Placing the crate of daisy plants on the ground, Andre Fey wiped his brow. For the last six months he had been caring for Althea Fey’s garden, at his mother’s request of course. Once a week he would appear at her house in order to weed the garden or plant new flowers, and as Morgan had expected, Althea had taken quite a shine to Andre. Althea had no idea that Andre had been instructed to perform this task, she merely thought of it as an act of good nature from the young man and Andre was to keep it that way.

Although Kurain’s Council of Elders had no direct leader to speak of, the closest one would get to naming someone in that position would be Althea Fey. Althea, blessed with great spiritual power, was first cousin to Mystic Meredith, Misty’s mother and Maya’s grandmother. As time wore on, and more generations were born into the Fey name, Althea’s direct relation to the master distanced. But despite the fact that she was Maya Fey’s third cousin, respect for Althea Fey and her abilities hadn’t waned in the slightest. It was only natural that in her twilight years she would occupy a pivotal position on the council.

Andre had been puzzled at first when Morgan had presented him with such a menial task, deeming it of utmost importance, but now that he knew more intricate details of her scheme, he knew that it was probably the single most important part of her plan altogether. Andre wasn’t just there to plant the daisies. He was to be the voice of the “regular villager” who was concerned with the lack of loyalty shown to them by their new master. He was the one needed to plant the seed of doubt in Althea’s mind about the capability of Maya Fey to be the master of Kurain. Over the last few months Andre had won Althea’s trust entirely. She seemed to value his input and liked his company. It would be easy to convince her that the council needed to strip Maya of her title for the good of the village.

“Andre?” Althea called. “Come inside and have a glass of lemonade. You’ve been working terribly hard out there.”

“Perfect.” Andre thought to himself. These little drink breaks were when the real work got done.

Heading inside the house, Andre noticed large stack of paperwork on Althea’s kitchen table. He could use that to his advantage.

“You look like you’ve been really busy, Mystic Althea.” Andre noted, taking a sip of his lemonade. Althea smiled. Although he wasn’t officially required to use the title of Mystic, Andre’s respectful use made her happy. She nodded in reply to Andre’s question, sighing as she sat down.

“With the Master away, there is much to get done around here.”

“Do you know when Mystic Maya will be returning?” Andre asked casually. Althea sighed again.

“Requests for her return have all gone unanswered.”

“Sounds like Mystic Maya doesn’t want to be Master.” Andre said with an innocent looking shrug.

“It would appear that way, wouldn’t it?” Althea said rhetorically, adjusting her glasses.

“It kind of hurts...” Andre began. “The way it seems she isn’t proud of us.” His carefully crafted expression of mock sadness was entirely convincing to Althea. “If I were in her position, I would do everything I could for the village.” He continued.

Althea reached across the table, giving his hand a squeeze.

“I know you would Andre, you’re a good boy.” She said with a small smile. “If only Mystic Maya were as dedicated as you.”

“Oh well.” He shrugged again. “I guess the Master is the Master and we have to just accept that. Not even the council can change that.”

Althea said nothing, her expression hardening somewhat.

On the exterior, Andre appeared saddened and concerned. But inside, he was smirking triumphantly.



It was late afternoon at Fey Manor and Pearl Fey sat happily playing with her dolls. She was especially fond of these dolls in particular as Mystic Mia had brought them for her the last time she had come to visit. With a boy doll in one hand, and a girl doll in the other, Pearl chatted away happily to herself.

“Mystic Maya...” she said in her best boy doll voice. “Will you marry me?”

“Of course, Mr Nick! I love you so very much!” she replied in her high pitched girl doll voice.

Even though the two never called each other by those names, in Pearl’s mind, her fantasy was completely legitimate. She pushed the dolls together in an awkward kiss, just as the phone began ringing. Putting her dolls down, she skipped over to the phone to answer it.

“Hello? Pearl speaking.” She said clearly into the phone, just like Maya had taught her.

“Hello Mystic Pearl!” said a cheery voice on the other end. “It’s Iris. I’m glad to see you made it home safely.”

“Uh huh.” Pearl said, nodding even though she was on the phone. “Mystic Maya and Mr Nick went back to the city yesterday though. They didn’t stay in Kurain. Did you want to speak to Mystic Maya?”

“Actually Mystic Pearl, I needed to speak to you. I need you to something for me.” Iris said.

“Sure thing Sister Iris! Anything for you!” Pearl chirped.

“Thank you Mystic Pearl!” Iris said, her smile evident in her voice. “I need you to do me a big favour okay? It’s really important.”

Iris paused before speaking again.

“I need you to channel Mystic Mia.”



Iris hung up the phone, relieved that Pearl had agreed to channel Mia again without question. Iris had told Mia of her concerns about Andre when Pearl had channelled her in the recovery room. Given the fact that Iris was not allowed to leave Hazakurain without a police escort, Mia offered to get more information once Pearl had returned home.

Iris sighed, smiling to herself. She was happy to have done her part to help and now felt that her conscience was just that little bit clearer.

“Good Luck Mia.” She whispered to herself, desperately hoping that Mia wouldn’t need it.



Mia opened her eyes and quickly surveyed her surroundings.

Fey Manor.

“Looks like Iris was successful.” She said to herself, standing up. She smiled wistfully at the familiar walls. It felt strange yet comforting to be home. But this was no time for reminiscing. She gave Pearl’s robe a small tug at the bottom, pulling it down so it covered a little more of her legs before heading out the door.

As she slipped through the gate that separated the manor and temple from the rest of the village, Mia was both surprised and relieved at the lack of people that seemed to be out and about. A few elderly women were chatting on the side of the road up ahead, while a young boy and girl who looked about Pearl’s age chased a puppy around. Apart from that, the main street of the village seemed quiet. The sun was beginning to set. It was probable that most families were at home preparing for dinner. This suited Mia just fine. Pearl’s ill fitting clothing was less likely to draw attention this way.

