Page 86 of The Cursed Fae

“Are you aware how dangerous it is to befriend spirits?” Nana asked as she handed me my teacup.

“I’m learning,” I said. Enough people had warned me about this supposed danger. I just wasn’t very good at listening.

“There are so many factors that you must consider. Possession is very high among fae in our family,” Nana continued, sliding back into her seat. “You have a kind heart, Winter. You want to help, but not everyone has pure motives. You need to recognize that before you commune with spirits.”

“I understand,” I said dutifully.

She shook her head. “No, you don’t. You should have come to me when you saw your first ghost.”

“I’m not sure when that was,” I snapped. “They seem so real. All the friends I’ve made over the years could’ve been dead.” The anger came on in a fiery flash and died away as quickly. “I’m sorry, Nana. I didn’t intend to be rude. It’s all been a lot.”

Nana’s brows drew together. “They may look corporeal, but you should be able to tell the difference.”

“I mean, I can. Now,” I said to wipe the expression of concern from her wrinkled face. “Obviously, Missy is a ghost. She was standing there half-naked in the snow today.”

“Lack of clothing in this weather is hardly proof one is a spirt, dear. How else is Melissa different from the living?” Nana wasn’t alarmed exactly. More like pessimistically curious.

“Um, I don’t know, I guess. I mean, she just is. When I touch her, it’s just cold energy, not a physical existence. I didn’t realize what that meant at first, but I do now. Why? You’re asking a lot of questions for someone who also sees ghosts.”

She pursed her lips and squinted her eyes, almost as if she was reading my aura. I wasn’t sure if that was a thing, let alone something Nana could do. It was awkward. Or maybe it was just good old-fashioned scrutiny making me squirm.

“Your gift is very strong, Winter,” Nana said at last. “Much stronger than mine.”

She rose from the table and disappeared down the hallway.

“Am I supposed to be following you?” I called after her.

My great-grandmother returned a moment later carrying an antique necklace. She laid it next to my teacup.

“You need to wear this. At least until we can explore your abilities further and you get a handle on them,” Nana said.

“What is it?” I touched the cold chain. Magic infused the metal, concentrated in the pearly white base.

“It will block you from seeing the other side. I’ve spelled it for myself, but we’re blood, so it’ll work for you, too,” she explained.

“What about you? Don’t you need this?” I asked uncertainly.

“I have a few other pieces. I’ll be fine,” she assured me.

The ivory stone warmed beneath my touch, bringing a sense of peace the longer I held the necklace. When I looped it over my head and the power coated me, it was like being wrapped in my favorite quilt.

“That sensation is my magic calling to yours,” Nana informed me.

“It’s nice.” I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

She clutched her fingers around mine. “Swear to me that there will be no more talking to the other side.”

I didn’t want to lie to her anymore. “I can’t, Nana. I already made Missy a promise that I intend to keep.”

Nana’s jaw clenched. “This is exactly why you shouldn’t be communing with the dead. You cannot make deals with spirits. It’s not always straightforward. What did you promise her?”

I swallowed thickly. Missy’s request had seemed so harmless.

“I said I would pass along a message to Morgan. Closure. That’s all. Missy just wants to say goodbye to her,” I blurted out.

“And what will you receive in exchange?” Nana demanded.

Uh oh. How did she know this was quid pro quo?

---