Page 45 of Haunted Hearts

Just as abruptly as it appears, the storm comes to a halt. The sand drops from the sky and the wind stills.

I elbow Viktor in the ribs and grin. “Just because he’s a fan of his mate right away, doesn’t mean he’s trying to suck up. Some of us are in tune with our feelings.”

Before Viktor can reply, Death calls all of us over. Without hesitation, I jog over to Willow’s side.

“Are you ok?” she asks, her hand reaching out for mine.

I take it at once.

“Yup,” I lean forward and kiss her cheek. “You’re pretty badass, you know that?”

When she laughs and rolls her eyes, my heart flutters quickly. It’s good to see her smile after what she went through. It may have taken her a few days to get back to her old self, but to see her shining with life again… My relief is nearly palpable.

Kwil comes up behind her, his hand catching and fisting her shirt, as if he’s afraid she might disappear on him.

Do you see what I mean about her powers?Death asks us with a half-smile.

“This power… is it limitless?” Theo asks curiously. “If you and Willow are part of the realm, then theoretically, you can pull as much power as you want, whenever you want, while you’re both here.”

Death turns to look at him, a brow raising.I’m sure there are limits for me. Where those limits are, who knows? I have yet to reach them.

I whistle, impressed. To my surprise, my reaction has Death winking at me.

As for Willie, I’m sure there is a harder, more clear-cut limit, since she’s not fully a creation of the realm.

“I bet those limitations are few and far between though,” Brock muses. “I’m assuming that this,” he waves his arms around. “wasn’t even you trying, Willow.”

“It wasn’t.” Willow confirms with a smug grin.

“You’re terrifying,” I whisper in faux fear. She squeezes my hand as she sucks her teeth.

Death chuckles as he steps away from our group.Speaking of limits, I’d like to test something.He steps away from our group and turns to face Viktor.Come here.

Viktor only hesitates briefly before stepping aside with Willow’s father. In the time it takes to gasp, Viktor disappears. Everyone stiffens in surprise. Heads whip around in search of the grumpy Fae.

“Dad!” Willow yanks her hand free of mine. “Where the hell—”

He’s way down on the far side of the beach, outside the protection barrier. He’s fine, he assures her quickly.Now, Willie, I want you to call that howling wind again.

Willow glares at her dad before the clouds return. I brace myself for more screaming and that feeling of terror sliding over my skin. But all that comes is a slight breeze, a whisper of fear in the air. Willow’s body flinches and she doubles over, before falling to her knees with a pained groan.

“Willow!” I kneel in front of her.

Ok, that’s enough, Willie, Death orders. Willow’s groan turns into a scream of agony.Willow,enough.

“I can’t stop it!” She shrieks as her skin begins to crack.

Oh, hell! My heart skids to a stop as I call her name in fear.

“Kwil, Jonah, reach for her soul like Death taught us,” Theo orders immediately as he crouches beside her.

Without hesitation, I grab on to that feeling of Willow inside of me. Her soul is pulled taut, and I can feel her pain radiating from it. Mentally, I pull tight, gritting my teeth as I do.

Willow! Death urges, grabbing her arm.Focus on what your physical form feels like. Focus, Willie!

Her scream becomes louder before it cuts off and her body sags forward.

“What the fuck was that?” Kwil asks, grabbing Willow faster than any of us can move, before her face hits the sand, and scoops her up into his arms. She groans as her eyes flutter open.

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