Page 69 of A Curse On Black Lake
“Do you think that’s a good idea based on the current situation?”
His hand twitches on my stomach, and I realize his arm is still around my waist. I’d like for it to stay there, he’s basically holding me up at the moment.
“I have no idea who would send me anything, well…” I trail off, and he faces me again, hands still on me.
“Well what, Eliana?” he asks.
“You,” I whisper.
He licks his lips, and my knees quiver for an entirely different reason. “I would, but I would hand it to you, and sorry, but I’m not that good at gift wrapping.”
Pinning my lips together, I try to hide my smile and step out of his arms. “Welp, there’s only one way to find out,” I say and ignore the fear that this is a strange bomb and I’m going to die the moment I pick it up. Oh well.
“Eli—”
Killian’s words are cut off the moment I pick up the package and turn it in my hands.
You must not be so reckless with your life.The Spirits say.
Why do you care? You’ll probably go haunt someone else. Believe it or not, we are with you for a reason, and we do care about you, child.
“What?” I ask him.
Killian puffs out a breath and takes his hat off. His jaw ticks, and his expanding chest betrays the stress in his body.
“Do you think I should open it?” I ask him. It all seems normal. The small box is wrapped in beautiful dark green wrapping paper with a texture to it, reminding me of Black Lake and the cypress trees on its edges.
Around it is a supple black velvet ribbon, tied into a perfect bow. It’s simple but elegant.
I drag the end of the ribbon between my fingers, and it’s so soft. There is no way this kind of ribbon is sold in town.
“Come on, come inside,” Killian calls, gesturing for me to move. He sticks his head out the door, looking back and forth before closing the door and flipping the deadbolt.
I go back to the kitchen and set the package on the table. There’s nothing on it that says who it’s from or what it’s for.
Killian sits next to me stiffly and says, “You might as well open it, your fingerprints are all over it now.”
I roll my eyes and pull the ribbon. Setting it to the side, I carefully thumb under each fold of the paper. Not a corner of tape could be seen, who ever wrapped it wanted it nearly seamless and used double-sided tape. This person was adamant about the details. My heart thuds at the thought.Could it be? No…why would he give me a gift?
He has been in your garden twice … that you know of.The Spirits say.
I sigh. They’re right.
“What?” Killian asks, leaning forward, worry twisting his handsome features.
“I don’t know,” I tell him. I told him about the person I saw in my garden, but I didn’t tell him about the second set of footprints I found when Tiny was with me for the first time. For all I know, it’s some stupid teenager trying to freak me out — at least that’s what I’m telling myself.
I turn the package and thumb open the last part of the wrapping paper, revealing a perfect little wood box. Setting the paper next to the ribbon, I inspect the box. Again unmarked, but beautifully constructed.
“Do you think someone made this?” I ask Killian.
He leans forward, tilting his head to inspect the box. “I’d say it’s likely.”
The lid slides between grooves on the sides of the box. To open it, I have to pull it back. I glance at Killian, and he gestures for me to slide the lid out. My hands shake as I tug it through the groves, revealing a perfume bottle.
“What the hell…” Killian mumbles.
“Uh-oh,” I mumble, somehow I don’t think it’s a teenager trying to scare me anymore. No teenager would leave something this pretty.
