My pulse pounded beneath my chest like a stampede of wild horses. Sweat beaded down my spine and I felt it pooling in my palms.
But then Savannah began shuffling the cards and something changed. Something inside me shifted. My heart slowed. I was suddenly overcome with an odd sense of calm. Of peace. My body felt light and safe. There was something so…familiar with this. Warm energy radiated from the cards and the rest of my thoughts melted away. The room emptied until it was just us and the cards.
Three cards seemed to jump right out of Savannah’s hands, landing on the table in front of her.
Gigi gasped. “Whoa, okay. I’ve never seen them jump like that.”
“What does that mean?”
Savannah shook her head. “It means these cards really want to speak to you. I’ll go over their meanings once I get them all out.”
She pushed the three cards to the side and continued to shuffle. I leaned forward to inspect the three. The first one was a girl wearing a big flower crown on her head, with pink and purple hair, and a skull painted on her face in black and white. Below the picture read XIII DEATH. My eyes widened. That was the number tattooed on my arm.
My mind told me it was a coincidence but something deep down inside said it was not.
The next card showed a sexy raven-haired girl with a dark feather-y dress and a black ribbon around her throat. That card said ANGEL DE LA NUIT. The third card…made me want to hide under my blankets. The picture was an ominous dark, solid tower standing amidst smoke. In front of it, like you were looking through it, was a circle that had fiery tree branches wrapped around it. That card said XVI THE TOWER.
I shuddered and forced my eyes to look away – and then gasped.
Savannah had already laid seven cards on the table with their pictures facing up to me.
Gigi’s eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. She just stared at them.
Savannah blinked and shook her head. “Ma’am…I’m not quite sure what this all means yet but my gut is telling me your ass just got read to filth.”
I frowned. “What does that mean?”
Gigi smirked. “It means the cards are accurately calling you out. We’ll see if she’s right about that.”
I gulped and nodded. “O-okay.”
“All right.” Savannah adjusted the cards to lay straight then sat the rest of the deck on the table beside her. She picked up a little booklet and flipped pages. “So, let’s start with the cards that jumped out at you. First we had Death, which is a crazy coincidence since it’s the same number on your arm. This card always means change. Big change. And then we have the Tower card, and it also means change. The book says the higher you climb, the deeper you fall. Watch out, for I announce a major change in your life. The process I’m going to get you through is hard and frightful, but it is also indispensable. Chances are you’ll never be the same after my intervention, yet after my destruction comes your recreation.”
Gigi shuddered. “I hate that card.”
I do too.
Savannah nodded. “Next is the Angel de la Nuit card, which is a card specific to this deck. According to the book it means, you may have walked in darkness for some time, but soon a new full moon will rise and show you the way.”
My heart was racing. “So…it’s saying…”
“All three of these cards are saying that your life is changing, or maybe has just changed. I mean, you have amnesia. This is darkness for you. But also all three say there is brightness at the end of this tunnel. And that, my friend, is the part to focus on.”
I nodded. That was easier said than done. I looked to the rest of the cards. “Okay, what do those mean?”
Savannah pointed to a card with a blonde girl in a black gown with purple and pink smoke behind her. “This first card tells us your deepest wishes and goals, however the Eight of Wands…well, I’m confused. Because, as the book here says, this card means freedom is mine at last.”
“How is that my deepest wish?” I scowled. “I can tell you that is not.”
“Right, so let’s draw a clarifying card to help us get deeper meaning for it.” Savannah drew a card off the top of the deck and placed it picture up on top of the other. This one showed a shirtless man with long dark hair and glowing vines growing up his arm. “King of Cups. Interesting. So the court cards can sometimes represent an actual person in your life. This guy is someone who balances intellect with feelings. As the book says, this emotional stability makes my strength. It is also the only way to bring peace, inside and around me. Time has come to do the same and become the master of your own emotions.”
“But it can represent you,” Gigi added.
