Page 36 of Cursed
Tony waved and went back to cleaning up the kitchen.
“Evan, how do you feel?” Rowan’s gaze swept over Evan, making him feel like she could see down to his bones. Teag also studied him with clinical intensity, and Evan wondered how the curse appeared to their magic-enhanced senses.
“All over awful, and like someone pulled my plug,” Evan replied. Seth took a step closer, protective as always.
“That fits,” Teag said. “I can sense the spell, and it’s a nasty piece of work. Dark stuff—worked by someone who has power and knows what he’s doing.”
“But not invincible.” A slight smile touched Rowan’s lips. “There are always cracks where the magic isn’t quite perfect. I can’t break it, but I think I can slow it down and make you more comfortable and functional.”
“What do I need to do?” Evan asked.
Rowan smiled reassuringly. “Just stand there and open your mind and soul to my words.”
Evan nodded, suddenly feeling out of his depth. “Okay. Ready when you are.”
Rowan took a few deep breaths and her expression grew placid. She began to chant in a language Evan didn’t recognize, but he could feel the power in her words even if he didn’t know their meaning.
He closed his eyes, doing his best to eliminate all resistance and let her magic flow into and through him. At first, it felt like a chill beneath his skin, then heat, and finally a tingle as if he had touched a live wire before the sensation abruptly stopped.
Evan looked at Rowan. “Is that it?”
Seth stood beside him, intrigued and concerned.
She nodded. “Yes. How do you feel?”
Evan searched for words to describe the impact of the spell. “Braced, like I’m not cured, but there’s something helping to support me. And the discomfort is less, although I know the problem is still there. Like when you take aspirin, and the headache isn’t gone, but it’s better.”
“Good. That’s how it should be. I’m sorry I can’t do more.” Rowan patted him on the arm like a concerned older sister.
Teag pulled a linen scarf from his pocket, and Evan remembered that Teag’s magic could weave spells into cloth. “There are protections against evil and harm worked into the warp and woof,” he told Evan as he handed it over. “It should also lessen the effects and buy you time.”
Evan wrapped the scarf around his neck and felt his shoulders and back relax, and the tension in his neck eased. A sense of well-being suffused through him, lifting his spirits and driving back the sludgy feeling from dark magic.
“I can feel your magic.” Evan turned to Teag, who watched him expectantly. “It’s like being wrapped in white light.”
“Together, my magic and Rowan’s should make the next hours bearable,” Teag said. “And when the curse breaks, you’ll know right away because all the bad stuff will suddenly stop affecting you. You might be more tired than usual, but you won’t feel sick or weakened.”
“Thank you so much,” Evan said, and Seth echoed his words. “I really appreciate it.”
“Any time.” Rowan turned to Seth.
“I also brought a spelled knife,” Teag added. “It’s one we had at Trifles and Folly. Cassidy thought it might help.” He handed it to Seth. “You might need this.”
“Thank you—for everything,” Seth said.
“We’re going to go finish up preparations, and we’ll see you at dawn,” Rowan told them.
Once they drove away, Evan and Seth went back to making calls. After a while, Evan looked up.
“Kinsley’s coven is good to go, and so is Tristan the necromancer. They’re planning to stay outside the actual site so they can also watch in case Vernon has backup. She promised they’ve got magic planned that will affect both inside and outside of the building.”
“Tristan intends to rally the ghosts. There are a lot of spirits who would love to have a chance to avenge themselves against Vernon. Having Nash and his team—living and ghostly—destroying Vernon’s anchor and his monster meat restaurant will make a big difference. Caden has more information about the turpentine factory interior where the ritual is likely to be held,” Evan reported. “And he’s got some old Army buddies who are willing to provide muscle outside. Said they didn’t turn a hair when he asked for their help, despite the early time.”
The willingness of their friends to come together despite the danger warmed Evan, although he still felt chagrined at being sidelined. Seth seemed to guess his mood.
“Hey, don’t sulk,” Seth said as Tony placed plates piled high with cheesy nachos on the table.
“I’m not sulking.” Evan realized that he sounded petulant. “I just don’t like not being able to have your back.”
