Witch rose, p.14
Witch Rose, page 14
“One person in particular will.” Kristoff smiled at Bryony. “There’s nothing to get upset about. I will consider your request.”
“There’s no time for you to consider it,” said Ivy. “You know Gabriel doesn’t have much time left, and the poisoner is most likely on their way to deliver their next round of poison.”
“One less member of the Charm Police getting in my business is a good thing,” said Kristoff. “If I help him, I’m effectively making my life more difficult.”
“If you don’t help him, and he dies, your life will become extremely difficult and unpleasant,” said Ivy. “I will make it my personal mission to destroy everything you have created.”
“I don’t respond well to threats.” Kristoff stalked closer to Ivy and glared down at her.
“I’m threatening nothing,” said Ivy. “I’m promising you that I will make your life miserable unless you help us.”
“Now I am torn,” said Kristoff. “I have the prospect of assisting you to save Gabriel Galbraith, and in turn risk my own life. Or I have the offer that you will be a constant in my life keeping me entertained as you try to ruin my enterprises. Such fascinating opportunities.”
“Kristoff, please,” said Bryony.
Kristoff looked over at Bryony. “I will do it.”
“You will?” asked Bryony.
“There are conditions,” said Kristoff.
“Here we go,” muttered Ivy. “What do you want?”
“To keep some of your powers,” said Kristoff.
“No way,” said Ivy. “We can’t give you anything permanently.”
“I didn’t say permanently,” said Kristoff. “I have some challenging business dealings to complete over the next six months. Having an edge over the competition will guarantee my success. I propose a short-term swap. I get some of your powers for six months, after that date, I return them to you.”
“What’s the guarantee you will return them?” asked Ivy. “You’re not known for keeping your word.”
“My word is good,” said Kristoff sharply. “But we can seal it with a blood oath as well. That way, it will be unbreakable. At the allotted time, I will be compelled to return your abilities to you.”
“How much do you want?” asked Bryony.
“I want a third of each of your powers,” said Kristoff.
“No, it’s too risky for us,” said Ivy. She looked at Bryony. “I know you care about Gabriel, but we cannot hand over so much power to a demon.”
“I am not such a terrible demon,” said Kristoff. “I may tread a fine line when it comes to the Charm Police, but I would never intentionally harm either of you. I respect your family and your abilities.”
Ivy frowned. “You can have ten percent.”
“And you can’t use our powers to harm others,” said Bryony.
“That I cannot guarantee,” said Kristoff. “As you know, we demons like to do terrible things.”
“Just don’t kill anybody using our abilities,” said Bryony.
“That I can almost guarantee,” said Kristoff. “I may do a little maiming and pulverising with the powers, but it will all be for show. A demon has to demonstrate his powers or other magic users think you are weak and try to take control.”
“No killing,” said Ivy. “If you can guarantee that, we have a deal.”
Kristoff was silent for several seconds as he studied Ivy and Bryony. “No killing, and twenty-five percent.”
“No killing, and fifteen percent,” said Ivy.
“Twenty percent,” said Kristoff.
Ivy looked over at Bryony and she nodded. “Fine, twenty percent. And we get it back after six months.”
“Absolutely,” said Kristoff with a smile. “I can’t have my favorite dark witch out of action for too long. It would take all the fun out of Old Sarum.”
Ivy slid a knife out of her long black boot. “Time for the blood oath. Give me your palm.”
Kristoff held out his left hand. “My blood is yours.”
Ivy slid the thin blade across his palm, before doing the same to hers and then Bryony’s.
Kristoff pressed Ivy’s bloodied palm to his. “By the power of this blood oath, I declare that I will return the exchanged abilities of Ivy Thornheart to her, six months from this date. I agree to return the abilities in full.”
Ivy nodded and yanked her hand away from Kristoff. “Good enough.”
