by J. N. Colon
“Do you like him?” She set the plate of pancakes on the counter, turning toward me with a strange gleam to her eye.
“Yeah, he’s great.” Lucas was one of those genuinely good, polite guys you read about but never really thought existed. I still couldn’t believe the girl he was promised to had chosen someone else.
“Your father would be so proud of you, Evangeline.”
She’d said those words before—back when I was a perfect, obedient angel—but they’d never seemed so heavy. Would my father be proud I was using my powers? Even though she denied it, my mother hinted his death might have had something to do with me. He wanted my powers bound, and he could have died protecting me. If that was true, was his death pointless now that I was using magic again?
I choked down the bite of eggs, my stomach knotting.
A rumpled figure appeared around the corner, light brown hair sticking up in places. Lucas stopped when he noticed me, his eyes widening infinitesimally. “Angel?”
I gave an awkward wave. He wasn’t used to seeing me at breakfast.
He blinked and shuffled into the kitchen, looking a little more awake. He self-consciously ran his hands over his head, attempting to tame his currently unruly locks.
A smile melted over my lips and some of the knots in my gut loosened. Lucas was adorable in the morning.
He cleared his throat and took a seat next to me. “I wasn’t expecting you down here.”
“I can see that.” I laughed around my words, earning a half-hearted glare. “Just be glad I don’t have a camera. It’s a shame I couldn’t capture you like this permanently.”
Abuela handed him a glass of orange juice. “Toma.”
“Gracias, Milagro.” He held it up, shooting me a sleepy smile. “Here’s to the small miracles, like you not being attached to your cell phone.”
I clanked my glass against his. “What are we working on today?”
Lucas plucked three pancakes with a fork. “I was thinking of something a little more advanced.”
I perked up. “Like what?” I was imagining a cauldron bubbling with shimmering liquid. We hadn’t made any sort of potions, but I’d seen a few spell books describing them.
“Astral projection.”
That sounded freaking awesome! I’d love to be able to leave my body and travel around the world. Hell, I’d settle for secretly watching Etie shower like a peeping Tom ghost.
Abuela stiffened. “Do you think that’s a good idea? It’s very advanced.”
Lucas shot me a warm smile. “Angel’s ready for it.”
I sat a little straighter. The only other person who exhibited that much confidence in me was Etie. “Sounds interesting. I can’t wait.”
His perfect smile grew even brighter, reaching his velvety eyes. “Me neither.”
Chapter 15
My fingers fidgeted as Lucas took the seat across from me inside the pentagram. The air in the attic was already electrified, and the hairs on my arms were standing at attention. Was I really going to be able to separate my mind from my body?
“Don’t be nervous.” His calm voice wrapped around me, soothing like slow drops of rain on a warm summer night.
“I’m not nervous,” I squeaked. When he arched one brow, I relented. “Okay, I’m a little nervous. I’ve never done anything like this. What if I can’t get back to my body and I’m stuck floating around out there?”
Lucas’s serene smile was too pretty, a hint of those dimples flashing. “Don’t worry about that. I’m going to be your anchor. I’ll be connected to you while you slip out of your body.”
“Oh.” Well, that was comforting—and a little unsettling at the same time. We were going to be connected. Would Etie know?
“I doubt he’d feel anything,” Lucas said, guessing the reason I was gnawing on my lip like a maniac. “The connection is only surface deep and temporary.” He placed a large scarlet candle on my left side. “It’ll be fine.”
“Whatever you say, Zen master.” My laugh was higher than normal as nerves still invaded my senses.
Lucas flipped through the pages of a spellbook, stopping on one entitled Astral Projection. “Telekinesis and incendiary spells are more simplistic. I think something like this will really test your ability to keep those barriers in place.”
A knot coiled tightly in my stomach. “Do you think I’m even capable of doing this at all much less keeping my walls up?”
“Absolutely, Angel.” His expression softened. “You’ll see.”
Why was he always so certain of me, of my powers?
Lucas scooted closer. “Ready?”
