by Deanna Chase
Reaching out, I ran my hand over a hard, cool surface near the bed. Nothing.
Too weak to call out or to stand, I rolled onto my side and curled into the fetal position, squeezing my eyes shut again.
“You don’t have to do this,” a female voice said.
“Aye, I do. What happened the other night…” Bootlegger’s voice trailed off.
My eyes popped open. I blinked and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, noting the pale morning light creeping in through the window.
“Come on. You didn’t do anything. Not really. Pyper stopped you before things went too far.” The female sounded suspiciously like Ida May.
My body felt heavy, almost weighted down as I tried to push myself up.
“Wha’ happens next time I lose my mind?” The pirate ghost floated back and forth as if he was pacing.
“You don’t have to stay here. Come back to New Orleans. The shop is on Bourbon Street.” She gave him a knowing smile and slipped into a seductive tone. “I’m there, and the party never stops.”
A spark of interest lit his expression in the early-morning light, but then he shook his head, scowling at her. “No. I’m not interested in living like that no more.”
She gave him a flat stare. “Please. You’re a pirate. As long as you don’t go possessing anyone else—”
I cleared my throat, barely getting the sound out through the dry passageway. Cripes, I needed water.
“Pyper?” Ida May’s shrill voice filled the room. “You’re awake!”
I nodded and turned my attention to the nightstand, nearly crying in relief when I spotted the glass of water.
“I have to get Julius,” she cried, and with a little pop she disappeared from the room.
The cool water hit my throat, and I nearly cried with relief. After gulping down the entire glass, I slumped back against the pillows, already exhausted from the effort. My body was still stiff and everything ached, but at least my head was clear and I was awake.
How long had I been passed out?
I glanced around the room, noting I was back in the cabin I’d been sharing with Julius… and so was Bootlegger. He hovered in the corner, staring out the window as if he was deep in thought.
“What don’t you have to do?” I asked, recalling Ida May’s words.
He turned to me, his expression haunted. “Leave this realm.”
I furrowed my brows. “What do you mean?”
His jaw tightened and he clenched his fists at his sides. “I saw you. Saw that bastard controllin’ you.” He glanced away, once again staring out at the sea. “It opened my eyes, and now I know I have no honor. Invading someone for my own pleasure…”
Whoa, whoa, whoa. He saw me? “When?”
His head swiveled in my direction. “When what?”
“When did you see me?”
His expression turned to one of disgust. “When you were in that magical room. Ida May asked me for help to find it. I did, finally, but there was a barrier keepin’ me out. Ida May too. We could see through the veil but couldn’t reach you.”
“But Ida May was there. I saw her. Heard her.”
“She doesn’t know how she got there or why she was cast out. It was after she saw you that she asked me to help. Your friends and lover were frantic with worry, searchin’ the entire ship. But his dungeon was hidden with magic. They were never going to find you.”
“And how did you find it?” I was hungry for information now.
His lips twitched with a hint of amusement. “Ma’am, I’ve been hauntin’ this ship for many years. There isn’t an inch o’ this place I’m not on intimate terms with.”
Of course there wasn’t. I sat back against the headboard, clutching at the covers. I was fully dressed, but sitting in bed having a conversation with a ghost was a little unnerving. Even if I was a medium.
I wanted to ask how they’d found us in the suite, but my vision was going blurry again and the room started to spin.
Madeline wants to talk to you, Vienna said in my mind.
I sucked in a sharp breath, startled I was still merged with the ghost. The increased intake of oxygen cleared my head and vision.
She’s hovering near the door.
Irritation flared deep inside me. “Give me a break, will you? Whatever that was that happened with your magic, it left me feeling like I was run over by a truck.”
“What?” Bootlegger asked.
“Not you. Vienna.”
He glanced around the room and frowned. “I don’t see her.”
“I know.”
Sorry, Vienna said, her irritation mixing with mine. Was only trying to help.