“Exactly. And since there are no guys in your life that we know of, my interpretation of these two cards is that your deepest desire is to be free of this darkness you are in now. To be free of amnesia and in control of your emotions, because let’s face it, no one in your shoes would be in control of their emotions.”
“Oh…” I blinked. When I heard of a guy in my life my thoughts had gone immediately to Riah, even though it didn’t make sense. But this… “Okay, yeah, that makes a lot of sense. What about the next?”
“Hey, this one kinda looks like you but with pointed Fae ears.” Savannah chuckled and pointed to a card with a red-haired girl, with pointy ears, holding a staff in a fiery forest. “Nine of Wands. The book says, the battle was hard and you may have some wounds and bruises. Bad news is the battle isn’t over yet. Enemies are still standing. Good news is you will win, in the end for sure. So giving up you mustn’t. We’re still in the darkness of night, but soon a new dawn will rise.”
A cold chill slid down my spine and I shivered.
“I know right?” Savannah grinned. “This card, in this position, is talking about your darkness. Your enemies and obstacles. Let’s draw some clarifiers and see what we can learn about your darkness.”
“Yes. Let’s,” I heard myself whisper as she flipped two cards out on top of it. The first was a blonde girl lying asleep in all black. The second was another blonde, but wearing white and bent over in a ball in the moonlight. I leaned forward. “Well?”
“These cards are telling me that you were once very happy, that you danced. But then something happened and you now feel trapped. Powerless. Yet all three tell you that even though you struggle in darkness now, you will rise to the light again.”
I did feel trapped and powerless. I felt darkness weighing in on me all around. Goosebumps spread across my skin under my clothes despite the warmth inside the building.
“All right. This next card represents your allies and supporters, the people fighting for you.” She tapped on a wild-looking card with a pink-haired girl in a funny hat surrounded by rabbits. “Three of Cups. This card is about celebration with friends but who is the question. Let’s see…” she flipped a card and another one jumped out with it. “Oh, okay, both of y’all wanna come play with Saffie? All right. We’ve got the Emperor and Judgement.”
“Whoa.” Gigi mumbled.
I sat up straight. “What? What are these?”
Savannah pursed her lips. “I don’t know why, but I’m getting the sense these are specific people. Call me crazy. But the Majors like to talk to me like that. The Emperor is someone who radiates pure power, most likely a guy. They’re a ruler but also a protector. Then there’s Judgement, who is usually depicted as a woman. She is…she is your guide. Someone who will help you purge your soul of the darkness of your past and help you start anew. She’s a new stage.”
“Could that…” I bit my lip. “Could that be you two?”
Gigi frowned. “It could….”
“But that’s not what I’m feeling in these cards. I think these are two people who are yet to come into your life.” Savannah smiled and winked at me. “Either way, these are good signs.”
“Okay.” I pointed to the next card, one of a blonde in barely any clothes with black horns and a black wings. “But is The Devil a good sign?”
; Gigi giggled. “You’d be surprised.”
Savannah nodded and flipped through the booklet. She pursed her lips and read. “This card represents your lighthouse in the darkness. The Devil here talks about obsessions…”
I’m not obsessed with anything.
Well, except for Riah at the current moment, but that’s not the same.
“I want clarity on what you’re obsessing over…” she flipped another card and I almost choked on my own saliva.
It was Riah.
It wasn’t really…but it was.
The card said King of Swords, but that picture…it was him. It showed a tall man with long pale hair, bright gold eyes, and sharp jawline. He wore a black hood over his head, covering half of his face. And he held a big silver sword.
Oh my God.
Oh my GOD.
It’s Riah.
I AM obsessed with him…and the cards know.
My stomach rolled. Nausea bubbled up my throat.
Savannah narrowed her eyes and flipped another card.
The Lovers.
I gasped and people two tables away looked over at me. I slammed my hand over my mouth. My eyes were wide and I felt heat in my cheeks.
