Page 32 of Rebel Spell
“Are you in some kind of trouble?” Her expression turned concerned.
Would she think what I was about to say was crazy? After taking a deep breath, I admitted, “I sensed dark magic in the house.”
She nodded, encouraging me to continue.
I clasped my hands together. “The first time, I thought it might be a nightmare, but I know I was awake.” I mentioned how I’d heard of it happening to someone else, as well, although it sounded like a story about a friend of a friend. “But yesterday, it was much more vivid and coming for me. I had the distinct feeling that whatever this presence was killed my aunt.”
A flicker of wariness appeared in Colleen’s pale eyes, but then it was gone, and her face was impassive once more.
I leaned back in the chair and released a nervous laugh. “Hearing me say it out loud to a stranger makes me sound like a nut.”
“Not at all,” Colleen said. “It’s been… eventful lately.”
“How so?” I tipped my head.
“Too much to get into right now, but we’ve been overextended dealing with similar reports.”
“Oh.” I frowned. “Does that mean I should be worried?”
“Not if you take the proper precautions,” she said.
“Meaning?”
“You need to clean all traces of dark magic from the house.”
“Wait—you don’t want to investigate?”
Colleen sighed. “I’m familiar with what you’re referring to. We’ve been finding traces of it all over the area. If we weren’t so overextended, I would come, but there’s nothing that I can do that you can’t yourself. Your house is well guarded with layers of protection. Since it’s your house, it will be more effective if you perform the ritual.”
“But, but,” I stammered. Raising both hands, I said, “I can’t do it.”
“I’m sure you can. It’s basic magic.” She pulled a booklet off the shelf. “Follow these instructions on how to clear all the negative energy.”
“No, you don’t understand,” I explained, “I can’t do magic at all.”
She furrowed her brows. “Excuse me?”
“It’s true. Not even a basic spell.”
Colleen stared at me as if I had tea leaves on my forehead she was trying to read. “But I sense magic in you.”
I leaned back and shook my head. “You must be mistaken. I’m telling you. I’m hopeless.”
“Interesting.” She clucked her tongue.
I gave her a sheepish grin. “Maybe it skips a generation.”
Colleen followed with a crystal-ball type of gaze at what I guessed was the position of my third eye—not that I’d ever considered even having one until that moment. I squirmed under her probing stare. Should I extend my hands so she could read my palms next and complete the full body scan?
“I don’t think that’s it.” She clapped. “Tell you what. Try it. It’s easy to follow, and I think you can manage. If I’m wrong, call me.”
Although I wanted to protest some more, what could I do—beg her to drop everything after she’d just mentioned how busy she was and to deal with my problem?
Unease crawled up my spine. The last time I’d played with magic returned to me like an icy cold slap, only what followed had been fire. Vicious and destructive fire.
“I—I can’t.” My hand trembled, and I hid it on my lap under the table.
Colleen appraised me with a long look. “Okay, I’ll squeeze in a quick visit tomorrow and see what I can do.”
