Page 76 of Burned

“Shite,” Xanthis murmurs. “Here’s hoping yours isn’t as bad.”

We all look on as Xanthis repeats the process on Digby. It starts out the same, the silence broken by his pained moans, but it’s over very quickly and the black sludge doesn’t make an appearance. Digby slumps to the ground, but he looks to be in much better shape than my dad.

Xanthis drags a hand through her white tresses, her skin returning to a subtle glow rather than the light show we got minutes earlier.

“The father was poisoned. Cursed. Someone planted something dark and nasty in there.”

Viggo looks at me at the exact moment I look at him. “Grandfather,” we say at the same time.

“What?” Lord asks.

“Dad told us a story when we were boys,” I explain. “He said there were methods to make us comply with tradition and carry on the family name.”

Viggo nods. “He told us we should be thankful our grandfather was dead. His methods were far worse. For some reason, he never gave it to us.”

“He knew how dark it was.” Xanthis clicks her teeth. “Shameful. The curse covered his heart. He may not be the same man when he wakes.”

“That doesn’t sound bad to me, all things considered,” Lake says.

“Digby didn’t have it?” I ask.

Xanthis shakes her head. “No. He’s just obedient.” Xanthis turns to Viggo. “Your turn.”

He shakes his head. “No way. I don’t want to forget any of this.”

Her eyes shift in question to Lord, who nods. “He’s no danger to us.”

“Good. I’m tired,” the mage says. “I need to rest before I return home.”

“You can come to my place,” Dahlia says readily. “I can show you my workshop.”

A pretty smile spreads across Xanthis’s face. “Aye. That sounds delightful. You have tea, yes?”

“Of course.”

The two magical women slink off together, and minutes later, my dad starts to cough, his body heaving with effort. Digby wakes seconds after him, sitting up with a dazed expression.

My dad blinks slowly, looking around before focusing on me and Viggo, and then a very naked Lord wrapped around me.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his voice oddly soft. “Where are we?”

“A friend’s home,” I say. “There was a minor accident, but you’re okay.”

He nods, touching his chest. “I don’t remember an accident. Are you okay? Viggo? Digby?”

Viggo and I exchange glances again.

“Yeah, we’re okay,” Viggo says. “You don’t remember anything?”

His brow creases and he looks around again. “I have a little headache.” He rubs his temples. “But more importantly, you boys aren’t hurt?”

“No,” Viggo says.

Dad blows out a breath. “Good. I feel so… light.”

Lord squeezes my hand.

“Why are we surrounded by naked men?” Digby asks. “I mean, not complaining, but it’s kind of weird.”

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