Page 144 of The Last De Loughrey Dynasty

It was a man dressed in eighteenth century fashion. His black hair almost fell down to his shoulders, and he looked a few years older than me.

I knew him.

His portrait hung in the head office of Kingstone Bank in London.

Malakai Kingstone, the man behind where my family’s fortune came from.

“I’d go to the Earth’s core or the moon. For her, I’d go as far as to dust being the only thing left of my soul.”

Malakai grinned at my answer, a knowing smirk pulling at his lips.“I’d hope you would say that. Would you like to make a deal with me, son?”

I frowned at him, suspicion creeping into my chest. “What kind of deal?”

“I’m the first blessed of the Kingstone family. I was Hecate’s closest friend and knew much about the ways of death. I can give you what you’re searching for,” he said, his voice heavy with the rich cadence of an old English accent.

“Archer, I don’t think—”

“Shut up, Jesse!” I snapped, not tearing my eyes from the spirit of my ancestor. “What do you want in return?”

If he knew how to bring her back, I’d agree to anything.Anything.

Malakai shrugged, casual as ever. “Just your permission to possess your mind until the ritual is complete. It’s effortless, truly.” His eyes flickered to the sky, where the stars of the Aquila constellation seemed to pulse, ready to burst. “Think quickly. The doors of the veil close in four minutes. After that, she’s lost. Your decision, son.”

I didn’t let spirits close. It was a simple rule. They were far too unpredictable once they had access to your mind.

Gwyneth had almost killed Doe on Halloween, and she hadn’t even actively invited her in.

Possession was a dangerous game. But I was strong-minded.

My gaze dropped to Doe’s blood, staining my trembling hands. I wasn’t sure if they shook from the heartache or the rage that boiled beneath the surface.

I ripped my black tourmaline ring from my finger and tossed it aside. “I allow you, Malakai Kingstone, to possess me until Dorothee De Loughrey walks among the living again,” I said, the weight of those words sinking deep into my bones.

Naomi’s face twisted in terror. “What have you done, Archer?”

I didn’t answer.I couldn’t.

I watched as my ancestor’s spirit began to shift, turning into a thick mist that swirled around me. It slipped beneath my skin, like ice water creeping through my veins. I gripped the stone table for support, my body fighting the fire that began to burn in my chest, the feeling of his soul merging with mine.

“Give me the answer,” I demanded, my voice a raw, strained whisper. His spirit settled within me like a heavy weight, a presence too familiar, too consuming.

A life for a life. As easy as it can be if you truly loved her. But I’m curious, son. Would you become a killer for her?His voice echoed painfully through my head.

It took a life for a life.

My gaze turned to Chadwick, his eyes widening. He looked like he knew what I was supposed to do. But by the way, Naomi and Jesse’s faces twisting in horror, I would guess that it had something to do with me.

Ticktock.Malakai reminded me.

Chadwick would suffer for what he’d done. I wouldn’t do anything wrong. He tormented us. He murdered the girl I loved. It was just payback.

He had it coming.

I grabbed the dagger covered in Dorothee’s blood and stalked over to where Chadwick was still pinned to the ground by my friends.

“I sacrifice the life of Anwir Kingstone, a murderer, in exchange for the life of Dorothee De Loughrey, an innocent,” I spoke directly to death, my voice laced with the power of Malakai’s as I lifted the dagger.

“If you’re going to kill me, your nightmares will come true. You’ll be the last Kingstone to fulfil the prophecy,” Anwir told me, fear spiking his every world.

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