Page 18 of The Slayer Seduction

Our hands are still connected as Daisy listens to what the spirit has to say.

“Iris, ask her your questions.”

“Um…hello Hyacinth. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions,” I say politely. The last thing I want is to leave this house with a five-stage clinger ghost. “I’ve been having visions, dark visions, and I’m hoping that you could help me figure out what they mean.”

“She says that she’s dead, not a seer,” Daisy says in a monotone voice, almost as if Hyacinth is speaking through her.

“Of course, it’s just two witches have now brought up that there might be an ancient curse or spell that might be the reason for these visions. Daisy said that you’re incredibly knowledgeable about the coven and I wanted to see if you know anything about it.” I play to the spirit’s ego, hoping it helps my cause.

There’s a long pause before Daisy speaks.

“There were talks about a deal that was made.”

“A deal?”

Daisy hums, nodding her head, like she’s trying to memorize every word given to her from Hyacinth.

“Fire. Death. Eternity. Deals had to be made and you are the price.”

I want to rub my temples. I’m so sick and tired of cryptic ass witches.

“What price do I need to pay?”

“We may never speak about it. But you must pay it or the cost only rises. What’s created can easily be taken away.”

“But how will I know what I need to do?”

Daisy is quiet for a long time, almost like Hyacinth is trying to figure out the best workaround to tell me what I need to know while still being tied to her own promise.

“Eyes that are vast, dark, and all seeing. Eyes older than the trees. When you see the eyes of the everlasting, you will know.”

Before I can ask another question, Daisy gasps, separating our hands and looking around at the table at each of us.

“Did you get what you need?” she says casually, like being the voice box for a spirit is no big deal.

“I don’t know?” I say, looking at my grandmother.

“Thank you for your assistance, Daisy,” she says, tipping her head toward the door. I take her elbow and lead her out of the home.

“Mamaw. What do we do?” I ask, feeling like a child all over again, needing her to protect me.

She runs her fingers over her head, something she does often when she’s thinking through something.

“We put protections in place. We ward the shop away from bad intentions. Anyone who comes there to do you harm or anyone you care about won’t be able to enter.”

“So, I’m just not supposed to leave?”

“We’ll work on some other protective magic to have on your person as well. Now, stop your worrying and let’s get to work.”

The rest of the night is spent warding the apothecary, our magic easily works together with our blood relation, making it impossible for anyone to come in if they have bad intentions toward me or anyone I care about.

I’m getting Mamaw a glass of water, and bringing it downstairs. The steps up to my apartment are too much for her. When I slide it over to her, there’s one question that lingers in my mind. Something that Hyacinth said that stuck with me.

“What do you think she meant if the price is not paid that the cost rises?” I ask.

“You know magic is give and take. Sure, daily magic doesn’t have a cost, but the big spells? There’s always something you have to give in order to make them happen. If the agreement of the magic is broken there’s likely a loophole that something worse will happen.”

I toy with one of the pieces of jewelry on my hair and I swallow thickly.