Page 132 of Claim Me

The thought trails off as I take in the full scene before me.

Wait…

I blink at the desecrated graveyard. I didn’t crack just Issy’s headstone, but… butallthe headstones around me. Maybe even more.

Every single one within eyesight is split along the witch’s last name.

Oh, stars…

I stand up on shaky legs and move forward.

It’s all of them,I marvel.I… I destroyedallof them.

I continue walking, passing dozens of splintered stones.

What does this mean? Did I go about this the wrong way?

Probably,a voice replies, sounding tired.Depends on what you did, though.

I freeze.Issy?

Mmm,she hums.

I spin around, searching for her.Where are you?

Not sure. It’s… it’s cold…

My eyes widen.The freezer.

How do I get back there? I spin around like I’ll find a door. A ridiculous proposition.

No. I need to focus like last time and demand to see Issy.

If only it could be that simple,I mutter to myself as I close my eyes.But nothing is ever that simple.

Still, I try. I focus on wanting to find Issy, telling my soul to go to her, and wait to see if I feel any magic helping me along.

When I don’t, I sigh and open my eyes again, fully expecting to see the graveyard. But I don’t. I’m shrouded in darkness once more.

I instantly cast a flicker of light and see Issy on the metal table.You’re still unconscious.

I am?She sounds confused.I’m in my room.

No, you’re in a freezer. I’m looking right at you.

She’s quiet for a long moment.I knew something was wrong when my books kept showing me blank pages.

What?

Nothing. It’s not important. But I need you to help me wake up.

What do you think I’ve been trying to do here?I ask her.Tell me how to wake you up.

You really should have read more books when we were younger,she replies, as snarky as ever.They’re very useful.

Why do I need spell books when I have an omniscient sister?

I’m notomniscient, just well read.