Even though I was now on my feet I still felt the effects of the spell. I was trying to fight off the feeling, but it was a powerful spell. Someone must have saved up a lot of energy to do that spell. My head was still in that daze and I couldn’t think straight. My thoughts were focused on the book, but I didn’t know why. I’d left it at home, secure in the spot where I always kept it. There was no need to worry or give it a second thought. That was what I kept trying to tell myself.
It was like I was on the edge of something bad though. My thoughts went to giving the book away. Why would I even think that? They were not my thoughts, but it was as if someone was trying to place them in my mind. Maybe they didn’t know that my powers were stronger now. I couldn’t be manipulated that easily. I wasn’t the old Hallie. This was the new and improved Hallie. I sure wasn’t going to take this either. I would fight back. Just as soon as I knew who I was fighting.
“Someone lured me here,” I said.
Nicolas looked me right in the eyes. “I think so too.” He didn’t even try to deny it to make me feel better. There was no need to sugarcoat it.
“I keep getting these thoughts that I need to give the book away. But I’m fighting it without even trying. I don’t know who they want me to give the book too. Whatever I do, don’t let me give the book to anyone.”
“I promise I won’t let you.”
He said it, but I felt deep down he wished I would get rid of the book. Then we could have a normal relationship. I wouldn’t be in danger like his mother had been.
He touched my arm. “Are you feeling better?”
I brushed the hair off my face. “The feeling is starting to fade. I don’t know where the thoughts came from, but they didn’t work. Whoever did the spell isn’t as good as they think.”
“Or you’re just that much better.” Nicolas winked.
It made me feel good to know that he had confidence in me.
Magic still tingled my skin. I scanned the area again. My suspicion was that the witch was hiding somewhere spying on me. Probably getting a kick out of watching me look around all dazed and confused.
“There’s still something here. I feel it on my skin and vibrating through my body,” I said.
Nicolas nodded. “I feel it too.”
At least now I knew it wasn’t just my imagination.
“We should look around and see what’s going on.” I wished I’d worn more sensible shoes.
“Just stay close by me, okay?” Nicolas said.
It was sweet that he wanted to protect me and I was thankful to have Nicolas by my side.
We moved down the sidewalk side by side. A small parking lot was located next to the building for the Bubbling Cauldron’s customers. Most of the time it was completely full so we’d drive around until we found a spot on the street. Annabelle had always hated parallel parking when I’d made her come to the club with me.
Once again there wasn’t a single available space in the parking lot. A couple of men were walking across the lot when they suddenly stopped. They looked around as if they sensed something.
“What are they doing?” I whispered.
“I know those guys,” Nicolas said.
“Who are they?” I asked.
“A couple of vampires I know.”
“So they’re vampires and not witches?”
He nodded.
“Then they can’t feel the magic? What are they doing?”
“Maybe magic is being used against them.”
“Do you think the same person who cast a spell on me is doing it to them?”
He shrugged. “It’s possible.”
When I glanced over toward a line of cars, I spotted a woman behind a white sports car. She was watching the vampires, like a hunter watches his prey. I nudged Nicolas and motioned toward the woman.
“What do you think she’s doing?” I asked.
“Probably not something she should be doing,” Nicolas offered.
We watched her for a moment. Was she responsible for the magic I’d just felt? Why would she cast a spell against me? I’d never seen her before. The vampires finally moved again, but then turned around and spotted us. They scowled and showed their fangs as if a warning.
I held my hands up. “We don’t want any trouble.”
I really didn’t want a fight tonight. I was too exhausted. It had been a long day and now my shoes hurt my feet even worse, as if invisible hands were trying to squeeze the life out of them. The things I did in the name of fashion. The men watched us for a moment longer and then turned away. Whew. Disaster averted.
“What are the vampires doing now?” I asked.
I stepped over slightly so that I could get a better look at the men again since they’d moved out of my line of view.
“They got into that red car over there. I think they’re looking for something. They probably see the woman hiding.”
“If she’s doing magic on them then they will think we’re involved too. Maybe that’s why Shawn thought we had something to do with using magic on the vampires.” I shifted from one foot to the other, but it did little to ease the pain.
“That’s possible and not a good thing if it turns out to be true.”
The vampires started their car and backed out of the parking space. There was another entrance further away from where we stood. We watched the car pull onto the street from that entrance and then drive away. I was glad that they hadn’t come over to us.
“Do you think they know that Shawn guy?” I asked.
“It’s possible since they were hanging out at the Cauldron and he was too.”
“Well, if they do, they’ll probably tell him about this.”
A crease frowned between Nicolas’ eyes. He focused his attention on the woman behind the car who hadn’t even noticed us yet at this point. Now that the vampires had left, the woman stood from behind the car. She was adjusting her dress strap.
“Hey, you,” Nicolas yelled as we moved toward her.
“If she’s innocent then now she probably think we’re going to mug her,” I said.
