Secondhand Books, First-Class Finds: Collecting Books on a Budget

For the seasoned book collector or astute reseller, the local thrift store presents a unique and often underestimated hunting ground. While others might browse for gently used paperbacks, you see potential – the glint of a first edition beneath a stack of mass-market novels, the subtle elegance of a forgotten fine binding, the whispered history within yellowed pages.

As a writer with a deep appreciation for the tangible history held within books, I understand this thrill of the chase. Thrift stores, often brimming with overlooked treasures, offer a landscape ripe for discovery – if you know where and how to look. This isn't casual browsing; it's a strategic expedition. So, fellow bibliophiles and entrepreneurial bookworms, let's delve into the art of extracting literary gold from the thrift store labyrinth.

Sharpening the Collector's Eye:

• Beyond Sentimental Value: Focus on True Rarity and Condition: Unlike the casual reader, your focus is on scarcity, edition, and preservation. Train your eye to discern first editions (look for explicit statements on the copyright page), early printings, limited editions, and signed copies. Condition is paramount for value. Be ruthless in your assessment of damage: tears, water stains, foxing, loose bindings, and missing elements significantly impact worth.
• Mastering Bibliographical Basics: A foundational understanding of bibliographical terms and identifiers is crucial. Know the difference between a first edition and a first printing. Recognize key publisher marks and edition indicators. Familiarize yourself with common binding styles and their historical context. This knowledge is your secret weapon.
• Genre Expertise is Your Compass: While serendipitous finds are exciting, having a deep understanding of specific genres or authors can significantly increase your success rate. Are you a specialist in modern firsts, Victorian literature, or children's illustrated books? Focus your attention accordingly but remain open to unexpected discoveries outside your niche.
• The Dust Jacket Imperative (for 20th Century Finds): For many collectible books published in the 20th century, the original dust jacket is not merely an accessory – it's an integral part of the book's value. Its presence and condition (look for tears, chips, fading, and price clippings) can dramatically influence desirability and price.

Strategic Thrift Store Navigation:

• Frequent the Fringes: Don't just focus on the designated "collectibles" section (if one exists). Often, valuable books are miscategorized and tucked away in genre fiction, history, or even the forgotten corners of the children's section. Leave no shelf unturned. For example, I often find books about astrology in the science section next to books about astronomy. 
• Timing is Tactical: Become attuned to the thrift store's donation schedule. Ask staff when new books typically arrive. Visiting shortly after a restock can significantly increase your chances of finding fresh, unpicked-over inventory.
• Cultivate Relationships (Discreetly): While you don't need to broadcast your intentions, a polite and respectful rapport with the staff can be beneficial. They might occasionally set aside interesting items or offer insights into recent donations.
• The Digital Scout: Utilize your smartphone as an invaluable tool. When a book piques your interest, quickly cross-reference its publication details, edition, and condition with online book price databases (like Abebooks, Vialibri, or BookFinder) and auction records (like eBay Sold Listings). This real-time research can prevent costly mistakes and highlight potential gems.

The Reseller's Edge:

• Identifying Market Trends: Stay informed about current trends in the rare and vintage book market. Which authors are gaining popularity? Are there specific editions or genres experiencing a surge in demand? This knowledge will inform your purchasing decisions.
• Assessing Resale Potential Beyond Rarity: Consider factors beyond just rarity, such as the book's aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or potential for niche collector interest. A beautifully bound but not exceptionally rare volume might still find a discerning buyer.
• The Art of Gentle Restoration (Proceed with Caution): While significant restoration should be left to professionals, learn basic techniques for gently cleaning dust jackets or tightening hinges. However, always err on the side of caution and prioritize preserving the book's original state. Transparency about any repairs is crucial for ethical reselling.
• Building Your Network: Connect with other book collectors and sellers. Share knowledge, discuss finds, and potentially collaborate on acquisitions or sales.

The thrift store isn't just a place to offload unwanted belongings; for the astute collector and resourceful reseller, it's a landscape ripe with untold literary treasures. By honing your knowledge, employing strategic searching techniques, and leveraging the power of information, you can transform these unassuming shelves into a source of remarkable finds and profitable opportunities. Happy hunting, and may your next flip through a dusty spine reveal a true bibliophilic gem.