He turned to Bryony and took hold of her bloodied hand. “By the power of this blood oath, I declare that I will return the exchanged abilities of Bryony Thornheart to her, six months from this date. I agree to return the abilities in full.”
Bryony nodded and winced as Kristoff let go of her palm. “Now what?”
“Now comes the fun part.” Kristoff wrapped an arm around Ivy’s waist and tugged her towards him. “I get to taste your abilities.”
“We don’t need to be this close.” Ivy struggled in his grip.
“Yes we do, the more contact the better,” said Kristoff. “I have siphoned abilities off of witches when they were naked. That is a most pleasurable experience.”
“That’s not happening now,” said Ivy. “Take what you need and let’s get on with this.”
Kristoff grinned at her. “As you wish.” He stroked his hands down Ivy's hair. “I never thought I’d see the day when you would come to me and ask for help.”
“I’m not asking for my benefit.” Ivy gritted her teeth as she inhaled Kristoff’s musky cologne.
“Yes, I know you’d do anything for your sister,” said Kristoff. “There is some good in you, always looking out for her. It’s an admirable quality.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against Ivy's neck.
“That’s not how you siphon power,” said Ivy, her stomach flipping as Kristoff’s lips continued to travel down her throat.
“You’re right,” whispered Kristoff. “But I am simply enjoying myself too much. This is how I like to siphon my power.” His hand moved to Ivy’s face as their lips made contact.
For a few seconds, Ivy was too surprised to move. A warmth spread across her face, down her shoulders and arms and continued to travel to her toes, enveloping her in a warm cocoon. The siphoning had begun.
Despite her initial resistance, Ivy felt herself relaxing in Kristoff’s embrace. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck and she pulled him close to her.
Kristoff growled in response and his own embrace tightened.
Bryony loudly cleared her throat and tapped Ivy on the shoulder. “I hate to interrupt, but I think he’s got enough.”
Ivy broke apart from Kristoff, feeling their connection evaporate as she did so. She felt a strange twang of disappointment that they were no longer connected. Kristoff's siphoning had made her feel warm and relaxed, and she'd felt safe in his arms. And as for the way he kissed! Ivy shook her head to clear her muddled thinking.
Bryony blinked several times at her sister. “Everything okay?”
Ivy stepped away and straightened the sleeves of her dress. “Everything is fine.”
“Yes, that went well.” Kristoff had a smile on his face like an ogre who had just eaten his first red blood. “A most satisfying power transfer.”
Bryony continued to stare at Ivy. “Are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yes, I already said so,” said Ivy.
“It’s just that, well, your hair’s changed color.”
Chapter 20
“It’s done what?” Ivy pulled a strand of her hair over one shoulder and saw it was now a deep red color.
She glared at Kristoff. “Did you do this?”
“It may be a small side effect of the power transfer.” Kristoff grinned slyly. “But I’ve always wanted to see you as a redhead.”
“This has nothing to do with the power transfer. You did this deliberately.”
“It’s a temporary thing,” said Kristoff. “You never know, you may get to like it. The color makes your whole face glow.”
“The glow probably has more to do with the way he siphoned the power off you,” whispered Bryony to Ivy.
Ivy growled at her sister. “Don't think I enjoyed that.”
“Now for your turn,” said Kristoff to Bryony.
“Are you going to change the color of my hair, too?” Bryony walked cautiously towards Kristoff.
“Nothing so dramatic,” said Kristoff. “And we can hold hands to do the siphoning.”
“So you don’t need to kiss someone to take their power?” Ivy's hands clenched into fists as she realized she'd just been played.
“I don’t have to,” said Kristoff. “But I enjoy doing it. Especially with you.”
Ivy cursed under her breath and stalked over to the bar, before helping herself to a bottle of brightly colored liquor.
“You shouldn’t mess with my sister,” said Bryony to Kristoff.
“I couldn’t resist the temptation,” said Kristoff. “She is such a feisty witch, and I rarely get an opportunity to be near her. Ivy has a habit of throwing insults at me and running.” He took hold of Bryony’s hands.
