Page 44 of Captivating Magic

“I want to thank you while I can,” she told the group. The remainder of the things she wished to say closed her throat. If she could’ve relayed how much their caring meant, she would’ve. She’d have also assured them she would understand if their mission to save her failed.

Alastair’s warm smile said his empathic abilities were in proper working order. With him, she didn’t need to say a word. Although she wanted to hug Castor, she settled for a smile.

“I may miss you most of all, Scarecrow.”

“Ah, Dorothy. Don’t you worry, love. We’ll make it right.”

Laszlo cleared his throat. “Also, I object to you missing him more than me.”

She laughed, surprised she could under the weight of her sadness. “You’ll always be in my life or afterlife, as the case may be.”

“No, Sweet.” His tone was somber, and she fucking hated it. “If you die for real, you can’t linger.”

“I don’t understand. You talk to spirits, Lo.”

“What he’s trying to say, Ms. James, is that he’s a Reaper’s assistant,” Damian said. “He helps souls cross over to their proper plane.”

“He’s a paranormal investigator,” she argued, scowling. “Tell him, Lo.”

“I’m not, Ebba. You assumed I was. I’m actually a liaison and help the dead see it’s best to go.”

Awash with panic, she felt sick. “All this”—she waved a hand between them—“has been an act to get me to… to…”

“No!” His alarm seemed legit. “I told you before. I’m not delivering you to Death.”

“But you have? With others?”

Closing his eyes, he nodded.

Her mind reeled. Were there people, like her, who’d felt forced to cross before they were ready? She didn’t realize she’d voiced the question until Laszlo shot Damian a sickly look.

“There were!” she accused. “You forced them to go with Death.”

“It isn’t like that?—”

“Then tell me what it’s like?” The strength of her fury stirred the curtains, but those wisps of air didn’t feel substantial enough for her mood. “I trusted you, Lo. I believed you when you said you’d help.”

“Iamhelping, Ebba. Why the hell do you think they’re all here?” he shouted back.

“Or maybe Spencer was right.”

He jerked as if she’d struck him.

“I want you all to leave,” she said stonily.

“I’m afraid we can’t do that, Ms. James.” Damian eased Laszlo away and took his place before her. “If we do nothing, your spirit will stay bound to the earth. Years will pass, and your memories will fade. With the passage of time, you’ll become vengeful.”

“How do you know?”

“You’ll have to trust me on this one.”

“He’s ancient,” Castor supplied helpfully.

Damian rolled his eyes, then nodded. “He’s not wrong.”

“Death told me she’d come if Lo didn’t deliver me,” Ebba said, confused by the situational about-face.

“She likely will. She won’t, however, be able to reap your soul. Had any other witch bound you, she might, but Castor isdescended from a god. I suspect he accidentally supercharged his spell with emotion.”

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