by Lea Nolan
And then, like a wave crashing down on me, I suddenly realize what’s been in front of me all along: Jack is dark, and I am light. Twins, but polar opposites. Standing there in our white and black waiter’s uniforms, we’re the human embodiment of a yin and yang symbol.
Maggie’s reference to the universal law of hoodoo reverberates through my mind, echoing what Miss Delia stressed about the importance of balance in hoodoo. Good defeats evil; day breaks night; love conquers hate. And most importantly, only a white magic spell can reverse a black magic charm.
Suddenly, it all makes sense.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
I turn to Maggie, my heart swelling with hope. “Within me, and without. That’s Jack and me, isn’t it?” I rasp.
“Huh?” Cooper asks.
“What are you talking about?” Jack asks, his brow furrowed. He’s probably afraid to hope I’ve figured it out for real.
Maggie beams. “You have done well, Emma Guthrie. Just as I knew you would.”
I look at the ancestors, who nod and smile as one. A surge of joy shoots through my body, thrusting off the iron yoke of dread that’s crushed me for weeks. I finally know what needs to be done. My chest eases, allowing me to draw air again. Elated and empowered from the sudden rush of knowledge, I throw open my bag, and whip out Bloody Bill’s dagger.
Cooper steps forward, his face tense with alarm. “What are you doing with that, Emmaline?” Great. Now he wants to talk to me, but only because I’ve got a weapon.
“You must act quickly. Your fire is dwindling,” Maggie urges. “Save your brother and free my soul.”
There’s no time to explain and quell Cooper’s fears. Knife in hand, my strength grows as I step toward Jack. “Give me your good hand.”
“Emmaline!” Cooper calls.
Jack takes a step back. “You’re freaking me out.”
“Give me your hand!” I repeat.
He retreats another foot. “Seriously, Emma, you look crazy. What are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? We’re the sun and the moon.”
“W-w-hat?” Jack asks.
Taking advantage of his confusion, I lunge forward to catch his hand, but he pulls it away. I huff. “We have to bind our blood to break the curse.”
His eyes dart toward Maggie. “That’s crazy talk.”
She rolls her eyes. “I can see I picked the right twin. You would not make a good root doctor, Jack Guthrie. You lack imagination.” She turns to me. “You must find a way to convince him, Emma, before it’s too late.”
Jack’s eyes narrow. “Why should I believe anything you say, Maggie? You lied to me and gave me those horrible headaches.”
Her gaze turns down. “Jack—”
I cut her off, because this is no time to rehash the past. “Fine, I’ll prove it to you.” I lift my left hand and bear down, slicing the knife across my open palm. It burns like hellfire as bright red blood trickles down my skin and drips on the ground. I swallow a sob. If I’m right, and we’re really this close to breaking the spell, he’s about to get all the proof he needs.
Cooper screams, “No! Don’t hurt yourself!”
A low growl rises up from the forest. Even though the hair on the back of my neck rises, I exhale with relief at the terrifying, though welcome, sound. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.
Cooper and Jack spin around, terror etched on their faces as the rumble grows, increasing in volume and intensity as it draws near. The vibrations rattle my chest. A moment later, a giant horde of plateyes emerges from the surrounding forest in all directions, their evil yellow eyes glowing and their jagged fangs bared. They stalk toward the ancestors.
Uh-oh. We don’t have any whiskey.
Maggie smiles. “Do not fear. Delia was correct. The ancestors will protect you.”
The plateyes stop, then launch into a brutal volley of barks and claw at the sodden dirt. As if on command, they break out into a full-on run, each one sprinting toward an ancestor, intent on breaking the protective barrier. Their thick legs move so quickly, they almost fly over the ground. I wince, anticipating their vicious attack, and pray there’s some way to prevent it.
Steps away from the ancestors, they dive headfirst but slam into an invisible blockade. The demon-dogs bounce off the spectral women then crash into the dirt, skidding across the mud. Snarling and filthy, they narrow their cruel fluorescent eyes, dip their enormous heads, and barrel toward the ancestors again. The wall holds strong. A few of the beasts are knocked unconscious by the collision’s force. The rest of the hellhounds yowl and snap their massive jaws in frustration as they pace the perimeter.
