Cassie was handing Davis his bonus when Charlotte and Angel walked through the front door, the chime announcing their return.
"Right on time, you two," she smirked, nodding toward her assistant. "Angel, Charlotte? This is my assistant, Davis."
Angel stepped forward with an outstretched hand. "It's good to meet you, Davis. Thanks for helping out today on such short notice."
He accepted the handshake with a firm grip, his glasses sliding forward again. "I keep telling her it's no problem, but she keeps showering me with endless compliments," Davis smirked, pushing his glasses back. "It's almost embarrassing."
"I have not," Cassie scoffed playfully.
Everyone chuckled. Then the young man focused on Charlotte, gesturing toward her. "I'm Davis Carpenter, miss?"
Charlotte's cheeks were slightly flushed from the long day, the heat, and the resolution of things with Angel. She looked almost shy as she reached out to clasp his fingers gently. "I'm Charlotte. I'm truly pleased to meet you, Davis." Blinking, she added, "And embarrassing or not, I'm grateful you were able to help today, too."
He laughed again and shook his head. "I'm only teasing. She knows I love working here," he turned to Cassie. "So, please? Don't hesitate to call, alright? I hope things get better soon."
"I'm sure they will," Cassie said confidently. "Once it settles down, I'll give you a paid day off as a thank you."
"Cassie," his cheeks colored with a soft blush. "I appreciate it, but you're not gonna change my mind about California."
She moved to the door and propped it open, waving him through. "Fine," she declared with a mock-irate tone, a smile playing on her lips. "Then get your ass out of here, and go enjoy the rest of the evening!"
Angel and Charlotte smirked at their playful banter. Davis made a harrumph sound, tipped his head slightly—glasses slipping again—and left.
Before the door closed, Cassie called out, "You're still getting that paid day off!" When it clicked shut, she turned and leaned against it.
Angel smirked conspiratorially. "If I didn't know any better—"
"No," she chuckled. "I love the kid, really, but not like that. He's much too young for me." Her head turned slightly in the direction Davis had left. "But he's a rare one, that's for sure. I know he's gonna go places."
As the siblings spoke, Charlotte fidgeted, leaning into Angel as she gazed longingly at Cassie.
He got the hint. "How'd the day go?"
The smile faded fast. Cassie sighed softly and shook her head. "It didn't go well at all. Except to eliminate a lot of potential ideas."
Charlotte's shoulders slumped, and she gently rested her head on Angel's shoulder with a sorrowful expression.
"You tried your best, sis."
"Don't say that as if I've given up," she admonished him. "I honestly did not expect to find all the answers on the first day. This is new territory for me. The books available here are not the most reliable sources, and my coven's understanding of demon summoning is limited—or they chose not to share. It's not magic that any of us practice. Therefore, my next idea revolves around my crystals."
Cassie walked past the pair, went behind the counter, and opened the sliding door in the back of the counter. She pulled out the tray of amulets, stones, and crystals, setting it on the countertop with practiced confidence.
"When I got back from my outing, Davis had set aside some books from the new shipment," she picked up a white crystal, turning it over in her hands as she explained. "One had chapters about memory and how certain gems can help. I know a lot, but it still gave me some new perspectives. See, most people don't understand how to harness them; they admire their beauty and collect them as trinkets. However, those with awareness of nature and the supernatural know these hold real potential."
Setting it back on the tray, she pointed to a few others and explained the different types. "Amulets, medallions, and certain charms can be worn with imbued stones for the wearer to use. Now, it's essential to understand that using any power, spell, or incantation carries consequences if used with ill intentions. This is why some become corrupted."
Angel shifted closer. "But this will be safe for Charlotte, right?"
"Absolutely," her voice carried complete confidence as she picked up the white crystal again. "This is barite. It supports wisdom and mental awareness while also enhancing memory through cleansing. When you store a lot of negative emotional energy, accessing or retaining your memories can become difficult. This has a gentle, soft cleansing effect on the chakra, breaking down the barriers that suppress your deepest memories."
Charlotte leaned forward, fascinated. "How does it work?"
"The crystal resonates with your natural aura," Cassie explained, "Barite specifically vibrates at a frequency that harmonizes with mental clarity. It doesn't force anything—it simply creates the right conditions for your mind to access what's already there."
She offered the piece to Charlotte with an encouraging smile. "It's not a quick fix, though. It may take some time, and results vary from person to person, but I want you to keep it with you at all times, okay?"
Charlotte took the crystal, immediately feeling its warmth. "Thank you, Cassie. I'll cherish it!"
Cassie nodded and selected a darker stone from the tray. "This hematite is equally important for dispelling toxic emotions and negativity. It's particularly effective at grounding excessive energy and transmuting harmful frequencies into neutral ones." She placed it in Charlotte's other palm. "While it's possible to combine several crystals and stones, that's mainly for beginners who don't understand their true potential. For someone with your sensitivity, it's advisable to limit yourself to two, possibly three. The amplification effect could be overwhelming."
