Getting it all laid out and organized before slipping out of my clothes and removing my amulet. Placing it on a shelf next to the metallic clutch purse Sabine gave me a couple months back, knowing the deep V in the dress I plan to wear offers no place to hide the assortment of stones. Besides, after the ritual Im planning to do, Ill no longer need it.
No longer need anything.
Thanks to Romy and Rayne Ive been handed the key Ive sought all along. And all it required was a password of sorts, the three of us forming a circle with the book in the center, hands clasped, eyes closed, each of us repeating a verse that went:
Within the world of magickresides this very tome
To which we are the chosenreturning to our home
Within the realm of mysticswe shall now reside
Allowed to glimpse upon this bookand see what lies inside
The two of them beside me as I pressed my palm to its front, simultaneously frightened and fascinated when the book opened in a flurry of pages until resting on just the right one.
I knelt down before it, hardly believing my eyes. What was once a series of convoluted, hard-to-read code had become a simple recipe stating just what I need to get the job done.
I drop my dirty clothes in the hamper and reach for the white silk robe I rarely wear but thatll be perfect for the ritual. Carrying it into the bathroom where I fill up the tub for a nice long soak, which, according to the book, is the first important step in any ritual. Not only for cleansing the body and releasing the mind of all distracting negativity and thought, but also allowing time to reflect on the spells intent, the outcome one wishes to see.
I lower myself in the water, sprinkling a dash of sage and mugwort and adding a clear quartz crystal stone to aid in my quest and center my vision, closing my eyes as I chant:
Cleanse and reclaim this body of mine
So that my magick may properly bind
My spirit reborn, now ready for flight
Allowing my magick to take hold tonight
All the while visualizing Roman before me, tall, tanned, and golden-haired, deep blue eyes gazing into mine as he apologizes for the terrible inconvenience hes caused, begging forgiveness and offering aid, willingly handing over the antidote to the antidote, newly enlightened to the error of his ways.
Replaying the vision again and again until my skins gone all pruney and its time to move on. Stepping out of the bath and into my robe, cleansed and purified and ready to proceed as I assemble my tools and light the incense, passing the knife through the smoke three times, as I say:
I call upon Air to cast out any dark energies from this athame
Allowing only the light to remain
I call upon Fire to blaze away all negativity from this athame
Allowing only the good to remain
Repeating the verse for the rest of the elements, calling upon Water and Earth, to cast out all dark and leave only light, concluding the consecration by sprinkling salt over the knife and calling upon the highest of magical powers to see that its done.
Cleansing and consecrating the room as I walk three times around it, waving my incense as I say:
I walk this circle thrice around
To consecrate and empower this ground
Evoking the power and protection of thee
Drawing their magical powers to me
Forming a magick circle by sprinkling salt onto the floor, not unlike Rayne did with Damen just a few weeks before. Taking my place in the center and envisioning a cone of power rising around me as I arrange my crystals, light my candles, and anoint myself with oil, calling upon the elements of Fire and Air to aid in my spell, then closing my eyes until a white silk cord and a replica of Roman manifests right before me.
Where you go my spell will follow
Where you hide my spell will find
Where you rest my spell will lie
With this cord your actions cease
With my blood your knowledge released
With this spell I bind thee to me
Raising my athame and slicing it across my palm, tracing the curve of my lifeline as a rush of wind sweeps through the circle and an applause of thunder claps overhead. My hair whipping about as I squint against the swirling gale, my blood letting onto the cord until its soaked and red. Rushing to secure it around Romans neck, my gaze fixed on his, willing him to provide what I seek, before banishing him as though he never appeared.
I rise, body shaking, sweating, elated to know that its over and done. Just a matter of time before the antidote to the antidote is in my possession and Damen and I join as one.
The wind begins to slow as the snap crackle of electricity starts to abate, and Im collecting the stones and snuffing the candles when Romy and Rayne burst through the door, mouths open, eyes wide, as they stand there and gape.
What have you done? Rayne cries, gaze darting from my magick salt circle, to my collection of tools, to my blood-covered knife.