Nope. “Sure.”
“Light this candle.” He tapped the one he placed beside me.
I pictured a flame igniting in my mind. “Ignis.” A thin curl of smoke seeped from the wick, and a flame burned into existence.
“Perfect.” Those adorable dimples winked at me. “Ignis.” With a snap of his fingers, a dozen other candles flared to life and the lights above extinguished. The atmosphere was almost romantic.
My brows rose up my forehead. “We need the lights off?”
“Yes.” The candlelight cast undulating shadows over his face. “Your body needs to be relaxed enough to release your mind.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure how relaxed I was going to be sitting in the dark with the attractive brujo. Etie’s doubts began playing through my mind on repeat.
Ugh. Lucas wasn’t interested in me. Not at all.
He set a bowl in front of us filled with herbs. “This is lavender, mugwort, elderberries, and a hawk feather.” He grabbed the red candle and dripped wax onto the mixture. It unexpectedly caught fire, a puff of smoke swirling up.
“Woah,” I gasped. “Was that supposed to happen?”
“Of course.” Lucas placed the bowl between us, the fire dissipating.
Of course.
Lucas knew what he was doing. I really needed to get my act together and stop being so jumpy.
He held his hands out. “Give me your hands.”
I did as he instructed, inching closer until our palms connected. His fingers curled around mine.
“Close your eyes and repeat after me.”
My lids drifted shut, cutting off the dim light
“Dark as light, take me away. Sever the bonds of flesh and bone. Free my mind for me to leave.”
Okay… that didn’t sound creepy at all. “Why is it in English? Shouldn’t it be in Latin or something?”
“Most spells in witchcraft can be in any language,” Lucas said, his patience admirable. “It’s the intent and power that matters. The simple or one-word spells are universal, so Latin is the standard for them.”
Huh. Good to know.
I repeated his words, and a slow burn crawled down my spine. I sat straighter and continued when he commanded. This time we spoke the spell in unison.
“Dark as light, take me away. Sever the bonds of flesh and bone. Free my mind for me to leave.”
My breathing quickened as did my pulse. Power throbbed in the room, rushing over my flushed skin. My walls were up, keeping me from channeling the magic in the air. A fine sheen of sweat beaded my forehead, and a droplet ran down my nape. Lucas’s voice was distant, a sweet song carried on the wind. Heat flowed between our hands. It felt as if something was welding us together. A connection. Energy zipped through my insides and around my limbs.
“Open your eyes, Angel.”
I was so overwhelmed by sensations, I couldn’t remember how.
“Angel, I need you to open your eyes now.” Lucas’s stern but reassuring voice finally penetrated my thick skull.
My lids slowly drifted open.
Holy crap.
Lucas was right in front of me, our knees touching, our lips a hair’s breadth away. He smelled like sage; his eyes were a deep violet.
“Do you trust me?” His whisper caressed my flushed cheeks.
I nodded.
He laid his forehead on mine, our noses touch
ing. “Let the mind be free of flesh. Release the physical bonds. This body has no hold.”
I repeated his words, our breath mingling. I swallowed hard. This was a hell of a lot more intimate than I expected. If Etie were here, he wouldn’t be happy. He’d be yanking Lucas away by the throat.
After the thirteenth time we spoke the spell, a jolt slammed into my body, and my head flew back.
What the witch’s brew?
Lucas’s grip on my hands saved me from crashing to the floor. My skin was sweltering, and the room began to spin.
“It’s okay, Angel.” His gentle tone calmed me. “Just let go. Don’t fight it.”
The tension slowly eased from my muscles. His fingers slipped from mine, but the connection remained. I felt it, like a string tethered to both my wrists. One hand cupped my head as he slowly lowered me to the ground.
My body was boneless, and I had no control over my movements. Lucas followed me to the floor, his face remaining close. It looked—and felt—like he was laying back to kiss me senseless.
A nervous laugh echoed through my mind. Obviously, that wasn’t the case.
