Chapter 9

WYNTER

"This place gives me the creeps," I mutter as we park Cirrus' truck behind my SUV and climb out. The air is just heavier here. I can sense all the dark magic that still resides in this town.

I still don't know how I am to break my curse, but I do know that before I leave Spells Hollow for good, I will purge the evil. Melisande had a dream for this place and her legacy doesn't deserve to live in a constant reminder of the massacre that happened here.

Entering the town, Arnie is there waiting for me with a smile. His coloring seems to be better today. He's not as faded as yesterday.

"Hi, Wynter. Boy, am I glad to see you. Another woman was wandering around earlier and she couldn't see me. It's awfully discouraging and some of the other spirits are so mean."

"Hi, Arnie. Is she still here? I wonder if she's a descendant of the High Priestesses lovers like me."

"No, she's not, but I think she will be back."

Cirrus clears his throat and I jump. He's been so quiet, I forgot he was here.

"Not to be rude, my little spirit whisperer, but I can't see this Arnie you are talking to. He's hidden from me," Cirrus says with a smirk. Crossing his arms, he waits.

Oh, right. I mumble a quick spell and soon Arnie becomes corporeal. He's still dead, but now people can see him if he stays within ten feet of me that is.

"Ah, you must be Arnie. Great to meet you. Sorry about the whole being dead thing."

"Wow, how did you do that?" Arnie looks at me and if he could cry, I'd swear he would have tears in his eyes.

"Just a simple spell. It's not permanent so don't get any ideas about taking off."

"I can't leave. There is something trapping me here in the town square. The furthest I can go is to the homes surrounding the circle."

I nod because that makes sense. If the Sorcerer's hold is still on this town, it would make sense as to why all of these spirits seem trapped.

"Hey, Arnie, do you know where my ancestor's house is?"

Shaking his head, he begins to move closer to the homes. Some are in bad shape while others seem to be in perfect condition. One large white mansion stands out and I move closer to it.

As I cross over onto the grass, I'm shocked and thrown back to where Cirrus is.

"What the hell was that?" I shout, rubbing my ass that's now definitely bruised.

"Protection spell and a strong one at that. I'm going to take a wild gander that you need to be a descendent to enter that plot. Let's try some other homes and see if anything stands out."

"Okay, but if I get thrown away again, I am going to say fuck this shit and go home."

We walk for a few minutes and after the third house, I'm starting to feel discouraged. I haven't been thrown off the grass again, but no voices have spoken to me, and I haven't had any visions either.

After an hour my stomach growls, and I'm about to give up for the day and go back to the diner. I am yet to try any of their specials and a grilled ham and cheese with soup sounds delicious right now.

"Maybe we should come back tomorrow?" I suggest and Cirrus laughs.

"Not that I'm in a time crunch or anything, love, but do you know how long you plan to stay here?"

Shaking my head, I groan, then bend over, grabbing my hair, I throw it into a messy bun. My neck is sweating and I'm about to strip off this hoodie. I knew I should have worn a tank-top under it.

"No, I don't know anything, Cirrus! I'm just flying by the seat of my broom at the moment, and I'm losing my damn mind while I'm at it."

Walking into another yard, I freeze as cold chills run up and down my spine. "Catch me," I mumble, before falling to the ground.

Cirrus's arms wrap tight against me as my head spins.

"Finally, child, you have found your path."

Smiling, I sigh and then laugh. My legs still feel wobbly, but I found the house. Looking up at it, I groan. It's not the worst out of the few we have explored, but it will need a significant amount of work.

White pillars support a large wrap around porch. I can see myself on a porch swing, reading or enjoying the weather. Faded blue shutters encompass all the windows, and I know when we break inside I'm going to have to air it out.

"The roof looks intact, but it will need to be replaced," Cirrus mutters, lifting me into a fireman's carry as he holds me while walking around the whole structure. "It's a large home. We could do a lot with it."

"Put me down. I need to go inside. I have a strong feeling about something. It's nagging at me."

Setting me on the porch, I'm careful about where I step. Arnie hovers beside me, and I don't miss the way the curtains inside shift, or the eyes peeking out.

"Looks like we will have to introduce ourselves," I mutter to him and he sighs.

"The other spirits here don't like me. I'm an outsider who trespassed in their town."

"Well they will have to get over it."

I try to open the door but it's stuck. Mumbling a quick spell, I wait for the wood to reshape so we can get inside.

"Cirrus, can you?"

Moving me aside, he puts a little strength into it, and it swings open on rusted, creaky hinges.

As I step inside, I'm overcome with a flurry of emotions. Pain, heartache, and love. So much love. The floors are intact, but I wouldn't trust the stairs yet. There is a huge built-in fireplace with an engraved mantle.

It's beautiful.

Cirrus walks around, trying to open the shutters and let some light and air in here. It's like a preserved tomb.

"Snugglepuss, I may need some of your special spells. These windows don't want to budge."

Shuffling over to him, I run my nails along the boards, imagining them disappearing. Spells only go so far. I may need to brew a potion.

Thankfully with some creaks they open and we get a burst of fresh air. The light from outside shines in, showing all the many dust particles.

Closing my eyes, I wait. I don't know what for, but a premonition would be nice.

"Let's give her some privacy," Cirrus whispers and I have to laugh as Arnie argues with him.

He wants to protect me. It's sweet. I know I promised him I would find out how he died and help him cross over, but I kinda like him and wouldn't mind keeping my new ghost friend.

It doesn't take long for the spirit to reach me. Her presence is strong and I feel nauseous. Sitting down in the middle of what I am assuming is the living room, I get comfortable and begin to chant.

