Page 46 of Captivating Magic

“How did you learn what it was?”

“Hiking along the train tracks behind our home, I encountered one too many people dressed in period clothing. I thought my brothers were punking me at first.”

She grinned. “I can see that. Wilder, Health, and Coleman were gremlins.”

“Were? Still are!” he scoffed. “Death visited on occasion, explaining what came with my gifts, but I ignored her. Clutch was another matter altogether.”

“He taught you to be a Reaper’s assistant?”

“Yes. He showed me how it eased the fear of the unknown and provided a smoother transition for the living and the dead. When people believe they are speaking to their loved ones through a medium, they experience peace. And on the flip side of that, when the deceased feels the person left behind has grasped some measure of comfort, they go without regret.”

“But they always go,” she said softly.

“They do.”

“And I will, too.”

“No.” He shook his head. “No, Ebba. I won’t allow it.”

“Laszlo.”

“Don’t give me that it’s-all-for-the-best tone. Your place is here. With me.” His throat was raw and aching with unvoiced emotion. “Say you understand.”

“Our moment has passed, if it ever existed at all.” She caressed his jaw. “You need to know I’ll be okay on the other side, whatever comes. You’ve eased this transition for me.”

“We haven’t put our plan into action. There’s still a chance.”

Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “When Castor returns and unbinds my soul, Death will be waiting. We both know it.”

“I’ll negotiate. I’ll?—”

She kissed him silent. Drawing back, she smiled, and the love shining in her eyes branded his soul.

“No.”

In his distraction, he didn’t at first register what she’d said. Once it sunk in, he slammed his palms on the counter. “Don’t do this. Don’t fight me, Ebba. I need you to fightforme. Forus. It’s the only way this works.”

“What works? What part of the plan haven’t you told me?”

“There is nothing we haven’t told you,” he snapped. Reining in his pique, he said, “Castor is to go back to his previous self to explain the situation. I intend for my spirit to hitch a ride.”

“What?”she screeched.

“I—”

“I fucking heard you the first time. I just can’t believe you’re that stupid.”

“I’m trying to show you I love you, and you’re saying I’m stupid?” he asked, incredulous and with building irritation. “Seriously?”

“You’re leaving your body open to have the same thing happen to you that Spencer did to me. No fucking way am I letting someone hijack your body.”

“I’ll have Clutch and Alastair stand watch.”

“What good will that do? Alastair can’t see spirits,” she retorted.

“Clutch can. If he sees one, Alastair whisks it away. Easy-peasy.”

“In the whole history of the term ‘easy-peasy,’ never has anything been truly easy,” Ebba said sourly.

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