Fire Spell (19 page)

I hadn’t talked to anyone else in the family since I left for Charleston. My communication to others in the magical community was limited.

“Some weird things happened in Sullen’s Grove before I left. When you called to tell me about Holly’s
Eraser Spell
and then about Finn and your nightmares, I knew there was more to it.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” I was annoyed with my older brother.

“Because, I didn’t want to tell you I was having nightmares too.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what to say. He shouldn’t be embarrassed; we couldn’t do anything to prevent them.

“Yeah, they’ve gotten stronger. I thought everything was an isolated incident until now. Our magic is at stake.”

“That can’t be. I just
Time Spelled,
and all my spells worked fine.”

Ian sighed. “You can do the spells, but they won’t hold. I know you’re on your way here, but don’t
Time Spell
for a while until we figure it out.”

“What? You’re afraid I’ll get stuck somewhere?” I laughed, but Ian’s silence made me stop.

“It’s serious. I should have told you before, but when I got to the hotel, we were in such a hurry and I didn’t want to worry you more.”

“What is it? What didn’t you tell me?” I clutched the wheel tighter.

“Mama told me that none of her elixirs are working lately. She tried to deliver some of her special cough medicine to one of the women at church who had taken ill, and it ended up making her twice as sick as she was before.”

“Oh no, that’s terrible. Will the woman be ok?” I couldn’t imagine how upset my mother must have been. Her potions were perfect. They healed the sick and saved lives. Making someone worse, surely would crush her.

“I think so, but she said she isn’t going to mix anything new for a while.” He sighed. “This morning I tried a
Locality Spell
to help with a missing teen back in Sullen’s Grove, and it didn’t work.”

“What do you mean it didn’t work? You just did the
Locality Spell
to find Finn.”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Ivy. It’s breaking the spells before we even know we can’t cast them. It’s faster than any of us can figure out. You and Finn may be the only real chance we have with the
Fire Spell
.”

The sour pit in my stomach swirled. There were some spells I didn’t enjoy performing as much as others, but this one sounded awful. I didn’t want to think about the palm cutting, or the crying. Ugh! Why was this our only solution? If it meant restoring my mother’s healing powers and Ian’s Locator skills, I would do whatever it took.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”

“Be careful, sis.” He hung up.

I stared at the road in front of me. Things were unraveling faster than I could have imagined.

Sullen’s Grove, 2010

“What do you think about my waffle spot?” Finn asked while pouring a circle of syrup on his plate.

I smiled. “I think it’s perfect.”

The older couple who owned the place smiled at us from behind the counter. It was unlikely they served waffles often to customers dressed in full black tie attire. My date looked like he should be on the cover of
GQ
in his tuxedo. I didn’t know men like him were in Sullen’s Grove. I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. They were a brilliant blue. It made me blush every time he winked at me.

“So, Ivy Grace. Tell me something about yourself.” His expression was devilish, almost as if he was undressing me with his eyes rather than asking a standard getting-to-know-you question.

He had already seduced me out of my designer gown and heels. We were doing this all backward.

I sipped the coffee our waitress poured. “Well, you already know my biggest secret.” I smiled.

“That I do.” He winked, making my knees go a little weak.

“I work for a marketing company. I have a dog named Cooper. Oh, and I’m a Scorpio. What about you?”

“Hmm, let me see. I like long walks on the beach, dancing with beautiful women, and waffles.” He bit on the end of his fork.

I laughed. He was smooth, and I loved every line he fed me along with the waffles.

“Here, try a bite of mine.” He served a forkful over the table, and I leaned toward him to take it.

“Mmm. Those are good.”

He wiped my bottom lip with his thumb. “A little syrup.” He smiled. “I know we just met, but what about your non-human position?” he whispered.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m a Traveler. What about you?”

His eyes lit up. “A Traveler? That sounds hot.”

Did he realize everything he said sounded hot?