My head gently hit the ground with Lucas still hovering. A sliver of guilt pierced my heart. Etie wouldn’t like this one bit.
“You have to let go, Angel,” Lucas whispered. “Relax and let go.”
Easy for him to say.
The room suddenly shimmered in and out of focus. Something brushed against my forehead, and then all sensation was lost.
I was floating in darkness. I couldn’t tell which way was up or down, left or right. There was no end or beginning. Nothing existed around me. Did I even exist?
Was this what a sensory deprivation tank felt like?
Without warning, everything snapped back into focus. Instead of looking up at Lucas from the floor, I was staring down at him—and my body.
Tense lines cut into his expression as he scrutinized me. He reached up, tenderly brushing a lock of hair from my cheek.
“This is so freaking weird.”
His head snapped up, and he quickly sat back on his haunches. “Angel.” He swallowed hard and dragged his fingers through his hair. Something strange flashed in his eyes. Embarrassment? Guilt?
“You can see me?” I squeaked.
“Of course I can.” He moved away from my body and stood. “How do you feel?”
“Weird.” I glanced at my slightly transparent form. “What am I supposed to do?”
Lucas tapped a candle sitting on a small table. “Try to pick this up.”
My brow arched. I had a feeling this was going to be like trying to teach a ghost to move objects. My fingers sailed right through it.
“That’s okay.” He gave me one of those reassuring smiles. “We can work on it. I’m sure you’ll be able to hold something by the end of this lesson.”
I grimaced. “Why are you always so confident in me?”
“I know what you’re capable of,” he said. “You just need a little push in the right direction.” He pointed to the candle again. “Concentrate on it. Think of the way the wax feels against your skin and the weight—”
My head snapped toward the small window, a strange tingling sensation running down my back. I reflexively drifted toward the wall.
“Angel, what are you doing?” Lucas asked.
“I don’t know.” My fingers ran over the wall, going through the wood. “I have this strange feeling to go out there…”
“No, Angel. You need to stay right here.” Lucas’s voice was suddenly panicked. “It’s too soon. We need to work up to that.”
His words barely registered. “Let me just see outside.” I soared through the wall, his cry of protest echoing behind me.
A laugh tumbled from my mouth as I floated in midair, my feet dangling three stories up. I was flying! I kind of felt like Peter Pan.
Another tingle melted over my skin, and I shifted to the left. A vibration coursed through my veins moments before I was speeding through the air.
Oh hell.
My stomach fluttered like I was on a rollercoaster. One second I was looking at the trees in my yard and the next I was in someone’s house. Pale yellow walls surrounded cream furniture with light blue accents. The woman sitting on the couch came into focus, her hair unusually disheveled and clothes wrinkled.
My brows dipped. What had pulled me toward the neighbor’s house?
Ms. Delphine stared off into space, dark circles bruising beneath her cloudy eyes. Those pills from the doctor clearly weren’t working.
Another familiar figure sauntered into the room. “Delphy, help me pick out something to wear on my date with Marisol tonight.” Jesse held a hunter-green shirt in one hand and a navy one in the other. “Which do you like better?”
Her gaze slowly lifted, a line creasing her brow. “I’m not sure.” Her voice drawled, slow and raspy.
“You’re right. I’ll go with the green one. It matches my eyes.” He tossed the navy shirt onto a chair and slid his arms into the other one.
My stomach tightened. Didn’t he notice how ill his aunt was? He couldn’t be that self-absorbed.
Jesse sauntered to the ornate drink cart, pouring himself a glass of rum. “I can’t believe how well things are going with Marisol.” He shook his head, the edges of his lips tilting up in a smile. “I didn’t think it would be like this—so easy.”
Ms. Delphine hadn’t said another word, her expression slack.
“You know, I think I’ll—” Jesse’s words sharply cut off, and his body tensed. He glanced over his shoulder, looking directly at me.
My pulse shot through the roof, and I froze. He couldn’t see me, right?