Gigi’s mouth hung open. “That is so romantic.”
Savannah wagged her eyebrows. “Saffie, ma’am, let me tell you. The lighthouse in your darkness is a lover, this King of Swords. At first you may feel a sort of obsession with him, after all he is charismatic power and strength. He doesn’t play with emotions, and that is attractive as hell. But in the end this will be a deep bond. A soul mate, if you will.”
They both looked to me.
I couldn’t meet their eyes. I didn’t want them to see the panic in mine. My mind was screaming Riah, Riah, Riah. But that was ludicrous. I’d only just met him – hell, I hadn’t actually even met him yet. I’d just seen him. Sure, I was a little obsessed right now but it wasn’t like that.
It’s not. I’m just confused. I want answers.
That’s ALL.
Savannah chuckled softly. “Okay, let’s move on. Next up is — hmm, interesting. Hold on.” She drew another card and her eyes widened. “Interesting indeed.”
“What? What is it?” I squeaked.
“This card is about you being on the beginning of a journey.” She fanned the three cards out so I could see them. “The Four of Swords is entirely about rest and recovery. Healing time. Which obviously, is where you’re at as we speak. You have amnesia and it’s forcing you to take a break. I’m guessing your life before this was chaotic. So then I asked the deck who or what might help you get through this, to get through to the next level of your recovery…and I pulled the High Priestess and The Empress.”
“Ohhhhh.” Gigi pushed her dark hair back. “What a hype team, dude.”
“Right?” Savannah leaned into the table. “Saffie, these two ladies are the queens of the tarot. The top of the game. They are everything women are and want to be. The Empress is feminine strength and beauty. And the High Priestess is just a bad ass, dude. She is wisdom, intuition, knowledge, and mystery. The Empress will help you grow to your best self. She is the guardian of your night garden. And the High Priestess will help you harness your intuition, to listen to your inner voice. But she also opens the secret book of night for you, to unveil all mysteries.”
My breath left me in a rush. “Okay, but these two ladies are you two? Right?”
Savannah frowned. “I would be honored to have either of these cards represent me, but honestly, I must say they never have nor do I think they do now. Like the other two majors, I think these are two people who are coming for you.”
“But coming to help,” Gigi added. “And that is incredible. Can’t ask for better help than those two.”
I held in a groan. They both believed so earnestly in this, and I wanted to as well. In my heart I did, which was why I felt like I’d run into a brick wall at full speed. But I just couldn’t see how this would happen. Where were these supposed people?
And are they strangers? Or people from my old life?
“Okay, next card talks to us about the heart of your problem.” Savannah flipped a card to lay next to it. She nodded. “Interesting. So the Wheel of Fortune means, quite simply, fate. That whatever your problem is, you were meant to be here. And while that does not sound uplifting, it’s in the Six of Wands that we find the light. The book says, and I am obsessed with this interpretation, flowers are blossoming around me. They should. I deserve it. I fought hard and today is the day of my reward. So whereas you were fated to be right here, you are a fighter who will succeed in the end.”
I sighed. “I better.”
Savannah hung her head and laughed. “Amen, girl.”
“Last card!” Gigi grinned. “This one tells you the outcome of all of this. Pull two clarifiers on this for sure, go deep on it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Savannah winked and flipped two more cards. “The Page of Cups, this purple-haired mermaid here, says this is a time of wonders for you. Expect the unexpected. But then we add these two – The Magician and The Sun—”
“More people coming?”
Savannah paused and stared at the cards, then shook her head once. “Nah, not getting that here. This Magician tells us you will come into your own magic. Your own power and potential. You will manifest your own dreams. Then The Sun is pure warmth and happiness. So the outcome, after all this darkness and battle, you may come out of it in a way you never expected, but you will be one happy, bad ass bitch.”
Gigi cursed and shook her whole body out. “That was intense.”