My skin started to itch and I fidgeted, wishing I knew how to dispel her.
Her irritation vanished and a strange peace settled over me. I’ll leave when the time is right.
I swung my feet over the side of the bed, and although my muscles were stiff, I was able to stand, all traces of dizziness gone. Tilting my head, I gazed at the door and waited. After a moment, I spotted a slim woman wearing a blood-red bustled dress with intricate black lace trim. Her wavy blond hair was piled high on her head, and her neck was accented with a black pearl choker. She moved toward me, a quiet smile claiming her lips.
“Hello,” I said, meeting her smile with one of my own. “Are you here to talk to me?”
She nodded. “Yes. It’s about Elias.”
I eyed the soft-spoken ghost. “Elias?”
“Madeline?” Bootlegger’s voice was soft and full of awe.
I glanced between the two ghosts. “You know each other?”
“Madeline!” Bootlegger rushed over to the woman, his eyes bright with emotion.
She laughed as she held a hand out to him. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”
He swept her up in his arms and twirled her. When he finally stopped, he held her at arm’s length and stared her in the eye. “Where have you been all these years? I searched and searched, but—”
“I’ve been waiting for you.” She pressed a delicate hand to his hardened face. “Waiting for you to understand.”
I watched the two of them, my heart nearly exploding from the tenderness of the moment. Who would’ve ever thought salty old Bootlegger with his crusty attitude would’ve been connected with the lovely creature standing in front of me.
He let her go and took a step back. “Understand what?”
She lowered her long dark lashes for a moment, then shyly met his gaze, her eyes soft. “Love.”
He shook his head, his frown deepening. “I know how to love. I loved you every day of the twelve years we knew each other.”
She nodded. “I know, Elias. That’s why I waited. But you needed to learn to love others and, more importantly, yourself before we could spend eternity together.”
The irritation drained from his face, replaced by wonder as he watched her. “Eternity.”
She moved toward him, her hands pressing against his chest. “Yes. Eternity. But you have to do something for me first.”
“Anything.” The word came out in a rush, breathless.
“You have to find a way to make things right with the young man you possessed the other night. Your actions cost him his fiancée.”
“I… dammit.” He hung his head.
“When it’s done, I’ll be back.” Madeline pressed her fingertips to her lips, then to his. And as they stood there staring at each other, she faded away.
His head snapped up, and his eyes met mine. “I need your help.”
My heart was full after witnessing them together. I’d never have guessed Bootlegger was anything more than a pilfering pirate. But it had all been an act. Just a way to forget what he’d once had and lost. “It would be my pleasure.”
He nodded once. “Thank you. I’ll be at the Green Parrot when you’re ready.” Without waiting for my reply, he glided through the wall, disappearing from the room.
The door slammed open, followed by Jade and Kane rushing in.
“Pyper!” Jade cried and wrapped her arms around me. “You’re okay.”
Kane beamed at me from over her shoulder. “Hey, Pypes. Looks like you kicked some major witch ass.”
Tears burned my eyes as I hugged Jade and smiled at my best friend. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
Jade pulled back, holding my shoulders with her hands, and studied me. “You’re okay, really?”
I nodded. “Now I am.” But my smile faded. “Where’s Julius?”
“Dealing with the Witches’ Council. The ship is docking later this morning. He’s making arrangements for the enforcer to pick up Xavier. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
I sat down heavily on the bed, a wave of fatigue rolling over me.
“Pyper?” Jade said, slipping her hand into Kane’s. Her fingers tightened until they were almost white.
“What is it?” I asked, suddenly alarmed.
“It’s Muse. She needs your help.”
“Mine? Is she awake? Seeing spirits?”
Jade shook her head. “No, she’s still unconscious. And the only way to reverse the spell Xavier used on her is with his magic.”
My heart started to pound against my ribcage. If I never saw that bastard again it would be too soon. “Okay, but I don’t see what that has to do with me. Can’t you or the council force him to do whatever it is she needs?”