“So long as she isn’t hurling fireballs at you, you should be fine,” said Bryony.
“I have experience of both her insults and her fire magic,” said Kristoff. “I enjoy them both.”
“Can you also create the circle of protection now? It will be good to know everyone else is safe from the poisoner.” She dropped her hold on Kristoff's hand and extracted another copy of the list of names from her purse.
Kristoff read through the names and then passed his hand over them. “That is a lot of women you want me to protect.”
“Are you able to do it?”
“Yes, I can work on the circle of protection as I take your powers,” said Kristoff. “It is not a complicated spell, and with the assistance of your powers, it will be easy to do.”
Bryony nodded. “Shall we get started?”
Kristoff took hold of Bryony's hand again. “This will feel warm, given that I’m a demon. All of my powers come with a warming side effect. But it shouldn’t be unpleasant. Let me know if it does get uncomfortable and I can turn the furnace down a little.”
“I’m used to colder magic,” said Bryony. “That’s how Ivy’s feels when her abilities touch me.”
“She had a cooling effect on me when I transferred her abilities into me. It was an unusual feeling. I’ve never experienced it before. Dark magic is usually spikier and more violent. But hers felt like a cool stream running into me.”
“Do you feel any different now you have some of Ivy’s power?” asked Bryony.
“I do,” said Kristoff. “I can already sense your sister’s powers in me. And Ivy is hiding just how powerful she is.”
Bryony felt the palms of her hands heat up. “I sometimes wonder if Ivy keeps her abilities suppressed because she doesn’t want to hurt people.”
“She doesn’t suppress them when she’s around me,” said Kristoff.
“But she does around most other people,” said Bryony. “I know she would feel bad if she ever harmed me because her magic got loose.”
“Ivy is fascinating.” The red rings around Kristoff’s dark eyes gleamed. “You are the one thing she seems to really care about.”
“She cares about the rest of the family,” said Bryony. “Family is important to us all.”
“My family are not so close,” said Kristoff. “My mother spends most of her time in the regions of Hell, only coming to earth when she wants to cause mischief.”
“And your father?”
“We visit now and again. He has plans for me in the family business. But I like it in Old Sarum.” Kristoff’s gaze moved to Ivy. “I’m not sure I want to leave. Not just yet, anyway.”
“I shouldn’t say this.” Bryony swayed on her feet as her power drained, “but I think Ivy does like you.”
“I wouldn’t be pursuing her if I thought she didn’t have some interest in me.”
“She thinks you chase after her because you like the challenge.”
“I’ll admit, there is that element to it too,” said Kristoff. “I do like to chase the unobtainable. But I have a feeling your sister will give in one day.”
“No, she won’t,” said Bryony.
“You sound so certain,” said Kristoff.
“Because of our family curse,” said Bryony, annoyed with herself for talking so openly with Kristoff, but not seeming able to stop. “I know Ivy will never date you.”
“Ah, yes, your small problem with an ancient curse,” said Kristoff. “Tell me more.”
“We don’t like to talk about it,” said Bryony.
Kristoff leaned in close. “But you can tell me. Now we’re sharing powers, we’re practically family.”
Bryony felt lightheaded as her power slowly siphoned out of her. “Neither of us dates because if we fall in love, the other one will die.”
“It is that simple.” Kristoff tilted his head to one side. “But how effective. Your love for your family keeps you from loving anybody else. I assume whoever cursed you had the idea to keep you lonely for life and unable to continue the family lineage?”
“The curse must have happened hundreds of years ago,” said Bryony. “Decades before it was acceptable to have children outside of marriage. That’s the only way the family line has been able to continue.”
“The women in your family choose wisely when it comes to mates. They give birth to children sired from powerful magic users.”
“We've all got strong abilities,” said Bryony. “My cousins, Raven, Jinx, and Seren not only have Aunt Lilith's abilities but also powers from their fathers. They can slow time, transform into other animals, and rip holes into different dimensions.”
