Grimoires, Spas & Chocolate Straws

by Erin Johnson

  The hotel's security guards rushed forward, and Yann moved aside, allowing them to magically bind Genji's hands behind his back. Genji cried and moaned as they hauled him to his feet and dragged him from the room.

  Hank pulled me into a tight hug and I relaxed into him, though my heart still thundered in my chest. I sighed and my shoulders dropped down from my ears. "It's over."

  48

  A Visit

  The next day, we all went to visit Miss Sara in her room. An anxious Yann led the way.

  The guards had been fetched last night, Genji arrested, and the medics had proclaimed that Sara would be just fine—after the effects of the sleeping tea potion wore off.

  One of the green-uniformed maids showed us into her quarters, and my brows jumped as we stepped inside. It seemed such a contrast to the dark, fear-filled room of last night. Now, all the curtains were thrown back and the windows open, which let in a salty sea breeze. Even the french doors to the balcony stood open, the white curtains fluttering. The lock Francis had busted when he crashed in had been fixed, and overall the room felt light and airy.

  Sara gave a weak smile when she spotted us, her eyes finding and staying on Yann. She pushed herself upright in bed, cushioned against big fluffy white pillows stacked three deep. "Sorry I can't properly greet you." She shrugged. "Per the doctor’s orders, I'm on bedrest all today."

  The maid who stood at the door behind us sniffed. "And I'm here to make sure you abide by them." She lowered her voice. "She's already tried to get back to work several times this morning." The maid bowed and turned to Sara. "I'll be just outside. Shout if you need anything." She closed the door behind her.

  "Please. Have a seat." Sara reached a slender hand out and grasped the wand on the nightstand beside her. With a flick of her wrist, tassled ottomans, tufted reading chairs, and the stool from her vanity flew across the room and arranged themselves around her bed.

  I settled into one of the armchairs with Hank atop an ottoman on my left, and Maple perched on the stool to my right. Yann sat closest to Sara, his big frame comically large atop the dainty tufted stool he sat on, and took her hand between both of his own. Rhonda plopped down into an armchair and patted her legs. Francis sat on her lap—or rather, hovered an inch or two above it.

  A little paler than usual, but still lovely, Sara smiled at us. "My staff tells me I have you all to thank for still being alive today." Tears welled in her dark eyes as she looked at each of us. "I can't thank you enough."

  "We're jussst glad you're okay." Sam blinked at her.

  I nodded my agreement, guilt tightening my chest. I felt badly that I'd bought into the rumors that she was a black widow.

  Miss Sara turned to Yann beside her. He gazed at her face. Sara let out a weak sigh. "From what my staff has told me, you've all heard Genji's version of things. I'd like to clarify by telling my side of the story."

  I leaned forward.

  "Twenty-seven years ago, the monsters came out of the sea—they wiped out my home, killed my parents."

  I bit my lip. I couldn't remember it, but I could relate. King Roch, Hank's dad, had also sent monsters that killed my parents through a mirror. Horace and I had barely survived. I looked down as Hank's hand slid around mine and gave a gentle squeeze. He must've known what thoughts her words would trigger. I squeezed back.

  "I had nothing. No family, no home, no food, no money." Sara looked down. "My parents had betrothed me to Genji, a man I could barely look at. He gave me the creeps, to be honest, even back then. But I had nothing, no choice."

  She pressed her lips together and paused. "Then Genji came to me a few days before the wedding, excited. He told me about Dango's idea to do the hot sand treatments. It explained why he wanted to buy my worthless land." She gave a humorless laugh.

  "At first I thought it was the craziest idea I'd ever heard. But the more I thought on it… I began to see it. I could envision the spa, right there on the sea. The sleeping dragon would scare off smaller predators, making the beach safe again, and people would need a place of solace, peace, after everything our island suffered." The tiniest of grins tugged at the corner of her mouth.

  "Looking back now, I'm not sure what gave me the confidence to go for it. But I broke off my engagement, called off the land sale to Dango, and decided I'd build the hot sand spa myself. It took years, bargains and promises and tireless effort, but I built it and got people to come. It was the first treatment we offered, the Doragon signature sand bath. And from there I added the outdoor baths, then came the hotel—though it was much smaller back then, just four modest rooms. And it grew and grew."