As Charlotte examined both stones, Angel wondered. "So these should help?"
"I'm hopeful they will. I've been working with crystal energy even as a teen, and these stones, among others, have had positive effects before." Cassie's tone turned cautious. "But I need you both to understand—memory recovery involving a demon is completely new territory for me." She met Charlotte's eyes with gentle honesty. "The stones may help, but this could take weeks or even months. Don't expect overnight miracles."
Charlotte nodded, clutching both gems. "I understand. I can feel something when I hold them, like they're attuning to my powers? I'm sure they'll help me."
"That's promising," Cassie beamed. "Your aura is responding to them, but even with that advantage, healing takes time." She touched Charlotte's arm gently. "Tomorrow, I'll try to connect with the Frequencies for additional guidance. We'll figure this out together, step by step."
Charlotte bit her lip, tilted her head in gratitude, then dropped her eyes to examine the crystals some more.
Angel observed her checking out the stones, then peered at Cassie. "Thank you, sis. You did a lot today." An idea came to him. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No. I planned on warming up some soup and meditating for a bit."
"Or…," he grinned. "I could treat you ladies to dinner and some fun out on the town. Charlotte hasn't seen the beauty of New Orleans at night."
"I'd love to go back out," Charlotte giggled softly. "I had a lot of fun today."
Cassie tapped the counter. "You know? That sounds wonderful. I did forget to text you my list today. We can all go shopping and pick out things we all like—in the vegetarian section, that is." She winked at Charlotte.
"Ooh, even better!" She winked back.
"Do you need to freshen up first?" Angel asked.
"Not at all. Let's get out of here," she slid the tray inside the counter, closed it, and came around to join the pair. Extending her arms to both Charlotte and Angel, Cassie grinned. "And you two can be my date for the evening."
Linking arms, the trio headed out of the shop, eager to put the day behind them and make the most of their evening out on the town.
For the next few hours, the three of them enjoyed a much-needed carefree night of shopping, entertainment, and fine dining. Though it had been Angel's idea, Cassie insisted on paying for everything, explaining very clearly that he was to let go, relax, and not let the burdens of the past few months weigh on him.
Knowing full well not to argue with his sister, Angel accepted, but swore the day would come when he would repay her for every cent she loaned him. With a tease of a curse if he didn't, she moved forward to join Charlotte, who was watching a streetside band play.
After loading up on groceries and supplies, Cassie experienced Charlotte's magic of sending everything back to the apartment. She clapped appreciatively, receiving a curtsy in return. They wandered through the French Market, shared beignets at a café corner, powdered sugar dusting their clothes as they laughed at Charlotte's attempts to eat them gracefully. Street performers drew their attention at every turn—a mime who made Charlotte giggle, a tap dancer whose rhythm had Angel nodding along, and a tarot reader whose knowing glance at Cassie earned a respectful nod in return.
Shortly before midnight, they ambled along the cobblestone sidewalk on their way back to the apartment. With the ladies strolling side-by-side ten feet in front of Angel, Cassie murmured to Charlotte, "Did you ask him?"
"Mmmhmm," Charlotte whispered back, eyes sparkling. "He said yes!"
She leaned into Charlotte, nudging her playfully. "I knew he would, sweetie. I can see how much he cares about you."
Charlotte blushed.
Cassie turned around and met Angel halfway, poking him in the chest. "Good boy. You didn't screw this one up," she quipped, mussing his hair.
Without a word, he moved past his sister, intertwined his fingers with Charlotte's, and blew a raspberry at Cassie with a humorous, mischievous look.
Now it was she who trailed ten feet behind, watching the new couple stroll arm-in-arm. Even the knowledge that he was holding hands with a demon from Hell didn't lessen just how romantic and pure they looked together.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the apartment. Cassie dropped her door key into the small glass bowl on the end table and stretched, yawning softly. "I already took a shower earlier, so I'm off to bed." With a teasing, even suggestive tone, she added, "Enjoy your night."
Angel shot his sister a mock-stern glare. Cassie grinned back, stuck out her tongue, and blew a return raspberry at him before closing the door.
Slipping her fingers around Angel's wrist, Charlotte's soft, inviting expression accompanied her request. "Will you join me, my Knight?"
He nodded, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Yes, your Highness."
She was happy; even though they couldn't make love, she could hold him and kiss him, knowing he felt the same way about her. For the first time, the fear and anxiety of her shattered past didn't haunt her. She didn't even feel a trace of disappointment from the lack of answers or leads. Tonight, in the arms of her angel, with the advice Cassie had given her, Charlotte could finally dream wonders.