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Chapter Fourteen- Part 1

“I can’t wear these - what if I lose them?”

            “There’s a spell on them.” Azura grinned. “If they even drop on the floor, you’ll know.”

            “What happens if…” Alice gasped as Azura reached out and tipped the box forward. One of the diamond earrings dropped to the floor and rolled under the desk. A loud wine started, growing in volume.

            “Ah!” Gabriel’s hands were firmly in place over his pointed ears as he yelled to be heard over the deafening cry. “Ow! What the hell is that?”

            “The alarm,” Azure yelled back. “Hold on…” She reached under the desk and the horrible noise cut off abruptly.

            “Wow,” Alice winced. “That was loud.”

            “You should have seen it when someone tried to steal them from Ruby once. The look on the thief’s face was priceless.” Azura placed the earring gently back on the velvet cushion. “Put them on.”

            “I’m sort of scared,” Alice joked. “What if it goes off in my ear?”

            “It won’t.”

            She plucked the earrings up and put them in her ears. Azura stood back and looked her up and down approvingly. “You look every inch the lady.”

            “Hopefully every inch the Witch.”

            “Sorceress,” Altair corrected.

            “We don’t know that yet,” Alice said firmly.

            “Ah, but tonight, you are a Sorceress.”

            Alice looked over at Shakra, who stood by the front desk watching the proceedings.

            “You’re coming, right?”

            “You think it wise?”

            Alice noted that Lacy, Tricia and Altair were taking a great interest in the one-sided conversation. They could probably guess that Shakra was talking to her.

            “I think it would make people take me more seriously.”

            “I admit it would put my mind at ease to accompany you.”

            The sharp sound of a car horn interrupted them.

            “Your ride, m’lady.” Altair offered an arm to her playfully.

            “I thought we were taking a cab,” Azura said.  Alice allowed Altair to guide her out the door, and the group stopped in surprise on the sidewalk. Waiting for them was a long, gleaming stretch limo. The driver, a short little man with a wide moustache, tipped his hat and gave Altair a friendly wave.

            “How did you manage this?” Alice said in astonishment.

            “You must arrive in style.” Altair opened the door for them. “Everyone else can get in first - it’s imperative that Alice is the first to step out when we arrive. It’s all about the entrance.”

            Azura and the two girls climbed in first, followed by Gabriel and Altair.  Alice climbed in next, followed by Shakra, who settled herself on the floor.  Alice looked around in awe.  She’d only ridden in a limousine once - Jason and some of his friends had gotten one for grad, but it hadn’t been anything like this. The seats were made of the most comfortable leather, and the ceiling was set with twinkling lights, like tiny stars. Soft jazz music was playing overhead. Altair leaned forward, reaching past Tricia to open a compartment across from them. He drew out several champagne glasses.