  Hank cleared his throat. "You must be very proud."

  Sara smiled. "Thank you." Her face fell. "But it was not all success and happiness. I married, twice. And both men died in horrible accidents. All my lovers over the years too—either died, or vanished." She let out a shaky breath and Yann scooted closer to her. "I thought it was bad luck. Karma, maybe, for stealing Dango's idea and betraying my dead parents' wish that I marry Genji."

  I lifted my brows. "You felt bad—for using Dango's idea? And for breaking it off with Genji?" I shook my head. "But Dango was trying to buy what little you had for cheap, only to gain himself, while Genji was clearly psychotic."

  She nodded. "Still… I felt guilty. And I tried to make amends as best I could."

  "Amends?" Annie asked.

  Sara sighed. "Dango has struggled over the years, and I've often wondered if he would have been successful if he'd pursued the hot sand bath idea."

  Wiley scoffed. "Not likely. Have you seen the state of his spa? Tranquility, my—"

  He stopped short when Maple flashed her eyes at him.

  Sara smirked. "True enough. But I've helped him along over the years when he needed it. In case any of his other ideas were winners."

  I gasped. "You're his secret angel investor?"

  A faint color spread to her cheeks and she nodded.

  I lifted a brow. "And Genji?"

  She winced. "I was always a bit afraid of him. I must admit that was my motive for trying to stay on his good side, as much as feeling bad for calling off the wedding."

  Rhonda folded her arms and peeked around Francis's back. "And for good reason, clearly."

  "I didn't know how… how obsessed he was." Sara looked down at the white comforter and shook her head. "I tried to keep peace by recommending his food stand to all my guests."

  "Is that also why you went along with the rumor that Genji broke off the wedding?" I widened my eyes.

  Sara nodded. "I spread the rumors, actually. I felt it might save him some pride." She wrung her hands. "Again, I felt such an odd mix of pity and fear of him." Her chest heaved and she pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling a sob. "I can't believe he killed my husbands, all the men I ever cared for."

  I squeezed Hank's strong, warm hand. How horrible.

  "Is that what happened to the fat dead man?" Francis picked at his long nails.

  Sara gulped. "No. I mean, yes, Genji killed him, as he admitted to you all. But Nazo Suzuki was not someone I cared for… at all. He wanted me—became pushy and forceful when I resisted. He even threatened to leave me a bad review if I wouldn't…."

  She trailed off, and my stomach twisted.

  Hank shook his head, his teeth bared, and grumbled, "Some men—they think they have a right to do whatever they like."

  I knew he wasn't thinking just of Nazo Suzuki, but of his own father as well, who'd thought it within his rights as king to subvert the law, murder innocents, and imprison anyone who dared disagree with him.

  “Eef he wasn't already dead…," Yann growled, eyes narrowed.

  "Eep." I glanced down at Iggy. "Remind me never to get on Yann's bad side."

  Sara sighed. "Genji happened by when Nazo was getting handsy—no doubt that's what made him think we were lovers." She shook her head. "I didn't give in, and the next day, Nazo Suzuki sent me a giant bouquet of flowers and an apology note." She scoffed.
"He cornered me outside the hot sand spa, told me he was sorry for his rude behavior, but that he just couldn't control himself around me, as if that were an excuse. Said he wanted to make it up to me—the man was shameless." She pressed her lips tight together. "I know it's not right to speak ill of the dead, but I will not miss that man."

  I didn't blame her.

  Maple clasped her hands together. "I'm just glad that you're all right and that Genji got caught."

  Sara beamed again, though she'd gone paler than when we first entered. "Thanks to you all. I cannot thank you enough. I feel like I finally have my life back. Anytime you wish to stay at the hotel, it will be on me."

  Maple brightened. "And the siren song treatment?"

  Sara chuckled. "Of course."

  Maple whirled toward me and beamed. "Yes!"

  Sara, still smiling, turned to Yann. "I hope that means you'll come back… soon?"

  Yann nodded. "Dat would make me wery happy."

