Spellbinding Starters

by Annabel Chase

  “A hemlock stick?” he queried. “To strike the death blow?”

  “He was already eviscerated,” I said. “It’s not a moral issue.” At least I didn’t think so, but Neville’s tone had me second-guessing myself. Good Goddess, a little over a week with my family and my moral compass was out of whack.

  “I’ll get straight to work on your charm.” He stopped short. “What about the other items for the summoning circle? Surely, you need more than a hemlock stick.”

  I snapped my fingers. “Yes, can you also create a device that makes a supernatural appear human?”

  “You already appear quite human,” Neville said.

  “It’s not for me. Apart from that, I think I have what I need, except peppermint leaves,” I said. According to the text, peppermint leaves were the best way to draw this particular demon to me. Any other time, my family had jars of peppermint leaves in the pantry because they were a common ingredient in potions and spells. Naturally, Aunt Thora had used the last of the leaves in a diaper rash potion for Ryan.

  “I’m certain we can find an appropriate substitute if needed,” Neville said. He spun around and vaulted himself toward the table at the back of the office. “Would you mind procuring a donut for me? Sugar helps me focus.”

  “Are you sure it doesn’t have the opposite effect?”

  “Quite.”

  Okay then. “Which kind?”

  “Boston cream would be divine. Thank you.”

  I left him to work on my invisibility charm and went next door to Holes. The interior wasn’t as downtrodden as I expected. In fact, it was downright adorable. Lots of bubblegum pink fixtures and fittings and shiny stainless steel. A plucky young brunette stood behind the counter wearing an apron covered in images of donuts.

  “You must be Eden,” she said with a big smile. “I’m Paige Turner.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “I’ve seen you pass by with Neville and he mentioned a new boss.” She frowned. “Losing Paul was a sad day for all of us. He loved his cinnamon donuts.”

  “Neville said you and your husband own this place.”

  She brightened at the mention of her husband. “We do! Some people think it’s hard to work with your spouse, but Shia and I enjoy it. Plus, it was hard for him to find work because of his criminal record, so it was just easier for me to take him on.”

  Was it rude to ask about his record? Probably. “What was he convicted of?”

  Paige’s gaze darted around the shop, although there was no one else present. “Money laundering, but he’s totally clean now, just like the money he laundered.” She laughed awkwardly.

  “Have you met the new chief?”

  Paige leaned on the counter with a dreamy expression. “Have I ever? He likes bear claws and black coffee, in case you’re wondering.”

  “Not wondering. Not even a little bit.” I cleared my throat, trying to block the image of Chief Fox and I curled under a blanket in front of a crackling fire with a hearty breakfast of donuts and coffee.

  Paige retrieved a Boston cream donut from the plastic compartment. “I know that’s what Neville wants. How about you? Got a guilty pleasure?”

  I examined the contents of the compartments. “I’ll try a glazed chocolate, please.” We’d have to relocate the office if I hoped to stay slim.

  Paige produced a glazed chocolate donut. “Anything else? Coffee or tea?”

  I suddenly remembered the need peppermint leaves. “Do you happen to have any peppermint?”

  “Like actual peppermint? How about spearmint gum?”

  “No, that won’t work. It has to be peppermint.” Did that sound like a strange demand? If so, Paige took it in stride.

  She tapped her pink nails on the counter. “Hold on. Let me check.” She hurried into the backroom. I struggled not to nibble on my donut while she was gone. My willpower was weak when it came to my sweet tooth.

  After a minute, she returned to the counter with a bag of peppermint candies. “Found these left over from Christmas. Will they do?” She peered into the bag. “They’re old, so I won’t charge you for them.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.” I took the bags of peppermints and donuts back to my office, where Neville was apparently putting the finishing touches on my request.

  “I thought you needed a donut to work,” I said, and tossed the bag onto the table.

  “I got inspired and ran with it,” Neville replied. His gaze locked on the Boston cream donut. “Hello, gorgeous.”