When she looked our way, she didn’t look scared though. She looked as if she’d been caught in the act of magic.
“What are you doing? I asked.
She didn’t answer as she continued to stare at us. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to confront her right then because based on her stance I figured she was getting ready to run.
Just as I suspected she took off, running opposite from us. Nicolas and I took off after her, but when we reached the edge of the parking lot we stopped. That probably had something to do with the fact that my sped was greatly impaired by the torture devices on my feet.
The nearby streetlight cast a glow on her silhouette as dashed down the sidewalk. She ran like a scared cat.
“Do you think we scared her?” I asked.
Nicolas blew out a deep breath. “Maybe we did, but I certainly didn’t mean to.”
Well, if a random guy yelled at me I’d probably be scared too so I couldn’t blame her. I guess that still doesn’t make up for the fact that she had acted weird.
“Do you think she was really doing magic on the vampires?” I asked.
“It sure looked that way. Maybe I can find out who she is and then we’ll find out for sure. I’d have to come back to the bar and ask about her. Maybe when it wasn’t so crowded and with better shoes. I’d also ask around the coven about her too.
Since I didn’t know who she was I was still trying to figure out if and why she would have cast a spell on me.
“We should head back now.” Nicolas placed his hand on my back as we walked across the lot and to the sidewalk.
He walked and I hobbled.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I waved my hand. “Perfect.”
I looked both ways when we stepped out from the building, just in case there was any more magic flying around.
When we reached the car, my phone rang and Nicolas picked it up for me. He looked
at the screen and said, “It’s Liam.”
“You can answer it,” I said.
He pushed it toward me. “No, you’d better take it.”
I pulled into the nearest parking lot and answered the phone.
“We have a problem,” Liam said as soon as I answered.
“You’re telling me. No one can do magic here. Don’t tell me something else is wrong.”
“I’m afraid I have to tell you.”
“What is it?” I asked, bracing myself for the worst.
“My magic won’t work.” His words were like a slap to the face.
Chapter Eighteen
Nicolas noticed my expression. I had to come right out and say it. There was no way to sugarcoat it. “Your brother has lost his magic too.”
“What did you mean when you said no one can do magic there?” Liam asked.
“When we were at the festival all the witches’ magic stopped.”
“All the witches?” Liam asked.
I’d never heard that much worry in his voice. It made my stomach hurt. Just like his brother he was tough. He never let it show much when something was bothering him. But now neither one of them could hide their emotions. This was not good.
“Okay. Don’t panic. I’ve got everything under control,” I said.
Nicolas frowned. Well, what did he want me to say? Panic, Liam, I have no clue what I’m doing.
It felt as if everything was crumbling around me. The whole town of Enchantment Pointe was falling apart.
“I’m fine,” Liam said, trying to sound reassuring.
It wasn’t working though. I knew he was worried. And he had every right to be. What had I done this time?
“What do you want me to do?” Liam asked. “Should I come there?”
“We’re going to see the board members. I’ll call you back and let you know. Just stay there and don’t answer the door.”
He gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t think that is necessary.”
I felt it was but there was no way I would convince him of that. I hung up and blew out a deep breath.
“Liam can’t do magic, huh?” Nicolas asked.
“No, I didn’t ask him what he had tried or when he discovered this. I guess that’s something we will find out soon enough. I told him I would call him back as soon as we speak with the board members. I just hope he doesn’t answer his door or go anywhere.”
“You know Liam won’t listen to anything like that.”
“Yeah, you wouldn’t either,” I said.
Nicolas tapped his fingers against the seat nervously. “There is something I should tell you.”
I glanced over and saw the worried look on his face. I wasn’t sure how much more bad news I could handle.
“What’s wrong? I asked.
“I can’t do magic either.”
My stomach turned again. “What is going on? Am I the only one left who can do magic?” And it was slipping away too. “When did this happen?” I asked.
“I noticed it at the gym. When you were doing the spell to get Charlie to stay, I was trying it with you. But I felt that nothing worked.”
“But you did the magic with me in the kitchen with the book.”
“I spoke the words, but nothing was happening. I didn’t want to worry you.”
He had spared me for a short time. I guessed that was sweet of him, but it couldn’t be hidden any longer. I had to figure this out before even my magic was gone. How ironic that I was the only one left with any magic. Of all the people, it was me. Everyone losing magic, and now mine was slipping away?
I pulled up to the hotel where the board members were staying. I went to the front desk to ask about them. Not that the front desk would give me room numbers, but at least they could call and let the board know I was in the lobby, waiting to speak with them.
“May I help you?” the woman behind the counter asked.
“I am looking for Dave McCoy.” I figured I would ask for the head of the board. Good thing I’d actually remembered the name.
She typed into her computer and looked at me. “I’m sorry, but he has checked out.”
“Are you sure?” I leaned closer as if I could see the screen.
