Page 89 of Seduce Me in Shadow

“Precisely. Sorry.” Sabelle sends me a rueful grin. “Ask me questions if I confuse you. I’m a bit topsy-turvy at the moment.”

Sabelle might regret that offer someday, because I intend to take full advantage of it.

“How long before your aunt arrives?” I’m worried Aquarius doesn’t have much time left.

“I’m here, dear,” a spry voice says behind me.

I whirl to see a little woman with lively blue eyes wearing a dotty lace dress and a straw bonnet.Thisis Aquarius’s savior?

“No offense, but wouldn’t a doctor be more effective?”

“Not with a magical malady.” Millie sends me a flash of a smile, then turns no-nonsense. “Let’s have a look, then.”

The lady with the thick, pale bun ambles past me and puts her bony hands across Aquarius’s torso. Then she frowns. “Does the girl have any magic? I don’t see a signature…”

Olivia and Sabelle both turn to me. I shrug. “I-I don’t know. Does it matter for her healing?”

“A bit.”

I blow out a breath, then realize that Aquarius has rarely talked about her family. She’s mentioned friends and lovers, her failed uni days, karma, and her hopes for the future. But family… She’s carefully danced around that.

“It’s possible, I suppose. Caden’s brother’s wife is her cousin, and Anka is a witch, right?”

“Indeed, but that doesn’t mean your friend is automatically magical. I’ll simply have to hope I get this spell right…” Millie sighs, then closes her eyes.

Agonizing moments of silence pass that stretch on forever. The woman skims her hands above Aquarius’s belly and chest, murmuring occasionally. I have no idea what the bloody hell her soft, nonsensical incantations mean.

Aquarius’s breathing grows more labored. Not surprising since she’s still swollen and purple. Her lips are blistered, her lids nearly swollen shut, and her skin cracks as if she’s more parched than the Sahara.

“Can you help her?” I blurt, unable to hold back my question.

The older woman pauses, her face full of soft regret. “I’ve never seen anything like this. The damage is extensive. I’m sorry.”

That shatters the last of my composure. As Millie leaves, I slap my hand over my mouth to hold in a sob, feeling my knees buckle.

Millie’s poise and Sabelle’s assurance gave me hope. To hear that Aquarius might well still die nearly crushes me.

“Don’t lose faith,” Olivia insists. “I have an idea. I know someone who might be able to help. Stay right there.”

The beautiful brunette disappears.

I grab my friend’s hand and hold it tightly, doing my best to stave off tears. “Fight,” I whisper to Aquarius. “It’s bad karma for you to leave me.”

My breath catches in my throat. Tears sting my eyes. Guilt stabs me a hundred times over. If I had listened to Bram when he demanded we leave my flat, Aquarius would be well. But no, I was stubborn. I struggled to escape Zain. I should have found some way to protect my friend so no harm befell her. But I can’t change any of that now.

All I can do is pray.

“It’s not your fault.” Sabelle strokes my shoulder.

I blink. “H-how did you know?”

“That you feel responsible? It’s all over your face, I fear. But I can read your thoughts. Sorry. I should have given you fair warning. But you might like to know that I’ve delved into your friend’s mind. She’s worried about you.”

My tears start flowing in earnest. Only a friend like Aquarius would be so near death and still worry about someone else.

“I feel so bloody helpless. Aquarius would at least have some healing crystal, sacred chant, or herbal tea. All I’ve got is my hand.”

“And the power of your friendship. She feels it.”

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