Page 51 of The Shadows of Excess

I stole a glance at Maci, who was observing us with the intense focus of a hawk. “I’m not sure what to do, but I definitely don’t want her watching me. It will only make me more nervous,” I murmured, feeling the weight of her gaze.

Elijah nodded toward the interior of the shop. “Use one of the conference rooms. As you know, they’re private and secure,” he suggested, his gaze still fixed on the figure outside.

I turned to Elijah, a flicker of concern crossing my face. “Aren’t you worried she might try to come in here?”

He shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “No, I’m not concerned. This shop is shielded with wards against malevolent forces. And that woman out there is steeped in dark energy. She won’t be able to cross the threshold.”

Justice and I headed toward the back for one of the conference rooms while Damon trailed behind.

He closed the door behind us and shot me a look of unease mixed with classic Damon-style bravado. “All right, are we ready to dive into this supernatural mumbo jumbo? Because you know me. I’m all about the weird and wacky.” Despite his teasing words, I could see it in his eyes. He was worried something would happen to me.

Justice’s gaze flicked between the book and me, a crease of worry etching his brow. He stepped closer. “Are you sure you want to do this, Sawyer?” he asked in a concerned whisper that stressed his deep care for my well-being. It wasn’t only the words he spoke but the way he looked at me with protective intensity.

There was no time for hesitation or second-guessing. Beads of sweat formed on my brow, a tangible sign of the tension gripping me. I wiped my clammy palms on my jeans, trying to steady my nerves. With Maci lurking outside, the stakes were too high, and every moment counted.

My heart pounded a relentless drum, echoing my rising panic. Although I was about ready to jump out of my skin, a determined resolve settled over me. I locked eyes with Justice and stretched out my hand. “Go ahead and hand me the book, Justice. It’s now or never.”

You can do this. You can do this. You can do this.

Justice reluctantly held it out to me. “You can do this. Trust yourself.” His belief in me brought a smile to my lips.

I clasped the book. Like last time, a bolt of electricity surged through my trembling body. Every hair stood on end as my back arched involuntarily, arms thrusting outwards. A rush of tingling sensations enveloped me, sparking a cascade of vivid images in my mind.

First, my vision settled on the imposing silhouette of Shadowcrest Peak, its mystical, shimmering fog lending it an ethereal quality. Then, it shifted to the sight of two aspens, their branches twisted together in a mesmerizing pretzel shape at the mountain’s base.

Next, a tranquil pond came into view, fed by a majestic waterfall, its waters sparkling in the unseen light. This serene scene gave way to a dark tunnel shrouded in an aura of deep mystery. Finally, my vision flashed an enchanting fairy garden crafted from tiny white rocks, each detail intricate and enchanting.

Each image was rich and vivid, searing into my brain with unforgettable clarity, as if I were witnessing these scenes with my own eyes.

Abruptly, the book was yanked from my grasp, and I felt strong hands steadying me. “Sawyer, are you okay? Say something.” Worry laced Justice’s voice.

As the whirlwind of images ceased, my vision cleared, and I gazed into Justice’s concerned yet undeniably handsome face.

I mustered a faint smile, attempting to ease his anxiety. “I’m…I’m okay,” I murmured.

Damon chimed in with a hint of dry humor. “You don’t look fine to me.” He gently lifted a lock of my hair, which was still defying gravity. “You look like a sunflower, all your hair sticking up like that.”

Self-consciously, I patted down my hair with trembling hands. “Elijah was right. I saw something crucial in those visions. We need to head to Shadowcrest Peak.”

“Are you sure?” Justice’s brows furrowed. “The road to Shadowcrest Peak is notoriously treacherous, riddled with sharp turns and unpredictable weather. It’s not a journey to be taken lightly.”

“There’s no mistaking Shadowcrest Peak,” I insisted. “I know what I saw.”

Damon smirked. “Of course, leave it to a bunch of witches to pick the most inconvenient, out-of-the-way place for their cemetery. Up on Shadowcrest Peak, no less. Why make things easy, right?”

I looked between them. “Do you think Elijah’s Porsche can make it up that road?”

A determined glint lit Damon’s eyes. “There’s only one way to find this out. Let’s hit the road before that shadow dragon lady decides to throw a full-on monster party.” He cautiously cracked open the door, peeking outside. “Coast is clear. Elijah’s still nursing his espresso obsession. What is that, his third cup? Guy’s gonna be bouncing off the walls soon.”

We slipped out of the conference room with quiet footsteps and pressed our backs against the wall. Engrossed in some document, Elijah didn’t even glance up as we edged toward the back door, yet something about his posture suggested he was fully aware of our movements.

His assistant Pandora had since arrived in the store. She continued her tasks, seemingly oblivious to our presence, but her indifference seemed too practiced, too deliberate. She never missed a moment to flirt with Damon. It was as if they were both playing their parts in a carefully orchestrated dance, keenly attuned to our every move without overtly acknowledging us.

No doubt they were putting on a show for Maci, trying to distract her from us. Justice reached the door first and quietly opened it. We slipped out into the narrow parking lot reserved for the store owners.

Elijah’s black Porsche was parked outside. It was in pristine condition, and the license plate read ORACLE1. I bet it cost a fortune. Way out of Damon’s and my budget.

Damon’s eyes lit up as he spotted the car. He broke out into an eager smile and clicked the key fob. “I can hardly wait to take this puppy for a spin.”

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