I close my eyes in a long blink, feeling a headache coming on. Normally, hashing things out and painfully going over each and every detail three or four times is my jam. It’s how I think, the way I process shit, and usually the way I come to a solution.
But one of the weirdest things about becoming a witch—other than actually becoming a witch—is how it’s making me change my everyday routines and thought processes.
“Yeah, I know.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It was a test. Not only to see if I’d go after it, thus proving I’m a witch, but also to test my powers. I faced it and didn’t die. How hard is it to learn a new power?” I wrinkle my nose. “Maybe ice-powers. You know, the total opposite.”
“It’s possible but difficult,” Jacques starts, missing my sarcasm.
“She’s joking,” Gilbert whisper-yells.
“I am,” I assure Jac. “But if it’s possible, I’ll work on it. As long as I’m a witch I’m going to be targeted by demons, humans, and other witches.” I shrug. “Best be prepared.”
“You will be.” Gemma gives me an encouraging nod. “I believe in you.”
“Thanks,” I say. “And speaking of believing in me…I think I should take another crack at the curse tonight.”
“Tonight of all nights?” Hasan lifts his eyebrows.
“Yeah.” I try to keep my voice level. “I haven’t tried to channel anything in a while. I’ve gotten better with tapping into my powers since the last time I tried. I might be able to see something different this time.”
“As long as you feel up to it,” Jacques says casually.Thank you, Jac.
“I do.” I look around the table. “Who wants to try it with me this time?”
The twins look at each other and Hasan avoids my eye. “I can,” Jacques offers. “I was closest to Braeya, after all.”
“Who’s Braeya again?” Gemma asks.
“I’ll explain later,” I say, getting up and clearing my spot at the table. I drink a big glass of water and take an Advil, preparing for the aftermath of channeling the curse. We work together to get things set up, going about this pretty much the exact same way as before.
“Catch me if I fall backward?” I ask Hasan as I sit on the floor.
“Of course.”
I close my eyes, reaching for the bowl of herbs. Jacques sits inside the circle of candles with me and holds out his hands. I invoke the herbs, using my magic to light them on fire. The smoke wafts around us and I reach out, taking Jacques’s hands.
Show me the curse.This time, there’s no delay. I’m pulled backwards almost right away, and things unfold just like they did before.Show me the curse. I’m in the forest, and the night is dark and cool. Something dark moves through the shadows before me. I know what’s going to happen and my stomach clenches.
When I channeled the curse before with Gil, he was able to see what I was seeing. And that means Jacques will see. He told me he didn’t think he really loved her, but he remembers how he felt when he was under her spell.
Braeya had just gone to see Jacques to warn him of her father’s plans. He gave her a crucifix, and I can feel the cool metal cross in her hand. She’s leaving the church and is about to get ambushed by fellow Templar Knights, who beat, rape, and kill her.
The curse. I don’t need to go through her final moments. Things move as if I hit fast-forward, but the pain hits me in waves, and I can’t skip over the feeling of lying there on the ground, cold and lifeless.
It’s weird how I’m feeling everything she felt, but it’s like I’m standing on the sidelines, watching her body on the ground. Then someone rushes forward, screaming and cursing before breaking down. Once Braeya’s father scoops her up, I’m back inside her body, looking out at the world through dead eyes.
I get glimpses of the woods around us, of the stars shining in the night sky. Darkness starts to swirl around me, and the next time I’m able to see, I’m inside a small house. Yes…this is exactly where I need to be. This is when the curse is cast, and if I could just move, transfer my channeling to Braeya’s father instead of her, then I’d see everything I need to see.
Move…come on…move.Braeya’s head is turned to the side, facing a wall. Herbs hang around me, and I recognize the smell of sage and sandalwood. Light from a new fire illuminates the room, and the spell starts.
Braeya’s father starts chanting while tears fall from his eyes. He needs Braeya’s blood for the spell, and I can feel the cold knife press against my skin. It doesn’t hurt when it slices through my skin. He slices her other arm, collecting more of her blood.
This is as far as I’ve seen. I tighten my grip on Jacques’s hands. It’s getting hard to concentrate, and holding us here in this vision is quickly draining my energy.
Braeya’s father dips his finger into the cup of blood and draws some sort of symbol on Braeya’s forehead. He’s speaking in Latin, and while I don’t know what he’s saying, Jacques will.
We might finally get a clue on how to break this fucking curse.
The flames in the fireplace grow bigger and bigger, and her father lifts the cup of blood in the air. He chants louder, voice filled with anger.
