Forever Charmed

by Rose Pressey

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Now that Isabeau had left the manor, Annabelle agreed to come back. The next morning, I insisted that Liam and Nicolas come down to breakfast. Annabelle was coming over and I thought it would be great to sit down to a lovely breakfast that I whipped up with my new magic skills. Yeah, I just wanted to show off a little. Having Nicolas and Liam at the table to look at wasn’t so bad either. Sure, the tension was high, but they were nice to look at nonetheless.

  I intended on whipping up the magical breakfast and having it all set up on the dining table before my first guest could say ‘pass the maple syrup.’ The house felt different as I made my way downstairs. I suspected it had something to do with the fact that Isabeau was gone. Certainly a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

  I knew the relief would be short-lived though. I was waiting for the moment when Mara would show up. But maybe Liam and Nicolas were wrong. Maybe she would never come to the manor. Yeah, that was probably wishful thinking.

  Cooking without the mess and not burning the food would be something that I’d have to get used to. I smiled as I stepped into the kitchen and pulled the items for my breakfast feast out from the refrigerator and cabinets.

  Gathering the recipe spell book and setting it on the counter in front of me, I recited the words for the spell. The wind whipped and whirled as the ingredients performed their magic. But soon, the wind diminished to nothing more than a whisper. The food hadn’t finished its preparations.

  What was wrong? Why was this happening? My heart rate increased and I began to panic. What would I do now? Had I done something wrong? Sure, that had to be it. I was just tired from the day before. I’d try the spell again and everything would be fine. I recited the words again and everything exploded. Food was everywhere in the kitchen. This was worse than ever. My heart thumped wildly and sweat broke out on my forehead. Don’t panic.

  What had happened to my fantastic new powers? I should have known this was too good to be true. What would I do now? Isabeau would probably return and pulverize me for banishing her. Mara would show up and take the books. She’d be the new leader and it would all be my fault. Footsteps sounded from behind me and I whirled around.

  “Oh, dear, what happened in here?” Annabelle asked with wide eyes.

  I fought back the tears as I said, “My magic is gone. The mojo left.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. Let me help you clean it up.” Annabelle rushed to my side.

  What would I do without her?

  “What do you think happened?” Annabelle asked as she wiped pancake batter from the wall.

  I shook my head as I mopped fruit compôte from the floor. “I have no idea.”

  Annabelle helped clean up the rest of the mess and then we hurried together what resembled a breakfast. I’d just set it out on the dining table when Nicolas entered the room. Annabelle was in the kitchen, so it was just the two of us. This was the first time I’d been alone with Nicolas since we’d shared the kiss. His eyes held a dark hunger as he stared at me.

  Nicolas didn’t say a word as he closed the distance between us. Once in front of me, he looked down at my face. The butterflies danced in my stomach. My gaze was fixed on his lips as he placed his lips against mine. His kisses felt so right and so wrong at the same time. I didn’t know enough about him. How could I have these feelings for someone I didn’t completely trust? I was lost in Nicolas’ kiss when someone cleared their throat, forcing us out of our own little world.

  Liam glared at us from the other side of the room. My heart sank a little. Why did I have such conflicting emotions?

  “I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed you, but there’s something I need to discuss with Ms. LaVeau.” His tone was very businesslike. “It’s very important,” he added.

  “Can’t it wait?” Nicolas glared at Liam.

  I stepped away from Nicolas. “Is something wrong?” I managed to ask softly.

  “Have you noticed anything different this morning?” he asked.

  I exchanged glances with Liam to Nicolas. It was hard to wrap my mind around the fact that as soon as Isabeau had left my powers had dissipated, but it wasn’t a coincidence, right? Did Isabeau’s leaving have anything to do with it? How had he known my magic sucked now? I had hoped it was just a fluke, but this was serious; I knew by his expression. He was upset about the kiss, but there was more to his demeanor than that.

  “I think I lost my special powers,” I said quietly with my head lowered.

  Liam nodded. “Just as I suspected. I did some research—”

  Nicolas cut off Liam’s words. “Don’t put ideas into her head.”

  I glared at Nicolas.

  Liam cleared his throat and said, “I discovered that there was more to Isabeau’s visit than we suspected. Isabeau had been slowly drawing out your powers while she stayed here in the manor and now she’s taken them with her. Once the powers are drained, it takes a special spell to get them back.”

  “Wait. So there’s no way to get them back?” I asked.

  “There is a way but we just have to find the spell.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  “Is it in the book?” I asked as I exchanged a look with both men.

  “Only you can tell me that. I don’t have the book, remember?” He gave a forced smile.

  “Yeah, well, you wanted to destroy the book, remember?” I asked.

  “I’ve changed my mind,” he said firmly.

  I stared at him. “Why would you do that?”

  “I have my reasons. Please let me know if you need any help with the spell.” He turned around to leave.

  “Liam, wait.” I ran after him, but he didn’t stop.

  Nicolas had followed after me across the room. He grabbed my arm. “Hallie, please. Why don’t you give me the book?” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I don’t want you involved in this anymore.”

  My head was spinning. “Why do you both insist on playing these games with me? First you didn’t want to destroy the book and Liam did. Now you want to destroy it and he doesn’t. I don’t understand.”

  “Sometimes things change, Hallie.” There was an underlying sensitivity in his voice.

  I stared at him. “Sometimes they shouldn’t change, Nicolas. I need to check the book for whatever spell this is that Liam is talking about.”

  Annabelle entered the room and eased the plates of food onto the table. She shrugged and mouthed, “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t think anyone will be eating breakfast this morning.” I grabbed Annabelle’s hand. “Come on, Annabelle. Why don’t you help me look for something?”

  “Does it require going upstairs? Because I still can’t do that.” She waved her hand.

  Oh yeah. I’d forgotten about her fear.

  “Halloween, please.” Nicolas pleaded with his eyes.

  “Why don’t you two sit down and eat. Hallie, surely whatever you have to do can wait, right?” Annabelle pulled a chair out and pointed for me to sit.

  I hesitated. “I guess it can wait a few more minutes.”

  I’d already wasted the morning. What was a few more minutes?

  “I’d love to stay,” Nicolas said. “But I really need to check on something.”

  Was he being honest? Or was he just upset because I wouldn’t allow him to have the book to destroy it? Nicolas paused at the door. He stared at me for a second, then walked out of the room.

  “What was that all about?” Annabelle asked.

  I shook my head. “I’m so confused. Apparently, I’ve lost the improved magic because of something Isabeau did.”

  “Well, that’s not so surprising because she was bad.”

  “I need to check the spell book to find the spell to stop her. Now Nicolas has flopped and wants to get rid of the book and Liam doesn’t care either way, I guess.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “He caught me kissing Nicolas.”

  S
he sat up straighter. “Oh, is he a good kisser?”

  I nibbled on a piece of toast. “The best.” I stood. “I really need to check that book. If there’s a spell, then I need to do it right away.”

  Annabelle stared at me. “And if there’s not a spell?”

  “I don’t even want to think about that. I’ll be back in a few.”

  “I hate being down here alone.” She shivered.

  “You’re fine now. The ghost is gone now, remember?”

  She nodded. “I guess. I’ll just take these dishes into the kitchen.”

  “Thank you, Annabelle. You’re the best,” I said.

  She smiled. “Now go find that spell.” She shooed me away.