Ronald nodded. “However, if he cannot possess either of you, he will continue to work with the person he’s found and wreak havoc at the school.”
“Havoc?” My eyebrows knitted together. “Aside from the fae invasion, things have been quiet since the start of term. Do you think he has plans?”
“Ghosts like him always have plans. It’s just a matter of time until he enacts them.” Ronald paused and brought a finger to his lips. “Unless . . .” He trailed off and fell into silence.
“Unless what?” I prodded, annoyed. “You can’t just go all silent like that on us. If there’s a way to stop him, we have to try.”
“Apologies. I was mulling over if it’s worth it to try. After reading your energies, I believe it will be difficult, but not impossible.” Ronald pointed to my ankle. “With the marks you bear, you might exert some control over this ghost.”
“How?”
“The ghost is a creature of Hell. As Hell’s essence runs in your veins, you might be able to call and banish him. Much like someone might with a ghost who has bonded with them.”
“Can they do it alone?” Amethyst sounded very skeptical.
Ronald gave her a soft smile. “No, my friend. They are not in tune with ghostly energies. You will need to teach them the correct ways of calling a ghost, and then pass along the banishing incantation. But with your guidance, it might work. Once he leaves, theoretically, everyone should be safe.”
Amethyst remained in the Marie Laveau Room with Ronald to discuss matters of banishing a ghost, while Eva and I walked to the Green Tower.
Our footsteps reverberated through the empty corridors. It seemed like most students had returned to their dorms, or were in the library studying—which was exactly what I should be doing, although I wasn’t sure I could manage it now.
“Do you think we can do this?” I asked Eva, hoping that talking about it would help ease my anxiety.
“We don’t have a choice,” she shot me an apologetic glance. “If her talisman works, Amethyst isn’t in danger anymore, but there’s at least one other person at the academy susceptible to ghostly energies. The ghost’s home. That bastard ghost will just work through them.”
“But won’t Ishtar just send another ghost?” I asked. “Hell is probably full of evil spirits wanting a second chance in our realm.”
Eva shrugged. “Who the hell knows? Not me, that’s for sure.”
We entered the Grind-year Tower and climbed the stairs. As soon as we set foot onto the spymasters level, Hunter and Alex poked their heads out of the private study.
“Waiting for someone?” I teased as I went to meet my boyfriend.
“Why wouldn’t we be waiting up for our hot ladies?” Hunter replied as he wrapped his arms around Eva and laid one on her.
“What he said,” Alex murmured, pulling me close and pressing his lips to mine in greeting. “Where were you girls?”
“With Amethyst, talking to a ghost.”
Alex’s eyebrows rose. “Okay . . . Why?”
I took his hand. “Eva and I have a few things to tell you guys. Is the library free?”
“Diana’s not in there, if that’s what you mean.”
It was. I couldn’t risk her telling her mother about our plans.
“Perfect. Let’s go chat.”
A half hour later, we’d debriefed the guys and left them looking shell-shocked.
“Sorry for keeping this from you. I didn’t even tell Eva, sheguessed—well, mostly.”
Alex nodded. “I get why you did. If you’re telling us now, I’m assuming it’s because you want our help with the banishing?”
“Absolutely,” Eva answered. “We’ll have to ask Amethyst how to best use your powers, but just having you there would make me feel way better.”
“We’ll do anything you need.” Alex turned to me. “And I don’t think those warping lessons can wait any longer, babe. Things are getting weird around here. Obviously, I won’t be great at it right away, but after we take care of the ghost, can you give me a lesson before you go to the Fae Academy?”