Carolina Dean 
Book Lover 

How Yoga Shaped Who I Am Today

It's so clear in my mind. It was 1989, and I was 16. It was another boring Saturday afternoon, and my family was just relaxing at home. I was in the living room watching TV. My grandpa was sitting at the kitchen table, like he always did, drinking coffee and looking out the window. My grandma was doing the laundry, and my aunt, who's only six months older than me, was listening to music in her room.

Then, there was a knock on the door. It was Dennis, our mailman. Back in those small towns, we actually knew our mailman's name. He had a package for my grandpa, which was unusual. This was before online stores like Amazon, the Home Shopping Network, and even Temu! Sometimes, my grandma would get things in the mail after trading in Green Stamps she got from the Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

We all gathered around the table to look at the box. Grandpa wasn't expecting anything, and there was no return address. Who could have sent it? What was inside? Little did I know that my life was about to change completely.

Grandpa opened the box, and I was thrilled to see it was full of books! My grandpa enjoyed reading old Westerns, stories about cowboys and the lawless Wild West, but I never liked those stories. There were about 20 books in total, and hidden among them were two that really caught my eye. One was called "Yoga, Youth, and Reincarnation" by Jess Stearn, and the other was about the life and work of Edgar Cayce. My grandpa let me have these two books because he wasn't interested in them.

I took the books to my room and started reading the yoga one. Looking at the table of contents, I realized it wasn't just about weird yoga poses like I thought. It also had chapters on astrology, reincarnation, and psychic abilities. In this book, I read about the basics of reading playing cards, how readings are done, and how to develop my own psychic ability by focusing on my "third eye" chakra. I also read about the author meeting Sybil Leek and her practices as a witch. I had always been interested in witchcraft, but up until then, all I knew about it was from watching Samantha Stephens on the TV show "Bewitched"! This book was probably the first place I learned that witchcraft was a religion, not something evil or against God.

I kept that book in my room for a long time and would reread certain chapters or parts over and over, wanting to learn more, hoping to find something new each time. Then one day, I came home, and the book was gone. My grandma had decided to "clean" my room, and she threw it away without thinking about how I felt about it. Or maybe I talked about it too much, and that's why it disappeared.

Eventually, I moved on and found other books. I read them and started writing down what I was learning – this became my first book of spells and magical knowledge. I also started building my own collection of books that would become my personal library of the occult. That first book faded from my memory to the point where I couldn't remember the title or the author anymore. However, I remembered the things I had read about divination and witchcraft. Sometimes, I would try to search for the book online using different keywords, but I never had any luck, and eventually, I stopped trying to find it for my growing book collection.

Then, just last month, I was at a thrift store looking for rare and old books to add to my collection or sell in my Etsy shop when I saw it. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew exactly what it was, and all the memories came rushing back – me in my room focusing on my third eye, o taking a deck of cards from my grandpa's tin of pennies he used for poker so I could practice reading cards.

And now, finally, after more than 30 years, the book is back in my life and in my collection, bringing with it all the happy memories of my youth as I took my first steps towards becoming who I am today. Oh and as for the origin of the book, it was sent to my grandfather by his daughter from his first marriage who lives several cities away. She had bought the box of books at a yard sale and sent them to my grandfather without looking at them too closely. 

Carolina Dean 
Bibliophile-in-Chief
12th House Books. 

Additional Links 

• Astrology Books
• Tarot Books 
• Witchcraft Books

The Old Man at the Window

The faded floral wallpaper of Apartment 2B was a testament to time, much like Arthur himself. At 87, he was a solitary figure, fading into the background of his own life. His two-bedroom apartment, once meant for a family, now housed only the ghost of memories and the quiet rustle of his worn armchair. 

His days were a gentle rhythm of routine: lukewarm tea, crossword puzzles with ink-stained fingers, and the ever-present hum of the television, a poor substitute for conversation and company.  But his favorite pastime, his solace, was the window.

His bedroom window overlooked the asphalt expanse of the parking lot, and beyond, the ribbon of highway that stretched into the horizon. Cars, like tiny, brightly colored beetles, scurried along its surface, a constant, stream of life. Arthur would stand there for hours, his frail hands resting on the sill, his gaze fixed on the distant motion.

