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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
After a blissfully dreamless power nap, I rose in search of Ray. I found him on the front porch, seated in the rocking chair as he gazed at the twinkling lights of Fairhaven below.
“You doing okay?” I asked.
He lifted his head to look at me. “Getting there.”
“Want to talk about it?”
He shrugged. “Talking isn’t going to change anything.”
I leaned against the wall beside him. “Might make you feel better.”
“I don’t think anything can.”
“I get it. You feel scared of the unknown.” If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be here now. Ray would’ve opted to cross over with the other ghosts when I first moved into the Castle and gave him the option.
He rocked in the chair. “Not just scared. Selfish, and I’m mad at myself for feeling that way, but I can’t seem to stop.”
His response surprised me. “Why selfish?”
“Because I can see that it’s best for my family to go, yet I still want them to stay. ”
“Wanting to stay close to the family you love doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human.”
“I’m dead, Lorelei. It isn’t fair to want them to live their lives on my terms.”
“They’re not, nor are you making them. If you’d told Alicia not to go, then I might call you selfish.”
Ray rocked back to regard me. “Do you think I should go with them?”
“Only you can answer that.”
“I wasn’t being dramatic earlier. I meant what I asked. What if they decide to move again in a few years? Are they supposed to call you so you can command me to move again? What happens when Alicia goes off to college?”
I patted his shoulder. “You’re asking the right questions but try not to let them overwhelm you.”
“I feel like my life is falling apart all over again.”
“Again?”
“It’s how I felt when I first realized I was dead.”
“Well, your life had fallen apart then, but this is different.”
“How?”
“Because it’s Alicia’s life, not yours. And Renee’s and Hakeem’s.”
“But not mine,” he said quietly.
“Not anymore, no.”
“Usually I like being an observer, but not today. Today made me want to be a participant again.”
“I’m sorry, Ray. I wish I could change that for you, but my powers are limited.”
He shook his head slowly. “I didn’t think I was one of those curmudgeons who hated change, but right now I’d strangle change with both hands if it was tangible.” He narrowed his eyes. “Who’s that?”
I followed his gaze to where a silhouette stood outside the gate. “Don’t know.” I pushed away from the wall. “It’s a man, but it isn’t Kane.”
“It’s awfully late for visitors,” Ray said.
I checked the clock on my phone. Three a.m. Very late for visitors.
I walked to the end of the porch for a better view. The man was too busy gaping at the house to notice me. Although I didn’t recognize him, there was something strangely familiar about him.
“Something’s off,” I said. “His clothes are weird.”
“Now you sound like Gun.”
“No, I mean they don’t fit him. His pants are too short, and the sleeves of his flannel are too long.”
“Do you want to trigger the underground wards?” Ray asked, with a tad too much enthusiasm.
“I’m not shooting deadly magic at a visitor just because he can’t afford clothes that fit.”
“It’s the middle of the night, Lorelei. I don’t think he’s here to sell you insurance.”
“Let’s find out.” I strode across the bridge to the gate. “Howdy, stranger.”
“Love the moat,” he said. “I’m offended you didn’t invite me to come and live here.” He pointed. “Look at the size of that lily pad. It would’ve been perfect for me.”
My heart lurched. “Goran?”
He bowed, low and deep. “Prince Goran to you, but I’ll let it pass.” He straightened. “I’m teasing. I could never be that formal with the goddess who saved me.” He spread his arms wide. “Can a restored prince get a hug?”
Tears stung my eyes. “It’s really you?”
“In the flesh. Handsome, no?” He turned from side to side. “I feel like a new man. I suppose I am, thanks to you.”
I opened the gate and launched myself into his arms. “I can’t believe it’s you. The Zorya… They helped you? ”
“My wish was their command.”
“Oh, Goran. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.” And I was in desperate need of that shot of happiness right about now.
“Sorry for the late hour. I came straight here, as soon as I found clothes. I thought turning up naked would be offensive, although I have to say, my abs look incredible. Want to see?” He released his hold on me and lifted up his shirt.
I wiped away a stray tear. “Very impressive.”
He noticed my face. “I came here to make you smile, but somehow I’ve managed to have the opposite effect.”
I blinked the droplets from my lashes. “These are tears of joy, I promise. Life is rough at the moment, so seeing this happen for you…” I shook my head as the tears threatened to overwhelm me again. “I’m thrilled.”
