Page 35 of Captivating Magic

What would happen if Lo accidentally brushed her skin? Would it open the door for Spencer to escape? These were things she intended to ask when the process was finished. Distracting Lo in the middle of a spell was taboo; even a mortal like her understood the ultimate consequences should she do it.

Liz glanced at her.

“Don’t worry,” Ebba mouthed with a loving smile. “All will be well.”

Tears brightened her friend’s warm amber eyes, brimming along her lower lids before she blinked them away. All but one. A single tear, achingly sad in its solitary trek, represented Ebba’s personal journey. She’d felt alone her entire life despite the closeness of the Thornes. A lone wolf of sorts. It wasn’t surprising she’d die without ever having experienced true love’s embrace.

But maybe if the Fates were kind and reincarnation was real, she’d have the whole kit and caboodle in the next life. She hoped so. Her attention drifted to Laszlo, and she prayed it would be with him. That their souls would link up. If she had to wait a thousand years for it to happen, she would.

“Praeservo!”Laszlo secured the doll against Spencer's chest with a simple command, locking him inside Ebba’s body. This way, his soul wouldn’t escape to find another host while Lo and the others located what they needed to complete Clutch’s spell.

To Liz, he said, “I need a few items from Nash. Think you can find them for me?”

“Are you trying to get rid of me, or are they artifacts only Nash has?”

“Artifacts.” He crossed to her and hugged her tightly, resting his cheek against her shiny blonde head. “Our time with Ebba is running out. I wouldn’t deny you the chance to spend it with her if possible.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

An ache settled in his chest and refused to budge. Never in all the time he’d been dabbling in supernatural affairs like these had the final crossing been subverted. All things ended, and as a magical being, he was well versed in the truth of it, yet for Ebba’s life to be cut down this way, thissoon, it was nothing short of tragic.

Her ghostly presence behind him emitted a transitioning glow and was a beacon for Death to find her anywhere she cared to hide.

Clutch was correct.

Lo wouldn’t have a choice.

Pressing a kiss to his sister’s temple, he released her to write up a short list of useful tools he was positive could be found in Nash’s ever-expanding vault.

“This should do it,” he said, handing off the sheet with the four items he sought. “Rafe, you can go too if you want. Nothing more can be done here for the night.”

“You’re to sit vigil?” his brother-in-law asked, concern drawing his brows together.

“Something like that.” After offering a handshake and a grateful smile, Lo drew him into a quick hug. “Thank you for always looking out for my sister. She couldn’t have been blessed with a better man as her soulmate.”

“This sounds a bit like goodbye. You wouldn’t be planning anything foolish, perchance?”

Lo laughed. “No. But this incident has taught me life is short. Things need to be said while we can.”

“Fair enough. In that case, you’re my favorite of all her brothers,” Rafe said with a devilish grin.

“Was there ever any doubt?”

“Not as far as you’re concerned,” Liz retorted, tapping Laszlo’s belly with her balled fist.

“Vicious woman!” He pretended the harmless blow had caused untold pain, and gripped his abdomen, bending double.

Laughing at his ridiculousness, she sandwiched his head between her palms and blew a raspberry on his cheek. “Shut it, you tool!”

Lo caught Ebba watching them, and her longing expression was a literal tug at his soul. Was her yearning to have a familial relationship like Liz’s and his, or was it because she loved him and desired his attention?

Charlotte would’ve stopped their hug by demanding he fetch her something or by saying they were late for one appointment or another. The wedges she used to drive space between him and his family were plentiful. But instead of speaking or complaining, Ebba graced them with a tender smile and nodded, appreciating their bond.

A lump formed in his throat. Why hadn’t he approached her first when they were younger? Believing her too innocent and pure at three years younger, he’d gone for the knockout party girl, who became a constant pain in his ass with her complainingand ultimatums. Love should’ve been about compromise, not the one-sided wants and endless demands of a spoiled woman.

“You’re finally seeing what was there all along,” Liz said in a low voice.

“Yeah,” he said roughly. “I was a fucking idiot.”

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