Page 17 of How To Summon A Memory
“Makes sense,” I whisper. “And sounds like I had a solid plan.”
“It really is a solid plan. If you didn’t have magic…”
“There’d be no reason to get married.” I sigh. “But your father would marry you off to someone else. Did Wick happen to say how I solved that part?”
“No,” Florence whispers. “I wishIknew how to solve that part.” They squeeze my hand again. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll?—”
“You shouldn’t be forced to marry anyone. I won’t be free from Cordia until we’re both free from her. You’re not getting married.”
“Butyouhave to. Or otherwise bound. I don’t want the magic to rip you apart. I love you too much. You’re my platonic soul mate and I won’t lose you because of that bitch.”
“Don’t worry about me.” I grin. “I have a new plan.”
“Why do I have a feeling it’s ridiculous?” Florence asks.
“Because you know me.” I lean over and kiss their nose. “Trust me.”
“Always do. Always will.”
We cuddle close again. I don’t want to get their hopes up, but I’ve got the best plan.
Chapter 8
Warwick
Warwick
My heart pounds and I’m not sure how to calm it. My hands shake and Van leads me back to the couch with Frankie.
“He was… he wasrightthere. Itouchedhim.” Even if it was the briefest of moments. I touched him. My Ethan.
“I know. And you heard everything Florence said, right? Ethan doesn’t remember you. He has no idea about the last twelve years.”
“I know.”
Poe joins us and slides in next to Van. “Cordia is strong. I think she’s using his own magic against him. It’s the only way she’d be able to steal his memories.”
I nod, and despite everything against us, I have hope. “He was here. Florence said they’d tell him about me. He’ll come back. I know it.”
Van squeezes my hand and pats my shoulder. “I’m glad you got to see him.”
“It wasn’t enough.” I know last time I tried to infiltrate the Speller mansion there was a barrier I couldn’t cross and I’m sure it’s still there. “I need to see him again. Get a message to him. Something.”
Pike materializes in front of us. “I have a theory about that. When I teleported Florence back to the Speller house, I could get past the barrier. I think Cordia set it up for crossroads demons, but since I went through a change, my energy shifted. I don’t know that I can get into the house, but I can get inside the barrier.”
“Excellent,” I say. “That’s better than before.”
“Then why couldn’t Gabe find him when he tried the scrying spell? He’s not a crossroads demon.” Van says.
“Dunno,” Pike shrugs. “It’s not a great theory, but the one I have. We can see if Gabe can get through the barrier. If he’s willing.”
“Of course I’m willing,” Gabe says, bringing a tray of HellFire with him. “I think we all need a drink. That was a little chaotic. I like Florence.” He grins because, of course, he’d like the witch. Who wouldn’t?
“Flo is Ethan’s best friend. I like them, too,” I say.
“Anyway,” Pike says right before he swallows a shot. “When I dropped Florence off, I told them I’d meet them tomorrow at midnight. They said to meet them in the labyrinth since apparently Cordia never goes there. So I can take a message or something to him if you want?”
“I’ll gather a few things. Oh, and my phone number. Surely Cordia didn’t block that.” My heart races. Maybe I can hear Ethan’s voice again. We can talk at the very least.