Ray materialized beside me. “This is the Slavic frog?”
“He wasn’t a frog. He was a water spirit.”
Goran tracked my attention. “These are your ghosts? They are here with us?”
“Ray Bauer, I’d like you to meet Prince Goran. Ray was part of the research team.”
“The Zorya weren’t my suggestion,” Ray muttered.
“Would you like to come in?” I asked the prince. “Nana Pratt has been busy in the kitchen this week. There’s plenty of food.”
“I would love to see your dwelling. It looks fit for a prince.” He expanded his chest boldly.
His remark spurred a thought as we entered the foyer. “Where will you live?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting the plan to work.” He stopped to admire the new library, followed by the parlor room. “What a glorious home this is becoming.”
“It is,” I agreed. “But it takes a lot of work.” If it had been left solely to me, I’d still be trying to fix the downstairs toilet .
“Have you had anything to eat or drink yet?”
“Only today’s flies.”
Poised on the kitchen counter, Claude lifted two fingers in greeting.
“Claude, this is Prince Goran.”
Goran shook the disfigured hand. “A pleasure. Are you cursed as well?”
Claude shifted from side to side.
“He’s a revenant,” I explained. “The rest of him is elsewhere.”
Goran scratched the scruff of his neck. “I can’t decide if that’s good or bad.”
“He’s a huge help around the house,” I said.
The revenant’s fingers straightened at the compliment.
Goran sat at the table with Claude while I warmed a plate of food in the microwave. “Tell me the details. What did you offer to the midnight Zorya to persuade her?”
Goran hesitated. “I offered to be her paladin.”
I whirled around to face him. “You what?”
He waved a hand airily. “It’s no big deal. The odds of her needing a knight to fight on her behalf are teensy tiny.” He held his index finger and thumb a fraction apart. “Nobody even knows the Zorya. Who would want to fight them?”
“Goran…”
He held up a hand. “You made your deal. I made mine. We’ll see which of us chose wisely.”
Ouch. I carried the plate to the table and set it in front of him. “Hope you like fried chicken.”
“I’ll let you know in a minute.”
I sat across from him. “Would you like to stay here, at least until you figure out next steps?”
Goran looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. “You’re offering me a home?”
“Until you get on your feet. I have plenty of space…” I tr ailed off, thinking of Kane’s offer to move in together. Well, this was a temporary arrangement. There was also the small matter of tomorrow’s trial that I may or may not return from.
Goran’s face softened. “I would be honored to stay under your roof.”
“What about Raina? Any chance of a relationship now that you’re in human form?”
“If anything, that makes it less likely.” He grinned, unconcerned. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to walk on two legs and wear clothes again.” He glanced down at his shirt. “Of course, I’ll need money to purchase more appropriate attire.”
“Do you have a plan on how you’ll get it?”
“I thought I might try busking in the city subway.”
I laughed. “You sing? How did I not know this?”
“I didn’t have my proper voice in my cursed form. Now that I do…”
“I know just the vampire for you to meet.” Otto would adore having a talented musical guest, and Goran would enjoy Otto’s selection of food and drinks. A win-win.
“Really, Lorelei, you don’t need to go to any more trouble on my behalf. You’ve done more than anyone and you barely know me.”
“I didn’t need to know you in order to want to help you.”
“Ah, but perhaps I don’t deserve such kindness to be lavished upon me.”
“Everybody deserves to be who they are. You shouldn’t need to prove you’re worthy of it.”
Goran sniffed. “I need a handkerchief. Add that to the list.”
Claude carried over a box of tissues and set it in front of the prince. Goran took one and dabbed at the corners of his eyes. “I wish there was some way I could repay you, yet all I seem to do is require more favors.”
“Helping you break the curse isn’t a favor, Goran. You don’t owe me anything.”
I glanced at the microwave clock. “I’d like another nap before sunrise. Before I leave for the trial, I’ll show you how to operate the ward. There are some pitfalls to be aware of. You don’t want to trigger them accidentally.” To be fair, it would be almost impossible to do that, but it seemed only right to be cautious when it came to lethal magic buried on the property.
“Are you sure about this?” Ray asked.
I nodded. It would be good to have a person in the Castle while I was gone. The ghosts had limited contact with the physical world, and although Claude had a physical form, it was still only a hand.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook,” Goran said, eyeing the stovetop. “Would you mind if I used your kitchen?”