  “That’s a pretty necklace,” I said.

  He lifted the piece of gold jewelry from the table. It was a simple design with a dangling locket.

  “What’s in the locket?” I asked.

  “The spell,” he said. “While you’re wearing the necklace, you close it to remain invisible and open it to be visible again.”

  “You’re a genius.” I took the necklace and slipped it over my head.

  “Works like a charm,” he joked.

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “How can I tell?” I could still see myself.

  Neville reached for a small mirror on a nearby shelf and held it in front of me. Nothing. I was like a vampire. I opened the locket.

  “There I am!” Egads. I sounded like my father playing peekaboo with Ryan.

  “Every time you open and close the locket, you’ll experience leakage,” Neville warned.

  I pulled a face. “Is there a less disgusting way of saying that?”

  He laughed. “Sorry. It means that the spell will grow weaker the more you switch back and forth, so use it wisely. You don’t want to end up visible at the wrong moment.”

  Well, duh.

  “Thanks, Neville. This is awesome.”

  “And here is the other request,” he said and handed me a silver chain. No locket on this one. “All you need to do is slip it over the supernatural’s head and the spell activates.”

  “You’re amazing, Neville. Thank you.”

  He blushed. “Anything else I can do to help before we go?”

  “We?” I echoed. “No, there’s no we. I go in search of the demon. You stay here and craft imaginative magical gizmos.”

  Neville began to pout. “Paul always promised me that one day he’d let me accompany him in the field.”

  “But that’s not your lane, Neville. You need to stay in yours. It’s safer.”

  He bowed his head. “Too right, my furious avenger.”

  I pointed a finger. “Please don’t ever call me an avenger.” It hit far too close to home.

  “Yes, Agent Fury.”

  “The demon’s already killed three. I don’t need him to add you to the list. I only just started this job. I’d like to keep it for a bit longer.”

  “What about Chief Fox?” Neville asked. “Will you alert him to the perpetrator?”

  “How can I? He won’t understand an incorporeal demon.” I fingered the locket. “What did Pidcock do in these situations? I mean, Chief O’Neill was oblivious, so he clearly didn’t confide in him.”

  “He worked solo in the field,” Neville replied. “I wonder whether that made him an easier target for the fear demon.”

  “I doubt it,” I said. “Chief O’Neill didn’t tend to work solo and he didn’t stand a chance.”

  “You have one thing in your favor,” Neville said. “The element of surprise. None of his victims had that.”

  “True, and you can’t fight what you can’t see.” My fingers curled around the locket. I hoped that was true, at least.

  Because my life depended on it.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The locket hung open around my neck as I worked in a hurry to set up the summoning circle. The wind was whipping my hair into a frenzy and I was relieved I’d be invisible soon. Not even a murdering demon needed to be subjected to this hairdo.

  The vortex was in the heart of the triangle of land formed between the bay and the river. I parked on Manchego Place, the nearest road, and walked up to the strip of land wi
th a backpack full of necessities.

  First, I placed the rune rocks around the circle’s perimeter. Once the runes were in the right order, I set down seven chunky white candles and lit them. I hadn’t created a summoning circle by myself in years. When Anton and I were younger, we’d make them in the backyard and I’d place my Barbies in the middle as the offering. Cowboy Ken was usually the demon. I liked that he was a little bit sexy and dangerous. Normal Ken was too bland to be the demon. I would stick a knitted hat on him and pretend he was a gnome.

  Today, instead of Barbies, I used peppermint candies. I wasn’t sure what the draw was for the fear demon—maybe he liked his breath minty fresh—but the book was a trusted resource so I went with it.

  Once the circle was properly arranged, I sat cross-legged in the middle and began the incantation. If anyone caught a glimpse of me before I closed the locket, they’d think I was into weird yoga and keep their distance.

  “Guardians of the underworld, hear my cries. Guardians of the overworld, hear my cries. Guardians of the otherworld, hear my cries.”

