Fire Spell (25 page)

The mixture of cool rain and warm blood steadily washed down my cheekbone. I pointlessly wiped the stream away from my eyes and massaged my throbbing temple.
Keep going, Ivy; keep going
.

As I hurdled each expanding step in front of me, the quick pace of the footsteps tracking me seemed to cut the distance between us. My chest hurt as I tried to catch each breath and push myself into a faster pace. He was close and I didn’t know if I could make it to the seam before he stopped me. A quick diversion might help, but that was how I got into this mess. I had to do something. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t make it back, and this was not the place I wanted to get stuck.

The blur of the sidewalks and brownstone steps rapidly peeled past as I turned to find a place to hide. I felt my body lunge forward and shudder with a thud. I hit the pavement, and my already scraped face smacked into the stones. In that moment, I realized I could be caught. How could I have been so careless to jeopardize it all?

I thought about Ian’s warnings. I thought about my promises to Finn. Why in the hell did I try this spell? Everything I always wanted I had on the other side of the seam, but I had risked it and now I might not make it back. The panic bubbled in my stomach as I ducked behind a brick wall.

It had been a long time since I had used my stun skills, but it was the only defense I had in my pocket. I crouched lower, waiting for him to pass by. I heard his hissing breath as the footsteps grew louder. Oh my God, this wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. I twisted the ring Finn had given me. I promised right then that, if I made it back, I would never do something this stupid again. I couldn’t leave Finn before our forever even started.

I held my breath, waiting to be discovered, praying I could keep the promises I had already made.

His boots pressed into the gravel and stopped inches from where I was coiled. He spun on his heels and marched in the other direction. I didn’t hesitate. I ran as fast as I could toward the back of the theater. My injured leg kept me from running at full speed. I tried to block out the pain and focus on the finish line. Each step burned my ankle and I had the sensation that part of my magical essence was draining. I tried to shake the alarm bells and rushed ahead.

I tore through the door and yanked on the handle to the storage closet. My hands shook as I pointed at the seam. I couldn’t steady them enough to call the spell.

I whispered, “Unfold.” My voice caught in the back of my throat.

Nothing happened. I closed my eyes. I needed to calm down. The spell would never work if I weren’t in control. My ankle was on fire from the pain. The blood dripped at my feet, and for a moment, I thought all the magic that was in my body was in a pool at my feet.

I took a deep breath and tried to think of a happy place, something that would settle the fear surging in my blood. I was too impatient. I threw my hand at the wall, “Unfold!”

Oh my God, it wasn’t working. The tears welled in my eyes. I had to calm down. I heard the screeching sound outside the theater door. He was only seconds from finding me. If I didn’t gain control of this spell, I would be stuck in 1949, or way worse, I’d be dead.

I closed my eyes and released my shoulders, letting my shoulder blades slide down my back. I inhaled slowly, feeling the breath expand my lungs. Then I thought about this morning. Scenes of piercing blue eyes, and waffles flashed. I felt warm lips and electric tingles. I remembered the rooftop and the ruins with drifting rose petals. A smile spread across my face. I opened my eyes and stared at the wall.

“Unfold,” I commanded.

The wall began to wave and shimmer. I rushed through the frigid curtain and twirled around in time to see the Ladro on the other side. His gnarled hand reached toward the seam.

I held my palm toward the seam. “Eclipse.” The panels ceased to swish.

I fell against the wall, knocking the overhead projector on the floor. I let my eyes close; everything felt heavy and achy. I didn’t have the energy to keep them open. The closet was dark and warm, and I gave in to the exhaustion that seized my body.

“I
DON’T
know what else to do.” I could hear Holly’s voice, but she sounded far away.

“That’s not good enough. She should be awake by now.” Oh no, Finn sounded worried.
I’m ok, babe.

“Calm down, Finn. At least her cheek looks better. The healing herbs worked on that.”
What happened to my cheek?
Why didn’t someone hand me a mirror? They all seemed to be close by, but why weren’t they talking to me?

“I don’t know what to do about her leg though. It was obviously cut with something poisoned. It doesn’t look any better.”
Ok, that doesn’t sound good.
I tried to move my leg, but it was useless.

“She shouldn’t have even been gone. Why weren’t you with her?” Was that Jack’s voice? He sounded angry, of course.

“Back off. You shouldn’t be here. Don’t you have your own room?”

“I’m not leaving her until I know she’s ok.”

“You’re supposed to be her coworker. I am her fiancé, so why don’t you give us some space?” Oh no, Finn was arguing with Jack. This wasn’t good. Why weren’t they listening to me?

“She’s knocked out right now because of me. She’s trying to keep me alive, so I’m going to sit here with her until she wakes up. You can’t make me leave.” Jack was obviously determined.

“You? You think this is about you?”
Ok, you all should calm down
. How could I make them stop this?

“All right, all right. Neither of you is doing Ivy any good yelling over her like this. She probably just needs some rest. I’m guessing the spell took more out of her since it’s breaking down.” Finally, Ian was here to add some reason to this insanity. “Jack, you go get some coffee for everyone. Finn, you take a walk. Holly, another round of herbs. I’m going to sit with my sister while you both figure out how you can be in the same room together. Got it?”

I heard mumbling and grumbling, and then the room was silent. I waited for Ian to talk to me. Couldn’t he tell I was here? The heaviness wrapped around my limbs again. I couldn’t fight it. The darkness swirled and I gave in.

“Hey, girl. I know whatever happened to you took a lot out of you, but we kind of need you now. Do you think you could wake up? Then, I promise we can do a spa day or something. You can totally relax.” Why was Holly sounding so nervous?
I’m right here. I’m fine. I think.

“And, you have to wake up because after the spell, we need to start wedding planning. That is definitely going to be amazing. Finn is so crazy about you.” She sighed. “I’m so jealous. And between you and me, I think I really am going to break up with Mike this time.”

No, Holly. Don’t do that yet.
Why wasn’t she listening to me?

“Seeing you with Finn makes me realize I can’t be with someone who is only human. I want to share all the magic too. I see that now.”

Was she crying? Why was she crying?
You don’t have to break up with Mike. You don’t. You love him, Holly. You already have what I have.

I tried to make my words louder, but they were like whispers. It was as if I was talking under water and everyone else was on the surface looking at me.
How do I get out of here?
The darkness whirled, and I slipped until it didn’t hurt to think anymore.

“Um, so I don’t really know what to say. Your fiancé won’t let me sit here for too long.” Jack! It was Jack. Maybe he would know I was right here.

“Everyone’s worried about you, Ivy. I’m worried. I know I blew up at you after you turned me down. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. But, if you would just wake up, you could use that smart mouth to tell me off. Please, wake up.”

I’m totally awake, Jack. I’m not mad at you.
I’m sorry I hurt you. I didn’t want to hurt you. It was the timing. It could have been different.
It felt like he lifted my hand. Why was this so hard? I was swimming against the current, and no one could lift me out. The wave surged toward me, and I let it swell over my body until I saw nothing but blackness.

“Sis, I know you’re strong. You can do this.”
Thanks, Ian. No one seems to know I’m here.
“But, if you don’t show us some sign that you’re going to be ok, I’m going to have to call Mom and Dad. You don’t want me to call them, do you? So, come on. Wake up, Ivy. Wake up!”

Now I’m annoyed
. Ian’s voice grew more muffled. I heard a door close. I thought someone else had entered the room. If only I could open my eyes, they would see I was not sleeping at all. This was
not
sleep.