“As long as you don’t burn it down, go for it.”
Nana Pratt materialized in the kitchen, as though summoned by the word. “Who’s this handsome young man appearing like a thief in the night?”
“Nana Pratt, this is Prince Goran. He’ll be a guest at the Castle for as long as he needs.”
“And I’d like to learn to cook,” he added.
I smiled at Goran. “There’s a ghost here who happens to be very talented in that arena. Nana Pratt would be thrilled to supervise you.”
“Excellent. I love it when a plan comes together.” He tackled his fried chicken with vigor.
“I can write down instructions for him to follow and offer feedback,” Nana Pratt enthused. I had a feeling Goran was going to get more than he bargained for in this arrangement .
“Is there anything I can do while you’re out defeating evil?” Goran asked, licking his fingers.
“You could restock the fridge while I’m gone,” I said. “I’m out of blueberries.”
“Blueberries,” he repeated, as though making a mental note.
“Organic,” I added.
“Oh, how fancy.”
“Yes, that’s me. Very fancy.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be on your budget,” Nana Pratt sniffed.
I ignored her. “Why don’t I show you to your room? Then I’ll take my nap.”
It felt strange showing Goran the bedroom where Aite had stayed. I knew it wasn’t ‘her’ room, but I still thought of her each time I passed it in the hallway.
Goran observed the bedroom with a delighted grin. “This is better than the lake, I’ll say that much. Less seaweed.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
I retreated to my bedroom and willed myself to fall asleep. It was harder this time because of my earlier nap, but I knew I needed as much rest as I could muster. Whatever Lucifer had in store for me, it would require all of my mental and physical acuity.
I awoke to find Nana Pratt hovering in front of my closed door. “Oh, good, you’re awake.”
I shifted to an upright position. “Probably because my subconscious felt your eyes drilling holes in me.” I wiped the sleep from my eyes. “Why are you violating the rules?”
“Royalty or not, he can’t stay here indefinitely,” Nana Pratt announced.
I flipped back the covers and scooted to the edge of the bed. “Why not?” I opened the trunk and selected the machete and a whetstone. If I had to listen to her complain, I might as well make the time productive.
The ghost hovered over me while I sharpened the blade. “For starters, he doesn’t have a job.”
“Aite didn’t have a job when she stayed here.”
“Aite brought a bundle of cash with her. Goran doesn’t have any money.”
I continued to focus on the blade. “I’m not concerned.”
“Well, maybe you should be. He’ll be another mouth to feed. Let’s not forget you already struggle with your modest budget, even with Aite’s money.”
Lowering the machete, I looked at her. “I appreciate your concern for my financial welfare, but I told Goran he’s welcome to stay as long as he needs, and I meant it. If I’m going to reconsider invitations to stay in my home, I might decide to start with someone else.”
Nana Pratt gave an indignant huff. “I’m a ghost. I don’t cost you money or use any of your resources. Goran’s a grown man. They eat a lot!”
“I’m not going to discuss this any further. Goran is a guest in the Castle. I expect you to be courteous while I’m gone and that’s the end of it.”
The door slammed and I returned my attention to the machete. “I think I liked it better when they couldn’t touch anything,” I muttered.
One of Claude’s deformed fingers tapped my arm.
“Is everybody violating boundaries today?”
Claude shrugged.
“Are you going to give me a hard time about Goran, too?” I asked.
The revenant moved from side to side. He pointed at the whetstone. “You want to help? Thanks, buddy.” I gave him the whetstone and held the blade toward him. We worked together in companionable silence. It was a nice moment, and I stayed present in it. No more worries about the final trial, or Nana Pratt’s objections about Goran. Just me, my revenant, and the soothing sound of stone on steel.
My phone pinged with a message from Otto, expressing his concern that he hadn’t heard from me. I set down the machete and hit the call button.
“A phone call?” he said, by way of greeting. “I’m honored. I was hoping to have you over for a meal before the final trial. Kane is welcome, too, of course.”
“I’m glad you didn’t say for a final meal.”
“I have more faith in you than that.”
“I’m glad one of us does.”
“I’ll have a variety of desserts. I thought you might want to fill up on sugar before the big event.”
It was unsettling how well my friends in Fairhaven had come to know me. Before I moved here, I hadn’t allowed myself to be seen. In London, I’d been as much as a ghost as Nana Pratt and Ray. Aside from the Night Mallt, my only consistent encounters in England had been with clients and their deceased relatives.
