”
    “To London? To the coven?”
    “Not permanently. But I need to see her. I need to cut the cord properly. Put it on a formal basis. I’m not staying long.”
    “Then you’re coming back here?”
    “No. I’m going to find a coven I like and apply to join it.”
    “But why?” Maya’s voice held total incomprehension. “You love it here. It’s paradise. And where will I go for holidays?”
    “It’s time I moved on,” Jewel explained. “Found a purpose. A new coven. A place where I can make a contribution. Be part of something. Somewhere with decent weather, though. You can come and visit.”
    “This place suits you.”
    “I know.” Jewel sighed heavily. “I don’t want to go, but I must do something. I’ve developed a crush on Rann.”
    Maya snorted. “You’ve always had a crush on Rann. Why don’t you do something about it?”
    “Not always. I used to be terrified of him.”
    “For about two days.”
    “Oh come on, Maya.” Jewel rested her head back on her knees. “He’s out of my league. His father was Poseidon. And he’s a demigod.”
    “He’s approachable, though. You should make a move. It’s obvious he’s fond of you. Has he got a lover at the moment?”
    Jewel thought. She wasn’t aware of anyone in particular, but that