The Curse Breakers

by Denise Grover Swank

  I stiffened with fear, trying to catch my breath.

  He lowered his voice until it sounded like a caress. “I was wrong, Ellie. I was wrong about so many things, and I’d like to make it up to you. Giving you back your father is the first step.”

  “Your spirits kept telling me you were waiting for me.”

  “I was, but not to do you harm. I had to wait until you were ready.”

  “Ready for what? What determined that?”

  “The mark Collin drew on your back had to be completely gone for you to make your choice. Ahone or me. You must choose.”

  “Ahone has claimed me.”

  He waved his hand as though swatting a gnat. “That means nothing.” He held his hand toward me with a soft smile. “I claim you. Now you have a choice.”

  “Why would I choose you?”

  His eyes lit up in amusement. “Why would you not? I’ve protected you, Ellie. Where was Ahone when Ukinim and Ilena attacked you? Where was Ahone when you were attacked by that man at the dock?”

  “Mishiginebig saved me. Not you.”

  “My children wish to please me. You know full well that he protected you on my behalf. Where was Ahone?”

  I had to concede that Okeus had a point. Ahone had remained aloof, at least until a short bit ago. “Ahone saved me from the badgers tonight.”

  Okeus’s smile quivered. “And that carries more weight than all the other times when he neglected to help you?”

  I refused to admit the bitterness I felt about Ahone’s lack of assistance. “You say you want to protect me, but who will protect humanity from your children? At least Ahone leaves them to live in peace.”

  “If you prefer Ahone, then why are you unprotected? Why don’t you have Ahone’s symbol?”

  I didn’t answer, my eyes drawn to the figure in the trees.

  “You don’t know what his mark is, do you? Ahone gave you permission to use it, but he neglected to give it to you. Ellie.” His voiced softened. “Does that sound like a god who wants to protect you?”

  My pulse pounded in my head. He was right. Where had Ahone been? His messenger had told me I needed to complete my journey to receive it. But based on the way Ahone had been acting, he’d probably just disappear again and leave me to my fate after I got his mark tattooed on my body.

  “Ellie, I’ve acquired a reputation of malevolence, but I assure you that it was acquired because I protect what is mine.”

  I turned to look at him, suddenly unsure about everything.

  His face softened and his voice was hushed. “I would like to make you mine.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I’m offering you my protection. You’ve seen firsthand that not all of my creations follow my wishes. Some like Ukinim choose to go their own way. You’re here with me now because I’ve chosen to help you. Otherwise you’d already be dead.”

  He made it all sound so reasonable. “What about Collin?”

  “What about him?”

  “He sold his soul to you. Isn’t that what you’re asking me to do? You want me to give you my soul for Daddy’s life?”

  “You make it sound so dramatic. ‘Sell your soul.’ What does that even mean, Ellie? It simply means you would be committing yourself to me.”

  It had to be more than that.

  “You’re partially mine anyway, you know,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper.

  My eyes widened.

  “Your soul is bound to Collin’s.” He shifted closer to me. “You’ve wondered what it means . . .” He paused. “It means you’re bound to Collin in all things.”

  My heart sank. “So I have to spend eternity in Popogusso too.”

  “It’s not so bad.”

  I shot him a glare. “Then why were you in such a hurry to get out?”

  Okeus laughed. “Why are you resisting, Ellie?”

  Why was I resisting? Okeus had protected me while Ahone had abandoned me. If I was going to Popogusso anyway, why not get his protection? “What do you get out of it?”

  “Why can’t I simply offer you my protection?”

  “Collin said you offered him something and then you reneged. Who’s to say you won’t do the same with me? But more importantly, Collin agreed to open the gate to Popogusso and free you. You gave him quite the responsibility, and I suspect his reward was much less significant than what you’re offering me. What could I possibly have that you want enough to bring someone back from the dead?”

  His eyes glittered with excitement. “You’re a smart girl. It only makes you more perfect.” He reached a hand toward me. “Come sit with me, Ellie.” He walked backward, his hand extended, beckoning me to follow.

