Page 8 of Claiming Chaos

Tracing my finger over the page, I read the list of ingredients while Ember retrieved them from my satchel. Basil, garlic, Solomon’s seal. I crushed and mixed, and the potion puffed, a light blue cloud floating upward and spreading across the hex.

I laid the book on the top step and took their hands again.

“Hold on,” Ember said. “Her hex fought back against our protection ward. What if it happens again?”

“We’ve got Chaos this time. We can neutralize it.”

She pursed her lips and inhaled. “Okay.”

We read the incantation in unison. Nothing happened, so we tried again. Still nothing.

“One more time,” I said. “The power of three.”

We recited the words, channeling Chaos and sending out as much magic as we could. My insides burned, and my nerves felt electric with all the demon power I channeled. Was it bad that I enjoyed the rush? Maybe, but we couldn’t do it without his help. And this had to be done.

The building rumbled. A dark film stretched over the brick, pulling tighter and tighter and tighter until it popped and dissolved.

Chaos drew his magic back in, and I sagged against his side.

“Let’s set up this protection ward before the adrenaline wears off.” Ember tugged my hand, and I straightened.

We recited the incantation in unison once more. “Protect this space from malice and harm. If our ward is broken, we will be warned.”

This time, the ward held. Thank the goddess.

Ember jerked from my grasp and rubbed her palm on her pants. “I hope to never need to do that again.”

The sentiment wasn’t the same, but I didn’t tell her that. Instead, I tugged my credit card and house keys from my bag and handed them to Chaos. “Can I trust you to not cause any trouble?”

He fought a grin. “I will do my best.”

“Straight to the store and back. Do not go rogue. Do not hurt or kill anyone.” I tapped my finger against his chest. “That includes messing with their minds.”

“You have my word.” He winked and walked away while Ember and I went inside.

“Thanks for doing that,” I said as I dragged myself up the steps.

“We didn’t have a choice.” She followed me up. “But seriously, sis. You can’t keep channeling him. His power could be addictive, and with your curse still active…”

I waved off her concern. “I’ve got it under control.”

“Do you?”

Good question.

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