Page 45 of Bargains with Benefits
“I’m sure they can explain it to you. In overly long, dry detail.”
Her laugh surprised me, and it looked like it surprised her, too, which I liked. At the sound the scholars jumped back into action, scurrying to the door, their gazes locked on us.
Evelyn spoke first. “Your magic is the connection between the lock on this door and whatever magic it holds. Someone close to you must have cast it.”
“Why do you say that?” I asked when it looked like Luna wouldn’t.
“Well, it’s someone who realized she has magic. It’s no accident that her power is the connection to the lock.” She glanced at Ambrose. “But if we’re correct, it’s a memory that keeps the door sealed.”
“Memory?” I asked. “Isn’t that Suden magic? And very few Suden, at that?”
I remembered the memory stone in the packet Patricia had given me. There were more ways to hold memories than Suden magic.
“Blood magic could work, too,” Ambrose said as I realized the same. “It’s becoming less taboo now that all the Compass Points have learned about it. It was always available previously, if maybe a little looked down upon.” He waved his hand. “As were many other things that didn’t make much sense. The fae courts may have been unwilling to recognize it as valid, but that didn’t mean it didn’t exist.”
We all stood in silence at that.
“So, do I need to find my magic or the memory?” Luna asked, pulling us back to the conversation.
“Your magic,” Ambrose said. “The magic is required to unlock the door. We suspect the memory will reveal itself once you get inside.”
“Then what’s the point of the memory?” I asked.
“Well…” Evelyn tilted her head. “She’ll have to decide what to do with the memory. I assume it’s one she’s a part of.” She glanced apologetically at Luna, then spoke to her directly. “I suspect the memory is simply the intention used to fuel the magic. Blood magic works from intention. The memory will be a strong one, something that drove the need for the magic in the first place.”
“If I’m a part of the memory, would I remember it?” Luna asked.
“Not necessarily,” Evelyn replied. “We’re in an inn. I presume this room has a bed like any other.” She shrugged. “Maybe you were asleep when the driving memory happened.”
Luna gasped. “There was only one night I slept in a room at the inn.” She glanced down the hall as if realizing where she was. “It was in this room.”
Evelyn seemed to understand what she was saying, though Ambrose and I did not.
“You really think something happened that night?” Luna asked.
“It’s the only thing that makes sense right now.” Evelyn said. “I want you to prepare for the worst.”
Ambrose ran his fingers through his hair again. “I obviously don’t know the memory.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I agree with Evelyn’s assessment. I know Evelyn didn’t confirm it earlier, but the other item we’ve failed to discuss is the full impact of this magic.”
Luna’s gaze shot to Evelyn’s. “Your hypothesis. You’ve confirmed it?”
Evelyn nodded slowly. “The magic makes the inn…unappealing to travelers. If we don’t remove the magic, I don’t think even Vincent’s recommendation will help the inn.”
21
Luna
They all thought I had magic. I hadn’t been ready to start testing it yesterday, even with Vincent’s quiet and confident examples. He knew the topic of my magic was uncomfortable for me. I remembered the first time he’d brought it up on the beach. His explanation made more sense than I was comfortable with. He’d assumed I controlled water the first night we met. Though he’d been quick to say he eventually found out I was half-fae before coming to me with his request, it was an interesting piece of information nonetheless. When he’d first heard my name, he thought I was fae.
I wanted us to get past these first impressions, no matter how good- or bad-intentioned.
Now, my mind was spinning, I hadn’t slept, and I was a jumble of nerves. It was safe to say I wasn’t sure what to do about the inn or Vincent when I opened the door to Parkview Tavern to meet Darius.
A dull roar of conversation greeted me as I entered. Most chairs and barstools were occupied with excited patrons. I should have come earlier. If Darius was rude and dismissive, I’d rather be at a table so fewer people could hear the disaster in progress. I sighed and slid through the crowd, moving toward the bar. This was yet another reminder of how I was failing. The influx of travelers continued. More visitors arrived every day, but still, none made their way to Cliff House Inn. I clenched my teeth.
We still had two and a half weeks left until Long Night. I could figure this out.
I’d put in words with Winchester and Earthbend inns when I did my initial research. I’d given them each a generous tip of the money Darius had provided for repairs to send customers our way once they were full. They’d said they were happy to help when they had no occupancy. With the volume of unfamiliar faces in the tavern today, I had a hard time imagining their inns weren’t filled, but still, not one inquiry had come my way.
