Page 4

I have to relive killing her over and over again.

To me, it's my punishment. It’s the universe ensuring I never forget my sins. Yet, I’m fucking tired. I wish for peace. Something that will ease the memories and give me a purpose. Haven’t I suffered enough? Will I ever forget?

Warlocks believe magic is a gift.

But it’s been my curse.

Chapter Two

Savy

“Iknow a great plastic surgeon.”

“Excuse me?” I glance at the customer I’m checking out.

“Your scars.” She points at my skin as if I don’t know I have scars on my arms. “I can give you the name of a doctor who can take them off.”

I'm still shocked at humans, even though I've worked in customer service for years.

“I’m good.” I shove her books into a bag and take her credit card.

“Isn’t it difficult to look at them?” she continues.

“Not for me. Is it for you?” I ask with a strained smile.

“I was trying to help,” she mumbles, and I swipe her payment.

“I like them. They remind me of what I survived,” I state firmly. I give her the bag and her card, smiling my customer service smile. “Have a great day.”

She glares, takes her books, and storms out.

“I don’t know how you and Mara do it,” Lace says, stepping out of her area in the back.

“What?” I turn to face her, leaning on the counter.

“The snide comments,” she says, tilting her head.

“Practice,” I snort and take off my bracelets.

Lace is Mara’s sister. They opened a bookstore and tattoo shop called Ink The Page. Lace is a tattoo artist and has become a good friend. She’s wearing a black, short, poofy dress. It matches her long black hair, and this week, purple streaks frame her face. She likes hiding in her shop, and most of her customers are regulars.

“Do you think about spelling them?” she asks, smiling.

“More times than I should admit,” I laugh, placing my jewelry on the shelf below.

“I have your ink ready.”

“Be right there.” I move around the counter. “Mara,” I call, and she steps out of the shelves.

“Coming.” Mara smiles, moving toward me. “Getting your tattoo?”

“Yeah. Yell back if you get swamped.”

“Rome should be back soon. Take your time.”

“Thanks.”

Entering Lace’s room, I shut the door and sit in one of the two chairs she has. I settle in and watch her move around the room. She's the only person I'll let work on my skin. Witches and warlocks have many tattoos. Many of mine are given to me through my magic, yet my special power needs Lace’s skill.