This was better.
“I have to be at the crossroads by three. Can we do an early lunch?”
“We can even do brunch if you’d rather. Heidi makes an excellent mimosa.”
“Would you mind an extra mouth to feed?” I told him about my new houseguest. I had no doubt there’d be enough food. Otto’s meals always suggested the vampire was preparing for a winter siege. “He sings,” I added, knowing that factoid would seal the deal.
“Does he now? Pitch perfect like you?”
“I haven’t heard him, so I can neither confirm nor deny.”
“Bring him along. If he can handle himself in a game of chess, he’ll be welcome back. ”
“That’s the test, is it?”
“What can I say? You set a high bar.”
I smiled at the phone. “You know I prefer Scrabble.”
“What time should I tell Heidi to expect you?”
“Eleven.”
“I look forward to it.”
I hung up and immediately texted Kane the update in plans. He offered to pick me up at 10:45.
Bring a car with a back seat , I advised. And a spare suit you don’t mind giving away.
Typical Lorelei. Full of surprises .
Nana Pratt poked her head through the doorway. “May I come in?”
“Since you asked nicely.”
She drifted through the closed door. “I apologize for my earlier behavior. I’ve been on tenterhooks ever since these trials started.”
“I understand. Apology accepted.” I ran a brush through my hair.
“Is Kane on his way?”
“Shortly. We’re going to Otto’s for brunch.”
“You should dress up,” Nana Pratt said.
“Why bother? This might be my last meal.”
“I wish you wouldn’t talk like that.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m worried, that’s all. I feel like Lucifer has an ace up his sleeve, and I hate that I don’t know what it is.”
“Then treat this brunch as special. I wish I’d known when my last meal would be. I might’ve done things differently.”
I spun to face her. “Like what?”
“For starters, I would’ve worn my pearl earrings, the ones I always saved for special occasions.”
“When was the last time you wore them?”
Nana Pratt considered the question. “You know, it’s been so long that I don’t remember.” She looked troubled by her admission. “Ashley has them now. Next time I see her, I’ll tell her to make sure she wears them, and not to wait for a good reason. Being alive is good enough.”
“I don’t have pearl earrings.”
“No, but you have a dress. Wear it with those heels Aite left behind. You’re only young once.” She hesitated. “Well, in your case, twice and for a very long time, but still.”
I held up a hand. “You’ve convinced me. I’ll wear a dress.”
“And a bit of makeup wouldn’t kill you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s not go crazy. It’s only brunch at Otto’s.”
“Just because he’s blind doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort.”
My head snapped back. “That isn’t what I meant at all! You know me better than that.”
Nana Pratt snickered. “You should’ve seen your face. Priceless.”
I marched past her and jerked open the closet door. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to begin the beautification process and we both know this will take time.”
The ghost whooshed away, still tittering to herself. I was glad one of us was amused.
I changed out of my comfy clothes and slipped a dress over my head. The material was softer than it appeared; I felt like I’d wrapped my body in a cloud. I pulled back the sides of my hair and fastened them with pins that had belonged to my grandmother. The ends featured butterflies made of porcelain. I’d seen her wear them only once, when she and Pops had gone out for an anniversary dinner. I still remembered the scent of her perfume from that night, both floral and earthy. Peach, rose, sandalwood, and musk.
I’d never worn the pins, only intending to have them as a tiny keepsake that I could carry with me whenever I moved. A couple coveted items had been stolen when I was a foster kid, but the pins were small and old-fashioned, and therefore, easily overlooked. I was grateful to have them now.
I turned my head left and right, admiring the butterflies in the mirror. They were as beautiful and delicate as I remembered.
Kane appeared behind me in the mirror’s reflection. “Exquisite.”
My heart jumped. “I didn’t realize you were here.”
“The downside of giving me carte blanche to come and go as I please.” He slid his arms around the front of my waist. “And I definitely please.” As his hands dipped lower, I grabbed them and lifted them to a respectable position.
“I just got dressed and I don’t want to have to do it again.”
“Ever? The dress is nice, but I doubt it would be comfortable for sleeping.”
I smacked his hands away and turned to face him. “Did you meet Goran?”
“Yes, and he now has a very nice suit.” He smirked. “Another prince in your life. Should I be jealous?”