  I ignored his hand but moved toward him.

  There was a light behind him, and I could see a canopy daybed with gauzy curtains blowing in the wind. Candle-filled lanterns hanging from poles as well as candles on the ground surrounded the bed, their flames flickering brightly.

  “What is that?” My heartbeat sped up and fear crawled up my spine.

  He ignored my question and sat down in the middle of the bed. “Do you realize how extraordinarily unique you are, Ellie?” He shrugged. “I’m not surprised if you don’t. I didn’t realize it until after I was released from Popogusso.” He crossed his legs and gave me a half shrug. “But you are correct. I was planning to destroy you until I considered your potential and realized you were too important to waste. Too perfect. Not only are you a pure soul, but you also have the power of a Curse Keeper.”

  My stomach rolled into a tight ball as I stopped several feet from the bed. What could he possibly hope to gain from that? “I’m not sure how that helps you.”

  He leaned back on his elbows. “Mishiginebig and the others—do you know how they came into existence?”

  I had seen it in my vision in the ocean with Collin when I’d reexperienced creation. “You created them.”

  “Yes. Some. There are spirits who were created by Ahone that are still loyal to him, but they are weak.”

  That was news to me. I hadn’t realized there were benevolent spirits.

  “But there are others, Ellie. Half man, half immortal.”

  “Like Ukinim and Ilena?”

  “No, they were humans who were turned into animals.” He leaned forward. “There are others who resemble humans—some more, some less. But none are perfect. Yet.”

  I shook my head, my nerves on edge. I was afraid to hear the rest.

  “I made my creations to rival Ahone’s precious human race, but when he split himself apart, he kept the essential piece that made men and women. I couldn’t make them on my own, so I sought help.”

  “Where? Who?”

  “How were you created, Ellie? How did you come into the world?”

  The blood squeezed from my head, fear of what he might be suggesting making me light-headed. “My parents.”

  “Exactly. You had parents.” He stood and moved next to me. I backed up until my shoulder bumped into a lantern post. “My later creations also had parents—a human mother and myself. But their mothers weren’t strong enough and their humanity was overpowered by my own traits. I need someone stronger.”

  I shook my head, hysteria bubbling in my throat. “No.”

  “You are perfect. Your soul is pure and you have the power of the sea. Together we can make children to rival Ahone’s.”

  “No!”

  “I can offer you anything you desire if you cooperate, Ellie. Anything.” His smile was warm and adoring.

  “Why? Why would you do this? You have enough monstrosities running loose. Why would you want more?”

  “Because you’re exactly right. They are monstrosities. I tried over and over again to perfect them. Is it so wrong to want a perfect child? You can help me.”

  “No.” I shook my head repeatedly. “I won’t do it.”

  He stared into my eyes lovingly, his smile so genuine and understanding. So deceiving. “Ellie, you don’t have a choice.”
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  “The hell I don’t.” I shoved his shoulder hard and burst free, intending to run to the beach.

  Daddy stood at the edge of the trees.

  I froze, my feet digging into the sand. I almost fell forward. “Daddy?”

  “Ellie.” He held his hands out to me. “You can bring me back.”

  I wanted Daddy, but at what cost? I looked over my shoulder at the god behind me.

  “Ellie, I was wrong about Okeus. He’s really on our side.”

  I never remembered Daddy talking about Okeus other than being concerned about me having the god’s symbol on my back. “What are you talking about?”

  “Ellie, you need to listen to Okeus. He can bring me back.”

  Collin told me that no human could go to Popogusso and come back alive. So how was my father here? “Daddy, he wants me to do something terrible.”

  He stepped toward me and placed his right hand on my arm. His fingers were cool and clammy, not the warm hands I remembered. His face was my father’s . . . but not my father’s. It looked wrong, almost plastic. And Daddy always smelled like cinnamon with a soft hint of leather, even after he’d taken ill. Now he smelled like nothing. But that was to be expected, right? Okeus had brought Daddy back from the dead, so it made sense that he wouldn’t be quite himself.