"It’s...comforting," he'd murmur to the empty room, "to see it all moving. To know it goes on."

He wasn’t sure what “it” was. Perhaps it was the world, oblivious to his quiet solitude. Perhaps it was the simple, undeniable fact of existence, life itself, a constant pulse against the stillness of his own existence. The headlights, like fleeting fireflies, and the taillights, like ruby tears, were a silent symphony, a reminder that he wasn't entirely alone.

One crisp autumn morning, the rhythm of Arthur's life scratched like an old record. The tea grew cold, the crossword remained unfinished, and the television hummed to an empty room. The cars continued their ceaseless journey along the highway, unaware of the quiet departure that occurred in Apartment 2B.

Days turned into weeks, and the apartment remained untouched. Then, a strange thing began to happen. Residents of the complex, those who returned late at night or left early in the morning, started to notice a faint, translucent figure at the window of Apartment 2B.

It was Arthur, or what remained of him. His spectral form, a wisp of gray against the dim light of the room, stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the highway. The cars continued their ceaseless journey, their headlights cutting through the darkness, their taillights painting streaks of red against the night.

Some residents felt a chill, a whisper of unease. Others, those who had occasionally exchanged a polite nod with Arthur, felt a pang of melancholy, a quiet acknowledgment of the loneliness that had lingered in the apartment long before his passing.

The ghost of Arthur became a fixture, a silent sentinel watching the ebb and flow of life. He remained at his window, a spectral observer, a reminder that even in death, the need for connection, for the comfort of seeing life go on, persisted. And the cars, like tiny, brightly colored beetles, continued their ceaseless journey, a silent testament to the enduring rhythm of existence, a rhythm Arthur, in his own way, still sought to share.

Carolina Dean
Old Guy 

The Books of Magic: Fictional Grimoires

Alright, let's dive into the fascinating world of fictional grimoires and magical tomes! I've always been captivated by the idea of discovering hidden knowledge and ancient spells, so I'm compiling a list of all the magical books I've encountered in movies, TV shows, books, comics, and cartoons. Think of this as a growing library of the impossible, from the Necronomicon in H.P. Lovecraft's stories to the spellbooks wielded by witches in countless TV shows. We'll explore the unique powers and secrets these fictional books hold, and where they pop up in our favorite stories.

This is just the beginning of our magical journey. I'll be constantly updating this list as I stumble upon more enchanted volumes in my pop culture explorations. If you know of any fantastic grimoires or spellbooks I've missed, please let me know in the comments! Together, we can build the ultimate collection of fictional magical texts, a testament to the power of imagination and the allure of the unknown.

The Halliwell Book of Shadows, Charmed (1998 - 2006)

John Winchester's Journal, Supernatural (2005 - 2020)

The Great Book of Spells (1983)

The Necronomicon, The Dunwich Horror by  H.P. Lovecraft (1929)

The Book, Practical Magic Alice Hoffman (1995)

The Grimmerie, Wicked by Gregory Maguire (1995)

Book, Hocus Pocus (1993)

The Physick Book, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe (2010)

The Book of the Vishanti, Marvel Comics (1963)

The Darkhold, Marvel Comics (1972)

The Spells of Astoroth, Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

The Handbook for the Recently Deceased, Beetlejuice (1988)

Willie Connolly's Journal, Daughter of Darkness  by J.R. Lowell (1972) 

Advanced Potion Magic, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rawling (2006)

The Book of the Damned, Supernatural (2005-2020) 

 

Carolina Dean

Head Librarian, 12th House Books 

My Favorite Reads: Cozy Mystery Edition

I'm excited to talk about some of my favorite book series today, and they all fall into a category called "Cozy Mysteries." If you're not familiar with that term, don't worry, I'll explain. Basically, cozy mysteries are a type of crime story that's meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, not scary or disturbing.

Think of it like this: instead of a hard-boiled detective chasing down dangerous criminals, you have an ordinary person, like a baker or a librarian, who gets involved in solving a mystery. There's usually no graphic violence or explicit scenes, and the focus is more on figuring out "who did it" than on the gruesome details of the crime. These stories often take place in small towns or close-knit communities, which adds to the cozy atmosphere.