Emboldened, I square my shoulders. “See, Jack, I’m right. The plateyes wouldn’t show up unless we’re close. Now give me your hand.”
He nods, his frightened eyes bulging, and extends his good palm. I yank him to the mortar and hold his hand above the shrinking flame. Then I remember Missy’s ruby pendant and pause. Although I’m not sure how, I’m certain I should incorporate it into the ritual to save Cooper, too.
“Cooper, give me the necklace.” I thrust my bloody palm at him. He digs into his front pocket and slaps it in my hand, the sharp gold leaves digging into my wound. Wincing, I drape the chain over my fingers and clutch the ruby pendant. I turn back to Jack. Staring into his petrified eyes, I try to reassure him. “This won’t hurt, I promise.” It’s a total lie, but it’s better than dying from The Creep.
He squeezes his eyelids shut. My heart thumps as I drag the blade across his skin and draw blood. He whimpers and presses his lips together to hold back a yowl.
“Grab hold,” I urge, entwining our fingers and palms. Clutching tight, I lift our hands above the mortar. Aided by the extra pressure, my blood pumps, oozing over the ruby and its gold setting, and mixes with his. The slick red fusion seeps down our fists, over our thumbs and dribbles onto the flame.
A flash bursts in the granite mortar, and a fireball leaps into the air, shooting cherry-red flares into the sky. Blazing, they speed toward the ancestors’ shield.
Jack shrieks and falls to the ground, convulsing.
Shocked, I scream and drop Bloody Bill’s dagger, just missing Jack.
Cooper starts toward him, but Maggie holds up her hand. “Do not interfere.”
Cooper shakes his head. “I’ve seen this before. It wasn’t good then, and I’m sure it can’t be good now.”
She presses her hand against the center of his chest. “Have faith. All will be well.”
Jack thrashes, kicking his legs wildly, and screams like a torture victim. He crunches into a fetal position, then flips so his head grinds into the muddy ground.
The fire plumes blast through the top of the dome, then arc back toward earth like heat-seeking rockets aimed straight at the plateyes, which incinerate on contact, leaving only piles of demon-shaped ash in their place.
Jack wails, clutching his bony arm close to his chest. The skin on his upper arm repairs as the blisters shrivel and shrink, and the redness and swelling calm. Within seconds, it’s normal. Then the regeneration inches down from his bicep, creating flesh where there is none. The bright red muscles, ligaments, and tendons unfurl first, followed by a layer of fat, and finally skin. On and on the process repeats itself, making its way down his upper arm, over his elbow, then onto his forearm. It crawls down into his wrist, then his palm, and at last, over his fingers. When his arm is whole, Jack howls once more, then falls over onto his side, exhausted, and weeps.
Thank goodness. It’s over. Finally. He’s safe.
My shoulders crumple with relief, and joy surges through my body.
Maggie runs to him, crouching in the mud. “You are saved, Jack Guthrie!” His tears carve tiny rivers in his muck-caked skin. She strokes his forehead, pushing his dirt-matted hair off his face. “I hope you can forgive me. I am sorry. But without you and your sister, I would not be free.”
He reaches his now nearly perfect but shaking hand up to her smooth brown cheek. The tip
of his middle finger is missing and shorter than the others. “It’s okay, Maggie.” His voice is raspy and thick. “It sucked, but it’s over now, and I forgive you.” He takes a couple ragged breaths, then adds, “I’m glad you can move on. You deserve some peace.”
She leans down and kisses his grimy lips.
When they part, Cooper reaches down for Jack’s now-healthy hand and hoists him to his feet. “You’re back, Jack!” Eyeing the stump, he adds, “Well, mostly.” Laughing, he offers his palm for a high-five.
Overjoyed, Jack smacks it back. Hard. It’s the most he’s been able to do with that hand in a while, and he’s clearly relishing the opportunity. He gazes at his restored flesh and flexes his fingers, then pumps his fist. “Amazing,” he whispers. His eyes flicker to me. “And it’s all because of you, Emma. If it wasn’t for you, I’m not sure how much longer I’d have. You saved me.” A grateful tear rolls down his cheek.