“I wish we could.” Jade glanced up at Kane, her eyes pleading with him.
He let out a long breath, released her hand, and came to sit next to me.
I leaned into him. “Just tell me. Whatever it is, I’m sure I can take it.”
“You incapacitated Xavier. He doesn’t have any more magic. You’re Muse’s only hope.”
My eyes widened as fear settled over me. The last thing I wanted to do was deal with magic again, especially magic I didn’t know how to control. And to have a woman’s life depending on me… “You mean I have to reverse the spell on her?”
Kane gave me a small nod. “I’m afraid so.”
24
Muse lay on her bed, perfectly still. Her pale face was ashen in the midmorning light, and if Jade hadn’t assured me she was still breathing, I’d have sworn we’d already lost her.
“Xavier’s spell did this?” I asked Jade, sitting on the edge of her bed in the oversized stateroom. Because Muse was part of the band, she had a nicer room than the rest of us.
Jade nodded, her expression solemn. “It’s black magic, and the only way I know to reverse it is by using the witch’s magic that cast the spell. Xavier’s. But his has been neutralized. And I have a strong suspicion you were the one who did it.”
“Not me.” I wrapped my hand around Muse’s lifeless fingers, feeling a kinship to the woman who’d been under Xavier’s spell for the past decade. “It was Vienna.”
“Vienna?” Jade clasped a hand over her mouth. Then she shook her head. “Xavier was telling the truth then.”
“If he said Vienna possessed me, then he’s mostly right.” I grimaced. “She’s on board, so to speak, just like Razer is with Julius.” A pang of Vienna’s sadness mixed with my anxiousness at the mention of our significant others. Julius was still dealing with the council, and I’d yet to see him since I’d rejoined the living.
Jade closed her eyes and touched my arm, her brow furrowed in concentration. After a moment she let out a sigh of relief. “Two separate strands of energy. No soul merging. Thank the gods.”
“Not yet anyway,” I said, almost too afraid to believe her.
Xavier’s in custody. Why are you still hanging around? I asked Vienna.
There’s still work to do, she said stubbornly. I’m not going anywhere until I’m certain everyone is safe.
Everyone. What exactly did that mean? Muse and Razer? The entire ship? Anyone in danger from creepy perverts? Just how long was I going to be a conduit for the witch? At least I was in charge… for now.
I turned to Jade. “What is it you want me to do?”
“Well, I need to reverse the spell from Muse to… um, you.”
My stomach dropped to my feet. “And then?”
Kane stepped up beside me, squeezing my hand in support.
Jade pressed her lips into a thin line. “I’m praying that you can neutralize it.”
“And if I can’t, I’ll be the one in a coma? Are you sure we shouldn’t wait for Bea?” Beatrice Kelton was the former New Orleans coven leader, a healer of sorts, and had a lot of knowledge. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Jade. I did. But Bea had a lot more experience in this kind of thing.
“Believe me, I wish we could.” Jade sighed and slumped against the wall as if she were exhausted. “But her energy is fading. I’m afraid if we don’t do this now, we’re going to lose her.”
Crap.
We’re doing it, Vienna said. Then my skin started to tingle and I got light-headed.
“Oh no you don’t,” I snapped. “Don’t even think about taking over.”
“Wha—?” Jade started, but I held my hand up, stopping her.
It was my magic that defeated Xavier, she said. And I am the witch here. You probably have a better chance of survival if I’m the one who deals with it.
“Are you talking to Vienna?” Kane asked.
I leaned into him, needing a safe place. “Yes. She wants to take over while we do this since it was technically her magic that defeated Xavier.”
Jade tapped a finger against her lips. “It’s not a bad idea.”
Kane stiffened. “You want her to give herself over to the ghost?”
“Just while we work the spell.” Jade had perked up and was already pulling candles out of her tote. “Now that I think about it, it’s brilliant. Vienna and Muse are friends, have a connection. And Vienna is right. She knows how to wield magic. I think it’s safer for everyone.”
