It had been a perfect simple moment. Just them together while the world ceased to exist.
He wished he could stay in that time forever.
But the urgency of his mission called to him.
At eleven thirty they’d headed for the cemetery, ready to meet the witch.
He slowed his speed as he approached the road that led into the cemetery. He pulled up to the locked gates and parked. He waited for her to get off first before he followed.
The little town had gone to sleep hours before as the traffic dwindled off and the house lights went dark. The security light at the entrance of the cemetery cast a yellow glow on the ground and shrubbery and the drone of frogs echoed in the darkness.
Lucien grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the fence, away from the lights. Hidden by the shadows, he waited for her to climb on his shoulders so he could climb the fence.
“I got this, Lucien.” She laughed as she grabbed the fence.
Before he could speak, she was scaling the wrought-iron fence. She slung her leg over the side, barely avoiding getting caught on the iron spike. She shifted her weight and jumped to the ground.
Landing on her feet, she gave him a wide smile.
“You could have been hurt.” With his heart in his throat, he scaled the fence and landed on the other side.
“But I wasn’t. I know what I’m doing. I’ve been climbing poles for years now.” She snorted.
“Not funny.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on. Stay close. I’m not sure what Ella has in mind.”
He led her deeper into the cemetery and stayed off the path and away from the security lights. Habit of being a Guardian. Always staying out of sight while doing the job.
He threaded his fingers between hers and kept scanning the area for any movement.
The closer they got to the witch’s grave, the quieter it became.
“Well, well, well. You came back. Hope you’re not empty-handed.”
He turned and nudged Catty behind him.
Dressed in a black flowing dress, Ella looked more like a witch tonight than the last time he’d seen her.
He pulled a white bag out of his jacket pocket. “Everything is here. Just like you asked.”
Her eyes widened for a brief second before she recovered. She took the bag out of his hand.
“You seem surprised.” He arched a brow.
“I didn’t think anyone would help you. They risk a lot in doing so.” She held his gaze in an unapologetic way.
“The shop owner wasn’t all that ecstatic.”
“No doubt.” Ella turned. “Come with me. I need to do this over my grave.” She glanced up at the sky. “Perfect. No clouds. The light of the full moon will give energy to the spell.”
They followed behind her. He noticed she picked up the hem of her dress and stepped over each grave instead of walking on it. She stumbled once and touched a headstone to steady herself. She hissed and snatched her hand away.
“Why did you do that?” Catty asked.
“Do what?” She continued to walk.
“Did it hurt when you touched that headstone?” Lucien asked.
“I’m not supposed to touch them. When they sealed me in here, they decided I can’t touch the stones or they shock me.”
“That’s weird.” Catty looked at him.
“Just one more punishment they tacked on. Not only can I not leave, I can’t touch the stones. They did it so I wouldn’t ruin them with my ‘wickedness.’” She made air quotes and snorted. “Not like I can ruin someone that’s already dead.”
“Can you not step on the graves either?” Catty asked.
“I don’t step on the graves because it’s good manners.” She turned and glared at Catty. “How would you like it if people jumped up and down on your grave after you’ve died?”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” Something in Catty’s tone softened, and Lucien knew she felt bad for the witch.
“Where do you go when you disappear?” Catty ventured.
“I’m still here. You just can’t see me.”
“So you’re invisible.”
“Not exactly.” She turned and looked at Catty. “I go into the world between the living and the dead. It’s like being trapped in a mirror. You can see what everyone is doing but you can’t interact.”
“How long will the spell take?” He steered the conversation back on track.
“Shouldn’t take long since you brought me the right ingredients.” She cocked her head and stared at him. “Are you sure you want to know? Once you start down this path, it will put you and all you love in danger.” Her gaze flitted to Catty.
“He wants to know. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Catty propped her hands on her hips.