Page 58 of Curses and Casualties
Evanora’s smile turns predatory. “Three things, actually. First, that rather lovely collection of heartstones you’re carrying. I can smell their power from here.”
My hand instinctively moves to the pack at my side. “You want them all?”
“I’ll settle for them all.” She sips her tea. “Consider it a down payment.”
“And the other two?” Ryan asks, though I can tell he’s already calculating whether we can afford to lose the stones.
“That pretty little protection charm around your neck, Georgia. The Whisper Valley Coven’s work, I’d guess? Lovely craftsmanship, but I need the components.”
My hand flies to the necklace. It’s been my lifeline, my one guarantee of safety. “But without it?—”
“You’ll have to rely on your own power and your mate’s protection. How terrifying.” Evanora’s tone is mocking. “Which brings me to my third demand.”
She sets down her teacup and leans forward, all pretense of politeness dropping away. “When you complete this ritual, when you become the legendary soul-bonded pair that every supernatural being will whisper about, you’re going to help me destroy the current power structure entirely.”
The room goes dead silent except for the soft clink of Catherine setting down the tea service.
“Destroy it how?” I ask, though I’m not sure I want to know.
“The Supernatural Council has hoarded power for centuries, keeping our kind weak and divided. They’ve suppressed Soul Bonds, regulated magic, made us all dependent on their approval to exist.” Her eyes flash with genuine fury. “Your bond will change everything. Magic will flow freely again. And when it does, you’re going to help me use that power to tear down their entire system and rebuild it properly.”
“That’s...” Ethan starts, then stops, clearly overwhelmed.
“Revolution,” Scarlett finishes, and she sounds almost impressed.
“Precisely.” Evanora’s smile returns. “Think of it as insurance. I help you save your lives and your bond, andin return, you help me save our entire species from slow extinction.”
Ryan and I exchange a look. Through our bond, I feel his conflict—the same mix of fear and determination I’m experiencing.
“And if we refuse?” Ryan asks.
“Then you can try to complete the ritual without my blood—you need it to bless the moonwater. I’m sure that will work out splendidly.” Her tone makes it clear exactly how splendidly she thinks it would work out.
I look around at my friends. Ethan looks terrified but resolute. Scarlett is nodding slowly, like she’s already made her decision. And Ryan... Ryan is waiting for me to choose.
What do you think?I ask Luna.
Pack survives first. Everything else comes after.
She’s right. We can’t save anyone if we’re dead.
“Fine,” I say, pulling the pouch of heartstones from my pack. “But we’re not committing to any timeline for this revolution. We deal with the immediate threat first.”
“Of course.” Evanora’s eyes gleam as I place the pouch on the coffee table. “The Supernatural Council will undoubtedly make themselves your enemies long before you have to make any difficult decisions about mine.”
I reluctantly reach up and unclasp Amara’s protection necklace. It feels like taking off armor before walking into battle. Evanora’s fingers brush mine as she takes it, and I feel a jolt of her magic—deep, powerful, and far more dangerous than her modern exterior suggests.
“Excellent. Now then, let’s discuss how to save your lives, shall we?” She moves to a cabinet that definitely wasn’t there a moment ago. “The ritual requires three elements: blessed moonwater, wolfsbane to thin the veil, and a piece of Luna’s heartstone.”
She pulls out a small crystal vial filled with silver liquid. “This is how you’ll bless your moonwater.” She tosses the vial to Ryan, who catches it reflexively. “One drop of my blood in the moonwater before the ritual. Then add a pinch of wolfsbane, a half teaspoon of ground heartstone, and mix it all together. You will both need to drink it.”
“That’s it?” I ask. “We just drink this and complete the mating ritual?”
“Well, you also have to survive the experience. The elixir will weaken the curse, yes, but it will also weaken both of you. Expect pain and confusion, possibly some hallucinations.” She glances slyly at Ryan. “I suggest you anchor each other. The bond is always strongest when participants fully embrace it.”
“And if we don’t complete the ritual before the supermoon ends?” Ryan asks, weighing the vial in his palm.
“Then Luna’s spirit will remain caught between worlds. Both she and Georgia will fade, and when that happens, so will Kane. The curse will reset, trapping their lineages in limbo until someone else stumbles on the right heartstone and starts the cycle over again.”