She frowned. “Yes. I am sure.”
“What about the other members of that party?”
She typed again. “No, they have checked out too.”
I sighed and stared at her.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” She peered at me over the top of her eyeglasses.
I shook my head. “No, that’s all.”
I spun around and marched toward the door. The wind smacked me in the face when I stepped back outside, which seemed entirely appropriate under the circumstances.
“We’ll go to the coven leader in Baton Rouge. That’s where the board is from,” Nicolas said.
I nodded. It was the only option that we had. “I’ll call Liam and let him know what’s going on.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help more, Hallie.” Nicolas sounded defeated.
“You can’t control this. If anyone is to blame, it’s me.” The phone was already ringing, so I couldn’t say more. I hoped that Nicolas didn’t feel bad because it really was out of his power to do anything else.
Liam picked up on the first ring. I gave him the bad news.
“I’ll go with you to Baton Rouge. I don’t want you and Nicolas to go alone.”
“No, we need to leave soon.”
“I’m already on my way,” he said.
“I thought I told you to stay there.”
“Oops. I guess I didn’t follow orders well.”
“I’ll deal with you later. Okay, we’ll wait for you, but be careful.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he said and hung up.
“I guess you heard he’s on his way.” I shoved the phone into my purse.
Nicolas nodded. “I could have told you that.”
I was glad that we were going to visit the coven leader in Baton Rouge. Finally we could get answers. I trusted the coven leader wouldn’t play games like the board members. There was just something about them that I didn’t trust. And now that they had disappeared I was even more suspicious.
We arrived back at the manor, but now we just had to wait for Liam to arrive. My anxiety couldn’t take much more of this though. I hoped that Liam hurried. I paced across the parlor floor again. I always did that when I was nervous. It was probably driving Nicolas crazy.
The events from the festival replayed in my mind. I wished I’d known then that Nicolas’s powers weren’t working. Although I wasn’t sure what I would have done about it. It seemed as if the loss of magical powers had started out gradually. That probably meant that it was a spell that someone had to keep working on. Maybe a witch who wasn’t all that experienced. But how had they found a spell that would do something like this? Nothing like that had worked to this extent before. I needed to know why it was working now.
“I should call Annabelle and find out why she left the festival without waiting for us.” I reached for my cell phone.
“Maybe all the chaos just freaked her out,” Nicolas said from his spot on the sofa.
“Maybe, but with the craziness, I was surprised that she had gone out on her own.”
Although now that the magic was useless she might have felt safer. If I was in her shoes it would probably make me feel better too.
The phone rang many times, but she didn’t answer. A strange feeling took over me. She always answered my calls. What made this time any different?
I hung up the phone. “She didn’t answer. We should check on her before we go to Baton Rouge.”
Nicolas jumped up from the sofa. “I’m taking you and I drive this time. I don’t want to hear any arguments from you.”
I stared at him for a moment and then finally nodded. I supposed I was a little too stressed to drive. Having an accident wouldn’t help matters. Maybe I needed to keep my mother, Annabelle, and Uncle Fitz close by until all
of this was sorted. That would be difficult to do though. Uncle Fitz was hard enough to keep track of under normal circumstances.
Nicolas and I took off for Annabelle’s place. She lived in a two-story cottage-style white house. I stepped around the potted mums on her front porch and rang the doorbell. If she didn’t answer I had a key, but I never liked to just walk into her house. Sure, we were best friends, but what if her boyfriend had returned and they were having fun on the kitchen floor? That was the last thing I needed to see. I rang the bell again, but still there was no answer.
“I guess she’s not here,” Nicolas said.
My stomach turned. That was what I was afraid of.
“I have a key,” I said, pulling it out of my pocket. “I guess we should check on her.”
“If you’re worried then yes, she won’t mind if you look in her house.”
“That’s what she gave me the key for, right?” I said.
“You’re best friends, of course she wanted you to have it.”
I shoved the key into the lock. For a moment it stuck and I wondered if the locks had been changed. Finally, it clicked and I turned the knob. I pushed the door open and stuck my head in just a little bit.
“Annabelle, are you here?” I called out.
Of course there was no answer. I stepped into the house and Nicolas followed behind me. Her purse was by the front door on the small table, along with her car keys and on the floor the shoes she had been wearing earlier.
“Her stuff is here.” I pointed.
“Her car isn’t here though, so why are the keys here? I bet her car broke down and she caught a ride home.”
“Maybe she’s in the shower,” I said. “I’ll go look.”
Nicolas nodded and then poked his head into the living room. I rushed up the stairs. When I reached the top of the stairs and realized that the shower water wasn’t running I was disappointed. I stepped over to the bathroom, but the door was open. No one was in there. I moved over to her bedroom and peeked in. The bed wasn’t made and a lot of clothing was scattered across it. That was completely unlike Annabelle. She was always such a neat freak I knew she would never leave the place like that on purpose.
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