Page 98 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

Della looked at Killian with a perplexing expression.

“Yes, that would work. I don’t see why that wouldn’t.”

Finally, an answer to this madness.

“I must get back to Bayla. We will see you soon, Thea.”

“Thank you, Killian. Please tell my mother I said hello.”

“I will.” He smiled before leaving.

I looked up at Della, who was smiling.

“Your mother and Killian are hard to be upset with when they are so damn helpful,” Della laughed.

“I want to go give Cassius the stone right now,” I said. Della immediately stopped laughing and stared at me, nodding. “I cannot wait a second longer.”

I slipped on my boots and took a deep breath.

“Let's do this.” She smiled. It was far into the night, and I knew Cassius would be sleeping soundly like he always was when I visited late, but I was nervous that this wouldn’t work.

Clenching the bloodstone tightly, I closed my eyes and pictured Cassius lying in his bed. When my shadows disappeared, I saw him sleeping soundly, and the sight made my chest squeeze with an emotion that was overwhelming.

Wisp was twirling in the corner, her new favorite color of purple. She didn’t know what I was here for. Della watched from the corner. Slowly, I crept toward the bed. Cassius lay on his side, his arms stretched out towards the edge of his side of the bed.

His red crown tattoo lay visible, and it filled me with comfort. Maybe because it mirrored the black one I had. Gods, I hoped he was a hard sleeper. Slowly I lifted the bloodstone up so Wisp couldsee it, and she exploded. Her purple flames burst into millions of tiny light particles floating through the air before she collected herself.

Her flames flashed dark green, and she twirled so fast through the room that I was thankful that Cassius didn’t hear her commotion. It was clear that Wisp was excited. She wouldn’t stop flashing a series of colors now. I gave her a small smile before I gently placed the stone in Cassius’ hand.

“This is for you, Cassius Valeska,” I whispered. “Gods and stars, please let this work,” I whispered to myself. The bloodstone glowed bright purple in his hand to the point I worried it would wake him. Then the bloodstone stopped glowing altogether. Disappointment coursed through me. Tears sprang to my eyes as I grabbed the bloodstone from him.

I didn’t feel any different. I glanced around, and Della smiled.

“It didn’t work,” I sighed.

Wisp was still dark green as she stopped twirling around at my words. Disappointment filled me. Cassius moved slightly, and I held my shaky breath.

“Little viper, am I dreaming?” he muttered. His sleepy golden eyes watched me but drifted back to sleep quickly. Emotions were too much.

Shadows wrapped around me, and a moment later I was kneeling in my bedroom. Wisp followed me, still seeming happy. The stone pulsed lightly in my hand as if to remind me that I hadn’t broken the curse. I slid it into its hiding spot cut in the side of my mattress. Stupid fucking rock.

As soon as the thought disappeared, I began crying. Lightning cracked through the sky, and thunder boomed loud enough to drown out my sobs.

Wisp floated close to me.

“It was supposed to work,” I told her. “It was supposed to break my curse so I could remember. I just want Cassius.”

Wisp made an odd noise that had me looking up, but it wasn’t Wisp. It was Della smiling brightly at me. Something about her was calming. Wisp twirled around her in a happy dance.

“Thea, you gave Cassius the stone.” She smiled.

“It didn’t work, Della. I don’t feel different.”

“Because I haven’t given your memories back yet.” She helped me off the floor and hugged me tightly. “I’m so fucking happy for you.”

When I pulled back, I stared at her.

“So, it did work?”

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