  I looked to Hank, whose eyes danced. He pulled his lips to the side and stood, his hand still wrapped around mine. "Miss Sara." He bowed. "It's been quite the experience staying here, but I'm afraid we've tired you out. We should let you rest."

  Sara bowed her head. "I'm so happy you all came by. Thank you for saving my life. And I hope next time the experience will be more restful and less…."

  "Murdery?" Iggy supplied.

  She grinned.

  I lifted Iggy's lantern and we all rose and bowed to Sara.

  Yann moved to stand as well, but Sara gripped his hands. "Wait—I hoped you'd stay a little longer?"

  Yann dropped into his seat in an instant.

  "I jussst want to sssay that the view of the sssea from our room wasss ssso delightful—"

  Hank wrapped an arm around Sam's shoulders as Sara and Yann leaned their heads closer and closer together. "That's very kind of you, Sam, but I think we'd better give Sara and Yann some privacy."

  Yann slid his enormous hand behind her neck and kissed her.

  I nudged Maple's shoulder with mine. "Aw."

  Sara reached up and dug her fingers in Yann's red hair and pulled him closer. The kissing became more intense.

  Sam's eyes widened, and he cocked his head as if taking notes.

  "Er, yeah." Hank led the way as we all practically ran out of the room.

  I gave one last glance back before dipping out the door and laughed, both happy and embarrassed at the same time. Hands had started to roam and Yann's leg had somehow found its way up onto the comforter. I dashed through and closed the door behind my back.

  The maid, who waited outside on a bench, stood as we crowded up the landing. "Is Miss Sara ready for me?"

  "Uh…." I bit my lip and grinned sheepishly at Hank. He shook his head. I turned back to the maid. "Not yet. It'll probably be a while." We took her downstairs with us.

  49

  On the Road Again

  "So. You're telling us you caught a murderer, saved Miss Sara, and solved half a dozen cold cases last night… by yourselves?" Misaki ticked off our accomplishments on her fingers. She rode her brown horse on the right side of the cart, while Hank rode his beside me on the left of it.

  Sam and Kenta sat on the driver bench, just as they had on the way over here, shoulder to shoulder. The baskets lashed to the cart were now empty of tea, all our deliveries made. I couldn't believe it'd been only a few days since we'd arrived. I was so full of hope back then… hope for an actual vacation. Maybe one day.

  Maple nodded. "And she gave us free stays from now on and free spa services." She bit her lip, and Wiley eyed her, chuckling. They sat with their backs against the baskets.

  Rhonda, sitting beside Francis—who hovered cross-legged like an enlightened goth yogi—thumbed at Maple. "Obsessed with spas, this one."

  I grinned and glanced over my shoulder at Hank. He smiled at me. "You sure you don't want to ride with me?" He patted the saddle.

  I shook my head. "I'd love to… but I don't think my thighs would be happy with me afterward."

  Misaki snorted and glanced over her shoulder at Jun, who rode his black horse behind her. "Kind of makes you feel like we were slackers out there on the water, merely fighting off sea monsters all night."

  Jun shook his head and turned to my friends and me in the back of the cart. "A two-headed shark leaped out of the sea, knocked Misaki's wand out of her hand, and she still fought it off."

  "Yeah!" Ben, who rode behind Hank, gaped at Misaki, his wide eyes filled with awe. "She just punched it—straight in its faces."

  The guard, with her half-up top knot, chuckled.

  "She scares me," Iggy, in his lantern beside my hip, muttered.

  I frowned back at Ben. "Seriously?"

  He nodded.

  "Wow. Yeah." I grinned. "Sounds like we all had productive nights." My eyes landed on Yann, sitting with his back to Misaki. His eyes were dreamy and far away, a goofy smile playing at his lips. I caught Annie's eye and lifted my brow. "Is the big guy okay?"

  She scoffed and gave him a side-eyed look. He didn't even seem aware we were talking about him. "I think he's more than okay. He and Sara had a pretty good time this morning, if you catch my drift."

  "Gross," Iggy muttered.

  "Oh, that's gross?" I shook my head at him. He had the dirtiest mind—and mouth—of anyone I knew.