The emphasis in these books is on the puzzle itself and getting to know the characters. You'll spend time with the amateur detective as they gather clues and interview suspects, and you'll often feel like you're part of the community yourself. It's a lighthearted and comforting way to enjoy a mystery, perfect for when you want to escape and relax.

The Books

Agatha Raisin, M.C. Beaton 

In 2020, I discovered the Agatha Raisin books. It happened during the really strict Covid-19 lockdowns when my office closed, and I had to work from home for three months. At first, I loved having all that free time. I finally had the chance to work on all my hobbies and finish my art projects.

But after a month, I ran out of things to do. I had way more free time than projects to fill it. One evening, feeling really bored, I was looking for something to watch on TV while I ate dinner. I found that Acorn TV was offering a free trial week, and I saw a show starting called "Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death." I really enjoyed that first episode and noticed in the credits that it was based on a book series by M.C. Beaton. That made me curious, so I ordered the first book from Amazon, and I was completely hooked.

I ended up buying and reading all the Agatha Raisin books that were available at the time. I finished them all in about four months. Sadly, M.C. Beaton passed away in December 2019. However, the series didn't end there. The publisher found another writer to continue the stories, and they're releasing a new book about once a year.

The Premise

Imagine a woman named Agatha Raisin, she used to be a big shot in public relations, very good at her job and not afraid to speak her mind. She decides to retire to a quiet, pretty village in the English countryside called Carsley, thinking she'll finally have a peaceful life. But things don't go as planned. Instead of relaxing, Agatha finds herself constantly dealing with murders happening around her. She's not a police officer, but she can't help but get involved. With her strong personality and a real need to know what's going on, she starts investigating the crimes herself. Agatha digs into the lives of the people in the village, uncovering all sorts of secrets. Her investigations are often messy and funny, as her forceful style clashes with the quiet village life. So, instead of a peaceful retirement, Agatha becomes an amateur detective, solving murders and stirring up trouble in her new home.

1. The Quiche of Death (1992)
2. The Vicious Vet (1993)
3. The Potted Gardener (1994)
4. The Walkers of Dembley (1995)
5. The Murderous Marriage (1996)
6. The Terrible Tourist (1997)
7. The Wellspring of Death (1998)
8. The Wizard of Evesham (1999)
9. The Witch of Wyckhadden (1999)
10. The Fairies of Fryfam (2000)
11. The Love from Hell (2001)
12. The Day the Floods Came (2002)
13. The Case of the Curious Curate (2003)
14. The Haunted House (2003)
15. The Deadly Dance (2004)
16. The Perfect Paragon (2005)
17. Love, Lies and Liquor (2006)
18. Kissing Christmas Goodbye (2007)
19. A Spoonful of Poison (2008)
20. There Goes the Bride (2009)
21. Busy Body (2010)
22. As the Pig Turns (2011)
23. Hiss and Hers (2012)
24. Christmas Crumble (2012)
25. Something Borrowed, Someone Dead (2013)
26. Hell's Bells (2013)
27. The Blood of an Englishman (2014)
28. Agatha's First Case (2015)
29. Dishing the Dirt (2015)
30. Pushing up Daisies (2016)
31. The Witches' Tree (2017)
32. The Dead Ringer (2018)
33. Beating about the Bush (2019)
34. Hot to Trot (2020)
35. Down the Hatch (2021)
36. Devil’s Delight (2022)
37. Dead on Target (2023)
38. Killing Time (2024)

Hamish Macbeth, M.C. Beaton 

I was really bummed out when I finished reading all the Agatha Raisin books. It felt like a whole world I loved had just vanished, especially since M.C. Beaton, the author, had passed away. I was genuinely sad thinking that was the end of the series. Then, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she had written other books too! I learned that there was another series called the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries, which gave me something new to explore. It was a relief to discover that I could still enjoy more of her work, even after finishing the Agatha Raisin series. Before creating Agatha Raisin, M.C. Beaton wrote the Hamish Macbeth books, which became a TV series in the UK between 1995 and 1997

The Premise 

The books are about a police officer named Hamish Macbeth. He lives in a tiny, beautiful village called Lochdubh, tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. Hamish isn't really driven to climb the career ladder. He'd much rather have a peaceful, easy life. But, he's surprisingly clever. Even though he wants things to be calm, he always ends up investigating murders and other strange mysteries that happen in his village. He has to solve these crimes to keep his community safe. On top of that, he's dealing with complicated friendships and romantic relationships, and all the odd and funny things that happen in a small town.

