Page 29 of Which Witch Is Wicked?
“That doesn’t erase the pain.” Claire swiped at her own tears.
“No, it doesn’t.” She blinked away the moisture in her eyes. “But the good news is, I’ve discovered a spell to help. It’s brought an amazing amount of peace to my life. Perhaps it can help you, too.”
“What does it do?” Claire sniffed, aching for something finally to bring peace to her tortured heart.
“It can bring back your loved one.”
“No.” Disbelief and alarm jumped to life inside her. “That sounds like black magic.”
Lucinda waved her hand as though to dispel Claire’s fears. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t actually bring back the person, but the apparition will look and sound exactly like your long-lost lover. You’ll be surprised at the tremendous amount of absolution it will bring to your heart. You’ll have the opportunity to apologize and explain your circumstances. You’ll be able to love him and hug him, and though it’s not real, itfeelsvery real. In fact, the formula for this amazing spell can be found right here in your trusted Grim.” She flipped to a page marked with a red heart.
“Trust me. You won’t regret it.”
Claire scanned the spell, recognizing the simple ingredients. Goddess, how she longed to see Tommy’s face again. Especially in the light of Dru’s betrayal. She needed someone to hug her, someone to love her. “Let’s do it now.”
Lucinda shook her head. “No, not now. You’ll want to be alone for this one. It’s powerfully overwhelming when you first look upon your loved one’s face. You won’t want any distractions.”
“Okay. I understand.” She didn’t want Lucinda or her sisters to see her in such a vulnerable state. “Thank you for that warning.”
“You should put the Grim in your room for now. Until you complete the spell. Then you can share its joyous return with your sisters. They will be so happy.” Lucinda rewrapped the book before presenting it to Claire. “Take good care of this. It’s important to all of you.”
“I will.” Claire clutched the book to her chest and stood. “I’ll do that right now.”
“Good.” Lucinda stood as well. “I should take my leave now anyway. I’m sure Justine and I have overstayed our welcome. Plus, we wouldn’t want your aunt to discover Tierra’s secret just yet. I’ll find her in the solarium and let her know I’m ready to leave.”
“Thank you, Lucinda. Thank you for everything.” Claire held out her hand to her newest friend.
Lucinda shook it, sending another warm wave through to Claire. “You are most welcome, my dear. We witches need to stick together.
Especially when devious men are involved.”
“Yes.” Especially then. She would need to devise a way to make Dru pay for his deceitfulness, but for now, she intended to soothe her soul first. “I look forward to speaking with you again. Perhaps you could come for dinner one night…without my aunt in tow. I know my sisters would love to spend time with you.”
“Of course. Anytime. Just send a message to the coven’s compound letting me know which day is good for you. Now, get that book to your room.”
Claire complied, feeling lighter and happier than she had since she’d stepped off the plane in Seattle. Perhaps Lucinda was just what they needed to turn this war against the end of time to their favor.
* * *
Dru stoodon the corner of Water Street and Monroe, waiting for traffic to clear. The light changed, and just as he was about to step off the sidewalk, a red Civic squealed around the corner. He shot an angry look at the crazed woman behind the wheel. She responded by flipping him the bird before she plowed into the backend of a green pickup that was stopped at the next light.
“What the fuck?” Dru said to himself.
“The beasts of Hell have been released,” Bane said, coming up next to him as they watched both drivers exit their vehicles. The woman approached the old man who’d been in the truck and released a string of invective a mile long. “Someone should help that guy.”
Just as he said it, the old guy hauled off and punched the woman in the face.
“I need to get off the street.” Dru picked up the pace, heading toward Sirens. He wasn’t sure how much of the world’s atrocities he caused and how much was a result of four opened Seals.
Bane strode next to him. “Do you think you’re doing this?”
“Hell if I know. But I doubt I’m helping in any case.” He jerked open the glass door that led to Sirens staircase and stepped inside.
He took the first step and then bent forward as extreme pain slammed him. It was as though someone had thrust a cold dagger straight through his heart. He gripped the handrail, trying to catch his breath. He and his brothers might be immortal, but that didn’t mean their bodies couldn’t suffer a tremendous amount of agony.
“Jesus, Dru. What the hell is your problem?” Bane bent his head, peering into Dru’s face.
“Fuck if I…” Then it registered. Claire. She was gone. The trace of fire still inside him cried out, begging to be reconnected with its mistress. “It’s Claire. Something’s wrong.”