Heading down one of the paths that branched off the main street, it didn’t take Mia long to find the house she was looking for. Lucas Fey and his family lived in a large, well kept home surrounded by farming fields. They even had a rather clichéd white picket fence surrounding their yard. Mia scoffed. Even the facade of a perfect home and family on the outside couldn’t completely cover up the underlying troubles that Lucas Fey’s drinking and womanising had caused his family. As she approached the gate she noticed a young girl of about fourteen reading a book on the grass in the front yard.

“Hello sweetie.” Mia said, smiling sweetly at the girl. “Are your parents home?”

“Mom isn’t here, but Dad’s in the house.” The girl said, opening the gate and allowing Mia to enter.

“Thank you.” Mia said with another smile. She jogged up the stairs to the house and knocked on the front door. She waited a few moments, but there was no answer.

“Hello?” she called. “Is anyone there?”

Still no answer. Sighing, Mia tried the handle. It was unlocked. The door opened with a soft creak and she entered the house.

“Hello?” Mia called from the entryway. “Lucas? Are you here?”

No response. A loud clinking of glass from a room to her right caught Mia’s attention, and she decided to follow the noise. Sliding the screen door open, she stepped into what appeared to be some sort of sitting room. Lucas Fey was kneeling at a small table on the far side of the room, pouring himself what appeared to be sake. Many empty bottles also littered the table. He didn’t seem to acknowledge her arrival in any way.

“I’m very sorry for barging in,” Mia began. “But there was no answer and the door was open, so I just...”

Mia stopped when Lucas looked up at her, his eyes and cheeks red and expression unfocused.

“That’s okay pretty lady.” Lucas slurred. “What can I do you for? Drink?” he finished, holding up a small ceramic mug.

“Great.” Mia thought to herself. “He’s drunk.”

“No thank you.” Mia said flatly. “I came here to ask you some questions.”

“Ohh come on. I’m sure the pretty lady would like a drink.” Lucas said again. “Come. Sit.” He said, patting the floor alongside him.

“No thank you, I’ll stand.” Mia said, crossing her arms. Lucas shrugged and took a sip of his own drink. “I wanted to ask you about Andre.” Mia said.

Lucas chuckled.

“Ahhh, you interested in my boy are you?” he said with a sly grin. “He’s a good looking kid, my Andre. Get’s his good looks from his Dad. You might be a little old for him though, he’s just a boy. You’re not too old for Papa Bear though...pretty lady...”

Lucas licked his lips. Mia rolled her eyes in disgust.

“I’ll pass.” Mia said with a glare. “I need to know why he would have been speaking to Morgan Fey on the phone. He called her while she was in prison.”

Lucas’s expression changed immediately upon hearing Morgan’s name.

“That bitch.” He spat. “That cold manip... manirp... manipulative bitch. Manipulating my boy just as she manipulated me all those years ago.”

Lucas blinked a few times and wobbled a little after his outburst. Mia eyed him disbelievingly.

“I’d hardly say you were an innocent party, Lucas. It takes two people to make a baby.” She said raising an eyebrow. Lucas frowned.

“How’d you know about that?” he asked, a puzzled expression on his face. That was a good enough admission of guilt for Mia. “She tricked me you know. She did.” Lucas attempted to defend himself. Mia really didn’t care to know the details. It didn’t matter how Morgan got Lucas into bed with her, just that she did at all.

“So her baby didn’t die at birth then. It was Alana’s, wasn’t it?” Mia asked. Lucas hung his head.

“Yeah.” Lucas said as his shoulders slumped. “She gave Andre to us. She met another man. Said she didn’t want Andre.” Lucas poured himself another drink and knocked it back in one gulp.

Mia nodded, taking in the information. Morgan had managed to hide her pregnancy under the large kimonos that she loved to wear so much. Only Lucas and those in the head family had any idea about her pregnancy at all. She wondered if Andre would be so willing to do his mother’s dirty work if he knew the truth about how she didn’t want him, and so casually gave him away.

“She didn’t love him. She doesn’t love him now. She’s just using him. She uses everyone.” Lucas said, his slur becoming worse. “She’s evil, and he’s a good boy!” he cried, before starting to sob.

“I loved her damn it!” Lucas cried, pounding his fist on the table. A couple of bottles toppled over from the impact. Mia was startled. This was way more information than she really needed right now. Kneeling down beside the distraught, intoxicated man, she placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

“I’m going to try and help him before it’s too late.” She said. Lucas sighed, sniffling.

“It’s too late. It’s too late, pretty lady.” He said sadly.

“Maybe it isn’t yet.” Mia said standing. Lucas said nothing, just continued to stare at the table, wobbling slightly.

“I’m going to go now Lucas.” Mia said. “I’m going to borrow your truck too. I’ll bring it back later.”

“Okay pretty lady.” Lucas sighed. Mia shook her head. That was easier than expected. Odd and quite unsettling given that Lucas had just run a complete gamut of emotions in a matter of five minutes, but still quite easy.

She headed out of the room, closing the screen behind her. Lucas’s daughter came inside, just as Mia was looking on the hall stand for Lucas’s keys.

“Which ones are the keys to your Dad’s truck?” she asked. The girl turned around and pulled a red keyring off the rack behind her, handing the keys to Mia.

“Thanks.” Mia said, slipping the keys into the pocket of Pearl’s robe. “You might wanna go check on your Dad in there...”

The girl rolled her eyes.

“He’s drunk again, isn’t he?” she asked.

