She shrugs and takes a moment to think through her words. “If he wants me to know, he’ll tell me. But I get the feeling it has something to do with you. And I just… I need you to know I’m glad he found you.”
My brows flick up in surprise, and I’m left speechless.
She continues, “Whatever happens isn’t your fault. We’re all victims to what our ancestors did a century ago. I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I know my brother, and I am happy he found you.”
Swallowing past emotions, I grab Sybil’s hand and say, “I’m glad I found him too. All of you.”
Her eyes soften for a moment before she looks over my shoulder. I follow her line of sight but don’t see anything for a few seconds, until Archer comes around the corner and straight toward us.
“Let’s try a seance again,” he says as a way of greeting.
“What?” I squeak out, surprised and a little scared of his demand.
Sybil leans forward, still holding my hand and squeezes. “Back up and explain.” He opens his mouth before she quickly adds, “Andask.”
He rolls his eyes at her, but offers me an apologetic look.
“You tried to use a ouija board in a house full of spirits—you’re lucky you even got Petra,” he says.
He’s not wrong, but he isn’t winning us over.
He shakes his head and continues. “We need to talk to Barrett—we need to know what he said that night, if he’s even the one who casted the curse. It’s better if you—” he points toward me “—have a vessel. Especially one with a connection to the spirit you’re summoning.” This time, he runs a hand down the air in front of him.
Sybil and I share a long look. It’s clear she’s worried about my mental state and how my magic will handle another summoning on a grander scale. I offer her a slight nod and she blinks in confirmation. Her consent to this is as important as mine and his, or he would have made this plan without her.
“Are you positive you want to do this?” I ask him. “It’s a huge risk in any situation. Add in everything that comes with it beingme, and the outcome could be fatal.”
My voice cracks on the last word and Sybil looks between us, probably questioning her initial agreement.
“If it kills me, then that’s how it happens. Problem solved,” he tries to joke, but it comes out dry, sad. I glare at him and he says, “In the best case scenario, we get more information about what happened that night. I want to know the truth, and so do you.”
I nod. I need to know the truth—something is still missing. Something important.
Standing from the step, I hold my hand out to him and lead us inside.
The entire coven is in the main den, setting up for the seance. I didn’t expect anyone other than Esme to agree to be a part of this. Not after last time. Rowyn and Clover didn’t hesitate.
Somehow, Clementine knew that her young magic would have its own benefits, and was able to convince Clover to let her participate. After the last time, I’m unsure if she should be here, but I trust Clover’s decisions with her sister.
We each have our own tasks. It will be similar to that night with the ouija board, except Archer will be inside the salt circle this time. The rest of us will clasp hands and form a barrier around it.
As I anoint his muscular chest with a variety of oils to protect him and ward off negative energies, I try to calm myself down. It’s important I keep a clear head through this. It can take a dangerous turn if I lose control, but I hate the idea of him being used like this—of being locked in there with who knows what.
He cups my jaw and tilts my head back. “It’s going to be okay. Whatever happens is up to the fates now.”
“To the fates that bind us,” I murmur sarcastically and look away, blinking back tears.
“To the fates that bound me to you,” he says and kisses me fiercely.
Neither of us are worried about our audience and I don’t feel their loving but teasing stares like I normally do. Appreciating the privacy, I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the contact, getting lost in his arms and scent. He holds me close and takes his time, filling me with courage and determination, one brush of his lips at a time.
Once we break apart, everything else happens quickly.
Archer moves to the center of the room, and I pour the salt mixture around him. The other women begin to light the candles intentionally placed around. They each set the last ones down as I close the circle and stand back.
He is quiet, but looks open to whatever comes next, calm even.
Grabbing Sybil and Rowyn’s hand, everyone does the same and now we’re ready.
