Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 68040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“Not possible. First of all, don’t underestimate the power of every witch in that coven, Xander. And secondly, you won’t let it happen.”
“No pressure.”
Chapter Eleven
He should have slapped her. And he would have if his power hadn’t been cut off at the knees.
Now the little whore is fucking him. Their abilities have grown, and they diminish his light, his force. And that fills him with the rage of a thousand fires. He’s unable to do more than taunt, despite all the progress he’s made.
And that’s another reason they’ll both die.
They’ll all die.
Very soon.
But until then, he needs to regain the strength he’s lost. Tormenting them only weakens him. He needs a soul.
He has to kill.
And that makes him very, very happy.
Chapter Twelve
Xander
“Breena’s already here,” Lorelei announces as we walk into the restaurant that sits just across from the pier, where tourists wander down to the small lighthouse to take pictures and enjoy the ocean breeze. “And she has a…line. Like, people are lined up in front of her. What in the name of Zeus is she doing?”
“Let’s go find out.”
As we approach, I see that Giles is leaning against the wall behind Breena, a smug smile on his face as he looks on. Breena shuffles her tarot cards and chats away with Marydell, who’s sitting across from her.
“This is just so fun,” Marydell says, clapping her hands excitedly. “It’s been forever since I had my cards read. I hope you have good news for me, Breena.”
“I don’t know why I wouldn’t,” Breena assures the other woman in that sweet, soothing way she has. Breena’s always been the peacekeeper, the one who wants to make sure everyone is comfortable. “Even if the cards have a serious tone, there’s something to learn and use from the message.”
“Okay, I’m ready.”
Lorelei’s all smiles as she interrupts. “I’m sorry, ladies, but do you mind if we eavesdrop? If you’d rather it be private, I totally understand.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Marydell assures her. “I know that I want to hear everyone else’s readings, too. Plus, maybe you’ll have additional insight, Lorelei. Two witches are always better than one.”
“Four,” Giles reminds her, and Marydell laughs.
“Of course.”
“Here we go,” Breena says, laying out a simple, seven-card spread. But as she adds cards, her face grows more somber, turning chalky white.
Lorelei swallows hard.
I stand so I can get a better look and feel my stomach tighten as my mind opens to the cards. A chill runs down my spine.
“You look so serious,” Marydell says with a nervous laugh, looking around at all of us. “Am I going to lose the next election or something?”
“Of course, not,” Breena says with a forced smile. She clears her throat and glances at Lorelei with eyes that scream, “What should I tell her?”
“I don’t like that death card,” Marydell says, pointing.
“Well, it doesn’t always mean death,” Breena says. “It can mean an ending, for sure. Perhaps you’ll be ending a toxic relationship, or you’ll move on to another job. It could even mean that you’re making some changes in your life, letting go of the past and moving forward.”
“Oh, I don’t actually mind that at all,” Marydell replies, clearly relieved. “There are definitely some areas of my life that I could let go of.”
Breena works her way through each card, giving Marydell explanations of what the cards mean and what they can potentially be referring to.
She gives no specifics.
“Well, this was fun.” Marydell sits back in her chair, taking one last look at the cards before standing. “Thank you so much, Breena.”
“You’re welcome,” Breena says.
“I’m meeting a friend out on the pier,” Marydell continues, gathering her purse. “I’d better get out there, or she’ll think I’m standing her up. Have a good day, all of you.”
“I’m sorry, everyone,” Breena says to the rest of her line. “I think I have to close up for the day. But I’ll try to make it to the coffee shop real soon and do more readings then.”
There’s a collective sigh of disappointment as the line disperses into the restaurant, and the four of us take chairs at the round table that seats six.
“What did you see?” Giles asks when everyone is out of earshot. “For real? I never did learn tarot.”
“Nothing.” Breena swallows hard, staring down at the cards. “Whenever I read for someone, I get intuitive messages from my guides, along with the messages of the cards. I’m able to weave them together to give insight. But when the spread was done, and I opened myself up, there was just emptiness. No message. Nothing at all.”
“I felt the same,” Lorelei confirms, watching the door Marydell just exited through.
“What does that mean?” Giles asks, but when he sees the look on Breena’s face, he sighs. “Oh.”
“I’m sorry we’re late.” Lucy’s out of breath as she and Jonas join us and take their seats. “I got caught up in making some hawthorn berry tincture and lost track of time.”