I look at them, gaze steady and secure, as I say, Relax. Its over. I fixed it. And now its just a matter of time before everything is put right again.
About to step out of the circle when Romy shouts, Stop!
Hand held before her, eyes blazing as her sister adds, Dont move. Please, just trust us this time and do what we say.
I pause, glancing between them, wondering what could possibly be the big deal. The spell worked. I can feel its energy still thrumming inside me, and now its just a matter of time until Roman appears
Youve really done it this time, Rayne says, shaking her head. Dont you know that the moon is dark? Youre never supposed to do magick on the dark moonnever! Its a time for contemplation, meditation, but you never, ever, practice unless youre practicing the dark arts.
I glance between them, wondering if shes serious, and if so, what difference it could possibly make. If the spell worked, it worked. The rest is just details. Right?
Her twin chiming in to add, Who did you call upon to aid you?
I think back on my rhyme, the one I was pretty proud of for making up on the fly, recalling the line: Evoking the power and protection of thee, and repeating it to her.
Great, Rayne says, closing her eyes and shaking her head.
Romy standing beside her, frowning as she adds, During the dark moon, the goddess is absent while the queen of the underworld takes over. So in other words, instead of calling upon the light to work your spell, you asked the dark powers to aid you.
And to bind Roman to me! I gape, eyes wide, darting between the two of them, wondering if theres a way to reverse it, quickly, easily, before its too late!
It is too late, they say, reading my face. All you can do now is wait for the next moon phase and try to reverse it. If it can be reversed.
But The word dying on my lips as the enormity of my situation starts to sink in. Remembering Damens warning from before, how sometimes when people get involved in witchcraft they get in over their head and wind up taking a much darker path . . .
I gaze at the two of them, unable to speak. Watching Rayne shake her head angrily as her sister looks at me and says, All you can do now is cleanse yourself and your tools, burn your athame, and hope for the best. And then, if youre lucky, well let you out of the circle so all the bad energy youve conjured cant escape.
If Im lucky? I look at them, stomach sinking. Is she serious? Is it really that bad?
Gaze darting between them as Romy says, Dont push it. Youve no idea what youve started.
CHAPTER 44
Miles and Holt arrive together, and when they take one look at the decorations, Miles totally flips.
I dont even have to go to Florence now that youve brought Florence to me! He hugs me to him, quickly pulling away when he says, Sorry, I forgot how you hate to be touched.
But I just shake my head and hug him again, feeling pretty good despite Romy and Rayne standing before me like the Great Wall of Pessimismall raised brows, folded arms, and twisted lipswhile I performed a quick but thorough grounding/protection meditation, picturing strong beams of white light penetrating my skull and flowing through my body, in an attempt to ward off at least some of the damage theyre convinced that Ive done.
But the truth is, I dont see the point. After the initial burst of empowerment, just after the binding spell was completed, everything returned to normal again. The only reason I even went through with their guided meditation is because they were acting so freaked, it was the only way to calm them down. But now Im thinking it was all just a big misunderstandinga complete overreaction on their part.
I mean, Im immortal, gifted with strength and power they cant even begin to imagine. So while performing a magical ritual during the dark moon may pose danger to them, I seriously doubt it makes the slightest bit of difference for me.
And no sooner have I gotten Miles and Holt their drinks when the bell rings again, and again, and before I know it, my house is filled with pretty much every member from the Hairspray cast and crew.
Huh, guess hes not Havens date after all, unless theyre arriving separately? Miles says, nodding toward Jude as he enters the room laughing that good-natured laugh and helping himself to some virgin sangria, before taking off with Holt and leaving us alone together.
Nice send-off. Jude nods, gazing around. Makes me want to go somewhere too.
I look at him, smiling vaguely, wondering if he notices anything different about me, a change of energy, a new sense of empowerment
But he just smiles, raising his cup as he says, Paris. He takes a sip and nods. Ive always wanted to go to Paris. London and Amsterdam too. He shrugs. Pretty much any of the great Euro pe an cities would do.
