Page 59 of Mardi Gras Murders & Midnight Masquerades
Detective Payne cleared his throat, reminding us of his presence. "I'd like to watch if I can. I don’t want you all to face this alone," he said, his voice firm. "I've been tracking this case for months. I want to see it through."
Dre regarded him for a long moment. "This isn't a police matter anymore, detective. What we're about to do?—"
"I know exactly what you're about to do," Payne interrupted, his expression unwavering. "And after what I've seen these past weeks, I'm past the point of disbelief. I'm in, whether you like it or not."
Kota shrugged. "You can watch, but stay out of the way."
Payne nodded once, then followed us as we moved from the library to the kitchen. The ancient clay vessel sat at the center of the table, waiting for the ingredients. "What exactly are we making here?" Payne asked, watching as we arranged the components in a specific pattern around the vessel.
"We're creating a binding potion," I explained as I carefully measured the black iris petals. "When applied to a mask, it will transform it from Delacroix's tool into his prison."
Payne's eyebrows shot up. "Sounds unbelievable. I’ll just stand quietly over here.” He leaned against the doorframe and watched us pointedly.
With a collective chuckle, we went back to work. One by one, we placed our collected components into the vessel. I had already added the black iris petals. Next came the midnight moss, grave dirt, and river water. The mixture hissed and bubbled, releasing tendrils of silvery steam. Payne's eyes widened, but to his credit, he remained silent.
"Now for the blood," Dani said as she produced a ceremonial knife with a blade of obsidian. "Freely given, with intent to bind."
We formed a circle around the vessel and joined hands. Dani passed the knife to Dea, who sliced her index finger. She let seven drops of blood fall into the mixture. "For the spirits who guide us," she whispered.
Dea passed the knife to Phi, who did the same. "For the knowledge that empowers us."
Phi handed it to Kota. "For the strength to protect what matters."
Kota presented it to Dre. "For the wisdom to lead us through darkness."
Dre gave it to Dani. "For the heart to feel what others cannot see."
Finally, Dani slid the knife to me. "For the will to face what others fear."
I cut my finger and watched as seven drops of my blood joined the mixture. "Six as one, bound by choice and power."
As the last drop hit the surface, the contents flashed with blinding light and settled into a swirling mass of deep purple liquid. "It's working," Dea breathed. "I can feel the magic taking shape."
"We need to say the spell," Dre prompted.
As one, we began to recite the words Eleanor had placed in our minds.
"By six as one, we forge this chain
To hold what death cannot contain.
Blood freely given, power combined,
Armand Delacroix, you we bind.
Your soul, your power, your endless schemes,
Trapped forever in endless dreams."
The mixture rose from the vessel, forming a spinning column of violet light that stretched to the ceiling. It pulsed with our combined magical signatures. Each beat sent ripples of color through theswirling mass.
"Now for the mask," Dre said as she turned toward the corner of the kitchen where Kaitlyn's heavily warded box sat on a separate table.
"Everyone stand back," Kota warned as she approached the intricate box. "When we open it, there will be a reaction."
Kota and Phi flanked me as we began undoing the complex series of magical locks we had placed on the container. Each ward glowed and faded as we dismantled it. The air grew heavier with tension as layers of protection fell away.
"Last one," I murmured as we traced the final sigil that kept Delacroix's mask contained. The symbol flared white-hot beneath my touch, then dissolved.
