“Take two headclear and meet me at my shop in the morning.I’ll help you then.”
As her aunt was reaching to disconnect the com, Amellia said, “I’m under an alien love curse and I’m going to die at dawn.”
Eyes narrowed, brows drawn together in a frown, Cheline studied her.“Would you repeat that astonishing statement?”
Sighing, Amellia plunged ahead.“There’s this guy?—”
“Of course there is,” Cheline laughed.“If all you need is a love potion, again I’ll see you tomorrow at the shop.”
“No, wait, let me explain.He broke it off with a girl on his home planet and she cursed him.And me.Well, she doesn’t actually know me but whoever it was he was involved with or attracted to here got added to the spell.Which was me.Now I’m not worried about this at all but he’s here right now and he’s convinced we’re going to die at dawn and I’ve got to do something to cheer him up.So I thought if you could stage kind of a ceremony or an exorcism or whatever for us, he’d feel better.”Her aunt’s expression was unreadable and Amellia swallowed hard, hoping she hadn’t offended her relative.“He’s normally solid as a rock being ex-military and a special agent and all but this has him shook.He’s actually shedding scales from the stress.”
“Scales?”
“Yes, I did mention he’s not from our planet, didn’t I?He’s from Zackmarune.”
Brow furrowed, Aunt Cherline ran one elegant hand through her already tousled white-and-pink hair.“All right.You’ll have to come to the shop because I can’t diagnose this via comlink.If dawn is the deadline we’d better hurry because you don’t have any time to waste.Meet me there as fast as you can.”
“Should we bring the box?”Amellia asked, a bit stunned by her aunt’s quick agreement to help.
“Definitely and anything that was inside the box, especially anything written.”
“I appreciate this, auntie.”
“Never let it be said I walked away from a family member in distress.Besides you’re my favorite niece but don’t tell the others.Now hurry!”Cheline closed the comlink.
Carrying the mugs of hot coffee and the sandwiches into the living room on a small lacquered tray, she set her burden on the table and began explaining her plan to Hagan.“Since you’re so worried about this curse thing, I’m calling in an expert, my auntie Cheline.She’s a—a world famous sorceress on this planet and I’m sure she can defeat or block any spell.We have to meet her at her shop right away, so while you eat, I’ll get dressed.”
Mug hallway to his lips, Hagan paused and stared at her.“Does she think she can help us?Did you tell her the curse isn’t of this world?”
“I did and she’s confident.”Not a lie—auntie is always confident.Amellia took her coffee, sipping it as she hastened down the hall to her bedroom, reflecting on what a weird evening this was turning out to be.I guess it’s our first date and we can laugh about it for the rest of our lives.With a chuckle she examined her closet and selected one of her best sweaters, which tended to emphasize her generous curves, and a pair of black jeans.She layered the sweater over a bright pink tee shirt, added thick socks and boots, ran a brush through her hair and hastened to the living room.
Hagan rose as she entered.“The sandwiches were excellent, exactly what the inner man needed after a long day.We can take my groundcar—I’m parked fairly close.”
“Cheline said to bring the box and any contents,” Amellia said as she headed toward the door.
“Of course.”Without looking back, he scooped up the item in question with his tail without breaking stride, managing to get to the portal first and opening it for her courteously.“After you.”
ChapterThree
Cheline’s shop was in a trendy area adjacent to the downtown mainstream and Hagan drove there at a fairly high rate of speed, which made Amellia nervous about getting pulled over by the police but she supposed he could avoid a ticket if he flashed his own badge and he was a consummate driver.
“Spells, spices and sundries.”He read the sign, which blinked on and off in vivid violet and red.
“She has a wide variety of merchandise—you’ll see.She must be here already because there are a lot of lights inside.”Leaving the groundcar, Amellia stepped to the doorway, Hagan right behind her and as she approached the portal opened.
Amellia did a doubletake.Her aunt was attired in a slinky, sparkly black gown, spiked heels adorned with gemstones on the straps and a deep purple cape with mystical signs embroidered in gold thread.The collar of the cape framed her face, which retained the striking beauty of her youth, although undeniably lined and softened.Her white-and-pink hair was in an elaborate updo, held in place by a circlet studded with gems and the effect was overwhelming.She was leaning on an elaborately carved staff, topped with a dark stone.Light flickered in the depths of the massive gem.
The overall effect was astonishing.She either resembled an ancient sorceress, all powerful…or a character in a fantasy trideo.Or maybe a person dressed up for a costume party.Amellia stifled a nervous giggle at the vision her aunt presented but behind her she felt Hagan relax the slightest bit.She made a hasty introduction.“This is my um friend, Agent Hagan Raljarr of the SCIA.He’s one of the Sectors officers I support at the office.We really appreciate this, aunt Cheline.”
“Yes, well, you said the matter was urgent.Come in quickly before we attract attention.”Her aunt stepped aside to allow them to pass and gestured imperiously with the staff, as if herding a flock of recalcitrant woolbearers.
Once inside, Hagan bowed low.“I’m honored to meet you, Lady Cheline.I regret bringing this trouble to your family.”
“How much trouble remains to be seen,” Chelina said as she locked the door.“Come this way.I have a private room where I usually do individual readings and host small groups.I’ve set up there.”Walking quickly on her improbably high heeled shoes, she led them out of the dim store and into a separate annex.The room in question was fairly spacious, with a large round wooden table in the center.An embroidered black satin cloth took up the center.
The symbols embroidered and beaded on the tablecloth glowed in the lights as Amellia entered the room but she dismissed the idea as a fantasy.It was beautifully made—her aunt only dealt with the best artisans on the planet.A trick of the lighting.
“Set whatever you’ve brought me of the remnants from the spell in the exact center of the table,” Cheline said.“I’ve established a warded space so the evil can’t do any further harm.I must examine the objects and study the aura.”
