Page 76 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

“I lost my memories of the attack!” They knew that. “Remember?”

Sorceress Sable sat back in her chair. The two shared a look. Then they both turned back to him and smiled.

His skin prickled.

“We can reverse that,” Sorceress Sable said. “We believe the spell must have been interfered with. It was this interference which caused unexpected consequences. Specifically a loss of memory at point of death. But we believe we can retrieve your memories with a spell.”

She lifted her hands into the air. Sorcerer Astor did the same. A red glow emitted from all four hands.

Percival pushed his chair back. “Wait a minute.” This was all happening too fast.

“We have to retrieve your memories.” Sorcerer Astor’s hands glowed brighter. “We need to find out who killed you and why they failed to permanently kill you. That is what we have been hired to do.”

Sorcerer Sable nodded, and her hands also glowed brighter. Then, in sync, they began to trace patterns in the air, their gazes fixed on him. Their eyes glowed red.

“Will I remember everything from my past lives or just the attack?”

But they were whispering now in a tongue Percival did not comprehend. They did not pause to answer his question.

Percival looked to the bakery counter. No one was there. He could see Jack, Wulfric, and Briar in the back area. But no Leo!

I need Leo! I can’t face this alone!

They muttered loudly now. The air crackled around them.

What would happen when he got his memories back? Would he revert to the phoenix he’d been before? The phoenix who’d hated Leo! The phoenix Leo had hated. He didn’t want Leo to hate him!

Percival jumped to his feet. “No. I?—”

Their fingers flicked towards him. Balls of red light flew towards his face.

A wall of scorching heat smashed into him. Searing pain split his skull. Percival clutched at his head. His mouth fell open on a scream. But no sound escaped his throat. His throat muscles convulsed as the air left his lungs.

Golden light exploded before his eyes. Then the light flickered, and images splashed before him.

The alley.

The ice sorceress.

Pain. So much pain. And cold.

His vision cleared, and he lay on the floor, panting.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

Hands guided Percival to a chair.

“I think it worked!” a female voice said.

“We have to question him before we can be certain,” a male voice said.

He looked between the individuals hovering over him.

“Who are you?” Percival asked.

They shared a glance. Then they smiled at him.