Cursed: Legend of the Grimoire, Book One

by Leah Ross

  “It is true,” she insisted, “I see how you gaze out to sea, Guinn McCabe. That is where your heart truly lies. I will always come after your first love.”

  “I would give it all up for you.”

  “I will never ask you to make that choice.” The relief she saw flicker across his face was proof enough that he wasn’t prepared to give up his life’s dream for love of a woman. She pulled her wrap tighter around her body to ward off the chill that swept through her.

  He saw her shiver. “Let’s go back in. You’re cold.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I want to stay here with you.” He pulled her into his arms, warming her with his body. She smiled.

  “I never got the chance to tell you how stunningly beautiful you are, Laria,” he said.

  She blushed. “And you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever had the pleasure of dancing with.”

  “Hannigan never stood a chance.”

  “So you think you’ve won me, do you?” she challenged.

  He pulled her against him and lifted her chin with his finger. “Haven’t I?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and raised herself on her toes. Their lips met in a hungry kiss, Guinn wrapping his large hands around her small waist and pressing the length of his body against hers. She melted in his arms and surrendered herself to him. She kissed him again and again and again until she had to pull away slightly to catch her breath.

  She laid her head on his chest. “I’m yours, Guinn,” she whispered.

  He stroked her cheek with his fingers. “I won’t ever let you go, my Laria.”

  ~*~

  “About bloody time,” William said, turning his back on the sickeningly sweet display of affection out on the balcony.

  Shana hooked her arm around his. “You’re a good man, William Hannigan, and a good friend.”

  “I know, damn it all! I try so hard to be a scoundrel, but I’m compelled to kindness at every opportunity.” He heaved a dramatic sigh. “How will my reputation survive in the face of such adversity?”

  “You’re not as villainous as you think, you know.”

  “Blast it, Shana!” He cast a quick glance around the empty hall, then whispered conspiratorially, “I don’t want that getting around!”

  She rolled her eyes. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  “Thanks for saving my ass, by the way. Guinn was ready to give my very personal organs a public exhibition.”

  “All for the cause, dear William,” she said with a laugh.

  “Aye.” He nodded. “It had to be done. Lordy, but did it have to take a near miracle to accomplish? A more stubborn pair, I’ve never seen!” He cast one more glance out to the balcony, stifling a sigh of longing for something he’d never have.

  William shook his head and grinned down at Shana, his hand settling scandalously on the curve of her ass. “Right, then! Now that the kids are settled, shall we away to bed?”

  Giggling, she squirmed away from him. “And thus, your reputation is saved. Cad.”

  ~*~

  With the semester finally complete, the students were preparing for their intersession break. Guinn’s group of friends lounged around the men’s common room, whiling away the remaining hours until they could leave campus. Shana and Laria passed the time with the boys, their packing already done.

  Laria sat on Guinn’s lap, his arms around her. The thought of five weeks without her depressed him, so he was grabbing every moment he could with her now. They talked quietly together, completely ignoring the rest of the room.

  “You’ll be home for the break, I assume?” he said.

  She nodded. “And you?”

  “At the Hannigans’, as usual.”

  “Can I write to you there?”

  He smiled. “Of course.”

  She laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh. Then she suddenly sat up with a grin. “Come home with me instead!”

  “Seriously?”

  She nodded. “We’ve got an extra room. You can meet my parents, and we can spend the whole break together. Please?”

  “I’d like that.”

  She clapped her hands in delight and kissed him.

  “Boo!” William called. “Get a room!”

  “Get a girl!” Guinn retorted.

  “Live it up now, McCabe. You’ve got nothing but me and my family loony bin to look forward to for the next five weeks!” William laughed.

  “Actually,” Guinn replied with a devilish grin. “I’ve just gotten a better offer, so you’re on your own this time, mate.”

  William slapped his hand over his heart. “You wound me to my very core! How will I ever survive?” He laughed loudly. Then his face fell. “Shit. I’m going to have to deal with my sister. She’ll be devastated to not be able to moon over your disgustingly pretty face.”

