Page 29 of Curses & Cold Brew
Ichabod leaped off the couch, and Harlow slung an arm around Jordyn’s shoulder to calm her down.
Jordyn took a breath and in a calmer voice asked, “Why didn’t you tell us about the mark sooner?”
I pulled out of her reach and fixed my clothes to cover up the mark again. “Because it was already done and it’ll be removed once the deal is completed—I checked a dozen times—so I didn’t think it would matter. So, I have her mark on me for a bit. It’ll be gone soon. It’s not forever! Think of it like a really long-lasting temporary tattoo.”
Jordyn pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay, so there’s much more of a vested interest in this soul stealing than we originally thought.”
“Yeah, we have to figure out who this thief is. They could come after you next,” Harlow said, her voice deeper and more serious now.
“They’re only going after souls that are passing naturally,” I assured them. “Otherwise, it would be too hard to hide. Everyone would be on high alert if someone were going around and killing anyone in association with Ramona.” My words didn’t seem to comfort them. “And besides, if we figure out who it is tonight, then they’ll be stopped long before they can get to me.”
Jordyn crossed her arms, clearly unhappy but cognizant of the rock and hard place I was stuck between. “Fine, but she owes you big time after this. That date better be the best date ever in the existence of dates, and after, she is never to speak to you again.”
“Really good dates between women never end with never speaking again, babe.” Harlow laughed. “They end with the strap?—”
“Don’t you dare finish that thought,” Jordyn warned with a pointed finger.
I rolled my eyes as if I didn’t already know.
The mood warmed from there. I was relieved to ease back into a less stressful conversation than Jordyn looking at me like I was a coven traitor. They told me about some local gossip they’d heard and their plans for a trip to one of the magical Christmas towns up north for the holidays. It was as if no time had passed between us, even though I couldn’t remember the last time we’d hung out like this. Eventually, Ichabod curled up on my lap, well aware of what time we usually headed to bed.
Rhythmically petting the soft fur on the top of his head soothed him long enough for the old grandfather clock in the corner to strike midnight.
It was finally time.
Jordyn and Harlow pushed the couch out of the way, then rolled up the large rug to avoid any stray candle wax dripping onto it—and to spare us twenty minutes of vacuuming salt out of its soft fibers.
Jordyn and I chanted a protection spell as we drew the salt circle, marked the compass points with chalk and protective herbs, and laid out our offerings. Maude’s favorite sugar bowl sat in the middle, along with a small tray of sweets from Midnight Market and a bundle of herbs to burn after she moved on again.
Maude’s daughter thought that we were borrowing the dish to pay her spirit homage and bless her journey across the veil.Whichtechnically wasn’t a lie since Jordyn had promised we would do it after we got our answers. Maude would haunt us for sure if we damaged it, and the apothecary really didn’t need that kind of poltergeist energy hanging around . . . again.
Jordyn and Harlow joined me in the circle, and we joined hands. I began the chant, followed by Jordyn. Harlow, still learning Latin and spell binding, only hummed and focused all her intentions on Maude joining the circle with us.
“Coniuro te. Veni ad regnum nostrum, et loquere veritatem tuam,” Jordyn and I chanted in unison until the candles around the circle started to flicker.
The room went still.
Goose bumps erupted up my arms and the back of my neck. A blurred image of mousy brown hair, wrinkled skin, and a fluffy cheetah-print robe came into focus.
“Maude, we’ve summoned your spirit tonight to ask for your help,” I said. “Would you be willing?”
It was a formal-sounding request, but I promised Jordyn we’d play this by the book.
“That doesn’t look like Maude,” I heard Harlow whisper to Jordyn, who shushed her quickly. But it was too late.
Maude’s wispy form rounded on Harlow and gave her the stink eye. “If you must know, my body didn’t age, but my soul was well worn.” Maude dabbed at the bags under her eyes as if vanity had gotten the better of her, even in death. “That demon’s magic only worked until I was detached from my mortal vessel.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t?—”
“Please, Maude,” I cut in, trying to reel the situation back in. “When your soul left your body, were you alone? Or did someone visit before you passed?”
The transparent figure floated higher and leisurely twisted around before hanging upside down in front of my face. Her long, withered finger pointed at me.
“I saw you there. After,” she said, her voice creaky. “With Ramona.”
“Yes, but before that? Did anyone else come to see you?”
She slowly rotated as if on an axis, her lips pursed. “There was someone. With long teeth. I remember the table lamplight glinting off them as she laughed. Sweet girl, but a little too chatty for my liking.” Her image flickered in and out of focus.