“I don’t travel much anymore. I sort of stopped after my grandmother died. I’ll probably pick it up again.” It had been a few months since I had tried the spell. “And you?”

He cut into the last waffle on his plate. “I’m a Guardian.”

“Impressive.” His sex appeal had suddenly skyrocketed. After the evening we spent on the roof, I wasn’t sure how that was possible. Holly and I used to talk about Guardians like they were knights in shining armor. Finn was the first one I had met. Maybe knights wore tuxedos and drank champagne instead of armor and ale.

He flashed a grin. “What do you say we get out of here?” He nodded toward the door.

I was hoping our date wouldn’t end, but I had never been in this situation. What was the protocol for sleeping with someone you just met, then eating a meal together? Did we go home separately? Should I invite him over?

“Sure. What did you have in mind?” I would put the ball in his court; clearly, he could handle it. This guy had more finesse than all my exes combined.

“Have you ever been to Oaks Park at night?” His eyebrows lifted.

“I’ve gone plenty of times during the day but never at night.” I placed my hand in his as he guided me from the table.

“Then this is your lucky night,” he whispered in my ear as he pushed open waffle shop door. “After you, babe.”

If only I knew then how that night would change my life.

Savannah, Present Day

Ian said I’d be able to spot his car from the road. I hadn’t been to Savannah since the trip Finn and I took together. It wasn’t a pleasant reminder for me.

I parked behind Ian’s car and scanned the sidewalk for observers. All I could think about was that inside that house was Finn. After almost a year, he was here.

I pulled the key from the ignition and tried to steady my hands. I wasn’t sure what he was doing here, at this house. It was planted in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic homes. It looked eerily similar to the vacant one we used for our
Time Spell
. Heavy raindrops splashed on the windshield.

The moss on the oaks swayed. I hurried up the stairs to the wraparound porch, trying to avoid the pelting rain. Before I got any farther, Ian met me at the top of the steps.

“Hey. You made it.”

I pulled on my bag. “Yes, I’m here. Where’s Finn?”

He nodded toward the door. “He’s inside.”

I moved to walk past my brother, but he stopped me. “Ivy, wait he’s not the same.”

My eyes shot to his. “What do you mean? Is he hurt?” I wanted to barge past him more than before.

“Remember when I said the spells are breaking down?”

I was afraid to answer. “Yes.”

“All of his
Protection Spells
are gone. Every one he cast has evaporated.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “No. No. They can’t be. What about the people those spells were keeping safe?” I didn’t know how often or how many spells Finn cast, but as a Guardian, it was likely a large number.

Ian put his hands on my shoulders. “They are dying.”

“Oh my God. We have to do something.” I rushed to the door. “We have to do the
Fire Spell
.”

My brother jerked me around. “Yes, you do, but he can’t get past what is happening. You have to convince him.” His eyes bore into mine. “Can you change his mind?”

I nodded. I had no idea what state Finn was in. I couldn’t possibly imagine what it would feel like if people I was protecting suddenly started to die. It was unthinkable. However, Finn and I had a connection unlike any other. If anyone could persuade him, I knew it would be me. We had to stop the pain from spreading.

Ian hugged me. “You might need that.” He smiled. “I’ll stay out here and keep an eye out. Take your time.”

I turned the door handle and walked into the house. Finn needed me.

F
ROM THE
foyer, all I could hear was the sound the rain made against the windows. The rooms were dark.

“Finn?” I called. I walked to the next room. “Finn, I need to talk to you.” I thought, for a second, I should ask Ian where he was. I had already walked through three rooms and there was no trace of him.

I entered a sitting room and noticed a sliding glass door. A screened porch off the room jutted into the backyard. From where I stood, I could see his silhouette. He was sitting in a chair with his back to the glass, staring at the rain.

I pulled on the handle until the door had retracted, and I stepped onto the porch. I waited for him to turn around, but he stared straight ahead.

“Finn, hey.” I put my hand on his shoulder.