Celise shifted, turning so only one shoulder rested against the tree. “How did she die?”
“She died protecting me. Why do you want to know?”
Celise detected a hint of wariness in the healer’s tone. She lifted a brow and shrugged. “If I’m going to raise your mother from the dead, I need to know if her death was natural. Was it violent or peaceful? The circumstances affect how much power I must use.”
Jewel’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. Her face grew even paler. “No one can raise the dead.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if she dared not hope.
Celise tilted her head from side to side. “True and false. Not just anyone can raise the dead. You need certain powers … and a certain book that magnifies those powers.”
Jewel pursed her lips. “And you have this book?”
Celise nodded. “I do.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“You shouldn’t.” Celise chuckled. “But then again, has anyone else offered to bring your mother back?”
“What do you want in return?”
Smart girl.“A favor, the time and nature of which I’ll choose.”
Jewel rolled her eyes. “What could I possibly do to help you?”
“You’re a gypsy healer, and a witch to boot.” Celise motioned to her. “Your magic is as unique as the book I possess.”
Jewel continued to watch Celise, likely considering the possibilities and consequences of what Celise was offering and asking in return.
Celise decided to push a little more and appeal to the woman’s emotions. “I assume you have a mate?”
Jewel nodded.
“One day, you’ll have a child. You’ll experience the joy of new life, watching your offspring grow and flourish. But you’ll miss out on having your mother there to share in that joy. She could offer you wisdom and support. You’ve no doubt mourned not just her loss but the loss of everything her death has stolen from you. I can give that back to you.”
“What would I need to do for you to perform the magic? The only kind of magic I know that can raise the dead is dark magic.” Jewel paused, biting her lip before continuing. “Blood magic.”
Celise considered the healer. Jewel was more knowledgeable than she had anticipated. But then, she had witch magic, which meant she’d been exposed to dark magic. Celise’s mind began turning as she considered the implications. If Jewel had dark magic inside her, how much more powerful would she be if she accompanied Celise to one of the taverns? She could feel Jewel’s power, likely just her healer magic. Jewel probably tried to suppress the dark magic, especially if it made her uncomfortable. Again, Celise decided that lying wasn’t the right approach with Jewel. “You’re correct. It takes blood magic. But”—she held up a hand—“just because it’s blood magic doesn’t mean it has to be evil. Not all dark magic is used for sinister reasons.”
Jewel looked skeptical.
“Hear me out,” Celise insisted. “If we’re raising your mother for good reasons—if it’s not meant to harm anyone but only to bring you joy, then how can that be evil?”
Jewel pressed her lips together, her brow furrowed. “I suppose it isn’t. Not really. Although it goes against the natural order of things.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s evil,” Celise pointed out.
Jewel shrugged. “I guess not.”
“We’ll need to magnify your power,” Celise said carefully. “There are different ways to do that. But the book I have helpsme absorb power. If we go to a place where there is dark magic, I can absorb it. If you join me, the dark magic in you will grow.” She held up a finger to stop Jewel as she opened her mouth. “And I can siphon it right out of you. You won’t be walking around with a bunch of dark magic running through you.”
Jewel’s mouth closed. She slipped her hands into her pockets, the flowers long forgotten. Her eyes wandered around the forest, and Celise let her be, giving her time to process everything without pushing. Finally, Jewel looked back at her. “Okay.” She nodded. “But my mate is going to ask questions, and he’ll follow me.”
“He won’t be able to come inside the establishments,” Celise assured her. “His light prevents him from having enough darkness to enter. I’m sure you can come up with something to tell him.”
“How will I know where to go?”
“I’ll text you. Put in my contact information, but don’t put it under Celise,” she instructed. “Use my middle name, Elowen.” She then rattled off her number. “I’ll text you the names of each place and the time to meet me.” Celise shoved away from the tree and walked slowly toward Jewel. “May I touch you? I need to give you some of my power. It will allow you to travel through portals and bring you right to the location I instruct simply by thinking of where you want to go. Even by car, you’ll be led to my location. But you’ll need to leave the protection of your pack’s compound.” She didn’t mention that she’d tried to enter the Colorado pack’s compound using a portal, only to be pushed back by a ward. Perizada’s doing, no doubt.
“How can you do that?” Jewel’s voice was full of awe.