"You shouldn't be here, witch. They will come for you and no one will protect you or your scum fae."

Opening my eyes, I see her clearly for the first time. She's burned badly, and she's young.

"What is your name?"

"I… I don't remember. He came in the night. Melisande warned us to leave, but my husband was stubborn. He thought he was more powerful than the sorcerer. Damn fool."

"I'd like to help you… Do you know why I was summoned here?"

"I'm assuming you want to break the curse but I don't know anything about that… Maybe I could show you?"

Nodding, I offer her my hand.

It's hard to connect with spirits. There is always a worry they may try to possess you, but I think I am safe for the moment. I concentrate and chant. Her hand is cold and I'm startled that I can feel her at all.

The vision starts slow, but soon overcomes me and all my previous questions are finally answered. Only thing is it leads to more questions.

Marcus brings me to the tree in the middle of the yard. There are beautiful flowers all around and he's laid a small blanket onto the grass.

"Corrine, I love you," he begins before pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I gasp at the touch of his lips against my skin.

"Marcus?" Moving his fingers to my lips, he shushes me with a smile.

"Corrine, I love you. You have been my confidant for a few years now. The one I wish to talk to the moment I open my eyes in the morning. The one that I wish to see before I go to sleep. You are my flower. My everything and I hope that with this token of love, you will do me the honor of being mine until death takes our last breath."

Tears fill my eyes and I can hardly contain my excitement, but mother would faint if I didn't act like the proper woman she raised.

"It would be my honor to be yours, Marcus."

Giving me a big smile he scoops me up into his arms and spins me beneath the willow tree. Flowers swirl around us and I laugh at his show of magic. He has always been a sweetheart and I love him with my whole being.

It's a warm summer day and our family is gathered beneath the willow tree awaiting our ceremony. Marcus gives me a big grin. His father and brother are beside him as I walk along the grass barefoot, letting Mother Nature into my body during my momentous day.

The breeze blows the scent of lavender and lilac throughout the air. My heart is racing, but it's also full.

Marcus is my soulmate.

I was always meant to be his wife. Melisande stands at the altar made of twigs and flowers. Her lovers surround her. Keeping her protected.

She gives me a smile and takes my hand. "May the Earth guide your feet. May the air keep you calm. May the fire roar between you both. Encompassing you in everlasting love. And may the water flow between you, nourishing your love."

Marcus takes my hand and we make our everlasting vow.

"Corrine, dear, you must push."

"It hurts so much," I cry, but still try. I'm exhausted, but it doesn't matter. In a few short moments my baby will be here.

"You've got this. Deep breath and push," Annalee, my midwife says.

Looking at the fireplace, I focus on the handcrafted mantel, then I push with all my might and wait to hear a little cry.

"You did it, dear, you have a perfect little boy."

Taking a deep breath, I rest as Annalee wraps my son in a cloth and carries him out to Marcus and his father.

They cheer and I smile. There is so much love in this home. I hope it never ends.

"Marcus, we must leave. Morfran is coming, and you heard what Melisande said. Think of our children!" I argued over the dinner table.

"I know, but this is our home. Where our son is buried. I can't leave, Corrine. You guys go. Take the children to New Amsterdam, and I will await your return."

The candles all around the table flicker and I sigh. There is a storm brewing.

"You want me to leave you here? Are you really so stubborn that you can't see how dangerous it is to stay?"

Marcus sulks for a moment, then looks at our children. They are resting in the other room.

I think about the sacrifices that our Head Priestess has made. How selfless she is, but I am not that brave.

"I am not scared of Morfran. I will help the coven fight."

"Please, Marcus, don't be foolish."

Sighing, he stares at me. My eyes water and I think I really may lose him.

"You're right, my love. We will leave at dusk."

"Marcus," I scream, holding onto my daughter with all that I can. There is smoke everywhere. People are crying.

"Mommy," Mira shouts, pointing toward a man, laying on the ground, lifeless.

"No, Marcus," I wail, dropping to my knees. Mira takes her sister as I place my hand against his cheek.

"Corrine, we must leave," my friend Beth shouts, grabbing my hand and trying to pull me from the ground.

She's holding my youngest in her arms. They are scared, crying.

I look at Beth. She's always been like an auntie to them. Being barren she hasn't had any children of her own.

"Take them. Take them to New Amsterdam. Find the rest of the coven. Protect them."

"No, Mommy," Mira cries, lunging herself into my arms. I hold her tight, then push her into Beth.

"Please, Beth."

Nodding she grabs Mira's hands and runs toward the road. There is a carriage waiting.

Standing, I look toward the sky and with my last bit of magic and strength, I place a protection spell on my family.

Falling to my knees, I cradle Marcus as my heart slowly dies.

Morfran walks around the town like he's the one true sorcerer. He's shouting about how he curses this town and Melisande's lovers.

Walking past me and Marcus he laughs and mumbles, "True love doesn't exist. I curse you and your line to never find a soulmate."

As the vision fades, I can't stop the tears. Opening my eyes the spirit remains. She looks weak, and I can tell sharing the memories of her past drained her energy.

"You're Corrine Nefari? Oddly enough I have heard about you. My great-great-grandmother told me a story when I was young about her mother, Mira, leaving a town of chaos and fire."

Things are starting to make sense now.

"So we are cursed to never find love. How do I stop it?"

She shakes her head and reaches out to touch my face.

"You're my descendent? My Mira survived." She smiles, and I watch as she begins to glow a bright white.

"No, you can't cross over yet. I need to know how to heal this curse. Please!" I shout, but it's too late. She's gone and the heaviness of the manor before is now lighter.