I hooked my arms around his neck. “Of the water spirit whose diet consisted of flies and earthworms until yesterday? I don’t think so.”
“If he’s living here, it might be the ideal time for you to move in with me.”
“We’re tabling that topic for now, remember?” The small of my back pressed against the sink. “This is cozy.”
He huddled closer. “I can make it even cozier.”
The sound of a throat clearing interrupted an act that would’ve made us late for brunch. The mannered part of me was grateful; the primal part of me was not.
Goran stood in the bedroom doorway, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. “Sorry to interrupt. What time do we need to leave? ”
“Now,” I said. “Let’s go.” I brushed past him, tugging Kane’s hand.
“Is she always this bossy?” Goran asked.
“I believe the term you’re looking for is assertive,” Kane replied.
Goran snorted. “Well, it definitely has the word ‘ass’ in it.”
Brunch was a grand affair. Otto spared no expense, and I stuffed myself with every offering. Even if I survived the trial ten pounds heavier, it would be worth it.
After we finished eating, Goran entertained us with traditional folk songs. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Heidi dancing in the hallway. A rare sight, indeed.
“Thank you, Otto.” I hugged the vampire. “You know how to make a girl feel special.”
“You’re very welcome. I expect an update from you tomorrow.”
Knots formed in my stomach. “I won’t leave you hanging if I can help it.”
Goran opted to stay for a game of chess. I wished him luck, although I already got the impression that Otto approved of the prince.
Kane drove me home so I could change into more comfortable clothing and load up on weapons. When I emerged from the house in what passed for Lorelei’s battle gear, Gun and Cam were waiting outside.
“Don’t worry. We’re not here to talk you out of anything,” Gun said, raising his hands in acquiescence. “Only to wish you luck.”
Cam closed her hand into a fist. “Knock ‘em dead, whoever they are.”
I hugged them both. “I’ll speak to you in twenty-four hours, give or take. ”
Gunther’s face darkened as Kane entered his line of sight. “For your sake, you’d better hope she does.”
I touched the mage’s arm. “Gun, this was my choice, you know that.”
“He’s entitled to his feelings,” Kane said. “And as long as those feelings don’t turn into actions, we’re good.” He draped an around me and escorted me to the car.
I waved goodbye from the passenger seat as we sped off toward the forest. Behind the mages hovered the ghosts with Claude perched on Ray’s shoulder. My weird and wonderful family. I prayed to whichever gods were listening that I’d get to see them all again, if only to tell Goran not to touch my bottles of Puck’s Pleasure.
Lucifer wasn’t at the crossroads to greet us. For one brief, shining moment, I thought the trial wouldn’t happen, that something had happened to Lucifer to prevent it, possibly forever.
Then I realized the time.
“We’re five minutes early,” I lamented. “Why waste five minutes waiting for Lucifer when could be getting cozy in the back seat of your car?”
Kane pinned me against a large oak tree. “Who needs the back seat of a car when there’s a trunk?” He dipped his head to nuzzle my neck. “Besides, time with you is never considered wasted.”
“Ahem,” a voice said.
My head jerked back. “Hey, West.”
The alpha sauntered over to us. “Didn’t mean to interrupt. I only wanted to offer the pack’s support.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Any instructions?” he asked.
I knew what he was really asking. “You’ve been the alpha in this town for a long time, West. You’ll know what to do. ”
A round metal object dropped at my feet. I crouched down to pick it up. A silver dollar.
“Seems like I’m not the only who came to wish you well,” West said, looking skyward.
I glanced up to see dozens of crows on the branches above us. Coins rained down on us in various sizes.
“They come bearing gifts,” Kane said.
Feeling heartened, I waved to the crows. “Thank you, friends.”
The crows made a deep chortling sound that nearly drowned out the alarm on my phone. I switched it off.
“It’s time,” I said, realizing too late how ominous the statement sounded.
West’s brow furrowed. “No Lucifer?”
“Knowing him, he’s trying to win on a technicality. I’d better get started.”
“Wait.” Cupping my face in his hands, Kane’s lips ghosted mine. “No matter what happens, no matter what Lucifer tries to pull, remember that I love you, and I’ll see you on the other side.”
The other side. There were multiple interpretations of his promise, but only one that would make me happy.
“I love you, too,” I said, ignoring the pressure building behind my eyes. “More than you can ever know.”
With a lump in my throat, I turned and entered the void.