  “She’ll get over it.”

  “So where are you two lovebirds spending your break?” Shana interjected.

  “At my house,” Laria answered.

  Whistles and catcalls echoed around the room. Laria blushed. Guinn rolled his eyes.

  “Meeting the parentals? This is getting serious!” William said, getting up and shaking Guinn’s hand. “Congratulations, mate!” Gesturing to the group, he called, “All together, you blighters!”

  The group struck up a rousing, off-key rendition of the traditional Annali wedding song. Laria’s face flamed as she buried her head in Guinn’s shoulder and laughed.

  “Bloody hell.” Guinn pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head in disgust. Lifting Laria’s chin, he looked into her eyes. “Are you sure you want to date me when this is part of the package?”

  Wiping a tear from her cheek, she continued to giggle. “Without a doubt.”

  ~*~

  At the train depot that afternoon, Guinn experienced a moment of unease. “Your parents don’t know that you’re bringing me home with you. Will they be upset?”

  “We are adults, Guinn; I don’t need to get their permission first. My parents are pretty laid back, though. I’m sure they won’t mind.”

  They paid for their tickets and found seats at their platform to wait for the train. It was cold, and Laria pulled her coat tighter around her. Guinn pulled her into his arms, and she snuggled against his warmth.

  “Your parents live in Callinar. That’s not too far from here.”

  “That’s where I grew up. We should be there in time for dinner,” she said. Burying her nose in the scratchy collar of his wool overcoat, she breathed in his unique spicy scent, closing her eyes to cement the moment in her memory. She was so happy that he’d agreed to spend the break with her.

  Guinn pushed his rising apprehension deep into his gut. When he’d accepted Laria’s offer, he hadn’t thought past just spending the next several weeks with her. The parents were a huge factor in this equation, though. Like him, Laria was an only child. He didn’t know how her parents would react to him, and he definitely did not want to put a strain on their relationship with her. He took a deep breath. Just make the best of it, as always.

  The train rumbled to a stop at the platform in a hissing cloud of steam that fogged the windows of the depot. Rail workers jumped off and scurried to prepare for the return trip as passengers filed out of the cars. In a matter of minutes, the conductor was calling for the new passengers to board. Guinn and Laria grabbed their bags and joined the crowd.

  Smiling up at him, she asked, “Ready?”

  He threaded his fingers through hers. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Chapter Seven

  The small seaside village of Callinar was quaint and beautiful, and unlike any town Guinn had seen before. Situated at the top of a high cliff overlooking the ocean, it had one main road with a handful of shops and cafés. Homes were arranged in neat rows around the center of town, extending all the way to the edge of the cliff. The train terminal stood at one end of the main street, at the entrance of town, and the town hall rose majestically at the other end. Despite
the cold and blustery nield wind, there were people out everywhere enjoying the evening.

  Laria pulled her scarf tighter against the chill, wet wind and wrapped her arms around Guinn’s waist as they stepped out of the terminal. “Welcome to Callinar.”

  They walked the short distance to her house, enjoying the snow-shrouded, neatly decorated shops as they strolled down the main street. Several people waved and called greetings to Laria as they passed. Guinn breathed the damp, salty air deep into his lungs, feeling the exhilaration of the sea all around him, and pulled Laria close, her warmth comforting against him.

  Leading him down a narrow, overgrown lane, she pushed open the gate of the house at the end. The little cottage was nestled amidst an expansive garden that Guinn was certain was absolutely stunning in the warmth of ivaya. The house was neat and well-maintained, cozy and inviting.

  Laria smiled at the admiration she saw in Guinn’s eyes. Even though her home wasn’t large, she was very proud of it, and her heart swelled to see his appreciation. Pulling him along, she guided him around to the back of the house. “You’ll like this.”

  The garden extended around to a wide patio off the back of the house. From the patio, a gentle grassy slope led down to a wooden viewing deck sitting atop the cliff over the ocean. Guinn was drawn to the deck rail. He leaned on it, closing his eyes to savor the feel of the wind off the sea.