Hell, I had no idea. I didn’t know jack about astral projection. I wasn’t even supposed to leave the attic.
Jesse’s face relaxed, and he spun back around, placing the glass down. “Aunt Delphy, have you heard a word I’ve said?”
Her eyes slowly lifted again. “What, dear?”
He folded down on the couch next to her, putting his hand to her forehead. “You don’t have a fever anymore, but I don’t think that medication is doing any good. You look like a space cadet.”
She blinked. “A what?”
A warm smile curled his lips. “I’m going to call Dr. Thatcher and see if we can get you another appointment.” He stood and disappeared around the corner.
Ms. Delphine didn’t look good. Maybe I should ask Lucas if magic could help.
An invisible punch hit my stomach, and I doubled over. Pain tore through my center. What in the hell?
Ringing exploded through my ears, a high-pitch screech that threatened to bust my eardrums. A metal tinge coated my tongue, and the room spun.
Oh crap. This wasn’t good.
Sickness hit my stomach moments before I was torn away from Ms. Delphine’s house, flying through the air at breakneck speeds. My heart was in my throat as my attic appeared. Before I could hit the brakes, I slammed into my body, the world splintering around me from the jarring hit.
Hell’s bells. It felt as if I’d jumped into a waterless pool. Everything hurt.
My lids snapped open, starbursts erupting in my vision. Pain tore through my insides. “W-What…?” My words were cut off as I tried and failed to breathe.
Lucas appeared next to me, picking me up and cradling me against his chest. “It’s okay. Just breathe slowly.” Slight tremors shook his body.
Coughing racked my lungs, threatening to tear me apart. “It hurts,” I choked. Did I break every bone—even my tiny toe bones?
“I know,” Lucas whispered. “I’m so sorry. I should have kept a tighter hold on you. It’s my fault.”
I rapidly blinked, clearing the bright pops from my eyesight. Lucas’s face was close, agony twisting his features.
Guilt fisted in my gut, momentarily drowning out the throbbing. Great. He was blaming himself for my stupidity. I shook my head—or at least I tried. “My fault,” I muttered. “I should have listened to you.”
“Don’t ever scare me like that again, Angel.” His nostrils flared, and every word he spoke trembled. “You could have gotten seriously injured.”
I wanted to shy away from his pained expression, but I had nowhere to go. “S-Sorry.” I swallowed the anguish back down. Me and my freaky powers. I couldn’t even astral project without overdoing it. “I’m okay.”
Lucas knew that was a big fat lie.
His lids squeezed shut, closing off those eyes that held so much more emotion than I realized. He was really worried about me. How bad could it have been?
He pulled me closer until I was pressed against him, my face nuzzled in his neck. His fingers drifted up and down my spine, and soft words flowed from his lips. It was comforting and confusing all at the same time.
I shouldn’t let him hold me like this. I should push him away, but the pain was slowly ebbing, and I didn’t want it to come back. I didn’t want to let go.
It was a spell. That had to be it. He was casting a spell to make me better.
A slow burn seeped through my toujou.
Oh crap. Etie’s coming.
He must have felt something through the bond. If he saw Lucas holding me like this—no matter the reason—he would flip his voodoo shit on Lucas.
“Etie,” I mumbled, trying to warn him. “Coming…”
Pounding footsteps echoed on the stairs, and Lucas stiffened. He quickly eased me down, his hand cradling my head until it rested on the floor.
The door burst open, and a familiar presence swallowed up the room. “What happened?” Etie’s growl reverberated against the walls. He kneeled next to me, his warm fingers skimming over my cheeks. “Angeline, what’s wrong?” His voice had softened to a sweet whisper.
“I’m okay.” Or at least I tried to say that.
“If you don’t start giving me answers, brujo, I’m going to torture them out of you.” Darkness wove through Etie, sending chills over my spine.
“She did a little too much for her first astral projection,” Lucas finally answered. “She didn’t have control of her traveling and crashed back into her body.”
If Etie’s glare were any more threatening, Lucas would drop dead.