  We'd left after lunch, giving Yann and Sara plenty of alone time while we packed up the cart, and were now about halfway back to Kusuri Town. We'd promised to return to Umiru soon, which wouldn't be much of a chore.

  Dead bodies aside, the place was a beautiful seaside town, and I'd really enjoyed our stay. Again, aside from all the death.

  I rocked with the gentle swaying of the horses, the temperature cooling off now that we were climbing back up into the mountains. The tall cedars shaded the soft dirt road, and a light breeze shifted the dappled shadows that played over the ferns and flowers that dotted the roadside. Pale yellow butterflies flitted across our path, and my head dipped forward. I closed my eyes, my limbs heavy, and was just drifting off to a nap—

  "Whoa!" Kenta shouted, and I jumped as the cart lurched to an abrupt halt.

  "What's going on?" I looked right and left, as did all my friends. Wiley jumped to stand up in the cart, while Sam spun in his seat and looked at me. "Imogen. I think it'sss for you."

  Hank reined his horse up beside me and put a hand on my shoulder, his eyes straight ahead on the road. "Horace."

  I grabbed hold of the side of the cart and hauled myself to my feet. Sure enough, my brother stood blocking the road, wearing his signature head-to-toe black. "Hey, sis."

  I grinned. "Hey, brother." He'd finally reached out to me. My hands trembled with nerves.

  He jerked his head toward the woods. "Sorry to be dramatic, but I was hoping we could go for a walk." He smirked at Hank beside me. "Don't worry, golden prince, just a short one. I want to talk."

  I rolled my eyes. "You're not sorry. You love being dramatic."

  Horace's hooded blue eyes bored holes into me, but a smile tugged at the corners of his full mouth.

  Hank reached out and took my hand. "What do you think?"

  I took a deep breath, then looked around at everyone. "Do you mind?"

  "Go for it." Rhonda waved a hand.

  "Nope." Misaki rested one hand on the sword at her hip, the other on her wand. "We'll be right here."

  I smiled. I appreciated the threat in her voice as she stared down my brother. It was a good thing to have Misaki on your side.

  Hank squeezed my hand. "You feel okay with this?"

  I leaned over to kiss him. "Yeah. I'm good."

  Hank's eyes darted to Horace, then back to me. He let out a breath, then held my hands and eased me down as I sat on the side of the cart and hopped to the ground. With a final squeeze of his hand, I let go and joined Horace.

  My brother swept an arm toward the woods. "After you."

  50

  The Badlands Army

  We
meandered between the tall cedars, their slightly spicy aroma filling the air, birds chirping overhead. I'd had hundreds of questions for him, spent weeks imagining this meeting and what I'd say. And now? My mind had gone blank.

  "So…." I glanced over at him. His brows were drawn together, his eyes on his feet. He seemed oddly… pensive. "What's up?"

  He waited until we'd wandered deep enough into the forest that my friends were out of sight. We stepped slowly between ferns and over small logs. "I need to tell you something."

  I gulped. He'd freely admitted to killing, thieving, stalking me in the past… what in the world could he have to tell me that made him act so… reluctant? I waited.

  His lips quirked to the side. "And as they say… if you can't like me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best."

  I frowned. What an odd thing for him to say. I glanced over and found him fighting a smirk. "Oh my God!" I smacked his arm and he chuckled. He was joking!

  He laughed. Actually laughed. It was a deep sound, and his whole face lit up. He looked like a different person, smiling—younger. Would that have been the brother I knew if monsters hadn't destroyed our lives—if we'd grown up together, in our family home?

  In an instant, like passing through a shadow, the smile faded. The sharp cheekbones returned, the brooding, deep-set eyes. And he was back to being Horace, a man of secrets and secret pain. I swallowed against the lump in my throat and the ache in my chest. The ache for that life, that relationship with my brother and my parents that I'd never had.

  "I have to show you something."

  We stepped between two massive, moss-covered boulders and turned to the left. I gasped. Spread out between the trees were the hundreds, no thousands, of members of the Badlands Army. Silent, staring at us. I shrank back, edging closer to Horace. "What is this? Why are they here?" Was he going to try to take me again—make me join them?