Mia smiled sheepishly.

“When he sobers up, tell him that the lady from earlier will bring the truck back tomorrow morning.” Mia said. The girl nodded before leaving the room to check on her father. Mia walked outside and the evening chill hit her like a smack in the face.

“I think I’d better go change before I leave.” Mia thought to herself as she unlocked the pick-up truck and climbed inside.



Maya stretched her legs out on the couch and yawned. The office was quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner, filling the area with cosy warmth. She didn’t even have the TV on. She could also vaguely hear the sound of the shower running upstairs. Images of a certain someone’s toned body and broad shoulders covered in slick, soapy bubbles flashed through her mind and she couldn’t help but blush. She fanned her face with her hand, all of a sudden feeling rather warm.

“I should probably turn off the air conditioner...” she thought to herself, even though she knew full well that the contraption on the wall was not to blame for the rise in temperature she was experiencing.

Since returning from Hazakurain the day before last, living with Phoenix had turned into an entirely new experience. Any contact between them, accidental or not, felt like an electric shock to Maya. The sight of him made her stomach do somersaults and her heart rate speed up. Maya felt like a jumbled, stammering mess around Phoenix and his cool and relaxed demeanour only made him even more attractive.

Maya often found herself staring at him or admiring him in some way. And now here she was having lewd thoughts about him in the shower. She giggled to herself. But before her thoughts could wander any further, Maya was jolted out of her fantasy by a knock at the door.

“Who on earth could that be at this time of night?” Maya thought to herself. Phoenix obviously wasn’t expecting anyone. He was showering and preparing for bed.

Nothing could have prepared Maya for what, or who, stood on the other side of the door.

“Maya...” Mia said with a grin, dropping the grocery bag she was holding and extending her arms as her sister opened the door. Maya froze in shock, before bursting into tears and leaping into her older sister’s embrace.

“What are you doing here?” Maya sobbed into Mia’s shoulder. Mia pulled back, looking her baby sister in the face. She wiped a couple of tears from Maya’s eyes and smiled. She picked up the plastic bag she was carrying from the floor beside her and opened it, so that Maya could see inside. Popcorn, potato chips and chocolate were visible, and that was just at the top.

“Slumber party?” Mia said with a grin.

Maya started laughing and ushered her sister inside.

Maya headed up the stairs and Mia followed behind her, her grin fading.

Bad news always went down better with a little chocolate.

Maya led Mia upstairs to her room and the two of them settled themselves comfortably on the floor. Maya couldn’t stop grinning at her sister. It had been so long since the two of them had spent any time together at all. Mia was only ever around when it had something to do with a court case. This time, she was here to see her, and that made Maya unbelievably happy. While Mia’s death had shocked and hurt Maya deeply, death really wasn’t too large of a boundary for the Fey family. Provided the deceased still had a strong emotional link to the land of the living, it was like having a relative live a really long way away. Mia’s link was Maya herself. And Diego, of course. She would never really be that far away.

Mia sat cross legged on the floor, a bag of popcorn sitting in her lap. She munched on a mouthful, closing her eyes and savouring the taste.

“Ohh... Maya.” She mumbled, her mouth full. “I really miss eating.”

Maya giggled, breaking off a piece of chocolate to nibble on.

“You find some of your old clothes at home?” Maya asked. Mia nodded, brushing her salty hands on her jeans. She had taken Pearl’s hair down out of the signature pony tail and brushed it out straight. Nothing except for the colour of her hair and the much shorter length signified that it was, in fact, Pearl Fey sitting across from Maya, and not actually Mia herself.

“Does anyone know Pearl is gone?” Maya asked. Mia froze, mid mouthful. She shook her head to signify no.

“I didn’t actually think that one through.” Mia said, swallowing her popcorn. “Are they going to panic?”

“Probably.” Maya said. “Just give me a sec.”

She reached up to her bedside table, and retrieved her cell phone. Flicking through the numbers for a moment, she found the one she was looking for and put the phone to her ear.

“Hello? Lillian? It’s Maya.” She said. The voice on the other end of the phone began to speak frantically. Mia couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying.

“No. Okay. No. Listen. No, she’s here.” Maya said, desperately trying to get the woman on the other end to listen. “She caught a train here. She said she missed me. I’ve put her to bed. Yes. Okay. We’ll bring her back in the morning. Okay. Goodnight Lillian, sorry you were worried.”

Maya threw the phone over to her bed, smiling smugly at Mia.

“Sorted.” She said with a self satisfied smile.

“Nice work.” Mia said, impressed. “I’d almost forgotten how good your bluff was.”

Maya laughed. “You should know that Mia, you’ve never beaten me at poker. Not even once.”

“Don’t remind me.” Mia said. “I regret teaching you how to play. Have you ever played poker with Phoenix? He’s pretty good too; not as good as you, but I think it would be an interesting game.”

“I didn’t even know he played.” Maya said, shaking her head.

“Where is Phoenix anyway?” Mia asked.

“Shower.” Maya said through a mouthful of popcorn. Mia watched her sister’s expression change. Her cheeks reddened slightly and her eyes began to dart around. She could have sworn Maya looked... well... embarrassed.

“Maya...” Mia said, angling her head to look at her sister in a no nonsense manner. “Is there something I should know about?”

“What? No! What do you mean?” Maya said, her blush getting worse.

“Maya.” Mia repeated. “I’m your sister. I can sense these things.”

Maya bit her lip, before grinning.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Mia.”

“I think you do...” Mia challenged. Maya laughed nervously. Mia let out a loud exaggerated gasp.

“You like Phoenix!!” she cried.

“No I don’t Mia! I swear I don’t!” Maya argued to no avail.