1. Death of a Gossip (1985)
2. Death of a Cad (1987)
3. Death of an Outsider (1988)
4. Death of a Perfect Wife (1989)
5. Death of a Hussy (1990)
6. Death of a Snob (1991)
7. Death of a Prankster (1992)
8. Death of a Glutton (1993)
9. Death of a Travelling Man (1993)
10. Death of a Charming Man (1994)
11. Death of a Nag (1995)
12. Death of a Macho Man (1996)
13. Death of a Dentist (1997)
14. Death of a Scriptwriter (1998)
15. Death of an Addict (1999)
16. A Highland Christmas (1999)
17. Death of a Dustman (2001)
18. Death of a Celebrity (2002)
19. Death of a Village (2003)
20. Death of a Poison Pen (2004)
21. Death of a Bore (2005)
22. Death of a Dreamer (2006)
23. Death of a Maid (2007)
24. Death of a Gentle Lady (2008)
25. Death of a Witch (2009)
26. Death of a Valentine (2010)
27. Death of a Chimney Sweep (2011)
28. Death of a Kingfisher (2012)
29. Death of Yesterday (2013)
30. Death of a Policeman (2014)
31. Death of a Liar (2015)
32. Knock, Knock, You're Dead! (2016)
33. Death of a Nurse (2016)
34. Death of a Ghost (2017)
35. Death of an Honest Man (2018)
36. Death of a Green-Eyed Monster (2022)
37. Death of a Laird (2022)
38. Death of a Traitor (2023)
39. Death of a Spy (2024)
40. Death of a Smuggler (2025)

The Booktown Mysteries, Lorna Barrett

I sell books, and I'm a big reader myself, especially books about books! When I go to thrift stores to find old or unusual books for my online shop, I also look for interesting things to read for fun. I found a book called 'Murder is Binding' at a thrift store, and it turned out to be the first in a series I'd never heard of. I enjoyed it a lot! Since then, I've read about twelve books in the series, but I've been reading them in whatever order I find them at thrift stores.

The Premise 

The Booktown Mystery Series by Lorna Barrett centers around Tricia Miles, a savvy businesswoman who owns "Haven't Got a Clue," a mystery bookstore in the quaint New Hampshire town of Stoneham. This town has rebranded itself as a "Booktown," attracting bibliophiles and tourists. However, amidst the charming bookstores and literary events, Tricia frequently finds herself entangled in real-life mysteries, often involving murder. As an amateur sleuth, she must navigate the close-knit community, uncover hidden secrets, and clear her name or those of her friends, all while running her bookstore. Essentially, it's a cozy mystery series set in a book-lover's paradise, where fictional mysteries become all too real.

1. Murder is Binding (2008)
2. Bookmarked for Death (2009)
3. Bookplate Special (2009)
4. Chapter and Hearse (2010)
5. Sentenced to Death (2011)
6. Murder on the Half Shelf (2012)
7. Not the Killing Type (2013)
8. Book Clubbed (2014)
9. A Fatal Chapter (2015)
10. Title Wave (2016)
11. A Just Clause (2017)
12. Poisoned Pages (2018)
13. A Killer Edition (2019)
14. Handbook for Homicide (2020)
15. A Deadly Deletion (2021)
16. Clause of Death (2022)
17. A Questionable Character (2023)
18. A Controversial Cover (2024)
19. A Perilous Plot (2025)

Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, Angela M. Sanders 

This is a mystery series with a touch of magic, and it feels like a cozy read to me. The main character is a witch who solves mysteries, and what's cool is that her magical abilities get stronger as the story goes on, which helps her figure out each case. I really enjoy the world the author created and how the witch uses her growing powers to solve the puzzles.

The Premise 

The Witch Way Librarian Mystery series centers around Josie Way, a librarian who discovers she's also a witch, in the small, quirky town of Wilfred, Oregon. She uses her newfound magical abilities, along with her librarian skills, to solve murders and other mysteries that pop up in her town. Essentially, it's a cozy mystery series with a fun, magical twist, combining elements of small-town life, witchcraft, and detective work.

