“I have to, Jules. It’s the only way.”
I kneel on the weathered wooden floor of the shack, my fingers gliding over the symbols burned deeply into the surface. I methodically draw the elements at the cardinal points: earth, air, fire, and water. In the very center of the circle, I draw three runes—Berkano, Nauthiz, and Kenaz.
With determination etched on my face, I reach beneath the rickety table to grab a small, well-worn bag of salt. The coarse grains spill forth, cascading in a shimmering line around the circle, forming a protective barrier.
I move purposefully to the closet, retrieving my backpack. Carter grabs my arm. “Dani, please, listen to us. You can’t go through with this... spell.”
I smile at Carter. “You don’t get it. Neither of you do. Please, just trust me. We don’t have a lot of time.” Carter lets me go, and he and Jules stay silent as they watch me.
I reach into my backpack, my fingers brushing against the cool, textured surface of the dried herbs I had carefully gathered. “Here,” I say softly, extending my hand toward Jules, who watches with uncertainty. She takes the bundle from me and places it in the heavy mortar. With the pestle in hand, she crushes the herbs into a fragrant powder for me.
I open the aged spell parchment and a piece of paper Amelia had written on while translating for Adonis. The words dance in my mind as I double-check each ingredient, ensuring I don’t overlook anything crucial.
Jules’ hands tremble slightly as she finishes grinding the herbs; a sob escapes her lips, breaking through the tension like glass shattering. I rush to her side, wrapping her in a tight embrace, feeling the weight of her anxiety against my chest. “It’s going to be okay, Jules. I promise,” I whisper, my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside me.
“What did you mean, Jules, that magic comes with a price?” Carter interjects, his brow furrowed in concern with Jules’ comment she made a moment ago.
I knew he wouldn’t let that one go.
Jules takes a shaky breath, the crack in her voice betraying her emotions. “Well, in this case, this spell requires a life for a life. Dani is willing to give up her life to break this curse,” she explains, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Carter’s reaction is immediate; he shakes his head fervently, the defiance clear in his expression. “Not happening, Dani!” he insists, his words rolling with a fierce protectiveness.
I raise my hands, palms facing them, desperation etched across my face. “Please, both of you, stop! We don’t have time to waste! This is my only chance!” My heart races as I speak, urgency lacing my words. “I need to break the curse so that Adonis, Dax, and Killian can reclaim their full power. Only then can Octavia die. There is no other way. Octavia has already taken too many lives, and I won’t let her take anymore.”
Amelia materializes in the house. It’s the first time I’ve seen her do it. “Dani! You must start now! Octavia is too powerful, the guys can’t hold her back much longer!”
I grab my knife out of my backpack and then step into the circle. “Jules, hand me the mixture!” Jules hands me the mortar. I grab the crushed-up powder and start to sprinkle it within my circle.
Amelia lights the candles as Carter stands there, rubbing his temples in frustration as if he has a migraine.
I slice the blade across my palm quickly and hiss at the sting of my skin tearing open.
“Fuck... Dani... I can’t let you do this,” Carter tries to step into my circle, but Amelia stops him, shaking her head. “You’re going to let her do this?!” Carter shouts at Amelia. I ignore him.
I squeeze my hand tightly in a fist and leave trails of my blood around the circle.
“Releasing Adonis’ soul will break the curse that holds Killian, Dax, and Adonis trapped. The bond will be fully formed between Adonis and I, which means the curse will be lifted and they will get their wings and full power back. I can’t free just Dax and Killian, it has to be all three of them or else this won’t work,” I explain to Carter and Jules as they watch me closely.
I wrap Adonis’ necklace around my wrist and hold the gem in my blood. I start to chant;
“By shadows depth and waters flow,
I call the love that lies below.
In ruby’s heart, a spirits plight,
Return to him, restore the light.
Demons weep and hearts entwined,
Release the love that witch confined.
From this gem, let love flee,
As I speak, so mote it be!”
I crack open my eyes: nothing.