I swallow hard and try not to gape. Wondering if he somehow knowsif its buried deep within his subconscious, trying to surface. I mean, why else would he list all the significant places of our past?
He looks at me, green eyes on mine, holding the moment so long I clear my throat and say, Huh. And here I had you pegged as the eco-adventure type. You know, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Galapagosseeker of the perfect wave and all that. Knowing that laugh at the end did nothing to hide my sudden bout of nervousness, just about to follow with something equally dumb when he looks past my shoulder and says, Incoming.
I turn to find Haven, practically dwarfed by the tall, lithe, beautiful girl from the store where she works, on one side, and Roman on the other, while the immortal from the hall today at school walks just behind them. Three gorgeous, auraless, and pretty much soulless, immortal rogues Haven inadvertently invited into my home.
I swallow hard, eyes narrowed on Roman, fingers at my throat, seeking the amulet I chose not to wear, and reminding myself that I no longer need it. Im in charge now. I summoned him here.
Figured youd have plenty of room and food. Haven smiles, hair newly dyed to the darkest of browns with a platinum streak that curves down the front, having ditched her usual emo look for one thats even edgier yet vintagelike a post apocalyptic vintage if there is such a thing. And all it takes is one look at the dark beauty beside her, her spiky hair, multi-pierced lobes, delicate lace-corseted dress paired with black leather boots, to know who spawned this latest makeover of hers.
Im Misa. The girl smiles, voice betraying the faintest trace of an accent thats unrecognizable to me. Her hand reaching for mine as I brace for the chill, the familiar jolt of ice water swarming my veins confirming my suspicion, though failing to tell me if shes one of the orphans, or more recently turned.
And of course you know Roman. Haven smiles, lifting her hand so I can see it entwined with his.
But I refuse to react. Refuse to give anything away. I just nod and smile, as though it doesnt bother me at all.
Because it doesnt.
Its just a matter of time now til Romans handing over the cure and doing my bidding. Thats the only reason hes here.
Oh, and this is Rafe. She nods, jabbing her finger toward the glorious rogue just behind her.
Same group of rogues the twins were talking about, minus Marco, the one with the Jaguar who doesnt seem to be here. And even though Ive no idea what theyre up to, what their agenda could possibly be, if theyre hanging with Roman, the twins have every right to be worried.
Haven heads for the den, eager to introduce Misa and Rafe to her friends, as Roman lags behind, grinning at me.
Id almost forgotten how good you can look when you put a little effort behind it. He smiles, gaze gliding over my turquoise blue dress, hovering at the deep V of the neck, the expanse of bare skin where my amulet should be. Guess this must be the reason, he nods, motioning toward Jude. Since we know it wasnt for me, and Damen doesnt seem to be around much these days, does he? What happened, Ever? You forfeit your quest?
I swallow hard and steady my gaze, taking in the tousled hair, designer board shorts, leather flip-flops, and long-sleeved tee, nothing about him appearing the slightest bit different, and yet we both know it is. That gleam in his eye, his lascivious gaze, his attempt to embarrass meits all just a front, a bit of bravado, trying to save face before he hands over the goods.
So, you pouring? He nods toward the punch bowl filled with nonalcoholic sangria. Or is this a help-yourself situation? Eyeing the bowl in a way that sets me on edge.
I dont think youd like it. I shrug, gaze fixed on his when I add, Not your kind of drink.
Good thing I brought my own. He winks, raising his glass bottle and stopping just shy of his lips, tilting it toward Jude when he says, Wanna try? Takes the edge off. Guarantee you that.
Jude squints, entranced by the sparking, pearlescent liquid Roman jiggles before him. And Im just about to intervene when Romy and Rayne barrel down the stairs, halting when their eyes meet Romans, knowing Im responsible for his being here.
Well, if it isnt the Catholic school twins. Roman smiles, cheeks spread wide as he takes them in. Love the new look! Especially youyou little punk goddess. He nods at Rayne, prompting her to turn away as he takes in her short dress, ripped stockings, and black patent-leather Mary Jane shoes.