  The wind picked up steam again and I had to spit out the strands of hair that kept finding their way into my mouth. Note to self: next time I summon a demon, bring a scrunchie.

  Another gust of wind rushed past and blew out the candles I’d carefully lit. Great. No one talks about the hazards of nature when trying to perform an outdoor ritual. I had to relight the candles or the summoning wouldn’t work. If I failed to trap him, the demon would create his own circle and reform, free to walk out again. I couldn’t let that happen. Enough people were already dead thanks to him.

  I just managed to fix the candles when I felt a dramatic drop in temperature.

  He was here.

  Further along the shoreline, a figure materialized out of thin air, shrouded in dark energy. He wasn’t corporeal yet, more like a ghost with an extra layer of padding. He moved toward the circle as though he knew it was there. As he drew closer, I saw his eyes and flinched. Red flames burned within the sockets. I clamped down on my fear before he sensed it. I didn’t want to make him stronger than he already was.

  The demon halted. His gaze swept across the grassy area until it alighted on the circle.

  He smiled and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from screaming.

  His teeth were pointy and undoubtedly razor sharp. Were they deadly in their altered state? I didn’t want to find out. Why a demon that fed on fear needed sharp teeth, I had no idea. It seemed biologically unnecessary.

  Stay grounded, Eden. I wanted to smack myself. No one cares about your biological ruminations when there’s a fear demon on the loose.

  The demon began to take exaggerated steps toward the circle. “Come out, come out, wherever you are,” he called. Despite his frightful appearance, he sounded more like the host of a children’s show than a dangerous fear demon.

  I remained quiet in the middle of the circle, though my heart hammered so loudly in my chest, I was sure that the entire town could hear it. The peppermints were free of the bag, now scattered around the rune rocks. I just needed him to enter the circle so I could keep him here.

  “I sense your fears.” He stopped again and inhaled deeply, which seemed like a waste of effort since he still lacked lungs. “They are so very powerful.”

  If he thinks this fear is powerful, he should catch up with me during a mammogram.

  “Your family,” he said. “Your very nature scares you. It’s truly delicious. I can draw it out of you. Make it real. It tastes best when the fear is real.”

  That’s right, Mr. Fear Demon. Come closer.

  His silhouette seemed to grow more solid with each step.

  “I wish I had encountered you sooner,” he said. “With energy like yours, I would have regained my true form by now.”

  Ugh. He was feeding off me. I tried to focus on other thoughts. On the innocent lives he took—Chief O’Neill. Paul Pidcock. Elliott. My fear turned to anger and outrage.

  He spotted a peppermint and crossed the threshold. “What is this delectable treat?” When he bent over to retrieve the candy, I stepped gingerly outside the circle and popped open the locket.

  “Do us all a favor and eat one,” I said. “We’d rather die of our fears than your rancid breath.”

  His mouth split into a ferocious smile. “Ah, the witty banter portion of the evening.” He stopped talking and cocked his head. “What happened to your hair?”

  Instinctively, my hand flew to smooth my unruly locks. “The wind I stirred up, okay? My hair is thin, but I have a lot of it, so it gets crazy.”

  “You might want to consider a ponytail next time.”

  “Thanks for the tip, Vidal Sassoon.”

  “Perhaps I can improve it for you.” He took a step toward me, but an invisible force pushed him back inside the circle.

  “No can do, Vidal.”

  The demon glanced around wildly, realizing his mistake in entering the circle. “No!” The red flames of his eyes grew brighter. He pinned his fiery gaze on me. “I may not be able to touch you, but I can still reach you.”

  Black wings sprouted from my back. Sweet Hecate! He was using his demon mojo on me to bring my fears to life. My head began to pound with cries of insanity. I wasn’t expecting that. I closed my eyes and tried to fight the pulsating sounds.

  “Let me go or I’ll suck you dry,” the demon said.

  I forced open my eyes and saw that his body was hardening. The ritual was working.