  “This is my favorite spot,” she whispered in his ear.

  He wrapped her in his arms. “Laria, it’s magnificent. Thank you for sharing it with me.” He couldn’t think of any place he’d rather be at that moment.

  They turned at the sound of soft rustling through the dry grass behind them. A tall, gaunt man hobbled toward them, leaning heavily on a gnarled cane. His dark hair was thin and threaded heavily with grey, and the blue eyes that must have once been so vibrant and very much like Laria’s were clouded by his suffering. Guinn’s heart immediately went out to him; the man’s frailty and visible weariness so resembled his mother’s before she died that he felt a long-buried pang of loss.

  The man’s strong, clear voice belied his weakened condition. “I would have met you at the door, but you were too fast for me, as usual.”

  Guinn stepped forward. “I’m afraid I’m to blame for that, sir. I just couldn’t wait to see this spectacular view.” He swept a hand toward the ocean. Then he grasped the older man’s hand in a firm shake. “You must be Laria’s father.”

  “Joran Brookes. Nice to meet you.”

  “A pleasure, sir. Guinn McCabe. I’m a… friend of Laria’s from school.”

  Laria grinned at Guinn’s discomfort, stepping forward to envelop her father in a hug. “It’s good to see you, Father. I’ve missed you. Guinn actually misspoke; we’re dating.”

  Joran chuckled. “One would have to be blind to not realize that. I’m happy for you both. It’s an honor to have you at our home, Mr. McCabe.”

  “Please call me Guinn, sir.”

  “As long as you call me Joran.” He took Laria’s offered elbow and stepped back toward the house. “Please come—” He gasped and stumbled, the magnitude of his pain etched across his thin face.

  “Father!” Laria grasped Joran’s arm tightly, holding him upright. Guinn wrapped his arm under the man’s shoulders and helped him to a chair on the deck.

  “Thank you,” Joran said, rubbing his leg. He turned to Laria with a sheepish smile. “How are your studies going?”

  She knew exactly what he was asking, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that she couldn’t join the medical program. “I’ve learned a few things.”

  Guinn snorted. “She’s far too modest, sir. She’s the top student in her year.”

  Laria lowered her gaze and blushed. “I think I can help a little bit.” She knelt and laid her palms against her father’s thigh. “Loroaad.”

  “Let me help.” Guinn knelt beside her and placed his hands over hers. He murmured the higher level version of her relief spell, “Nalo loroaad.”

  Joran closed his eyes as tingling warmth radiated from his diseased leg through the rest of his body, soothing the pain from his raw nerve endings. Laria’s eyes welled with tears as she watched the deep lines created by his pain smooth from his brow. Smiling at Guinn, she mouthed her thanks.

  “Joran!” a distressed female voice came from up the hill. “It’s much too cold out here! What are you doing?”

  He sighed, reveling in the first true moments of peace he’d had in years. “I’m fine, Enna. I don’t even feel the cold.”

  “What—?” The woman gasped and grinned as Laria stood. “Laria!”

  Laria met her mother in a hug. “Surprise.”

  “Yes it is!” They hugged each other again. Laria had obviously inherited her golden halo of hair from her mother, whose was a lighter shade of the same color.

  Guinn squeezed Joran’s shoulder gently, standing to introduce himself again. Joran looked up at the young man with true gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you, son.”

  Guinn inclined his head in acknowledgement. “My pleasure, sir.”

  Laria gestured for Guinn to join her. “Mother, this is Guinn McCabe. We met at school. Guinn, this is my mother Rienna.”

  Guinn extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  Rienna hesitated a moment, her brilliant smile falling slightly as she regarded him with strikingly blue eyes. Then she shook Guinn’s hand. “Nice to meet you too, Guinn.”

  Joran walked up, his gait stronger than before, though he still leaned on his cane. “Let’s go inside before it gets dark.”