Go back upstairs, I tell them, wanting to get them as far from Roman as I possibly can. And Ill
About to say that Ill be there in a minute, when Jude steps in, nudging my arm when he says, Why dont I take them home?
And even though Im not thrilled with the idea of him going to Damens, sure that Damen will like it even less, theres really nothing else I can do. As long as Romans in my house, Im pretty much stuck here too.
I follow them to the door, Rayne tugging my sleeve, pulling me down to her level when she says, I dont know what youve done, but something very bad is brewing.
I look at her, about to refute it, tell her its nothing like that, its all under control, but she just shakes her head and adds, Changes are coming. Big changes. And this time, you better choose right.
CHAPTER 45
By the time Jude returns Im out by the pool, watching the blond, tanned, physically glorious, golden-boy Roman splashing around and inviting everyone to jump in and join him.
Not a fan? Jude says, sitting beside me and eyeing me closely.
I frown, watching Havens aura light up like the Fourth of July, glowing brighter and brighter as she clings to his back as he dips underwater, having no idea that he isnt really her date like she thinks. Im the one who brought him here. Hes bound to me now.
Is it concern for your friend, orsomething else?
I fidget with the crystal horseshoe bracelet on my wrist, the one Damen gave me that day at the track, turning it around and around, as I narrow my eyes. Wondering whats taking so long. If the spell truly worked (and I know it did), then why dont I have the antidote now? Why is he delaying?
So, the twinsthey okay? I ask, tearing my gaze away from the pool and focusing on Jude.
My eyes meeting his when he says, Damen mightve been right about the book being too strong for them.
I press my lips together, hoping Damen doesnt know I went behind his back and interfered with his lesson plan.
No worries. Jude nods, reading my face. Your secrets safe. I didnt even mention it.
I sigh in relief. Did you see himDamen? I ask, throat tightening, heart clenching, the mere mention of his name turning my insides to mush, imagining how he mustve felt to find his nemesis of the past several lives, the very same guy I embraced on the beach, standing on his front porch, Romy and Rayne at his side.
He was out when I got there, and the twins were so freaked I waited til he got back. Thats some place hes got.
I press my lips together, wondering what he saw, if the twins gave him a tour, if Damens special room is restored.
I think he was surprised to find me watching TV in his den, but once I explained, it went fairly well.
Fairly? I raise my brow.
He shrugs, looking at me, gaze so direct, so open, its like a lovers embrace.
Prompting me to turn away, voice shaky, unsteady when I say, So how did you explain it?
His cool breath on my cheek as he leans in and whispers, I told him I found them at the shuttle stop and decided to give them a ride. No harm done, right?
I take a deep breath and focus on Roman, watching as he hoists Haven onto his shoulders so she can dogfight with Miles. Splashing and playing, and, on the surface anyway, engaging in nothing but good clean fununtil Roman turns, and time seems to stop. His eyes meeting mine, gleaming, mocking, as though he knows what Ive done. And before I can blink hes back to playing again, making me question if I really did see what I thought.
No. No harm done, I say, a terrible ache invading my gut, wondering just what it is that Ive started.
CHAPTER 46
After Miless third failed attempt to get me to dive in, he finally gets out, moving toward me as he says, Hey, what gives? I know you got your bikini onI can see the straps! Laughing when he pulls me off the lounge chair and hugs me tightly to him, whispering, Have I ever told you how much I love you, Ever? Have I? Ever, Ever?
I shake my head and pull away, glancing at Holt just behind him, rolling his eyes and tugging on Miless arm, trying to convince him to leave me alone and quit dripping on me.
But Miles wont have it, hes got something to say and wont stop til its done. Throwing a wet arm around my shoulder as he leans all over me and slurs, Im shlo shlerious, Ever. Before you came to this schoolit was just me and Haven. But thenfrom the moment you shlowed up at our tableit became me and Haven and you. He looks at me, head bobbing, struggling to focus, as he grips me tighter and fights to keep his balance.
Wowthats reallydeep. I glance at Holt, the two of us stifling a laugh as we each wrap an arm around Miles and lead him into the kitchen for some coffee. Getting him settled at the breakfast bar just as Haven and her three immortal friends come in.
