Page 10 of Cursed Love
A knock sounded at her door, and she jumped. Hyped up on leftover adrenaline, she stared at the door as her body warmed. The tingling along her skin began pulsing, and the shot glass on the counter flew before shattering on the tile.
“Brandy? You home?” her neighbor called through the door. “Are you okay?”
Air gushed from her, and with it went the instant fear she felt. Careful to not step on the glass, she hurried to the door, her heart thumping against her ribs. She looked out the peep hole to make sure it was Kristen and not something who had assumed her voice.
“Could they do that?” she whispered to herself.
With a shake of her head, she sent the thought away and undid the chain and locks to her door. “Hey,” she said.
Kristen took her in, tipping her head to the side. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good. What’s up?” Brandy asked and glanced down the hall.
“Girl, you don’t sound okay.”
She forced a smile. “I’m good. What’s up?”
“Did I hear something break a second ago?” Kristen asked, rising to her toes and peering around her.
“Yeah, I was drying a shot glass from the other night and it slipped. I’m good.” Brandy stepped back and started shutting the door.
Kristen put her hand on it. “Wait!”
“Yeah?”
“When I got home, they were trying to deliver this to you,” Kristen said and handed Brandy a small box she hadn’t noticed. “They said it was the last attempt, so I said I was you.”
“Thanks, you’re the best.” Brandy grabbed the package and waved back at Kristen before shutting the door.
She wasn’t expecting anything but figured it could be a gift from someone in the family. They were the only ones to ever make a big deal of birthdays. Not ever in the time she and Greg dated had they bought each other birthday gifts. They always preferred going out and doing things together, until this year it seemed.
She placed the box on the counter and swept up the glass. After putting the broom and pan away, she grabbed the package and sat on the couch. Inside, she found an old leather-bound book and an envelope. After flipping the plain envelope over, she found her name in cursive. She’d never seen the handwriting before.
To my dear Brandy,
If you are reading this, then I didn’t make it. For that, I am truly sorry. Bringing you into this world and leaving you as I was left was never what I wanted. Your father and I have tried everything to break the curse placed on my family with no such luck. I write this letter knowing that, short of a miracle, we will not undo it in time for your birth. It is my duty to protect you, and that I shall.
I have bound your powers until your twenty-first birthday. This is my gift to you so that you may live a normal life, if only for a short time. It will also keep you safe from those who will do you harm.
You are the seventh child of the seventh daughter, as was I. I must warn you, child, you are the seventh generation of this cycle. As such, we do not know what is to come of your powers.
I have included our family grimoire in this package. It will help you learn more about your powers, family, and enemies. Keep it safe, as there are many who can benefit from it.
At the time of this letter, we haven’t noticed any powers in your brothers. They may reveal themselves or only show in you. Be aware, that as your powers unbind, you will become a beacon for all—those who could use your help and those who would wish you death. You will need to take precautions around your brothers, especially if they don’t have powers. Please keep them safe.
This path is not easy, but you are my daughter. You came from light and unto light you shall go.
Study the book, for it holds the answers to the questions you have. Do not forget to call upon those long passed if the need shall arise. If you lose your path, follow the light, and in it you shall find your way.
Blessed be Brandy, daughter of Aubrey and Easton, coven Broderick.
Brandy read the letter two more times before setting it aside. First tubars and that man, and now a letter from her dead mother. She didn’t know what was going on, but the letter only gave the man’s words a leg to wobble on.
She flipped the cardboard lid to study the return address but shook her head when it didn’t ring a bell. Looking into the box, she stared at the plain book she could have easily picked up in the library’s historical section. There were no fancy designs or words to scream “witch’s manual.” Brandy placed the beautifully bound book on her lap and her hand on the cover.
A sense of peace and calmness overcame her, and the tingly feeling in her body stilled. She looked around her quiet room and took a deep breath. She opened the book and found the wordsBroderick’s Covenwritten on the inside cover.
On the center of the page was a large celtic knot linked by a circle. She could swear the knot shimmered on the old paper. The wordsCustodes Pacisfollowed byterra, aer, ignis, aqua,andspirituscircled the image.
