AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That in itself is a fucking nightmare,” Rune says. “That bitch never loved anyone or anything in her entire rotten existence.”
“But Sebastian loved her,” Josie says. “I felt it.”
I nod. “Aye, he did. There’s a bond between a vampire sire and their child. It’s hard to explain, but it’s a deep connection.”
Rune glances over at me and I try not to get sucked into the question in his gaze. I realize I’ve been angry and off lately. I don’t need him reminding me of how badly I’m fucking up.
“What happened then?” Rune asks.
“Then he was lifting my mother into his lap, frantic to get her to a healer, when she cursed him and died. Then my mother morphed into me, and I was dead in his arms.”
Rune and I both recoil at the image that paints in our minds. It’s unthinkable. The bond between us is such a physical force, the idea of our witch being taken from us is too much.
“For Sebastian to have to live through it once was excruciating. The prospect of going through it again is the main reason he’s rejected the bond,” I say. “But to have to relive it every time he falls asleep…”
“It’s no wonder he’s so fucked up,” Rune says. “But why wouldn’t he tell us?”
Josie brushes a tear from her cheek and looks up at us. “Because a death curse is almost always permanent and on the off chance it can be lifted, it would have to be done by a witch from the same bloodline.”
Rune blinks. “So, you can break the curse?”
I shrug. “That was his hope. He gave me back my family grimoire, and I gave him my word that I would do everything in my power to free him.”
I raise my hand to shield my eyes from the setting sun. “And we will free him, luv, but right now, ye need to gather yer bits and bobs. We need to get ye home and ready for the trial.”
Josie sighs. “About that. I need to make a quick stop on the way. Do you mind?”
“Of course not, luv. Where are we headed?”
“To the Dumont family crypt.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
JOSIE
The scents of earthy moss and sweet magnolia blooms greet us as we step onto the sacred grounds of the cemetery. New Orleans’ cemeteries are cities unto themselves, with ancient, weathered tombs that rise like small houses, their bleached stone facades etched with the names of those who rest within.
Overhead, the branches of live oaks stretch out, draped with Spanish moss that sways gently in the humid breeze, casting lacey shadows on the path before us.
Rune and Finn flank me, their presence a silent pillar of strength, but my heart races with a mix of dread and anticipation.
It’s been two weeks since I unwittingly unleashed my necromancy powers here, calling the dead from their eternal slumber to aid us against the wolves. The battle was fierce, chaotic, and I dread the idea of seeing the havoc I wrought on the mausoleum.
As we walk through the rows of tombs, I scan for any signs of disturbance, any proof of the chaos I caused. But to my relief, everything appears peaceful and untouched.
The tombs are intact, solemn and dignified, with only the faintest stirrings of spiritual energy—a whisper of what transpired, now settled back into the quietude of death.
“I was so afraid to come back,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “Afraid of what I had done.”
Finn reaches out to squeeze my hand. “They answered yer call, saved our lives, and are at peace once again.”
Rune’s gaze is keen as he looks around. Knowing my Viking, he’s searching the rooftops, ready for any dangers that might threaten to close in. “If I were dead, I’d like the chance to get up and shake off the cobwebs now and then. Who knows, maybe they enjoyed kicking wolf ass.”
I chuckle and hope he’s right. “How long have we got?”
Finn lifts his arm to check his watch. “An hour until you can check in and set up. Two hours until the trial begins.”
Plenty of time.