“You do! I can tell!” Mia continued to tease her young sister.

“Quit it Mia! I do not!” Maya pleaded. Mia chuckled. She was torturing Maya, but this was so much fun. She missed this kind of interaction with her sister.

“Does he know?” Mia asked, eyes wide.

“I don’t know.” Maya sighed automatically. Mia giggled and Maya quickly realised her mistake. She puffed her cheeks out and glared at her sister. “I mean, there’s nothing to know! Miiiaaaa!”

A knock on Maya’s bedroom door caused the pair to freeze, staring at each other. Maya panicked inwardly. How embarrassing! How much had Phoenix heard?



Phoenix stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and giving himself a quick dry. He fluffed the towel quickly through his hair before fastening it around his waist and heading for his bedroom. As he passed Maya’s door, he heard her laugh coming from inside.

“She must be reading something funny.” He thought.

He smiled to himself. She seemed so much happier since their trip to Hazakurain. The only worrying thing about the whole trip had been Iris’s speculation about Andre being her brother. He frowned. It was definitely something to keep an eye on, but at least now that they knew that might be the case, they could do just that. He dressed quickly in a pair of flannel pyjama pants, pausing when he heard Maya laugh again. Then he heard her speak. Another female voice followed quickly after. Then more laughing.

Phoenix scratched his head. Was Maya listening to the radio? He headed out of his bedroom and towards hers. As he approached the muffled voices on the other side of the door began to take on the high pitched tone of two women gossiping. She had to be in there with someone, but it was eleven at night. Who could it possibly be?

It sounded just like when Mia used to ring Maya from the office. Phoenix remembered fondly how he would sit at his desk and shake his head at his boss’s miraculous transformation from cool, casual business woman to giggling school girl whenever she phoned her sister. Then it clicked.

“Hang on a minute...” He thought to himself. “I do recognise that voice...”

Raising his hand, he knocked on the door. The noise from within ceased immediately.

“Maya?” he called. “You okay in there?”

“Come in, Phoenix.” The other voice called. He smiled. There was only one person who said his name in that tone of voice. He’d heard it a million times.

He opened the bedroom door and his suspicions were confirmed. Mia, Maya and various bags of snacks were spread out on the bedroom floor.

“Mia.” He said with a smile. “I had a feeling it was you.” Mia smiled back warmly.

“You aren’t surprised to see me?” she asked. Phoenix shrugged, chuckling lightly.

“Not particularly. Which I’ll admit, is odd considering you are dead. I guess I’m getting used to seeing dead people.” Phoenix shook his head. “I never thought I’d hear myself saying that.”

Phoenix had a feeling that Mia would show up sooner or later. Maya had been going through a particularly tough time lately and even though, as far as he knew, those on the other side didn’t always have a direct window to know what was happening in the land of the living, he knew Mia would figure out that Maya needed her one way or the other.

He glanced over at Maya, who was as red as a beet. She hadn’t said a word since he had opened the door.

“She okay?” Phoenix asked Mia, motioning to Maya.

“She’s fine.” Mia said. “She’s just embarrassed because I found out she l...”

Mia was silenced by a pillow to the face.

“I’m fine Nick.” Maya said, smiling up at him. He smiled back. Mia removed the pillow her sister had hurled at her and watched the two of them, smiling awkwardly at each other. She smirked to herself. It seemed Maya’s feelings were reciprocated after all. Phoenix was as easy to read as a children’s book. But as the big sister here, it was her duty to shake things up a little.

“So Phoenix,” Mia began. “You always parade around in front of my baby sister without a shirt on? Not that it isn’t a nice view though, right Maya?” she finished with a wink.

“Mia!” Maya cried, blushing yet again. She willed the ground to open up and swallow her whole. It didn’t. She was completely horrified.

Phoenix crossed his arms, smirking at Mia. She was trying to rattle him. Not going to work. Maya noticed how the action emphasised his biceps. She felt giddy.

“I just got out of the shower. I heard voices coming from her room so I came to check.” Phoenix said casually. “It could have been some kidnapper or murderer. Would you prefer the shirt Mia, or your sister’s safety?”

“Touché Phoenix.” Mia said, nodding appreciatively. “I’m just kidding anyway. I’m sure Maya loves it when you run around sans shirt.”

Maya covered her face with her hands. She was going to kill Mia!

“But I am afraid we are operating under traditional slumber party rules here, so you’re going to have to leave.” Mia said, making a dismissive motion with her hand.

“Is that so?” Phoenix said, leaning against the door frame.

“Yep.” Mia confirmed. “No boys allowed. Not even cute ones,” she finished, giving Maya a nudge.

“Oh God Mia, you’re so embarrassing!” Maya said through her hands. Phoenix laughed.

“Okay, okay. I know when I’m not wanted.” He said, backing out of the room. “Night girls. Have fun.” He said as he closed the door behind him. The muffled sound of Maya’s exasperated voice reached his ears as he headed back up the hallway. He couldn’t help but laugh. Mia would be getting an earful right about now.



“Mia! How could you do that to me!?” Maya cried, feeling thoroughly betrayed. Mia laughed.

“Relax.” Mia said, leaning back against Maya’s bed. “It’s obvious he has a thing for you too.”

“You think?” Maya said, forgetting her embarrassment all of a sudden.

“Definitely.” Mia said, handing Maya some chocolate. “Eat this. It will make you feel better.”

Maya groaned but accepted the chocolate anyway.

“Nothing could make me feel better. I’m so embarrassed! How am I going to face him tomorrow?”

“You’ll manage.” Mia said, popping a piece of chocolate in her mouth. “I’ll tell you what though,” she added as an afterthought. “He sure is getting better looking as he gets older!”

Maya giggled as her sister fanned herself comically.

