Page 91 of Hallows End

“We’re in a bubble,” I remind her, and her gaze falls to my lips.

“Your speech is different.”

“A little,” I admit. “There’s so much to tell you, and I can’t even begin to explain how much I’ve missed talking with you, my friend.”

“Tell me everything.” She leans forward again, eager to hear what I have to say. “Start at the beginning.”

And so, I do. I tell Louisa everything that’s happened since that night so long ago when we cast the curse. And when I’ve finished, she wipes at the tears falling down her cheeks.

“I knew the burden would be too great,” she says at last, shaking her head. “Jonas, you have essentially been alone for three centuries.”

“But I found my soul mate,” I remind her gently. “It took a long time, but I found her, and that makes all of this worth it.”

“I would like to meet her,” she says with a smile. “If she has captured your heart so completely, she must be a special woman.”

“She is incredible,” I agree. “I think you would be good friends. She owns an apothecary store, and you wouldlovethe wares she carries there.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful. I cannot help but wonder…if I can now remember what happened, has the curse been lifted?”

“You are the only one who remembers.” My voice is quiet. “I have been with the others all night, and no one else mentioned it at all.”

She closes her eyes, her face stricken with an expression of grief.

“When you had the fever before, you said that in order to break the curse, we needed a sacrifice. What did you mean by that?”

“I do not know.” She opens her eyes again. “It might have been a nightmare from the fever. Jonas, I have to give you something. You should have had it long ago, as it might have aided you.”

She hurries to her bedroom and then returns, carrying a slim box.

“It is a wand that once belonged to my mother. I know that not all witches use such tools, but this one holds great magic. Take it.”

“Are you certain?”

“I have no doubt,” she confirms. “I feel that you will be able to use it.”

“Thank you. I will keep it safe and return it to you when this is all finished.”

“I have no doubt of that either. You will prevail, Jonas.”

I open the box and study the wand, feeling the magic coming from it.

“Perhaps we should gather the rest of the coven and tell them, Louisa. Explain it all to them. Maybe that will help me lift the curse.”

She suddenly looks confused, her gaze unfocused.

She blinks and frowns. “Tell them what? Oh, hello, Jonas. How lovely to see you. Will you join us for the midday meal?”

No.

Goddess, no.

Just like that, my dear friend has slipped away again.

I want to scream, but I simply smile and stand from the table, kissing the top of her head.

“No, thank you. I must go. Have a good day, Louisa.”

“You, as well.”