Chapter 8

"And we invoked the powers which were ours alone," Diana was finishing. "Faye joined our side, thank the goddess, and Cassie came up with the brilliant idea of thinking of the beach. The only way to destroy a crystal is with a larger crystal, and that's what sand and water is. Then he was gone."

Aidan was smiling, "That is amazing. But if Faye and Cassie were both all ready leaders, how did you become one again, too?"

She smiled wistfully. "Cassie said she wouldn't do it without me by her side."

"Sounds like a great friend."

Diana was speaking, not even realizing what she was saying. "She was."

Aidan cocked an eyebrow. "Was?"

She was shocked, realizing she had said that out-loud. "Um, well, we were great friends. We just drifted apart. Everyone kind of drifted away from me."

"How could that happen?" Aidan looked upset. His strong English accent emphasizing the words. "You seem to be a wonderful girl, Diana. I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to go a day without you in their lives."

She was perplexed by his comments. He hardly knew her, yet he felt so fiercely about her goodwill. "Well, my ex-boyfriend is Cassie's soulmate. I guess when you find your soulmate, nothing else in the world matters. I respect that, I just miss her. As for everyone else, all I can say is that they have their own lives to lead."

He looked shocked again. "Soulmates? Really? I've heard of those, but I didn't think they existed. I thought it was just old lore."

"I think everyone hopes that they exist. Now that I've seen proof of it, I know they do. You just have to be lucky enough to find yours. They were fortunate to find each other, and I'm really happy for them. It just leaves me, well, lonely, I guess."

"Well, just remember," he said gently, "You will always have friends here. No matter where you are in the world, everyone here is your friend. Especially me." He set his hand on hers.

And that's when it happened. Diana couldn't exactly explain what it was. A feeling of knowing, a feeling of wanting. She felt like she had known Aidan her whole life. And she didn't feel alone anymore.

As quickly as it started, it stopped. He had moved his hand, continuing the conversation. "So, what kind of things are you working on in your coven?"

Diana could only stare for a minute. She was amazed at what had just happened. Shaking her head, finally, she replied. "Um, we're not focusing on anything in particular. We're always looking for ways to broaden our powers, but we're kind of left high and dry because of our parents. None of them will teach us anything, so most of the power has been left behind. We're not even sure how to use our Master Tools."

"Well this is fantastic!" he laughed. Diana gave him a confused look, so he continued. "We can help you! We can share our experience with you, to help broaden your coven's powers."

Diana gave a light smile. "That's really nice of you, but there's nothing we can do for you in return."

"I imagine we can learn something from you. We're having a little get-together tonight here, in honor of you guys. You can meet everyone then."

She was going to say something, but was interrupted by Katherine coming in the door. "Dinner is ready. Nicholas has already started."

Aidan looked over at Diana. "Come on, we can talk more down there."

She was confused, but she followed anyway.