“Whoa!” she said shaking her head. “He could give Diego a run for his money. Who knew he was hiding a bod like that? Kudos to you sis!”

Maya laughed again. Mia felt genuinely happy. It made her feel so good to see her sister smile. She sighed inwardly. She hated to change the tone of the evening, but she wasn’t just there to gossip about Phoenix. She had news to deliver. And she wasn’t too sure how her sister was going to take it.



Andre picked up the phone and dialled the number of his mothers prison ward. It was late, but Morgan had somehow convinced the guard on duty at that time of night to allow her to take calls. Andre didn’t ask how, nor did she elaborate. All he knew was that this was the time to phone.

“Hello.” he said briskly.”Morgan Fey please.”

“One moment.” The guard said, before a soft click indicated that he had put the phone down. Andre turned the small crystal bottle over in his hands as he waited for his mother’s voice.

“Andre.” Morgan said, picking up the phone.

“I have it.” He said simply.

“Good.” Morgan replied. “It was in the box with the shell on it?”

“Yes. It was exactly where you said it would be.” Andre replied.

“Two teaspoons is enough for a lethal dose. There is probably just over that in the bottle. Put the whole lot in her tea to be sure.” Morgan instructed.

“Are you sure it won’t be traced?” Andre asked, concerned.

“No.” Morgan said. “It’s a special chemical compound which leaves no trace in the system. I had it ordered and stashed in the village through Mr. De Killer for a nominal fee. Dahlia told me of it when she was in here with me.”

Andre rolled his eyes. Even though she was dead, he still felt like it was being rubbed in his face that Dahlia was her favourite. Dahlia this, Dahlia that. If Dahlia was so great, she wouldn’t have got caught.

“It will appear as if she has had a heart attack. Lillian has a history of heart troubles anyway. Provided you stay with her and feign concern as she dies, she won’t even be any the wiser that she was poisoned. This will work in your favour if someone tries to channel her.” Morgan finished.

“I understand.” Andre said.

“Have you been visiting Althea?” Morgan asked.

“Yes.” Andre replied. “She is definitely growing weary of Maya’s absence. I’m doing all that I can to help that along without being suspicious.”

“Good boy.” Morgan praised. “Everything appears to be going to plan. Once you get rid of Lillian Fey, there won’t be anyone left that will oppose Althea’s decision to remove Maya. Once Maya is removed, Kurain will be left in the hands of its rightful leader; my darling little Pearl. And with you as her advisor, Andre, Kurain will be the most prosperous that it has ever been.”



Mia and Maya were both quiet for a moment as their laughter subsided. Maya took a deep breath. As much as she hated to do this, she had to ask.

“Mia,” she said softly. “You didn’t just come here to eat junk food and tease me about Phoenix did you?”

Mia looked over at her sister lovingly, sighing a little. She wished that was her only reason.

“No.” She said, shaking her head. “Iris sent me.”

Maya’s mouth formed into a silent ‘Oh’. “Andre?” she asked.

Mia nodded.

“I saw Lucas today.” She started.

“And?” Maya said, willing her to continue.

“Iris was right. He is her brother. Andre is our cousin.”

Maya nodded as she processed what her sister had said.

“You know, Phoenix suspected that was the case right from the beginning.” Maya mused. “I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I guess I should be worried.”

Mia sighed and nodded.

“It’s never going to end, Mia.” Maya said quietly. “Being the Master was always going to be an uphill battle. You’re lucky you got out of it.”

Mia scoffed.

“I couldn’t even channel someone who died ten minutes ago.” She said wistfully. “I was never going to be the master anyway. It was always you.”

“You weren’t interested anyway.” Maya said. “I never saw you train once.”

“I knew by the time you were born that it wasn’t going to happen for me. That’s part of the reason why Mom had you. At that stage there was no one to continue the line. I tried so hard and I felt like I was letting Mom down by only having weak spiritual powers.”

Mia paused, her voice becoming raspy.

“I hated myself.” Mia said, a lone tear escaping and running down her cheek. Maya moved to wrap an arm around her sister, leaning her head against her shoulder.

“Then you started to get older and you were so talented. I was so proud, even if I was a little jealous. Mom left and I had to protect you at all costs. I only left to study law to try and bring Mom back, and to do something good for the world. I wanted to be able to help everyone.”

“Just like Phoenix.” Maya whispered.

“Just like Phoenix...” Mia agreed.

The girls sat together in silence for a while, before Mia spoke again.

“Maya, do you want to be Master?”

Maya shrugged.

“You know, no one’s ever asked me that before.” She said sadly.

Mia shook her head. The job was just thrust upon Maya from such a young age. She’d never known anything different.

“Do you?” Mia asked again.

“I guess I do. I want to make changes. Good changes.” Maya began. “And I know that Pearl is next in line, and I couldn’t live with myself if this kind of responsibility was heaped on to her. That wouldn’t be fair.”

“But at the same time...” she continued. “I don’t want to leave Phoenix. And I’ll have to. One day.”

Mia felt her sister’s tears through her shirt. She’d had her own taste of tragic love and she had hoped her sister would never have to know what a broken heart felt like. Before long, she was crying too. For lots of things. Maya, her mother, Diego, herself. Mia Fey had known a lot of heartache.

“You staying?” Maya croaked eventually.

“Uh huh.” Mia answered. “You, me and a single bed. Just like old times.”

Maya smiled gratefully.

“You used to stay with me all the time after Mom left.” Maya remembered.

“I wanted you to know that you weren’t alone. That I’d always be there.” Mia said softly. For reasons beyond her control, Mia had to break that promise, and that hurt. Nonetheless, Maya smiled.

