“Let’s do that.” Aurora flew over to the window to see if Trey or Salvator were lurking. She spotted no one.
“I might lose consciousness while we’re out. If I do, will you be able to help?” Fear flitted across Gia’s already strained expression. It hurt to see, but she was bringing her worries to Aurora, being vulnerable, and Aurora wouldn’t let her down.
“I’ll be there with you. Being a ghost isn’t ideal, but I promise I’ll everything in my power to keep you safe.”
Gia cocked her head. “Do you think you could, you know, go inside me and control me while I’m unconscious?”
Aurora jolted. “It’s one thing to channel your power when you’re aware. We connected by accident. I’d never invade you.”
Gia gave her a pained smile and stood. “I know. You have my permission, so it’s not an invasion. Worst comes to worst, you’re free to take over.”
“Really?” The trust shocked Aurora, especially after how guarded Gia had been since they met.
“Yes, really. I like the sound of channeling, rather than possessing. Like you’re helping me rather than hijacking me to do your bidding.”
“That would be despicable.”
“Is something like that possible?”
“Witches can’t possess people, but we can channel each other. Usually, it requires a blood exchange and goes both ways. Since I’m not in my body, things are a bit haywire.”
Aurora had never thought she’d power-share with another witch. Most witches didn’t. Even the Nightingales, who were into blood magic, didn’t channel. They stuck to using someone’s blood like a spell ingredient so the caster wouldn’t have to give anything in exchange. It was a nasty practice, and had made Aurora suspicious of any kind of power sharing until now.
With Gia, sharing was another thing entirely. If Aurora had her magic in this form, she wouldn’t hesitate to lend it.
“I’ll feel better knowing you can step in if we need it,” Gia said as she went over to the kitchen, grabbed all the cash from the cereal box, and shoved it in her backpack.
Aurora’s chest expanded. “Of course. And when this is all over, I’ll teach you to use your magic yourself.”
Gia opened a door leading to a laundry nook and grabbed what appeared to be more cash from behind the washer. “I’m a long way off doing anything with magic. But yeah. You should teach me when we aren’t running around hiding. Let me grab the rest of this”—she waved the thick stack of money—“and we can go.”
SEVENTEEN
GIA
The achein her head was getting worse, but Gia did her best to push through it. Normally, she’d never risk doing anything once the pain got to this point, but she wasn’t sitting around waiting for Salvator to return, even knowing Aurora could take over and wield her magic.
As far as she knew, no spell could stop a bullet.
Franco wouldn’t want her killed, but accidents happened when guns were involved, especially if Aurora threw magic into the mix. It was a miracle Salvator had kept his cool earlier.
Gia had to take this step. Take action. Manage her migraines herself as best she could. There was nothing weak about needing rest or doing things differently, but this wasn’t a normal situation. She had to stay away from Salvator, even if going out now rather than resting cost her.
Hopefully, the apothecary could help, and when she felt better, she’d see the situation with fresh eyes and figure out what to do next.
Gia exited her building, sunglasses on, and Aurora invisible by her side.
“Hey, Gia,” Viv called, hurrying to catch up to her before the front door closed.
What the hell was with this woman? “Viv. I’ve gotta run, sorry. Car’s here.” Gia pointed to the idling taxi.
“Oh, a yellow cab. How vintage. I love it.” Viv gave an airy laugh before narrowing her eyes in Gia’s direction. “Are you all right? You seemed freaked out earlier. And with that guy who’s been hanging around…” She raised a brow.
Gia’s heart skipped, her head pounding to match. “Have you seen him again?”
“Nah.” Viv waved a hand. She looked like she was dressed for the gym again, though something about the all-black aesthetic was giving thief-in-the-night vibes. “I haven’t seen him since last night.”
“Awesome. I’ve really gotta run.” Gia ducked into the cab without giving Viv a chance to reply, and shut her eyes briefly as she suppressed a groan.
