Page 41 of Lila

“That makes sense,” I agree. “You go to your room and make that call. I’m gonna head out. I’ll call you when I’m done.”

“Thank you, Lila,” he murmurs earnestly. “Wait. What was it? What did it do to him?” he asks in a harsh whisper.

My chest constricts and I sigh before saying, “It took his words. That's why he can't talk. It had nothing to do with his autism.”

His eyes widen and his mouth drops open. “Are you sure?”

Smiling sadly, I nod.

“So, he’ll be able to talk when you break the curse?” he asks hopefully.

“Yes.” I smile, happy I can give him such amazing news.

“That’s…Fuck, Lila. I’ll never be able to repay you for breaking this curse.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Luca. I’m breaking the curse because I love you and Grayson. When I find the person who put this curse on him, they’ll be sorry.”

“You know who did it?” he asks in shock.

“Once I untangled it, I could see all of its secrets. I know everything there is to know about that curse. Including when it was placed, who did it, and how to undo it.”

“Tell me,” he demands.

“Celeste and Jorgon. Do you know them?”

“Yeah,” he growls. “I know them.”

Uh oh.“I know what you’re thinking, but please, don’t. We will go after them together. But first, let’s break the curse. Then we can make a plan. Okay?”

He clenches his teeth together as he breathes through his nose before finally muttering, “Fine. But Iwillmake them pay.”

“We all will,” I promise. “Go call Ann and I’ll be back as soon as the potion’s ready.”

When he agrees, I smile and kiss him before standing. I say my goodbyes to the others and head back to Highway to Spells for the second time in as many days. At this rate, I’ll keep Willow in business all by myself.

Chapter 29

Luca

LilaleavesandHarkinand Jett look at me questioningly. “I’ll be back,” I mutter as I stand robotically and walk to my room. I can’t believe they would do that. Ann’s going to be beside herself when I tell her. Closing my door, I pull out my phone and scroll to her number, pressing call as I take a steadying breath. It rings twice before she answers.

“Luca! Hey. Is everything okay? You didn’t get called in did you?”

“No, it’s not that. Ann, I… I have something I need to tell you, but I can’t do it over the phone. Can you come over? We really need to talk.”

“Well, now I’m scared.” When I say nothing to relieve her fears, she stammers, “Yeah. I’ll be right there.”

“The door’s open. When you get here, come straight to my room.”

“Luca. What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain everything when you get here.”

“I’m already in the elevator.”

“Good. I’ll see you soon.” Hanging up, I pace the room. I know I scared her with my cryptic answers, but I just couldn’t tell her over the phone.

My door opens moments later and I spin around to find a flustered Ann. She closes the door and slumps against it. “Tell me.”

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