1. Bait and Witch (2021)
2. Seven-Year Witch (2021)
3. Witch and Famous (2022)
4. Witch Upon a Star (2023)
5. Gone with the Witch (2024)
6. The Witch Is Back (2024)
7. Witch and Tell (2025) 

Do you have a favorite cozy mystery series? If so, what is it?

Carolina Dean 

Book Lover

12th House Books 

Insane in the Otane!

The Otane comes to us from the practice of Santeria, which means "Way of the Saints".  Other names for this religion include Lucumi, and Regla de Ocha. Santeria originally developed in 19th century Cuba and became a blend of the Yoruba Religion, Roman Catholicism, and Spiritualism. Although Santeria is an initiatory tradition, it has no central authority but rather is comprised of autonomous groups of people and families. Santeria is a complex religion and there is a great deal of information not available to non-initiates so the focus of this article will be on the Otane. 

Practitioners worship the Orishas, or Gods. There are several Orishas who have their own colors, foods, rituals, sacrifices, areas of life, rules and traditions associated with them. According to Migene Golzalez Whippler in her book Rituals and Spells of Santeria:

Olodumare- God among the Yoruba - is also known as Olofi ini Santeria. According to one of the legends - patakis - or Santeria. Olofi created the orishas by gathering together a number of flat smooth stones - otanes - and projecting some of his ache into them. From these otanes, filled with Olofi's divine energy, the orishas were born. Olofi then divided all the various forces of nature among the orishas and gave them dominion over emotions and other transcendental powers. This is why santeros believe that the ache of the orishas is concentrated in the stones that represent them. During the initiation or the asiento, when a person "makes the saint" the powers of the orishas are brought down into their respective otanes by means of a special ceremony. Each orisha has a specific number of stones ascribed to him or her. Their stones are kept inside colorful tureens - soperas- in colors of the orisha. These stones are fed periodically with the blood of the sacrificial animals which are sacred to each orishas. The meat of the animals, which is believed to have the blessings and the ache of the orisha, is then cooked and eaten by the santeros. 

According to another source, practitioners of Santeria (santeros) believe that the Orishas put an otane on the earth for every person. As a consequence, each individual santeros have their own otane.  There are no requirements for what makes an otane an otane. They can be large or small, round or flat, smooth or rough. It is only necessary that the individual finds it and recognizes its special attraction. The stone then becomes a powerful talisman to assist the practitioner with his or her spells. 

As stated above, when not in use the otane is kept in a special soup tureen or other ceramic container along with specific herbs associated with the particular Orisha that the individual serves. Through ritual ceremonies, the otane is occasionally fed the blood of sacrificed animals and then becomes infused with the ache (power) of the Orisha. 

The otane features prominently in the 1982 novel The Religion by Nicholas Conde which was later adapted into a movie called The Believers starring Martin Sheen. 

- Carolina Dean 

Further Reading:

• Santeria: From Slavery to Slavery, Ken Philpott
• Cuban Santerian Practices  
• Know the Importance of Stones in the Sacred Rule of Santeria

The Pendulum Lady

 The Pendulum Lady

by Carolina Dean 

The afternoon sun, filtered through the lace curtains of Susan’s parlor, cast long, distorted shadows across the cluttered room. Dust motes danced in the golden light, illuminating the countless trinkets and talismans that adorned every surface – dried herbs strung from the ceiling, tarot cards scattered across a velvet-draped table, and a collection of oddly shaped stones nestled in velvet pouches. Susan, her face a topographical map of wrinkles etched by decades of worry and whispered secrets, watched Cathy fidget. The girl, barely out of her teens, her youthful features usually bright and hopeful, now wore a mask of terror. Her eyes, wide and dark, seemed to hold the weight of a world too heavy for her slender frame.

“It’s…it’s about my boyfriend, Mark,” Cathy stammered, her voice barely a breath. “I think…I think he’s not…normal.” Her fingers twisted a silver locket around her neck, a nervous habit that did little to quell the rising panic.

Susan nodded, her own hand, gnarled and spotted, reaching for the heavy amethyst pendulum hanging from a thick, silver chain. The amethyst, a deep, violet hue, pulsed with a faint, inner light. “Ask your question, child. Let the stone speak. It has seen more than you can imagine.”