Kane ground his teeth together and tightened his jaw. “I don’t like it. Maybe we should wait for Bea and the rest of the coven.”
Jade stared pointedly at Muse. I followed her gaze. Muse’s sunken cheeks and the dark circles under her eyes were haunting. She looked like death was knocking on her door.
We can’t wait! Vienna shouted in my head, and suddenly I felt like my insides were going to explode. She was taking over, nearly pushing me out of my own body.
“Wait just a—” My voice was silenced and darkness washed over me. I blinked and refocused, once again seeing the world through Vienna’s perspective. She had possession of my body and was staring down at Muse, tears rolling down my cheeks.
“I’m so sorry,” she mumbled over and over again. “You didn’t deserve this.”
“Of course she didn’t,” Jade said in a soothing tone. “And neither did you.”
Vienna turned, and I spotted Kane now standing a few feet from her, clutching his magical amulet. Interesting. He didn’t trust her. That made me feel mildly better, but not much. If he blasted her, I’d actually be on the receiving end of his wrath. Still, knowing he was on guard was a small comfort.
Jade offered Vienna a white candle. The flame flickered from the slight sea breeze filtering in through the open sliding glass door. “The sooner we do this, the sooner you’ll get to talk to her.”
Vienna nodded. “What do you need me to do?”
Jade sat down next to Vienna on the bed and gently took Muse’s hand in hers. Then she held her free hand out to Vienna. “I’m going to transfer the black magic from Muse to you. It’s up to you to neutralize it.”
Still clutching the candle, Vienna slipped my hand into Jade’s. “Have you done this before?”
Jade nodded, her expression grave. “Yes.”
I wanted to scream. Being relegated to the background when my body was being used for something so dangerous was a nightmare. But there wasn’t anything to do about it. Even if I had a choice, I’d still volunteer to help Muse. Letting the woman fade away into the ether because of Xavier wasn’t an option.
“I’m glad you agree,” Vienna whis
pered under her breath, making it clear she was speaking to me.
Just make sure you save her and don’t get us killed in the process, all right?
I’m already dead, remember? she shot back.
Double crap.
“Call up your magic,” Jade told her.
Vienna nodded, and then her mind quieted. A faint electric current skittered through my veins, slower than it had before. It sputtered and stopped and started again. Vienna sucked in a deep breath of air, concentrating harder. Sweat beaded on my forehead, and my temple started to throb from the effort. This was not going well.
“Are you all right?” Jade asked, peering at her.
Vienna shook my head. “It’s hard to access.”
Jade nodded. “I was afraid of that. When we blasted the magic dragon, it took a real toll on Pyper and you as well. Most of your reserves were tied to it. Are you getting anything?”
“Yes. A bit, but it’s like squeezing juice out of a dehydrated lemon.”
Jade chuckled. “I can imagine. Here, let me see if I can help.”
Vienna shrugged, and a moment later, I felt Jade’s clear, clean energy rush through me. Suddenly my brain was on full alert and my normal energy level came roaring back. I bounced in the back of Vienna’s mind, raring to go.
She shook her head, frustration making her scowl. “This isn’t working. I can’t— Oh.” Something unlocked inside her, and magic rushed to her fingertips. She tilted her head and eyed Jade. “How did you do that?”
She gave Vienna a serene smile. “I’m an empath. I sense your energy and emotions. All I did was tickle a bit of your reserves. But don’t waste it. This small burst isn’t going to last.”
Vienna nodded. “Okay. Let’s get on with it.” She gazed down at Muse, concern eating away at her insides.
Jade started chanting something in Latin, and before I knew it, Vienna’s energizing bolt of magic was gone, replaced by despair. Darkness closed in around me until I saw nothing but an empty blackness.
Vienna? The word sounded faint to my own ears.
A tremor ran through me and my bones chilled.
No answer.