You guys leaving? I squint, seeing theyre back in their clothes, wet towels in their hands.
Haven nods. Misa and Rafe have to work tomorrow, and Roman and I have an appointment.
I look at Roman, holding his gaze. How can he be leaving when he hasnt given me what I want? Hasnt even begun to grovel, beg, and ask my forgiveness like I visualized?
How can he be leaving when it goes against my plan?
I follow them to the door, heart racing as I take in the tilt of his chin, the gleam in his gaze, and I know its not good. Somethings gone wrong. Terribly wrong. Even though I cast the spell exactly like the book said, from the look in his eyes, and the curl of his lips, its clear the goddess and queen have both failed me.
Where are you going? I squint, trying to peer into his energy but not getting anywhere.
Haven looks at me, brow raised, smile on her face as Roman throws his arm around her shoulder and says, Private party. But theres room for you, Ever. Maybe you can stop by a little later, you know, when youre done here.
My eyes meet his, holding his gaze until I break away and focus on Haven again. And even though I promised I wouldnt do it, I peer right through her aura and into her mind, eager to see whats lurking in there, whats really going on, but not getting very far before Im stopped, run up against a brick wall someones placed in my path.
You all right? Roman asks, squinting at me, as he opens the door. You look a littlepeaked.
I take a deep breath and narrow my gaze, about to say something more when Jude comes up and says, Someone just hurled on the rug.
And even though my attentions only pulled for a moment, its still long enough for them to exit. Roman glancing over his shoulder, looking at me when he says, Sorry to bail on you, Ever. Though Im sure well meet later.
CHAPTER 47
I was expecting it to be Miles, but it turns out hes fine. Helping to mop up the mess as he smiles and says, And thats what you call acting. Viva Firenze! He pumps his fist in the air.
So really, youre fine? I hand him a clean towel, feeling bad for making him go through the motions when as soon as everyone leaves, Ill just make it vanish and manifest a new one. Youre not drunk?
Not at all! But the point is, you thought I was.
I shrug. The slurring, the loss of balanceall the signs were present and accounted for.
He rolls up the towel, about to hand it to me when Jude appears by my side and takes it instead. Laundry? he asks, brow raised.
But I just shake my head and point toward the trash, looking at Miles as I ask, So who did it, who brought the booze?
Oh, no. He shakes his head and holds up his hands. Im sorry to break it to you, Ever, but this little get-together you orga nized, is also whats known as a party. And even if you dont serve it, itll still find its way in. Youll get no information from me. He clamps his lips shut, pulling the imaginary zipper that seals them, before adding, I say you just ditch this old thing. He points at the rug. Seriously, Ill help roll it up. All we have to do is move the furniture around and Sabine wont even notice its gone.
But I just shake my head, this vomit-covered rug is the least of my concerns now that Romans no longer playing along. Taking Haven on some mysterious appointment I cant seem to crack, and what was that bit about us meeting up later? Was that a reference to the binding spellorsomething else?
Miles leans in to hug me, gathering me into his arms and giving me a really tight squeeze when he says, Thanks for the party, Ever. And even though I dont know whats going on between you and Damen, I have one thing to say and I hope youll listen and take me seriously. Ready? He quirks his brow and pulls away.
I shrug. My mind preoccupied, in some other place.
You deserve to be happy. He nods, gaze intense, focused on mine. And if Jude makes you happy, then you shouldnt feel bad about that. He waits, waits for me to respond in some way, but when I dont he adds, Partys pretty much over once someone hurls, right? So were gonna bolt. But well get together before Florence, okay?
I nod, watching as he and his friends all head for the door, calling, Hey, Miles, did Haven or Roman mention where theyre going?
Miles looks at me, brows merged when he says, Fortune-teller.
I squint, stomach sinking though Ive no idea why.
Remember the other day when she wanted to book one?
I nod.
She mentioned it to Roman and he arranged a private reading.
Thislate? I look to my wrist to confirm the time though Im not wearing my watch.
