Page 58 of Captivating Magic

“Thank you.”

Taken aback, he asked, “Why?”

“It’s the one thing that makes my life complete.”

“Stop sounding like you’re transitioning, Ebba James. I swear by all that’s holy; I’ll hunt you down and bring you back.”

His determined look cemented his promise.

“I believe you would, Lo,” she murmured against his lips before deepening the kiss. When she drew away, she caressed his stubbled jaw. “I’ll see you on the other side of this.”

“That’s my girl.”

He cradled her face, staring into her eyes. What he saw, he didn’t say, but his love seared itself on her soul. She might not remember their time together, but she’d feel it somewhere deep inside whenever she saw him again.

“It’s getting late,” Damian said from behind him.

“Yeah,” Lo said roughly. Still, he made no move to release her, and Ebba grabbed his wrists.

“You have to let me go,” she said softly.

“It’s like asking me to cut out my heart,” he replied, equally as soft.

But he released her and rose, leaving room for Damian to do his job.

The memory removal wasn’t necessarily painful, but it was damned uncomfortable. Five minutes into the process, he sighed. “Ebba, you must stop fighting this, or it won’t work.”

She blinked back tears. “Can you put me to sleep or something? I can’t look at him and not resist.”

“I can, if you’re all right with it.”

“Yes.”

“Close your eyes.”

Within seconds, she’d drifted off.

“It’s done.”The Aether sounded weary or perhaps a little sad.

Pulse pounding, Laszlo took his spot next to Ebba’s comatose spirit and smoothed the hair from her forehead. He wasn’t certain what he’d expected to see, maybe a lobotomy scar, but it wasn’t the smooth, untouched skin beneath his fingers. “Is she okay?”

“Yes. But it’s time for the next step. I’ll stand guard in place of McClutchin, with Alastair. I’ll create a spell for us to see any spirits as they enter the room.”

“I don’t know how I’ll repay you for this, but if you ever need me, I’m there,” Lo promised.

“No need. I wasn’t lying when I said I was a sucker for love, Laszlo.”

Damian directed him to lie next to Ebba’s physical self on the bed. “I’m going to move her body over, but don’t touch her if you can help it.”

“What about Spencer’s soul?”

“I’ll extract it at the same time I cast the spell to separate yours.” Leaning in, Damian touched Lo’s temple.

The zing felt like the minor shock one got from static electricity, and with it came the Aether’s thoughts.

“This is the only way I can convey what my daughter said without the Fates learning of it, so pay attention,”he said through their telepathic connection.“You cannot prevent the accident from happening, but it’s imperative you’re there to meet Death and Isis. Plead your case, and it won’t fall on deaf ears. Nod if you understand.”

Lo nodded.

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