Overwhelmed by his sincerity, my throat tightens, and I bat back a couple tears of my own. But as good as all this feels, I know I didn’t do it alone. “Thanks, but Miss Delia deserves the credit. She taught me everything. And of course, there was my spirit guide.”
Cooper grabs my arm. “Are you kidding? You did it!”
Full of pride, his classic Cooper grin gives me the shivers. I thought I’d never feel that again. Stunned by his renewed attention, I try to respond, but the words are locked in my throat.
Cooper ducks his head to peer into my eyes. “Did you hear me, Emmaline? You might have gotten some help, but when it came down to it, you saved Jack!” He yanks me into his embrace and squeezes, then twirls me around in a circle.
Giddy from his exuberance and the nearly impossible accomplishment, I squeal with delight. He’s right, I did do it. The Creep is gone, my brother’s going to live, and I won’t lose my other half.
Jack embraces Maggie, clutching her tightly with his rebuilt arm. His capacity for forgiveness is astounding. The world would have been a darker place if he left it.
Cooper releases me and runs his thumb across my jawline. “I’m so proud of you.” The earnestness and intensity of his gaze reminds me of how things were between us before I betrayed him and he hated me for lying about his soul. Which I’m not entirely sure has been saved.
I grab his thick forearm. The sticky, bloody ruby pendant is still in my palm and clings to his skin. “But I don’t think I saved you. The necklace hasn’t buzzed in my hands or anything.”
“Wait—how can Cooper still be in danger?” Jack asks, happiness slipping from his face. “I thought Emma just broke the curse.”
Maggie strokes his cheek. “’Tis true she broke The Creep, my grandmother’s punishment for how Edmund and the pirates ended my life. But her second curse remains, the one imposed for the Beaumonts’ greed.” Clicking her tongue, she shakes her head. “If only Edmund had not given his wife the pirate’s ruby.”
My hand burns, but considering the cut has been contaminated by dirt, Jack’s blood, and goodness knows what else Missy may have put on this necklace, it’s likely the start of a colossal infection.
Before Cooper can respond, Maggie releases Jack and holds up her hand. “Please, friends, my time is near.” She steps to me and clutches my shoulder with her frosty fingers. “Thank you, Emma Guthrie, for all that you did. Please tell your root doctor that my gratitude has no bounds.” She glances into the mortar at the smoldering embers and hitches her brow. “Your flame is nearly extinguished and before long will grow quite cold.” She stares at me for an uncomfortable moment. My earlobes prick. She turns toward Cooper, her eyes filled with sorrow. “You are a fine young man, Cooper Beaumont, nothing like your forefathers. I regret you are destined to suffer their bitter fate. You do not deserve such a frigid and lonely existence.” She steals a furtive glace at my hand. “A blood stone, indeed.”
My outer ears burn and swell, then pulse with energy. With a grunt, I rub at the pain.
“What’s wrong?” Cooper asks.
“My ears hurt.”
Maggie backs away, a smile on her lips. “Follow your instincts, Emma. The answer lies within your grasp.” She turns and walks toward the ancestors.
Okay, it’s clear my spirit guide wants me to pay attention to something, and Maggie’s talking in her jumbled code again, so I better pay attention. My brain zooms, reviewing her words, most of which had something to do with the fire. My left hand vibrates, and a chill emanates from my palm and leaks into my fingers. I look down at the ruby necklace, which is covered in Jack’s blood and mine. It’s literally a blood stone, and it’s also literally within my grasp. But what does it have to do with the dwindling fire in the mortar?
Beau’s words slam to the front of my brain. For as long as I can remember, he’s always described the necklace as “eighty carats of pure fire.” Sabina cast the Beaumont curse because Edmund stole it for his wife after he’d delivered Maggie to the pirates. Every Beaumont wife since Lady Rose has worn the ruby pendant, and every Beaumont child has been stricken with the curse since her son was born.
That’s it! The curse resides in the stone itself. The only way to reverse it is to destroy the ruby. With fire. I yelp with realization. I have to act now before the flames die.
