Celise carefully withdrew the ancient tome from her bag, the power emanating from it almost palpable in the air. She reverently ran her fingers over the worn leather cover, touching the intricate symbols etched into the binding. Even closed, it seemed to hum with forbidden knowledge.
“This is the Nushtonia,” she announced to the rapt assembly. “Also called the Book of the Dead. The magic contained within could return your loved ones to you if we can unlock its secrets.”
Hopeful voices rose around the table, but Celise raised a hand for silence. “It will not be easy. Bringing back the dead requires a ritual drawing magic from all supernatural races to break the veil.”
She met each set of eyes staring back at her intently. “Each of you must add your power when the time comes. But you must also know the risks are great. Tempting fate rarely goes unpunished.”
A hulking troll with flames dancing in his eyes slammed down a fist. “We don’t fear vengeance from the wolves or their alphas. Their reign of so-called justice has ravaged our clans.” Murmurs of agreement echoed his bitterness.
Celise’s heart clenched with the still-raw pain of losing her sisters, killed by Perizada and her damn cold fire. Their deaths had been written off by the sprite queen and the others as merely casualties of war. “The ritual may have consequences greater than wolf retaliation. It tampers with the very forces of life and death. We must be prepared.”
“No price is too high to recover those we have lost,” a fae woman insisted, emerald eyes feverish with longing. Similar sentiments rang out from around the room.
Breathing deep, Celise prayed she was not leading these grieving souls, and herself, to an even greater ruin. But the pull to reclaim her family was a relentless ache. If there was even a chance the ancient tome could resurrect their dead…
She opened the book, running a gentle finger down the page that described the ritual’s setup. “Then we prepare. I will transcribe a copy of the ritual for each of you to study your role.” Her voice dropped gravely. “Learn it perfectly. We only get one chance.”
The assembly nodded as one, desperate hope overlaying their grief. They would brave unknown dangers to regain what had been ripped away. Do what must be done, whatever the cost.
Their shared purpose seemed to bind them together. Some amongst the group were, no doubt, former enemies. Now they were united in a mission more vital than vengeance or justice. For love’s sake, they would attempt the impossible. To do less would be to admit defeat, to concede that those lives lost had meant nothing. That could not be borne. And so an unspoken vow took root as Celise met each pair of burning eyes. They would let nothing prevent their purpose. Not an alpha decree or the fragile boundaries between life and death. Those rules did not apply when hearts still yearned across the veil.
So be it. Celise passed the copied texts around the table. Let fate judge if their cause was just. Nothing else mattered but succeeding, healing the open wounds of loss that yet bled. Even if the powers themselves opposed this defiance, she would see it through for her sisters’ sakes.
Hands steady despite the gravity of their task, Celise addressed the group. “Study your parts well. Be ready when called. And may fortune favor us.”
Subdued but resolute, everyone dispersed to prepare. Much remained uncertain, but the path was set. For love, they would brave the shadows between worlds. And pray their light was bright enough to guide the way.
* * *
Alice drifted slowlyup through layers of darkness. Everything felt heavy and disconnected. She tried to grasp onto conscious thought, but it slipped away like smoke. Gradually, muffled sounds filtered through. Voices. Were they familiar? She struggled to focus, to understand the words.
“… stabilizing well … just needs time…” A woman’s voice, her tone gentle and soothing.
“When do you think … wake…? It’s been…” Another female, this one sounded younger, worried.
Alice latched onto their voices like lifelines, using all her will to drag herself closer to wakefulness. She had to see who was speaking. She needed to know where she was.
With monumental effort, Alice forced her eyes open a crack. Blurry shapes and colors hovered over her, resolving slowly into faces. Five women stood around her, watching her with anxious care etched across their lovely features.
“There you are,” the closest one said warmly. She had a mane of fiery curls and vibrant emerald eyes. “We’ve been so worried, but you’re safe now.”
Safe. The word seemed to sink into Alice’s mind, loosening some of the panicked tension coiled inside her. Safe was good, comforting. But safe from what? Her thoughts felt wrapped in cotton, the details floating just out of reach.
Another face leaned closer. This one had delicate features with large pale green eyes and waves of platinum hair framing her slightly pointed ears.
“Do you know where you are?” the fae-woman asked frankly. Her tone wasn’t unkind, but it was brisk.
Alice shook her head weakly, wincing at the spike of pain the slight movement ignited. She had no idea where she was or how she’d gotten here. Her mind scrabbled for purchase but found no solid memories to cling to.
The redhead squeezed Alice’s hand. “That’s all right. You’re among friends now. I’m Jacque, and this is Peri.” She indicated the fae and the other three women hovering protectively nearby. “Sally, Kara, and Jen are here, too.” She pointed to each female as she named them. “You’re safe with us.”
The reassurance helped ease Alice’s spiking anxiety. “Sally. Kara.” Her voice was rough from lack of use. “You’re the other healers that came to me in my dreams.”
Sally nodded. “That’s right. We told you we’d get you out.”
“We don’t play.” A wicked gleam shined in Kara’s eyes. “Especially when it comes to gypsy healers.”
“Thank you.” Alice tried to get her bearings now that she was physically with the girls and not still in her dreams. But she felt terrifyingly adrift, grasping at memories that twisted away like smoke. Strong hands lifted her. Lips brushed against her skin. But whose? It was maddeningly unclear.