  But I knew in my heart that this wasn’t him, and having his likeness in front of me made the pain of losing him fresh all over again.

  “It’s okay, Ellie. Okeus is going to help us. We should help him too.”

  I shook my head and took a step back, tears burning my eyes. “No. You’re not Daddy.”

  His face twisted in dismay. “Ellie, how can you say that?” He held his hands out from his sides. “It’s me.”

  “No. My daddy would never let anything terrible happen to me.”

  Okeus approached from behind. “Can you be so sure about that? How well did you really know your father? You didn’t even know that your father was world renowned in his field. Or the role he really played in your mother’s death. Your father was supposed to be home the night she was killed, but he was somewhere else.”

  Fear tickled the back of my head, stealing my breath. “He went to a board meeting.”

  Okeus’s eyebrows lifted in mock surprise. “Did he? You think you are beginning to know what happened the night your mother was killed, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.”

  “You’re a liar.” I pointed to the man who looked like Daddy. “That is not my father.”

  Okeus’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want most, Ellie? What is your heart’s desire? Is it your father? Maybe not . . . maybe it’s the truth about your mother’s death.” He gave me a smug smile. “I know the truth and can share it with you.”

  “Liar,” I spit.

  “Or is it Collin? I know you think he betrayed you, but he only did what he thought was best for all concerned. I assured him you would eventually understand.”

  “I understand all right. I understand that you lie and manipulate and bend the truth to get what you want.”

  “Ellie.” I heard impatience in his voice.

  “I have proof that you’re a liar. You promised Collin payment and you didn’t follow through.”

  Okeus’s eyes narrowed, his temper creeping in. “He disobeyed me.”

  “For protecting me? Isn’t that what you said? But now you want to protect me too, so maybe you should pay him now.”

  Okeus’s eyes flashed red before returning to their normal dark brown. “I do not tolerate disobedience.”

  “Then this thing between us”—I waved my hand from him to me—“It’s not going to work out, because I have a real problem with obedience. Just ask Collin.” I looked up at the thing pretending to be my daddy. “And too bad that’s not my daddy—he would have told you the same thing.”

  I stomped toward the water, but Okeus grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “We aren’t done here.”

  “Well I am.” I jerked my arm out of his grasp, and blood soaked through my white shirt as my arm began to throb where the badger had clawed me. I stopped to stare at it in confusion, but Okeus took advantage of my distraction.

  Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled my back to his chest and picked me up as if I weighed nothing. He stomped toward the canopied daybed.

  I kicked his shins and clawed his arms, screaming, but he never so much as flinched.

  He’s a fucking god, Ellie. Could I physically hurt a god?

  I swallowed a sob of panic.

  “Ellie, you’re a disappointment. I thought you were smarter than this.” He threw me down on the bed and the skirt and shirt instantly disappeared, leaving me naked.

  I scrambled backward on the bed, but Okeus grabbed my ankles and dragged me toward him.

  This is just a dream.

  That’s right. It was just a dream. All I had to do was wake up.

  “You bear my mark on your arm, but you refuse to take my mark of protection on your own.” A claw extended from his finger as his other hand pressed down on my shoulder. “So now you shall bear another.” He lowered the nail to my exposed abdomen, the tip sinking into the skin above my belly button, slicing his zigzag pattern there.

  I screamed until I was hoarse, thrashing to get away, but it only made the pain worse.

  I had to wake up. Why couldn’t I wake up?

  Okeus looked down at his completed mark with a smile. “I claim you as my own, Elinor Lancaster.”

  “Fuck you,” I shouted through my tears. I had to wake up. Ahone’s messenger had told me to use my resources, but what other resources did I have other than the mark on my palm?

  David.

  “David!” I screamed, hoping this would work. It was the only plan I had. “David!”