“What’s going on?” Jack and Cooper cry in unison.
My palm turns icy and vibrates violently. I fling the necklace at the mortar before I suffer freezer burn.
With the necklace in midair, Maggie whirls around, halfway to the ancestors. “No, Emma!” She shrieks and bolts toward us.
The ruby finds its target, falling into the belly of the mortar and clanking against the granite. A volcanic explosion ignites, generating intense heat as centuries of hate and revenge combust, then shooting sparks of unjinxing oil out of the mortar.
Cooper, Jack, and I run for cover behind a tabby stump. Maggie joins us as we watch the mortar shake. Something gold and shiny bubbles up over the rim and drips down the side. It must be the chain and leaf setting. Suddenly, loud pops and bangs erupt from the mortar like a hundred firecrackers going off at once. The mortar quakes, gaining momentum until it wobbles too far and tips over on its side. Three broken pieces of ruby bounce out, roll across the pedestal, and drop over the edge to the ground.
We stand up from behind the tabby and tiptoe to the mortar.
My stomach drops as dread slinks up the back of my neck. Something tells me I just made a colossal mistake. I’m too afraid to ask, but Jack’s twin sense kicks in.
“What just happened?” Jack asks.
Maggie’s face is ashen and drawn. “Emma misinterpreted my clues.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Cooper asks, his voice tight and strained.
“Fire was not the solution. Ice was.”
I break into a sweat, and my mouth fills with sour saliva as my palms turn clammy. Of course, the hoodoo rule of balance! I remembered it long enough to break The Creep, but I was so caught up in trying to save Cooper too, I charged ahead without thinking.
“C-can we still fix it?” I stammer, eyeing the three red stones lying in the dirt. “We’ve still got the pieces. Maybe we can work another charm.”
She shakes her head. “I do not think so. I am not a root worker, but I would guess it must be whole to reverse the curse.”
My body shudders, and my chest heaves as thick, fiery tears flow down my face. Cooper’s still doomed, and it’s all my fault. I’ve destroyed the only thing that could’ve saved him. Now he’ll be as corrupt as his father, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. I’ve ruined everything.
I peer into his still perfect and innocent face and wail, “I’m so sorry!” Then because I can’t bear to see him, I slap my quivering hands over my face and weep.
“Hey now, Emmaline,” Cooper coos and gently pries my hands away. “Shh, don’t cry.” He envelops me in his strong arms, drawing me close against his broad chest, and rubs my back.
Even though I don’t deserve this kindness, I sob against his s
houlder. He’s got every right to yell and scream, to push me down into the mud and stomp off in a rage. But that’s not Cooper. Yet. I’m sure that’s only a fraction of what he’ll be capable of after he loses his soul because of my unthinkable screwup. Tears flow in a torrent, soaking his already wet shoulder.
He pulls back and lifts my chin with his palm. “Hey, it’ll be all right. I’m sure of it.” He smiles, his eyes filled with compassion.
How can he say that? Doesn’t he understand what just happened?
My throat constricts, and a tear streams down my cheek. “No, it won’t. You’ll still lose your soul on your birthday.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”
I gulp. The trauma must be too much for him to bear. He’s lost his mind.
I clutch his arms. “Cooper, maybe you don’t get it, but breaking the stone was a huge mistake. I can’t use it to reverse the curse.”
He wipes away my tears. “Don’t sell yourself short, Emmaline. You saved Jack when I was sure it was hopeless. My birthday is a month away. That’s plenty of time to figure something out.”
Time. I hadn’t considered that. Maybe he’s right.
“Really?” My voice cracks with a sliver of renewed hope. “I know you hate me for lying to you, but will you still help break the curse, and—”
“Shhh.” He places a finger on my still-moving lips. “I don’t hate you, Emmaline.”
“No?” I sniffle, wishing it’s true. I accept that he’d never want to be with me again, but losing our friendship would kill me.
“I wasn’t happy with you, but I could never hate you.” He pauses for a moment, scanning my face. “Don’t you realize that I love you?”
I gasp. The world spins around me, then narrows down to the small space separating us. “You do?”