Page 16 of Grave Expectations
Shock rippled through the mist, distorting her features before they came together again. "Why?"
"The couple that took me from the orphanage as a baby didn't tell me anything about my past. I have only recently learned that they were not my real parents."
Her fingers brushed my throat, but I felt nothing. "The necklace?"
"Matron gave it to me a week ago. It's in safekeeping."
"But you must wear it!"
I glanced at Lincoln. His fingers squeezed mine, but he didn't ask me to repeat my mother's words. "Why must I wear it?" I said for his benefit.
"To protect you from him. From your father."
"Victor Frankenstein is dead. He can no longer harm me."
Her hand clasped her throat. There were no ghostly tears in her eyes, no trembling fingers. "Good," she spat. "I hope he is in hell."
I wanted to ask her about their relationship, but it felt too awkward and personal, particularly with the others in the room. "He tried to use my necromancy to reanimate his creatures," I told her. "He was unsuccessful."
"Thank God. That man…he tried to use me too. He tricked me. I'm glad you are not sorry he is dead."
"I'm not."
"Even so, you must wear the necklace. The pet will keep you safe."
"Pet?"
She waved a hand in a typical French gesture. "I do not know the correct English word."
"Lincoln translated it as imp, a sort of mischievous creature."
"That is as good a word as any." Her gaze shifted to our linked hands again then slid back to me. "Where is the necklace?"
"Lincoln has it."
"Why?"
"We were unsure of its power. We were going to research it, but since you're here, is there anything you can tell us?" Perhaps I should have asked my mother more personal questions, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. Somehow it seemed easier to speak about the necklace.
"It holds an imp that is released when you speak three words while wearing it." She frowned. "I paid a French witch to make it, and the words are French. You must have the accent just so. Try for me please:Je libère toi."
"Je libère toi."
"Good. Now put on the necklace today, now, and remember those words. The pet will help you when you call it, but you must not call it unless necessary. It likes mischief, and may run away if there is no present danger."
"How can an uncontrollable, mischievous creature save me?"
"I don't know. I did not create it. Be assured, it will save you. But if you call it without reason, it will go in search of excitement."
"How do I get it back into the amber?"
"It tires quickly. After it saves your life, it will want to go back to sleep in the amber. At such times, it is easy to control. At others it is not so easy. You must catch it and order it back."
"It sounds unpredictable."
"Magic often is."
"Do you know many supernaturals? Witches," I added when her brow creased in confusion.