“Someone else said that to me recently.” Maya said. Mia smiled. She knew straight away who that would have been.

“I meant it when I said he would save everyone in the end.” Mia said gently.

Maya said nothing, just hugged her sister tighter. Mia rested her head against Maya’s.

“Especially you.” She whispered softly.



Maya was still asleep when Phoenix headed into the kitchen the morning after Mia’s visit. A folded piece of paper on the table with his name on it caught his attention. It was Mia’s handwriting. He picked up the note and read it to himself. It didn’t say much at all, but what it did say was enough.

“I approve.

Take care of her, Phoenix.

I trust you.”

Phoenix smiled and slipped the note into his pocket.

Mia always knew exactly what to say.

Mia parked the truck in front of Lucas’s garage and climbed out. A sharp pain spread across her forehead and she squinted and rubbed her temples. She’d been occupying Pearl’s body for close to twenty four hours now. Pearl’s conscious spirit was beginning to reject the intrusion. It was natural for that to happen. She was lucky that Pearl was so advanced for her age. Other girls around her age could usually only maintain contact for an hour or so, but Pearl was training far above her peer group. Although Maya lacked confidence in her abilities, she had been much the same. A child prodigy. At Maya’s current level, she could hold on to a departed visitor for close to a week.

Mia cursed under her breath. She probably only had another half an hour at best, before Pearl turned back into herself. She would have to finish what she was doing quickly. The head pains were getting closer and closer together. She had nearly driven clean off the road a couple of times while making the trip back. The pain was meant to signify to the spirit guest that they had overstayed their welcome and that the host was reaching their limit and needed their body back in order to rest. It also prevented a summoned spirit from taking over their host permanently. Normally, a summoned spirit would depart at any sign of strong pain – there was no pain in the spirit world and those who had crossed over had no desire to experience it once again. It was a brilliant deterrent, although today, Mia felt it was a huge nuisance.

She bit down hard on her lip as another pain wrenched through her forehead. She couldn’t leave yet. She had to warn someone about Andre and his connection to Morgan. Althea Fey would be her best bet, but Mia knew that Althea didn’t like her, or her family, due to her mother’s disappearance. Mia wracked her brain for the right answer. All of a sudden, it came to her.

“Lillian.” She thought to herself. “Lillian will listen to me.”

Although she would have to explain that what Maya told her on the phone last night wasn’t completely true, Pearl’s guardian, Lillian Fey, would definitely listen to what she had to say, without a doubt. Lillian was also a council member and had been Mia’s nanny as a child. She had also cared for Maya until she was old enough to look after herself. Her bond with the Fey sisters was strong and she would do whatever was necessary to protect them.

Reaching through the window of the truck, she placed the keys on the drivers’ seat and headed away from Lucas’s house and back towards Fey Manor. The manor gardens were empty, just as she had expected they would be. The pain was getting worse, but she just had to hang in there long enough to talk to Lillian. Maybe she could instruct Lillian to get Pearl to channel her again tomorrow.

As she approached the Manor, she heard the sound of the main gate being opened. Ducking behind a building, Mia was surprised to see Andre Fey heading up the path. He shuffled casually and carried a white envelope in his left hand. Mia moved further back into the shadows so he wouldn’t see her as he passed. As soon has he was a safe distance away, she abandoned her hiding spot in order to follow him.

Mia’s brow furrowed as he bypassed the main house and headed towards the small caretaker cottage that Lillian lived in.

“What exactly is he up to?” she thought. She was starting to get really worried about this.

She watched Andre knock on the front door and enter the house after Lillian greeted him. Once he was inside, Mia snuck around the back, hiding herself by leaning against the wall next to the open kitchen window.

“Andre dear, what brings you here?” she heard Lillian ask. Andre went on to tell her that he had a letter to deliver from Althea which concerned the upcoming Elder Committee meeting. Mia heard her thank him, before he offered to go and make her a cup of tea. Lillian accepted.

“So far, nothing odd here...” Mia thought to herself. She sighed. “I guess not everything Andre does is part of some sinister plan...”

She heard Andre rattling around in the kitchen and sunk down lower against the wall. She didn’t want him to see her. She would just wait until he left to speak to Lillian. Right on cue, a splitting pain ran through her forehead. She hoped he left soon. She didn’t have much time.

“Oh... oh my goodness...” Mia heard from inside the house. “Andre, please help me!”

That was Lillian! Mia stood up straight, listening further.

“What is it Lillian? What’s the matter?”

That was Andre. Did he actually sound sincere for once?

“Please, my pills...they are behind you. I think I’m having a heart attack!”

Mia’s eyes widened. All desire to conceal her whereabouts vanished in an instant. She sprinted as fast as she could around the side of the house and up the front steps. Panic and desperation filled her completely. Tears were starting to form in her eyes. She flung the door open, bursting into the small lounge room. But she was too late.

Lillian Fey was dead.

Andre stood by, completely calm. He turned to look at her, his expression impassive.

“Catch.” He said simply, tossing a small object towards her. Mia caught it. It was a small crystal bottle. Her breath caught when she realised what it must have contained. She dropped it to the floor immediately, as if it had burned her hand. It bounced on the carpet and rolled back towards Andre. He made no move to retrieve it.

Mia swallowed hard. She looked up at Andre, her eyes wide with shock.

“You... you did this!” she cried. Before he had a chance to answer, Mia turned and ran. She ran as fast as her legs would take her towards the main house. She dashed through the halls until she reached her mothers office. Slamming the door shut and locking it, she ran to the phone and dialled the number of her old office. It rang a few times. Her heart was pounding.

“C’mon...Phoenix, where are you?” Mia said impatiently.

“Hello, Wright & Co Law Offices. Maya Fey speaking” the voice on the other end of the line chirped.

