Page 64 of Captivating Magic

“Alexander,” Isis said.

The Traveler held his hands over Ebba’s body, pushing a green healing light into her chest cavity.

“Alexander.”

He looked up but didn’t pause his actions.

Isis touched his shoulder. “If you continue, you’ll bind her to this plane, and we’ll be back where we started.”

“I can’t let her die.”

“Place this around her neck and step away.” An amulet dangled from the fingers she extended toward him. “It will prevent her condition from worsening.”

23

Denied her reaping, Death looked fit to be tied and turned accusing eyes Laszlo’s way.

His spirit self was on borrowed time!

In a move to make conquering heroes everywhere proud, he swept Ebba’s spirit into his arms and gave her a kiss that promised forever.

Her eyes were dazed as she stared up at him, and Lo grinned when she touched her fingertips to her lips.

“What is happening right now? Am I dreaming?” she asked.

“Nope. This is all too real, Sweet.” He cupped her face. “Five months from now, we fall madly in love.”

She snorted. “I’mdefinitelydreaming.”

“Ebba, I’m out of time and need you to listen. Magic exists, and things are about to get extremely weird and hard for you to comprehend. But trust me, and trust the process.”

Turning her head, she watched his physical self stumble toward their group. “This isn’t real.”

“Itis,” he insisted. “You were driving and impulsively thought to teach Spencer a lesson. You wanted to break up with him, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“That’s not right.” She shook her head. “I mean, it is, partially. But there was a dog in the road—Ohmygod!The dog! I think I hit it!”

Tears gathered in her large chocolaty eyes as her head pivoted back and forth, seeking the injured animal.

“Laszlo, help me save it,” she cried.

“Ebba, please!Listento me. Don’t follow Death. She’ll want to take you with her.” He gave her a gentle shake. “Stay with me until I find a way to save you. Can you do that?”

She spoke, but the words were indistinguishable and sounded far away as if they were at opposite ends of a tunnel. Dizziness caused him to sway on his feet, but from the corner of his eye, he caught movement.

Clutch stalked toward him, regret in every line of his face.

Predictably, Death went for Ebba.

Lo’s building anxiety turned to outright panic, and he shoved Ebba behind him, continuously shifting to block them both.

“I’ll fuck you up, Clutch. I swear I will,” he warned his friend, while keeping one eye on Death.

“Lo, it’s her time.”

“I don’t give a shit. Make an exception.Please!”

“It doesn’t work like that. You’ve done this long enough to know that.” Clutch’s scold was filled with compassion. “Hand her over before Death decides to take you, too,” he said in a low voice.

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