Page 55 of Sweaty Nights & Gator Bites

Garrick glared at us, his eyes filled with rage and fear. “You may have stopped me but their plans are still in play,” he spat. “The families will rise. They will reclaim their power.”

“They’ll try,” I replied, my voice steady. “But we’ll be ready.”

As Terrence led Garrick away, a palpable sense of relief washed over us. The oppressive weight of his dark presence was lifted. The swamp was no longer shrouded in shadows. It was completely lighter and less threatening. The murders would stop and life could go back to normal for the residents of the swamp; land they would soon own. Their purchase agreement was already in the works thanks to Dawson’s contacts.

CHAPTER 20

DANIELLE

“Lia, how is the grouping with the fleur de lis coming along?” I called out as I scanned the area.

The sun hung low in the sky as we made our final preparations for the Leveau family reunion at Willowberry. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of magnolia blossoms. This reunion had to be perfect, not just for our family but for the protection and containment of the wards we had meticulously planned. We hadn’t yet dealt with the families but we had Cyran, Xinar, and Talindra waiting in the wings with some of their people should the families try anything tonight.

“Almost done, Dani,” Lia replied, adjusting the last of the floral arrangements. “Just adding a few more touches.” The gazebo was adorned with twinkling lights and a centerpiece that captured the beauty of Marie's heritage.

Dre and Kota were busy setting up the balloon arches, ensuring each was securely fastened to the stands. Phiworked on arranging the food tables under the patio. Her precision and attention to detail ensured everything looked impeccable. Dea was talking to the witches in the caterer’s kitchen while eating what looked like gator bites. My stomach rumbled hungrily. I hadn’t eaten anything since I started this process bright and early this morning.

“Adèle, did you find anything out of sorts?” I asked telepathically, knowing she was looking things over to ensure this went off without a hitch.

“Ensure the eastern edge of the gazebo is reinforced. I sense a slight weakness there that might allow the ancestors to get free. We don’t want any lingering at the plantation,” she replied

“Got it,” I replied, signaling to Dea. “Dea, can you reinforce the eastern edge of the gazebo with one of those wards.”

Dea nodded. “I will fix it. I imagine one of the lines was smudged when the tents were put up,” she explained before she moved to renew the rune.

The security measures were my primary concern because the threat from the families still loomed large. We couldn’t afford any mistakes. I walked the perimeter, checking each ward and containment spell we had set up while also making sure the decor was exactly as we wanted it.

We finished as Marie arrived. We stood aside and watched as her family began arriving. We’d enchanted the archway they walked through to act like a magic detector. We wouldn’t put it past the families to plant a Trojan Horse relic on one of those attending the event. Everyone passed through without incident. We watched them mill about for fifteen minutes before I approached Marie with a smile. “Are all of your guests here?” I asked.

Marie glanced around the gathering and nodded. “I'm not expecting anyone else.”

I inclined my head and turned to my sisters. “Let’s activate the protection wards now.”

We’d set up protections that we could turn on and off. Nothing would be able to get past them once they were on. The familiar hum of magic built within my chest as I called on it. We activated the wards and watched as a soft glow spread outward around the perimeter of our property.

Lia joined me and nudged me toward the gazebo. “Dea is checking the ancestors’ containment before she starts.”

We made our way to the area where Marie’s ancestors would be called. Dea activated her containment spells and checked the ones she added from Marie’s books. The ancestors would power the latter protections. We went to great lengths to ensure the spirits were protected and secure. A soft hum enveloped the gazebo, the tunnel of tents, and the big tent.

“The spirits will be contained and safe,” Dea confirmed. “I’m going to summon them now.”

The twilight sky cast a soft, dusky glow over Willowberry as we gathered around the gazebo. Dea took her place at the center of the circle. She raised her hands and closed her eyes in concentration. The ceremonial candles flickered around her. Their flames danced in the evening breeze. We formed a protective ring around her with Marie’s family. My sisters and I were ready to lend our strength to the ritual if Dea needed us.

“Are you ready?” Dea asked Marie.

Marie took a deep breath and smoothed the front of her burgundy dress. “Yes. We are eager to visit with our ancestors.”

Dea began to chant. Her voice was low and melodic. It resonated with the ancient words of the summoning spell. The ground beneath us began to hum and the air around us crackled with spiritual energy. A shiver ran down my spineas the barrier between our world and the spiritual realm began to thin. Excitement buzzed through Marie and her family as the presence of the ancestors drew closer. The emotion was contagious and I found myself holding my breath.

“They’re coming,” Adèle whispered as she sat at our feet. “The wards are strong but this could be when the families attack.” We all went on alert and kept our eyes peeled. It helped to know we had others out there watching as well.

As Dea’s chant grew louder, the candles’ flames stretched higher. The spirits’ energy became stronger. They were a palpable force that seemed to wrap around us like a cloak. Lia and Dre held hands. and I felt their energies merge with the protective barrier around the circle. Phi, Kota, and I shared a look before we joined in.

The first spirit appeared as a faint, glowing outline that gradually took shape. Then another, and another, until the gazebo was filled with the ethereal forms of Marie’s ancestors. Their faces were serene and their eyes filled with love and affection.

Dea’s voice reached a crescendo, the final words of the chant echoing through the night. “Welcome,” Marie said softly in a reverent voice. “We honor you and seek to make amends for our bloodline.”

The spirits responded with a collective murmur. The sound was like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. They acknowledged their family’s presence, and their energy blended with those of the living. It created a circle of unity and strength. It was a surprising turn of events but felt like the first step in the process of change for them.

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