“What’s that?” Mercedes asked.
“A portal or a rip to the other side,” Flo explained. “Erickson showed it to us.”
Mercedes’ eyes widened in shock. “What?”
“My father was a wraith,” Flo said excitedly. “He told everyone he was a pure-blood wizard, but he wasn’t. He was ashamed of his bloodline.”
Mercedes rubbed her temples. “So, a wraith, or a part wraith, in an iron room throws a curse with a bunch of fanatical pure-blood witches from my family, and there’s a blocked portal to the etheric plane in this house?”
“Essentially,” Sven stated.
“I don’t have an answer to that.” Mercedes took a seat on the bench that was in the reception area. “This has been a lot the past couple of weeks. Me breaking the curse of a ghoul, weddings, séances, and ghosts.”
The phone began to ring and Sven excused himself quietly to answer it. Mercedes still sat there and Flo sat down next to her.
“I know this overwhelming. I appreciate your help. Mona said I’m no longer in danger, so if I have to remain this way…I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?” Mercedes asked, not convinced.
Flo smiled as she looked over at Sven on the phone. “I’m sure. I can exist with him, this way for all eternity if I have to. It’ll be okay. He told me today he loves me when we kissed.”
Mercedes smiled softly. “I hope you can remember more and I’m glad you’re happier.”
“Even though I don’t remember the past, it’s him that I want and I’ve known that for some time.”
“I understood that the first time I met you. You were clearly possessive of him. You were kind of spooky.”
“Yes. Again, sorry about that.”
Mercedes took her hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Just trust yourself. Don’t be afraid, Flo. Sven is the sweetest and most loyal.”
“Thanks.”
Mercedes got up and headed toward the kitchen. Flo sat there, thinking about what Mercedes had said, and in truth, what Lottie had said about living life, or in her case, afterlife. She may never know about the curse, but none of that mattered.
Sven wanted to be with her. She wanted to be with Sven.
Sven finished his work and came over to her, sitting next to her on the little bench where Mercedes had been sitting on a moment ago.
“You look at peace,” Sven said. “I thought you might be a bit disappointed that Mercedes and Mona couldn’t get through to Tallowfield.”
“I was disappointed, but does it matter?”
“I think it does.” He frowned. “I’m worried if your curse breaks, one day, then you might…”
“I know,” she said quietly. “I have thought of that too because of what happened when I took off my gloves, but I can’t live like this anymore.”
“Like what?”
“Afraid.”
“You shouldn’t. I’m here with you. As I said, I always will be.”
Flo nodded. Her blood was rushing through her, or whatever it was that coursed through her veins as she decided to take what she wanted. “I’d like to go to bed.”
“Now?” Sven asked.
“Yes. Will you come with me?” She hoped her voice didn’t break, but she was completely nervous as she held out her hand,hoping he would take it, because she wanted him. She needed to feel loved by him, even for just this night.
