Page 56 of Captivating Magic

“What do you have in mind?” Damian asked as Castor rummaged for a weapon.

“Is anyone listening to me?” Laszlo demanded. “I said,fuck no!”

Alastair’s expression was droll. “I’m doing this, son.”

“How about you tell me your theory first?”

“I don’t believe Abigail is dead.” His cousin sent Ebba a considering glance. “In fact, I think she’s very much alive, and I hope to prove it.”

“How?”

“If my soul can follow Ebba’s path to her perceived purgatory, I might encounter Abigail for myself. Then I can get answers.” He shot the Aether a warning look. “But revive me before I cross completely or Rorie will never forgive either of us.”

“There’s an alternative way to do that,” Damian replied. “Isis.”

“I think she’s provided all the help she plans to in this case,” Alastair said grimly. “She’s holding back, but the precise reason remains a mystery.”

“She always has one,” Castor agreed. “Personally, I think she likes being an enigma wrapped in a sexy exterior.”

Damian cracked a smile.

“No,” Wilder said from behind them, with Ebba lingering at his elbow. His red-rimmed eyes spoke of his heartbreak, but there was determination in them, too. “Abbie’s been gone for two years, and whatever is happening with Ebba should be addressed today. Right now.”

He met Lo’s gaze. “You know I’m right. You both deserve to be happy if you can.”

“Wilder.” Ebba’s concern caught his attention.

Glancing down at her, he smiled. “It’s okay, kid. You’ve given me a reason to hope, or at the very least, to move on if she’s lost to me.” He impulsively hugged her again and released her to embrace Lo.

“Does this mean I don’t get to stab Al?” Castor complained.

Wilder laughed. The sound rusty and odd after so much time had passed. “No stabbing Alastair. Now, someone catch me up.”

For the next few minutes, they did, answering his plethora of questions. He looked at the group with considering eyes, pausing overly long on Castor. Twice, he opened his mouth to speak but decided against it.

Finally, Wilder hugged Lo. “This has to be difficult for you since you’ve loved her forever.”

“I’m not even going to ask you how you know that.” Lo shook his head in disgust. “Hell, I didn’t until today.”

“I was the one who encouraged Cole, Heath, and Liz to dissuade you from pursuing a relationship. I’m sorry, but in those days, I didn’t think you were serious about her.”

Ebba punched his shoulder. “Next time, mind your own damned business, Wilder Thorne!”

“Oww! Who knew a spook could hit so hard?”

“Aether energy,” Lo supplied with a wide grin.

“What about the sleeping Ebba on the bed? What happens to her body snatcher?” Wilder asked.

Fuck!

They’d forgotten about Spencer in all the commotion, and Laszlo ran to check on him.

“Does anyone else think it’s odd that he didn’t wake when Ebba did?” Castor asked.

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” Lo said.

“We can’t worry about him. We’ve delayed long enough.” Damian approached Ebba. “Before I remove your memories, I’d like to see what you encountered on the other plane. Would you permit me to tap into your mind?”

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