Page 11 of How To Summon A Memory
“Pike wouldn’t have?—”
“No one knew the effect that much magic would have on a human born witch.”
“He never told me.” Why didn’t he tell me?
“Ethan marrying someone and binding the magic means he’ll live. Cordia discovered if he’s not bound by the time he’s twenty-five he’ll be torn apart by the very magic she sold her soul for.”
“If he doesn’t get married now, basically he’s signing his death certificate.”
“Exactly. It’s a year earlier than he needs, but apparently he’s been stubborn about getting married before.”
The laugh bubbles out without permission. “You know what his deal was going to be? He wanted me to take away his magic. It’d free him of the marriage and obligation to produce heirs. It’d free Florence, but he’s sure their father would find another witch to marry them off to for heirs. Florence is powerful in their own right.”
“They are, but it’s natural. And Ethan, had Cordia left things alone, would have been powerful, and that’s why the extra magic isn’t good for him. Cordia gave him a pendant to wear that helps with the effects.”
“I hate her.”
“I know. She plays dirty.”
“I can save them both.”
“Wick.” Poe waves to the batter. “I’m not sure anyone can. It’s not something to dwell on right now. Enjoy your time off. You deserve it.”
I pull the bowl closer again and grab two spoons from the drawer at my side. His eyes light up when I pass him one. We both sink our spoons into the batter at the same time. The oven dings now the pre-heat is over. We each dip balls of cookie dough onto my prepared tray.
“Maybe you need a real vacation. Go someplace new. Someplace you’ve never been.”
I shake my head. What if Ethan shows up? I can’t risk it.
“Just a thought.” Poe smirks, probably knowing exactly what I’m thinking. “You really have become a better cook.”
“I’m enjoying it. It was the only thing I could think of.”
“Gabe tried to teach Van how to knit.” Poe chuckles as he licks his spoon clean.
“I remember. And I don’t think it’s for me, though it seems Lark has taken to it.”
“Lark’s sweet. So is Gabe.”
“I like them both a lot. Pike and Van deserve them.” Though my heart aches because maybe it’s selfish, but I deserve love like they have, too. I’ve followed every rule. Done everything asked of me. I deserve to have my Ethan.
Poe’s hand falls on mine again. “You’ll find someone.”
I pull away from him and slide the tray of cookies into the oven. “I don’t wantsomeone. I want Ethan.”
“Have you considered perhaps Ethan really did run away? Maybe he does want to marry Florence and have lots of screaming babies.”
“No.That’s not Ethan.”
“Not the Ethan you know.”
“That’s not Ethan. Ethan is the sweetest, goofiest guy in the world. And he’s mine. He wants to teach potions and live in a house that has a huge library where he has to use those rolling ladders. He wants to run around naked in a meadow and howl at the full moon like he’s a werewolf, just because he thinks it’ll be fun. He?—”
Poe raises a hand to stop me. “It’s been six years. He’s all grown up. You don’t know him anymore.”
I grip the counter top. My knees threaten to buckle and my heart shatters.
I don’t know him anymore.
