“I can cross you and bring you back, but you will forever be changed,” Grim states somberly.
“Or?” Aeson raises her chin as much as she can while being trapped against the floor.
“Or I just cross you, no coming back.” He releases the portal, and it snaps closed.
“But what about…” Aeson’s dark eyes lock on mine, asking me for help.
“I don’t think I can break the ward, Aeson. I didn’t break the one I was trapped in downstairs. I just slipped out of it.” I shrug my shoulder, failing to come up with a better explanation and feeling like a failure that I can’t save her.
Aeson looks away and swallows. “This motherfucker is really getting on my nerves,” she growls. Her head falls forward, and she stays quiet so long, I almost start pleading with her to let Grim bring her back, but I keep my mouth shut.
“What kind of ‘changed’ are we talking about? Some zombie shit?” Aeson finally lifts up her head.
“No,” Grim tells her, kneeling near her on the ground. He explains how he’ll have to tether her soul, how she couldn’t die until he collected her.
Aeson sucks in a breath. “No wonder your name is only whispered.” She stares at him with a look of fear and wonder.
“Aeson,” I call, then roll in my lips. I won’t ask her to stay, but I’m sure my face is saying everything.
“I suppose I’ll need to stick around. I can’t have this asshole ruining my reputation.”
I let out a squeal and hop closer to her. In my excitement, I almost trip over Grim and land right next to Aeson in the stupid ward. Grim reaches back and bars his arms across my waist, his fingers biting into my hip.
“I only have so much patience, Omnia. If I have to watch you in another snare, I will probably lay waste to every witch I see, and that would grow tiresome.”
“Sorry,” I singsong. “He’s so sweet,” I whisper to Aeson.
“Oh yeah, he’s a fluffy ball of sugar,” she deadpans.
Grim stands and ushers me with his body to take a few steps back. “Wait here.” He plants his hands on my shoulders and squeezes.
“I will—I won’t move.” I make an X over my heart. Grim leans down and kisses me softly.
As he turns back to Aeson, I feel his portal open and the rage and anger boils out. I’m not tempted by it anymore, not even a slight twinge of hunger. Most likely it’s because I consumed a soul just a short time ago.
The portal opens wider and my hair blows back from my face. Grim steps closer to the ward and reaches for Aeson’s tiny hand that isn’t planted on the ground. “It’s your choice,” he reminds her when she hesitates.
Aeson squeezes her eyes closed and reaches her hand out. As soon as the tip of her finger touches Grim, her body crumples to the floor, her foot no longer rooted to the spot. Thankfully, the arm that reached for Grim is just past the circle. I lift my foot to go pull her free, then remember my promise.
I glance around the empty room, waiting for the portal that disappeared seconds after Grim gathered Aeson’s soul to reappear, but nothing happens.
I lick my lips. “Grim?” I call him a few times, growing louder each time.
“What’s wrong, Damiana?” Gunnar shouts from downstairs.
“Grim and Aeson. They’re not back yet,” I holler.
I can’t take my eyes off Aeson. I feel a prick at my eyes. She’s so still, so silent. I can’t even see her face.
“Grim?” I call again, but this time it’s a choked sob.
“I’m going in there,” Gunnar warns.
“Fucking wait a minute, she’s okay,” Calix tells him. “Damiana, he’ll be back. You know he’ll be back.”
“But what if she changed her mind?” I wring my hands together.
I feel the portal open again, only this time, it feels like it’s pulling the air from the room. My feet start to slide, and I circle my arms trying to catch my balance. Some part of me knows I do not want to be pulled into that portal.
