Page 69 of Captivating Magic

“Your souls are ready, Divina,” Isis said.

Laszlo topped the ditch and stopped short, denial on his face.

“Not your mate, Beloved. Spencer Barlowe and the unfortunate creature you hold,” Isis informed him.

Anger at the unfairness bubbled inside Ebba. “I thought you said it would be okay? That you’d heal it?”

“Then you mistook me, child. But if you don’t wish to be the third soul Death reaps, I suggest you learn to control your temper.”

Once again, she’d pissed off the Goddess with her spontaneous outbursts. Heart aching for the wolf, Ebba nodded and dropped her gaze to the canine spirit beside Laszlo.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, but her apology was more for the magnificent beast than her behavior. “But you made me believe you would save her life. That means her soul.”

“What would you give to save the creature?” Isis asked with a thoughtful tilt of her head.

“My life.”

Laszlo tightened his grip on the wolf and ran to her. “Ebba, no!”

“This beautiful girl doesn’t deserve to have her life cut short,” she said with a catch in her voice. “What if she’s pregnant or has pups to care for out there?”

“And what about you, Sweet?” he asked achingly. “What about your family and those who love you?”

“No one counts on me, Laszlo. No one needs me.”

“Liz does. You’re her best friend. And me. Based on what I’ve done to save you, I suspect I’m about to need you a great deal.”

She wanted to weep, but bottled it inside. “I’ve waited over half my life to hear you say that. But I won’t allow her to be sacrificed on my behalf. If the Goddess can save her, I’ll gladly do what is required of me.”

The animal’s spirit approached Ebba, and she squatted to touch the beauty’s massive head. “You’re a gorgeous girl, aren’t you? I’m sorry your life was cut short. If I could do it over, I’d never get in that vehicle tonight.”

“It was fated, Ebba. You had no choice,” Divina said, holding her hand out for the wolf.

“Fated? It was fate that I should kill her because I got in an argument with Spencer? How fucking stupid is that?”

Her anger caused the wolf to whimper, and she swiped her tongue over Ebba’s upturned face. Rubbing against her, the wolf whimpered again. Tears gathered as she watched the proud beast’s soul shimmer.

“Please save her, Goddess. I’ll go with Death.”

“No!” Laszlo gently laid the body at her feet. “No, Ebba. That’s not happening.”

“I ask you again. What would you give to save the creature?” Isis asked her.

“My life. My soul. Whatever it is you demand of me,” Ebba promised.

The Goddess nodded her satisfaction. “Then I shall hold you to that, child.”

Laszlo dragged Ebba behind him. “I don’t want to defy you, Exalted One, but there has to be another way. Something other than taking Ebba. Please.”

“And if I say there is no other way? What would your response be, Laszlo Thorne?”

His expression turned mulish. “There’s always another way.”

“Perhaps.” Isis gestured to the Reaper. “Take Spencer Barlowe’s soul.”

A male spirit materialized beside Ebba. “I’m sorry.”

She straightened to meet Spencer’s apologetic gaze. In this form, he wasn’t as handsome, and she had to wonder if he’d used his powers to amplify his looks. She’d have to ask Laszlo if it was possible. Perhaps he’d lost his luster in the face of her disappointment with him.

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