Broken Curse

7

Beatrice’s unique flowery smell wafted under the door. “Come in.”

The door opened slowly, and she entered the room. Her eyes went straight to my mate. “Any changes?”

“No. Her breathing becomes labored from time to time, but then it evens out.” I felt so damn helpless. The woman who owned my heart was in danger, and I couldn’t do anything to protect her. This had always been my fear and one of the reasons I’d left her for four years. Now, I was living my nightmare, and it wasn’t even my father’s fault.

“Amethyst,” Beatrice called over her shoulder. “Can you come in here and tell us what you sense?”

“Sure,” Amethyst replied, and soon her footsteps headed in our direction.

“I know I’ll regret this…” Beatrice came over and closed her eyes. Wincing, she touched my mate. “Agh.” She jerked back.

“Why does that keep happening?” Something had to be doing this to her, but who. “Is it another witch?” That was the only thing that made sense.

Amethyst’s brows furrowed as she joined us in the room. “Is everything okay?”

“Is that a real question?” Of course, nothing was okay.

“Aidan, I’m sorry.” Her shoulders sagged, and her kind, violet eyes darkened with guilt. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

I should have told her it was fine, but I couldn’t. Everything was so f****d up.

“Can you read her?” Beatrice turned toward her daughter and waved her hand as if it still burned.

“She’s … confused.” Amethyst’s forehead lined as she stared hard at Emma. “It’s strange. She’s trying to figure something out.”

“Do we have any clue who is doing this to her?” I needed answers.

Beatrice walked around the bed to the window that overlooked the trees. “It’s going to sound crazy, but I think I do.”

“Then, who is it?” Amethyst stepped toward her mother before stopping. “I have no clue who could do something so powerful.”

“And that’s why I said you’ll think I’m crazy.” Beatrice turned to face us. “But it came to me last night.”

I wanted to bite out the words “Just say it,” but I clenched my teeth. Rudeness probably wouldn’t go over really well.

“I think it’s the original witch,” Beatrice said slowly as if we might be too stupid to comprehend.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Amethyst laughed but stopped short. “Oh … you’re not.”

“Think about it. The zap we feel is foreign yet familiar, and Emma had just dropped her blood on the diary.” Beatrice placed her hand on her neck. “And no one is strong like that.”

“Maybe, but that sounds far-fetched.” Amethyst walked next to the bed, and her sad eyes locked on Emma.

“The witch is dead.” We all had to be losing our minds since we couldn’t figure out what was going on.

“I know. That’s what is so perplexing.” Beatrice sighed and glanced around the room.

“Aidan, why don’t you go get something to eat while I stay here with Emma.” Amethyst smiled and reached over Emma, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You haven’t eaten in over a day.”

“No, I can’t eat or sleep.” There was no way I was leaving her side. I’d be right here until she woke up again.

Emma

I still felt like I was falling, but I had no clue where to. Endora had made it sound like I’d be hunting for the missing clue, but it seemed like hours had passed since we’d spoken. At some point, I’d have to stop falling, right?

The air gradually warmed, which should have been comforting, but what if this was some demented game and I wound up in Hell?

“Aidan, you have to take care of yourself or you won’t be able to help her.” Amethyst’s voice reached my ears. It was the most beautiful voice I’d ever heard.

“How can I do that when she’s like this?” Aidan’s voice broke, and my heart fractured.

Our bond connected again, and his anxiety and hurt flowed through me.

“Emma?” Hope filled his voice as he felt our connection reopen. He shifted beside me, rising to see my face.

Yes. I still hadn’t hit solid ground, so it was the only way I could respond.

“I can hear her.” Aidan placed his hands on my shoulders, and I realized I was back home.

It took a second, but before long, I opened my eyes.

“Oh, thank goddess,” Beatrice cried as she ran over to stand next to Amethyst. All three of them stared down at me.

This was awkward as sin. “Uh … hey.” I met each one of their gazes before my eyes stayed on Aidan’s. I’d never seen him so broken.

He pulled me back into his arms and hugged me hard. “I thought I’d lost you.”

I’d been scared for myself, so I could only imagine how he’d felt. “I’m sorry.”

“What happened?” Amethyst asked.

The last thing I wanted to do was get out of this bed. Aidan was a wreck of emotions, but they all needed to hear what I’d learned. Can we go talk with the others and then come back here, just you and me?

Yes, as long as you stay beside me. Aidan nodded and loosened his hold on me.

“Is everyone around?” It would take a minute or two for them to all gather.

“Yeah. Everyone is in the den.” Amethyst straightened and headed for the door. “Should I tell Finn to leave?”

“Yeah, he doesn’t need to hear what I have to say.”

“On it.” She frowned and exited the room.

I took in a deep breath and climbed out of bed. “I’m surprised everyone is still here. I figured Gabby and Logan would have bailed.”

“Dear girl, they respect you more than they let on. No one has left this house since you …” Beatrice paused, contemplating her next words. “… passed out?”

“Yeah, I can’t help you there.” It had been insane. “I’m not sure what it was either, but it doesn’t matter. I’m back now.” I headed out the door, ready to tell everyone what had happened.

“So, you met the original witch, and she’s your ancestor?” Beth’s eyes widened as she took it all in. She sat in the middle of the couch, between Ada and Honor.