I nodded then scrubbed my face with my hands. That was intense. And creepy, but I liked it. It was like I suddenly felt stronger and ready for anything, which was maybe the whole point of these cards. But it was working. My heart was racing, pushing adrenaline through my body. I felt like I could destroy mountains with my bare hands. I liked this idea that help was coming. In my heart, I just prayed it was someone from my old life who might be able to get my memory back somehow. Which sounded ridiculous, I knew that.
Don’t forget the Riah thing…
Shut up, brain. We are trying very hard to do just that.
But it was useless. That card may as well have had his face on it for how much it looked like him. Am I reading into this because I want him to be a lover for me? Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy? Or coincidence? I didn’t know. Yet there he was, sandwiched between the Devil and the Lovers.
Savannah stuffed all of her cards back into the box they came out of. “So, what did you think?”
“Still trying to sort that out.” I shook my head. “I think I need more pizza.”
Chapter Seventeen
Riah
Saraphina’s friends had not ceased to surprise me. As Savannah parked her truck at the beach, I found this choice to be most unexpected. Humans did not partake in water activities in the winter, yet here they were with gusto.
I watched as Saraphina threw her door open and jumped out – though it was more of a hopeful, controlled fall than anything else. When she landed gracefully and smiled down at the ground, I had to stifle a laugh. She had always been one of the fiercest souls I’d ever come across but she was also adorably tiny at barely an inch over five foot.
I was supposed to be scanning the area for demons and any other threat to her safety, yet I found myself hypnotized by her every move. A gust of wintry air swept across the parking lot and her friends shivered. But Saraphina closed her eyes and took a deep breath, like the ocean air soothed her – and that made me smile. My chest tightened as the need to hold her tried to pull me under once more.
While her eyes were closed, I glanced around to try and anticipate what they were doing here. Yet all I saw was snow covered rocks, a cloudless blue sky, and ocean waves gently rolling onto the shore. I turned back to Saraphina and found her smiling at the sea.
“What a view.”
What a view indeed.
“Yeah…of the goosebumps
on my body, Savannah!” Gigi groaned. “Why are we out here? It’s freezing. Nobody else is out here except your crazy ass.”
She does have a point.
“She does have a point,” Saraphina said, speaking mine own thoughts out loud and unraveling my heart a little bit more. She wrapped her arms around her body and looked around. “Why are we here?”
Savannah groaned and marched through the sand in her fuzzy winter boots and long coat. She stopped after a few feet then spun around. “I want to find a witch stone and it’s easiest in the winter when there ain’t no sunbathers stompin’ on them.”
A witch stone? Interesting.
Gigi cursed. “I hate when she has a point. But I want one too.”
Saraphina frowned and her face scrunched up. “What is a witch stone?”
“A hag stone. Fairy stone. Adder stone. Hex stone. Holy stone. Eye stones. Or my personal favorite, Snake Eggs.” Savannah grinned then bent down and scooped up a handful of sand and rocks. “My pawpaw has one. I used to have one. I want another one.”
Saraphina strolled toward her with those inquisitive lavender eyes. “But what is it?”
“They’re stones with a naturally occurring hole in them,” Gigi said with a same grimace. “They’re usually found near oceans and other bodies of water. They can be any type of stone, but the hole has to be from natural causes. And if you have one it should be treated as a sacred object.”
I arched one eyebrow.
Saraphina frowned. “But why? What makes them sacred?”
“They’re said to be powerful protection talismans and when worn or carried they protect the bearer from curses, hexes, negative spirits, and harm. If you string ‘em on a bedpost or under your pillow, they can prevent nightmares.” Savannah stood up straight and frowned, then she looked to her and wagged her eyebrows. “It’s also believed that if you peer through the hole of the stone you can see the Fae folk.”
I grinned. You may not want to do that.
Gigi bent over and picked up a stone, then tossed it aside. “And if yours breaks, it used its power to protect a life.”
The Cursed Witch Page 10