Cathy’s voice trembled, a fragile thread in the still air. “Is Mark…is he a demon?”

Susan held the pendulum steady, her eyes fixed on the crystal. The pendulum swung, a slow, deliberate circle, then stopped, quivering as if sensing an unseen presence. It began to rotate in a wide, frantic arc, picking up speed, a silent scream in motion. A sudden, bone-deep chill filled the small, cluttered room. The air crackled with an unseen energy, raising the hairs on Cathy's arms. A voice, a low, guttural growl that resonated with a primal dread, echoed from the shadows, “Cathy, my sweet. Come back to me.”

Mark stood in the doorway, the afternoon sunlight catching his normally handsome features, twisting them into a grotesque parody of a smile. His eyes, usually warm and inviting, burned with an unholy light, a cold, predatory gleam that made Cathy’s blood run cold. The air around him shimmered, distorting the very fabric of reality.

“He’s here!” Cathy screamed, scrambling back, her eyes wide with terror. Susan, surprisingly quick for her age, grabbed Cathy’s arm, her grip surprisingly strong, and pulled her towards the tiny closet tucked under the stairs. The air thrummed with a malevolent energy, a tangible presence that pressed against them. “Quickly, child!”

They slammed the door, the flimsy wood offering little comfort against the unseen horror. Outside, Mark’s voice boomed, amplified by an unnatural power, “You cannot hide from me, Cathy. I will find you.” The floorboards vibrated beneath his heavy, deliberate steps.

Susan wrapped the amethyst pendulum around the doorknob, the crystal humming with a faint, protective energy, a barrier against the encroaching darkness. It pulsed, casting a faint, violet glow, a fragile shield against the demonic power.

However, a moment later, a dark, swirling cloud of smoke seeped under the closet door, tendrils of darkness reaching for them like grasping claws. The air thickened, heavy with the stench of sulfur and decay. Cathy gasped, her breath catching in her throat, "It's him, he's going to get in!" She clutched Susan’s arm, her nails digging into the old woman’s skin. Susan, her eyes narrowed, her face set with grim determination, removed a second, smaller pendulum made of quartz from her apron pocket. The quartz, clear and pure, held a faint, inner luminescence. She held it aloft, her hand steady, and began to swing it in slow, counterclockwise circles, her lips moving in a silent incantation, ancient words of banishment and binding.

The smoke writhed, reacting to the crystal’s power, recoiling from its pure energy. It was pulled, twisted, and sucked upward, into the heart of the quartz, a dark vortex consumed by light. The crystal pulsed, glowing faintly, and the smoke vanished, leaving behind only the lingering stench of sulfur. Mark, or what was left of him, was trapped, his essence contained within the crystalline prison.

Susan, her breath ragged, her face pale, dropped the pendulum into her apron pocket. “He’s contained for now,” she said, her voice hoarse, a low rasp that spoke of ancient battles. “But not for long. These things…they are persistent.”

They emerged from the closet, the air still thick with the residue of dark magic. Susan grabbed a small, ornate glass bowl from a shelf in the kitchen, its delicate carvings depicting scenes of celestial battles. She filled it with holy water from a chipped ceramic pitcher, the water shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow. Then, with a steady hand, she dropped the quartz pendulum into the bowl.

The water hissed, bubbling violently, as if a live coal had been plunged into its depths. A blinding flash of light erupted, momentarily blinding them, followed by a sharp, deafening crack that shattered the silence. The glass bowl shattered, scattering fragments of crystal and damp shards of glass across the floor. The air smelled of sulfur and ozone, a lingering testament to the battle that had just been fought.

Cathy stared, her eyes wide with a mixture of terror and relief, her body trembling. "He's gone?"

Susan nodded, her gaze fixed on the shattered remnants of the bowl, her eyes filled with a weariness that spanned centuries. "Gone. Destroyed. Some things, child, are best left undisturbed. They are ancient, powerful, and hungry. And some things, are best dealt with using a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of faith." She picked up the shattered amethyst pendulum, the silver chain now slightly bent, a physical manifestation of the struggle. "And sometimes, even faith is tested, and the tools we use must be reforged."