“Maya!” Mia yelled into the phone.

“Mia? What’s the matter?” Maya asked.

“Maya! Oh god. Lillian! Lillian’s dead!” Mia rambled.

“What?” Maya gasped. “Mia, what’s going on?”

“Andre! He... oh god, he...” Mia began sobbing. There was no response from Maya.

“Hello?” Mia asked. “Maya? Hello?”

She tapped the receiver cradle repeatedly. She couldn’t get a dial tone. The phone was dead. She spun around as she heard the lock on the office door click. Mia froze. She hadn’t checked to see if the key was in the lock on the other side of the door. Andre opened the door, grinning at her triumphantly. He threw the key at her feet.

“I cut the line...” he said, holding up a pocket knife. “This is my father’s. I took it from his truck yesterday morning. Quite lucky don’t you think?”

Mia stood her ground, eyeing the young man warily. Her body tensed. She had no idea why he was telling her the things that he was. Was he crazy? She didn’t know, but she felt ready to spring to action at a moments notice. She had to protect Pearl at all costs.

Andre casually twirled the knife between his fingers. He smiled to himself. The only way out of that room was behind him, and Mia had to get past him to get to it. He knew she wouldn’t risk any harm to Pearl. He had her trapped.

Mia cried out as another sharp pain coursed through her head. Andre’s Cheshire cat grin grew even larger. Things just kept on getting better.

“She’s at her limit, isn’t she?” Andre asked Mia.

Mia steeled her expression and said nothing.

“You don’t have long left, Mystic Mia.” He spat.

“You wouldn’t hurt Pearl. She’s your sister. She’s a child.” Mia stammered. She’d never felt so afraid.

“The spoiled brat that mother loves best? Why wouldn’t I want to hurt her?” Andre asked incredulously.

“You can still get away with murder, Andre. If you hurt Pearl, it will all be over.” Mia pleaded. “Let Pearl go. She has done nothing.” Mia felt tears well up in her eyes. If only she hadn’t come here. If only he hadn’t seen her. Pearl was going to die because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Andre shook his head, and started laughing. His laughter sent shivers down Mia’s spine. He really was crazy.

“Mia.” He finally said. “You were a lawyer. You should know that you always have to have an alternate plan of attack. There always has to be a plan B.”

Still shaking, Mia raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” she asked warily.

“This knife.” Andre said, twirling the object again. “It’s not for Pearl.”

“I don’t understand,” Mia said. “If you hurt me, you hurt her.”

Andre shook his head. “I’m going to make sure no one channels you ever again.”

Mia gasped as Andre plunged the blade into his own shoulder. He grimaced at the pain as she stood there, frozen, mouth agape. Then he lunged at her, knocking her off balance. His blood smeared across her shirt. In the few short seconds before she hit the floor, Mia realised exactly what he had done. The impact of her hitting the floor at this late stage of Pearl’s channelling would be enough to sever the spirit tie. Her prints were on the crystal bottle. Lucas would claim the knife missing from his truck.

Andre was going to pin this whole thing on her.



Maya sat her desk, taking notes from one of the channelling texts that she had borrowed from the library. She still spent time studying, but as long as it wasn’t the only thing she ever did and she didn’t pass on any more burgers, Phoenix told her he didn’t have a problem with it. He promised to tell her if she was pushing herself too hard. He even claimed that if she slipped back to her old ways he would throw her over his shoulder and drag her outside to go and do something fun.

Maya giggled at the thought of that happening. She had told him that it definitely wouldn’t have to come to that, but deep down she found the idea of Phoenix carrying her off caveman style rather amusing. Although, she could never tell him that. It was bad enough having to face him this morning after Mia’s efforts last night. Phoenix hadn’t mentioned a thing though. She was glad.

He had tried to get her to go out and help him do the grocery shopping, but she had declined, opting to take a little study time while he was gone. She had argued that doing the groceries wasn’t fun anyway and that she would put the books away when he returned. That was good enough for him.

The phone on Phoenix’s desk rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. Casually, she wandered over to pick it up.

“Hello, Wright & Co Law Offices. Maya Fey speaking” she answered cheerily. Maybe this was a potential client.

“Maya!” Her sisters’ voice on the other end of the line was frantic.

“Mia? What’s the matter?” Maya asked, an unsettling feeling starting to grow in her stomach.

“Maya! Oh god. Lillian! Lillian’s dead!” Mia rambled.

“What?” Maya gasped. “Mia, what’s going on?” Her heart started hammering. How? Why?

“Andre! He...”

Then silence.

“Mia? Mia, hello? Mia, are you there?” Maya cried frantically. She hung up the phone and redialled the number.

Busy signal.

Hanging up, she tried again.

Busy signal again.

Her heart was pounding and her breathing uneven. She began to sob. She dialled again.

Still the busy signal.

Shaking, she buried her head in her hands. What was she going to do? Fey Manor was the only place in Kurain with a phone. She dialled Phoenix’s cell.

“Forget something Maya? I’m buying more pudding.” Phoenix said as he answered the phone.

“Nick!” she cried desperately.

“Maya? What’s wrong?” Phoenix asked, panic in his voice.

“Nick, please come back now. I don’t know what to do!” Maya sobbed.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be two minutes.” He said resolutely.

Phoenix turned around and dashed out of the supermarket, leaving his cart full of shopping behind. He sprinted up the street in the direction of the office.

“Maya... please be okay.”

Groceries could wait.



Pearl Fey opened her eyes to find her cousin Andre sitting across from her, bleeding from a wound on his shoulder. A bloody knife sat on the floor across from her. She blinked a few times. She was tired and confused. She didn’t know where she was, or why she was wearing clothes that didn’t fit her.