  Guinn helped him back to the house, wondering at Rienna’s less than enthusiastic welcome. As they entered the house, he was struck by the immediate sense of home that he felt. Tastefully decorated and clean, but still comfortable, it was warm and brightly lit. Guinn could picture a young version of Laria playing through the rooms, and the thought brought a smile to his lips. His stomach growled as the scent of spiced fruit wafted from the kitchen.

  Rienna led Joran to a chair in the living room to rest, while Laria escorted Guinn upstairs so they could settle into their rooms and get ready for dinner. Dropping her things in her room, Laria followed Guinn into his and closed the door. Then she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  “Thank you so much. You have no idea how much your kindness meant to me and my father.”

  “It’s nothing.” He shook his head. Then he sighed. “Your mother doesn’t like me.”

  She waved off his concern. “My mother is always wary of new people. She’ll come around. Hungry?”

  “Famished!”

  She giggled. “Let’s go.”

  ~*~

  After dinner and the third helping of the most delicious fruit pie that Guinn had ever tasted, they all settled by a roaring fire in the living room. Wind rattled the shutters outside the windows, but not a breath of cold air infiltrated the house. Laria snuggled against him, wrapped in a soft blanket and nursing a hot mug of tea. He wrapped his arm around her.

  “Your home is beautiful,” Guinn began.

  “Thank you,” Joran answered. “It’s been in my family for generations.”

  “Where are you from, Guinn?” Rienna asked.

  “Eritaea.”

  “Agricultural region. Quite a bit north of here, isn’t it?” Joran pondered. Guinn nodded.

  “Did you like it there?” Laria wondered.

  He shrugged. “For the most part, I guess. I would have loved growing up here, though. I’ve wanted to be a sailor since I was a child. I love the sea.”

  Joran smiled. “You grew up so far from the ocean wanting to be a sailor? However did that happen?”

  Guinn laughed. “It’s all my mother’s fault. She put ideas in my head.”

  “Does your family still live in Eritaea?” Rienna asked.

  Guinn lowered his gaze. “No.”

  “Where are they now?”

  He lifted his chin, determined not to let his emot
ions drag him down. “I buried my parents next to each other in the nicest corner of the piece of land I still own in Eritaea. They had no other children.”

  A small gasp escaped Laria’s mouth and she gazed up at him with tears shining in her eyes. “Oh, Guinn. I’m so sorry. We didn’t know.”

  He shook his head with a small smile. “It’s all right. I didn’t expect you to.”

  Joran was the one who broke the ensuing moments of pensive silence. “It certainly seems you’ve done quite well for yourself on your own.”

  “Yes, sir.” Guinn beamed. “Only one more semester until I graduate from Holystorm. Then I get to live my dream.”

  Laria stifled a yawn. “I’m sorry! It’s been a long day.”

  “You two should get some rest. We have plenty of time to chat during your stay.” Joran stood awkwardly to hug his daughter goodnight.

  “Thank you, Father. We’ll see you in the morning.” She took Guinn’s hand and they went upstairs.

  Joran sat back down and glanced at his wife. Lines of worry creased her brow. He reached over and squeezed her hand. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “I didn’t intend to offend him.”

  “I’m sure he took no offense. How were you to know?”

  She was quiet for several minutes, her thoughts turning to her other source of worry. “He’s a pirate, Joran.”

  “Not just yet, Enna.”

  “He’ll take her away from us.”

  He kissed her fingers. “She has to leave home sometime. Give them a chance. Guinn seems like a fine young man, and we have to trust Laria to make the right choice.”

  She sighed heavily. “I don’t want to be alone.”

  He smiled at her. “You’re not.”

  ~*~

  Guinn tiptoed down the stairs in an attempt to avoid waking anyone up. It was before dawn, and he just couldn’t convince his body to sleep any longer. Inspired by the town, the view from Laria’s house, and his sheer proximity to the ocean, his mind hummed with plans desperate to be recorded. With his pencils and journal in hand, he headed for the solarium at the back of the house so he could look out over the endless horizon and greet the dawn.