The moment my knuckles touched the door it sprang inward as if the sweet-faced old woman on the other side had been standing there waiting for me.
Violet clapped her hands in glee, bright eyes sparkling. She lunged forward, grabbing my hands, the courtesy of power shared in a rush as she latched onto my magic and hugged it like I was a favorite granddaughter come to visit at last.
"Oh my dear," she gushed, pulling me down to kiss my cheek, the scent of rose powder and wine floating around her. "I'm so delighted to finally meet you!"
I couldn't help but smile at her, letting her drag me inside, kicking the door shut behind us with one foot. She slid across the polished floor on her sockettes, tugging me down beside her on a settee while a sweetly smiling woman who looked like she was perfectly round poured us a glass of wine.
Um, wine? I shook my head gently. Alcohol and witches were a big no-no, though some could handle it. Violet was obviously one who could.