“Andre! What happened!?” she asked, frowning. She was scared.

“Mystic Mia...” Andre spluttered. “She went crazy. She attacked me. And she... and she...”

Andre began to cry. Pearl ran to his side.

“What is it, Andre?” she said, placing a small hand on his unwounded shoulder.

“She killed Mystic Lillian!” Andre sobbed, crying openly.

Pearl sunk to the floor. She had channelled Mystic Mia, and Mystic Mia had... she had killed Mystic Lillian?

“No...” Pearl said shaking her head. “No, Mystic Mia wouldn’t do that...”

“I’m so sorry Mystic Pearl,” Andre said softly, wincing at the pain in his shoulder for extra effect. “I don’t know why she did this...”

Pearl was silent for a moment as she tried to understand what Andre was telling her. She didn’t think he would lie about anything like that, and everything around her was seemingly proof of his claims against Mia. Her lip started to tremble as the reality of what had happened started to sink in.

“It’s all my fault!” Pearl said, bursting into tears. “I’m so sorry Andre! It’s all my fault!”

She buried her head in Andre’s shoulder and he wrapped his uninjured arm around the small girl.

“Shh little Pearl...” he soothed. “It wasn’t you, it was Mystic Mia. We just have to make sure no one channels her ever again.”

Pearl sniffed and nodded, tears still streaming down her little face.

“I’m so confused. What do we do? We need to contact Mystic Maya.” she said softly.

“Help me up,” Andre asked. “First we need to go find Mystic Althea and tell her about this tragedy. Then we’ll contact the master.”



Phoenix burst through the office door and found Maya standing behind his desk, tears falling fast as she dialled the phone. Frustrated, she let out a small grunt. She slammed the receiver down, before picking it up and dialling again.

“Maya, what’s going on?” Phoenix asked.

“Something bad. Something bad has happened...” she managed to stammer before turning her attention back to the phone. “Why doesn’t the phone work? Argh!”

She slammed the receiver down again. Phoenix walked around behind his desk and placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her around to face him.

“Maya, I need you to calm down for a second and tell me what happened, okay? I can’t help if I don’t know what’s going on.” He said calmly.

She paused for a moment, trying her hardest to compose herself. She couldn’t do it. She flung herself against him, sobbing into his shoulders. He wrapped an arm around her, and stroked her hair soothingly.

“Mia...” she started, her voice cracking. “Mia rang. She said Lillian was dead. Then she said Andre’s name... then... then the phone cut out.” She sobbed.

Phoenix’s shoulders stiffened in surprise. He led Maya over to the couch and sat her down. He had to try and remain calm to get more information out of her. He took a deep breath before speaking again.

“Who is Lillian?” he asked gently. Maya sniffed.

“She’s Pearl’s legal guardian. She was my nanny too. She’s a council member.” She replied. Phoenix handed her a tissue and she began to wipe her eyes.

“Do you think Mia was trying to tell you that Andre had something to do with it?”

“I don’t know. I’m just scared that something happened to Pearl. The phone went dead!” Maya said, breaking into a fresh fit of sobs. Phoenix stroked her back, wondering what on earth this poor girl had done to attract such heartache.

“Do you want to go to Kurain? We can get the next train.” Phoenix offered.

Maya was about to answer when her cell phone started ringing. Startled, she jumped to answer it.

“Hello?” Maya said quickly. “Mia?”

“Hello Mystic Maya,” an elderly woman’s voice said gently. “This is Mystic Marion. I’m afraid I’m calling you with some bad news.”

Mystic Marion was another of Kurain’s elders. While she was a sweet woman it was no secret that she always followed Althea’s every request.

“Mystic Marion, what is going on?” Maya asked worriedly.

“It’s Lillian, dear. I’m afraid she has passed. Mystic Althea instructed me to give you this message. She has asked that you return to Kurain tomorrow.”

“What... what happened?” Maya stammered.

“I’m afraid I don’t know, dear. All I know is that she is no longer with us. Such a terrible tragedy...”

“Pearl! Is Pearly okay?” Maya asked frantically.

“Mystic Pearl is quite upset. She is resting right now.” Marion answered.

Maya breathed a sigh of relief. Pearl was okay.

“Mystic Marion, I have been trying to call the phone at the main house and have been unable to get through. Is there a problem with the phone?” Maya asked, some of her composure returning.

“Yes dear, the line is down. It was fortunate that one of our channelling appointments brought her cell phone with her today. She graciously allowed me to borrow it to contact you.” Marion replied.

“I see.” Maya said. “Tell Althea that I will be there tomorrow morning.”

“I will, dear.” Marion said simply.

Maya hung up the phone and slumped back down on the couch. She turned to face Phoenix, who was watching her with a concerned expression.

“Pearls is okay?” he asked hopefully. Maya looked away and nodded in response. She didn’t know what to say. Everything just kept on getting worse.

“But you’re not okay... are you?” Phoenix asked, placing his hand on top of hers.

Maya turned to look at him again. She frowned slightly before shaking her head to signify no. Her shoulders slumped and new tears began to fall. Phoenix pulled her into his embrace as she cried. He pressed his lips gently against her the top of her head, trying his hardest to soothe her sobs.

He pursed his lips together. He was so furious he could barely hold it in. What right did that stupid insignificant village have to break this girl over and over? He continued to stroke her arm as he mulled over his own anger.

These people, her people, just expected her to weather the harshest storms as if it was her duty. They didn’t help her. They didn’t support her. There was never any recognition for hard work, only the expectation of her to do more. She needed support. She needed a rock.

Tomorrow, they would go to Kurain, and whether the elders liked him or not, he was going to support Maya every step of the way.