Page 11 of Haunted Desires
If the tension in the air is accurate, she’s curious.
I gather my grimoire from one of the book stands, along with the single unlit candle in the room. I crave her touch so much it’s hard to keep my hands off her. It’s hard to put the books down and keep my focus on the spell.
Hazel folds her hands in her lap. Her gaze is even more palpable on my skin than the light touches from the spirits.
I wasn’t planning to cast the spell in front of her, but it won’t mean anything unless I do. Anyone else could’ve cast it, or it could be old magic that goes along with the building, and there’s nothing stronger in me than the need to kiss her. To show her who I am.
I don’t know why it’s happening tonight of all nights when I’ve held myself back for so long, but I couldn’t care less. I have to go with it. Nothing else would seem right. I’d be a coward if I didn’t. I’m lucky enough to know that turning away from this—hiding anything from her—would be creating unfinished business.
I can’t have that with Hazel.
As she watches, I light the last candle and begin the spell.
This one isn’t open-ended. It’s not asking the universe to do something for me, like shield me from harm or keep someone else from coming close.
This spell is about calling the spirits to return. Those who wish to be known. Those who are drawn to Hazel as I am. To impress her and please her. I can give her this gift when no one else can.
Books are the finest tools to call spirits back because the stories inside are made of the author’s being. Everything that made them who they were. Their souls sewn into the text of the pages. The candle flame acts as a timer. So long as it is lit, the spirit is welcome.
I finish the spell.
Hazel doesn’t say anything. Although her eyes hold so many questions.
She keeps her gaze on my hands as I set the candle aside.
“Now what?” she whispers.
“Touch one of them.” I dare her and my heart races. I’ve done this before. I was enraptured by the stories of ghosts from long ago. I could taste the tincture they took to heal. I could smell the burning of the fire they lit in the coldest nights. I could feel their presence.
“If you want to meet them,” I add.
Hazel reaches forwards, hesitating for a second, then choosing the top book on the stack. I was careful about the books I chose. Only books I’ve read, spirits I’ve felt comfortable with in the past years.
She brings it close to her body, biting her lip.
I can feel the intention of the spell circling us, and the books. The spirits aren’t always visible, but I hope they will be. Impress her. I plead with them.
Just this once, allow her to know what I do.
The hair on my nape stands up, and I brace for the magic to surround Hazel.
Nothing happens.
She lets out a breath. “Is there anything else I should do,” she asks, a note of disappointment in her voice.
“Try the next one.” I offer and make myself comfortable on the blanket around her. It takes time. Afterall, it’s only an offering. The ghosts must accept.
Hazel lays the first book carefully aside as if she wants to remind it that it’s still important, even if the spell didn’t work immediately. Her thumb caresses the worn leather and as she lifts the second volume from the pile, her right hand remains on the first. As if not wanting to let go.
I recognize the hand made paper of the one she now holds. This one was written by a soldier who fought in World War I. It’s a diary that reads like a novel. He had a way with words, which isn’t a surprise. A man who never found love and was far too wounded to think himself worthy of it until his dying days.
“His maternal grandmother was part of the coven you’ve been studying.” I speak the fact beneath my breath. As if afraid to give too much away.
Hazel’s brow arches. “You’ve been keeping track of what I’m studying?” Her tone is teasing. I love it.
“You visit the same shelves every time. You’re the only one who’s brave enough to sit at that table.”
“It’s just a table,” she says with a little laugh. I love the way her shoulders shake slightly when she laughs. “Why would it take bravery?”
