Page 96 of Captivating Magic

“Don’t say it,” Wilder warned under his breath with a kick to the shin. “Trust me, man. You don’t want to go there.”

Ebba crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “No. By all means, Laszlo, say what’s on your mind.”

Both Castor and Wilder frantically shook their heads, panic on their faces. He ignored them to focus on her.

“You want me to tell you I think you’re being ridiculous? Fine. I do.”

“Because I refuse to allow disrespect in my home? Or because I intend to help your brother?”

He closed his eyes and sighed. “The second one.” He splayed his arms wide. “I love you, Ebba. I don’t want to see you risk your life on an unstable mountain. We’ve searched.”

Looking at his brother, he silently urged him to take back the request.

Wilder remained silent, dogged about finding Abigail to the last.

“Come on, man. Don’t make me out to be the bad guy here. Tell her, Wilder. We searched and searched. We scryed. When our magic was restored, Liz and I went up there with you and did everything we could to clear the peaks and weather just to get a better view.” Lo squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “Tell her there was no trace. We found a few deceased climbers, but none were Abbie.”

Wilder shut his eyes and nodded his confirmation.

“Ebba, Sweet, I’d never forbid you to do what you think is best.” Lo was solemn and sincere. “Hell, you’d castrate me if I tried. But the risk is great for no chance at a reward.”

“I dreamed she spoke to me through Ebba,” Wilder croaked.

Castor leaned his elbows on the table and gave them all a considering look. Only he and Laszlo knew it wasn’t a dream. Abbie had reached across the void and communicated through Ebba’s spirit. Surely that meant something, right?

“What are you thinking?” Lo asked Castor.

“I’m intrigued by the mystery, and I’m bored enough to help.” He grinned. “Count me in, Thornes!”

Hope once again filled Wilder’s face, and the emotion was contagious. Laszlo felt the flutter in his chest as he considered the Traveler’s usefulness. He locked eyes with Ebba, but addressed his brother.

“I’m sorry for being a dick, Wilder.”

She uncrossed her arms and raised a brow.

“And I’m sorry for saying you’re being ridiculous, Sweet Ebba,” he added for her. “I’m scared for you.”

Her stance softened, and her lips curled in half smile. “Was that so bad?” she teased.

Holding his index finger and thumb an inch apart, he shrugged.

“I have questions,” Castor said. “The first one is for you, Wilder. Was your girlfriend a witch? If so, why didn’t she teleport?”

“No. Her mother was mortal, and she never knew her father. But she had no powers to speak of.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered,” Lo added. “Anyone near us that day had their powers subdued. Had she been a witch, and she was within touching distance, she couldn’t have teleported.”

“But she fell down a mountain. At some point, she’d have been far enough away to save herself,” Castor countered. He paused, seeming to consider all the information. “Can we talk to her mother? I’d like to get a sense of who Abigail was.” He leaned forward when Wilder frowned. “At the very least, if I’ve ever encountered the mother or your girlfriend, I may be able to travel back to that time. Possibly warn one or both.”

“Do you remember every face you’ve seen?” Ebba asked, eyes wide with wonder.

“Yes. Every interaction, too. It’s a curse.”

“What if we speak to Death?” Lo suggested. “She’s your son’s mother, right? She might be inclined to help us locate Abbie on the other side.”

“She’s not dead!” Wilder snapped. All eyes focused on him. “I’d feel it. Here.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “She’s not dead.”

“May I see her picture?” Castor asked gently.

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