But Miles just shrugs and heads for the car, making me wonder if I should head out too. Try to catch up with Roman and Haven and make sure shes okay. But when I try to tune in to her energy again, I dont get very far. In fact, I dont get anything at all.
About to try again when Jude comes up and says, You really need to ditch that rug. Smells awful.
I nod, distracted, unsure what to do.
You know what helps?
Coffee grounds, I mumble, remembering how my mom used it once when Buttercup ate something bad and got sick in Rileys room.
Well, yeah, that, but I was thinking more like getting away from the stench. Always works for me.
I look at him, his face lighting into a smile.
Seriously. He slips his arm through mine and leads me outside. Whats the point of going to all that trouble, going all out with the decorations and food, doing all that you can for your friends going-away pool party, when you spend the entire night on the sidelines, watching, observing, but not once diving in?
I look away. The party was for Miles, not me.
Still. Jude shakes his head, gazing at me in a way that sends a flood of calm through my system. Youre looking a little stressed, and you know what kills stress, dont you? I glance at him, seeing him smile when he says, Bubbles.
Bubbles?
He points at the spa. Bubbles. Face serious, gaze fixed on mine.
I take a deep breath and look at the Jacuzzi, warm, welcoming, and yes, bubbling too. Watching as Jude grabs some towels and sets them by the edge, and figuring Ive got nothing to lose, that it just might help clear my head enough to come up with a new plan, I turn my back and yank off my dress. A silly bout of modesty since Ill be half naked soon, but still, facing him would feel too much like undressing.
Too much like the girl in the painting.
He heads for the edge and dips a toe in, eyes going wide in such a way that I cant help but laugh.
You sure about this? I wrap my arms around my waist like Im cold, when really Im just trying to fend off his gaze. Seeing the way his aura sparks and flames as he takes me in, the way his cheeks flush when he quickly looks away.
Definitely. He nods, voice thick, rough, watching as I step into the Jacuzzi, at first wincing against the hot water then slowly easing in. Immersed in heat and bubbles, thinking this may be my smartest move yet.
I close my eyes and lean back, muscles loosening, relaxing, when Jude says, Got room for one more?
I squint, watching as he removes his shirt, taking in his expanse of chest, defined abs, trunks that hang low on his hips, making my way back up past his dimples and all the way to his eyes, two aqua pools Ive known through the years. Watching as he moves forward, just about to step in when he remembers his phone in his pocket and drops it onto the towel.
Whose decision was this? He laughs, cringing against the steam and heat as he sits down beside me and stretches his legs, his foot accidentally landing on mine and letting it rest for a moment before pulling away. Yeah, this is the life, he says, tilting his head back and closing his eyes, then peeking at me when he adds, Please tell me you use this all the time, that you dont just forget its here til someone coaxes you in.
Is that whats happening? Im being coaxed?
He smiles, that relaxed, easy grin lifting his face and lighting his eyes. Seems like you needed a little convincing. I dont know if youve noticed, but you can be a little intense.
I swallow hard, wanting to look away, look anywhere but at him, but unable to leave his gaze.
Not that theres anything wrong with thatbeing intense that is
His gaze deepens, boring into mine, luring me closer like a fish on his line, his face looming so near I close my eyes to meet it. Tired of fighting, tired of repeatedly pushing him away. Assuring myself its only a kiss. Judes kiss. Bastiaans kiss. Hoping itll tell me, once and for all, if Damens fears are in any way real.
His wave of calm energy comforting, tempering, as his lips part and his hand finds my knee, leaning toward each other, mouths about to merge when his ringing phone breaks our trance.
He pulls away, annoyance stamped on his face. Should I get it?
Im off duty. I shrug. Youre psychic, you tell me.
He stands, turning toward his towel as I take in his form, the squared shoulders, the sharp V of his waist, stopping when I catch a glimpse of something at the small of his back. Something round, dark, barely discernible, but still
He turns, facing me again, brows merged, hand over his other ear, when he says, Hello? and then, Who?
Smiling at me and shaking his head, but its too late.