  Okeus began to unbuckle his jeans.

  “Ellie!” I could hear David’s voice in my head.

  “David. Help me!” I sobbed. I felt my physical body being shaken, and I scooted backward.

  Anger spread across Okeus’s face. “No!” He grabbed my legs and pulled me toward him.

  I closed my eyes to concentrate. “David!”

  A hard jerk shook me, and I opened my eyes to David’s terrified face.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  I was back in my dark room—the only illumination a glimmer of light from the open bathroom door. David sat on the bed next to me. His hands were on my shoulders, shaking me. I sat up, wincing as pain shot through my abdomen, and threw my arms around his neck, sobbing into his shoulder.

  He held me tight against his chest with one arm, his other hand cradling the back of my head. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

  I continued to cry, beginning to hyperventilate.

  He gently pulled away enough to look in my eyes. “Ellie, you’re safe. It was just a dream.”

  I shook my head, my shoulders shaking with my tears. I struggled to catch my breath. “It wasn’t just a dream.” I looked down at my arm.

  “You’re bleeding.” His voice rose in alarm as he dropped his hold on me and grabbed my arm. “These are claw marks.”

  “Ukinim.”

  His eyes widened. “When did you leave the house?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t.”

  “This happened in your dreams?”

  The sheet covering my body had fallen to my lap, and his gaze lowered to the blood trickling from the carving on my stomach.

  Oh, God. I was naked.

  I grabbed the sheet and pulled it up to cover my chest.

  “And your stomach? What did that?”

  “Okeus.” My voice hitched.

  His body tensed, and he looked out the window before turning back to me. “I’m going to get something to clean you up.” He got off the bed, and my chest exploded with panic at the thought of being alone.

  “Don’t leave me! Please.” I started crying again and grabbed his arm. “Please don’t leave me.” I knew I was irrational, but nothing about what had just happened was rational.

&n
bsp; He pulled me into his arms. “I won’t, Ellie. I promise I won’t leave you.”

  I clung to his neck, terrified. I knew I was safe at the moment, but my hysteria still refused to believe it.

  He tugged the top sheet off the bed and wrapped it around my back. “Let’s go into the bathroom.”

  I hiccuped a breath, gaining control of my tears. “Okay.” I slid off the bed with his help. My legs shook and began to buckle, but he slid an arm around my back, supporting my weight.

  David guided me through the bathroom door, moving sideways, and helped me sit on the closed toilet lid. The brightness of the room helped soothe my frazzled nerves, and I looked up into his worried face. Blood covered his T-shirt where I’d grabbed him. He lifted my arm, his brow wrinkling with concern. “How the bloody hell did this happen?”

  “I don’t know. Wapi was outside my window when I fell asleep.”

  “What about your dream catcher?”

  I took a deep breath. “I had it.”

  He dug a first-aid kit out from under the sink and opened up several alcohol pads. “Why didn’t it work?” He sounded angry, but his touch was gentle as he dabbed at the wounds. “And even if you had dreams, they shouldn’t have manifested themselves this way.”

  I flinched as the alcohol burned my gashes. “I don’t know what happened.” My voice broke.

  He dropped to his knees in front of me. “Ellie, I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m just frustrated. I thought I had figured out a way to protect you while you were asleep and it failed.” His mouth turned down. “I failed you.”

  “No. You saved me. If you hadn’t called my name, I don’t think I would have woken up and Okeus . . .” I started crying again, helplessness washing over me. I’d given myself the illusion of being in control, but I wasn’t in control of anything.

  David grabbed my shoulders. “You’re here now.”

  I nodded, forcing myself to calm down. I took a deep breath and held it for several seconds.

  “These wounds are deep. I think you should go to the hospital to get stitches.”

  “No. They’ll ask questions and Tom will find out that I saw Ukinim. He already thinks they’re stalking me. I can’t deal with the questions.”

  He took my hand and squeezed it. “Okay. We’ll get you some butterfly bandages in the morning.”