  “You knew what would happen to those men when you forced them toward their fears. You could have just taken the energy and let them live, but you didn’t.”

  “Of course I didn’t,” he said. “I wanted them to die. Those last moments before death are the most powerful. Each one brought me closer to my former self.”

  “Too bad your former self is right back in a tiny prison.”

  He glared at me. “I will extract so much energy from you that they’ll have to scrape your remains off the ground.”

  “I think you’ll find it’s the other way around.” The air whirled around the demon as the remainder of the spell took hold, locking him in place. I listened to his long string of profanities and hoped no one came to investigate the uproar. The rest of my task was easy. One thrust of the hemlock stick in my pocket and the demon would cease to exist. He was a killer. He deserved it. His death was for the best—a favor to humanity.

  And yet.

  Neville’s disapproving tone echoed in my head. He was right. It wasn’t my job to carry out punishment. That was my dark side rearing its head—trying to coax me into a role as judge, jury, and executioner.

  But I don’t want to be the villain of my own story. I want to be the hero. I’ve always wanted to be the hero. When we played games as children, my brother and cousins always chose the most evil creatures imaginable and I always chose the white knight or the Disney princess or Buffy. (I was alone in my love for the vampire slayer television show. My family only tolerated the episodes when Angel turned full vampire. They felt like they finally had a character to root for.) I want to save, not destroy.

  The demon’s rampage was over. He was trapped and vulnerable because I’d won. If I killed him now, what did that make me?

  The air calmed and the fear demon stood before me in a completely solid state, naked, the fire in his eyes reduced to embers.

  I could’ve done without the naked part.

  He dropped to his knees, and I breathed a sigh of relief. The top of his head was a better view.

  “Do your worst, fury,” he said. His chin jerked up in defiance. Whatever I had planned for him, he was ready. He’d seen and experienced people’s worst fears. Absorbed the energy and fed off it. There was nothing I could do that would impact him in any meaningful way.

  I took a step closer and met his gaze. “I’m not going to kill you,” I said, and my wings promptly dissipated.

  “Why not? I would’ve killed you.” He peered at me. “Why aren’t you goin
g to kill me?”

  “Because that’s not who I am.”

  He snorted. “I beg to differ, fury. I felt your spirit. Your restless energy. It’s exactly who you are. You cannot fight the will of the gods, girl. If it is their will that you be a fury, then so be it.”

  I tossed the hemlock stick aside. “But I don’t have to act like one,” I said. “It’s our choices that define us, not our genetics or the will of any god.”

  He splayed his hands. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

  I ignored him and took out my phone to call FBM headquarters. Once the call was made, I tucked the phone in my pocket.

  “Now there’s one more thing I need to do.” I pulled from my pocket the second chain that Neville made around his neck to make the demon appear human to anyone without the Sight.

  “Good work, Eden.” My father’s voice startled me.

  I swiveled to face him. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

  He gestured to the cowering fear demon with the hemlock stick he must’ve retrieved from the ground. “Just wanted to see you in action. I’ve never had the chance to watch you work. It’s impressive.”

  “Thanks.” I watched him warily. “I’m going to make him look human now. Then the FBM can collect him from Chief Fox. We’ll say he’s being taken to a maximum security prison.” This way the town would get closure. The humans didn’t need to know the demon would end up back in Otherworld where he belonged.

  My father grunted. I knew that sound. Dissatisfaction. I’d recognize it in my sleep because I’d heard it from him my entire life.

  “What’s wrong with my plan?” I asked.

  “What happens when he leaves the circle?” my father asked. “The binding is only good when he’s in there.”

  “Your father’s right,” the demon said. “You can make me look human, but I’ll still be me.”

  I glared at the demon. “Whose side are you on?”

  He shrugged. “Whichever side frees me, I guess.”

  My father rolled up his sleeves. “I’ll do the honors.”

  “Dad!”

  He motioned to the fear demon with the stick. “Go on. Finish whatever you’re doing. Far be it for me to interrupt an agent’s important work.”