“I would like to meet these cousins,” said Kristoff.
“They would eat you alive,” said Bryony.
“That doesn't sound too objectionable,” said Kristoff. “What you Thornhearts have done is clever. Your family’s abilities continue to grow and you outwit your curse.”
“It hasn’t always been successful,” said Bryony. “Witches in our family have died because someone was weak and fell in love.”
“Love shouldn’t be seen as a weakness,” said Kristoff. “It is a powerful and beautiful thing.”
“Only if it doesn’t kill somebody else you love,” said Bryony. “My heart would break forever if I killed my sister by falling in love.”
“That would be a tragedy,” said Kristoff. “But you would like to see your sister happy, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” said Bryony. “And we are always looking for new ways to break the curse. But it sometimes feels as if we’ve exhausted all avenues. Until we find the original source who actually cursed us, there’s only so much we can do.”
Kristoff's grip on Bryony’s hands tightened alarmingly and he let out a gurgling sound.
“Is everything okay?” asked Bryony.
“I’m not certain,” said Kristoff. “I feel... strange.”
Ivy stalked over, a bottle of liquor in one hand. “What are you doing?”
“He said he feels strange.” Bryony peered intently at Kristoff.
“I can’t, I’m not...” Kristoff sank to his knees.
“Maybe the power transfer has gone wrong,” said Bryony.
“Or he’s playing with us.” Ivy toed Kristoff with one of her boots. “Stop messing about.”
Bryony knelt down next to Kristoff. “He’s not playing. The red in his eyes has faded and I can feel the power transfer has stopped. Kristoff, what’s wrong?”
“I felt it as I activated the circle of protection,” gasped Kristoff. “Somebody else has been poisoned.”
Chapter 21
“How do you know someone else has been poisoned?” demanded Ivy.
Kristoff slowly raised his gaze to Ivy’s. “Because I am now connected to everyone you consider to be at risk. When one of them becomes injured, I am aware of it. I also feel their pain.”
“He created the circle of protection while we were transferring my powers into him,” said Bryony to Ivy.
“So who’s been poisoned?” asked Ivy.
“I don’t know her name,” said Kristoff. “But she is at the Charm Police headquarters. I can sense her location.”
“We need to get over there,” said Ivy.
“So long as you’re okay, Kristoff,” said Bryony. “Did you get enough of my powers?”
Kristoff dropped his hold on Bryony’s hands. “I have enough. I need a moment to recover. I did not expect the poison to strike when we were activating the magic. It is something of a shock to the system.”
“You’ll live,” said Ivy. “You’re practically immortal now you have our combined powers. Use them wisely. If I find out you’ve been messing around with our powers, there will be hell to pay.”
“My dear Ivy, that is a territory I’m familiar with and does not worry me.” Kristoff slowly climbed to his feet. “But I understand your warning and I will not abuse what you have both given me.”
“Thank you, Kristoff,” said Bryony.
“I should be the one thanking you,” said Kristoff. “I can already sense how strong the two of you are.”
“I’m warning you, no messing with our powers.” Ivy slugged back some of the liquor before handing Kristoff the bottle. She grabbed hold of Bryony’s hand. “Let’s go and see what happened at the station.”
“And arrange for Gabriel to have the poison siphoned,” said Bryony. “We need to know how he’s doing.”
“I will be at your disposal, ladies,” said Kristoff to their retreating forms. “Let me know when I can be of assistance.”
They hurried out of the Demon’s Den and jogged along the road.
“I’m surprised how badly Kristoff reacted when the magical poison was used,” said Bryony. “I assumed he wouldn’t be effected by creating a circle of protection.”
“Maybe he’s not as good a demon as he thinks he is,” said Ivy. “We can’t worry about him now, we have to find out who’s been poisoned. Maybe they saw the person who left the flowers if they used that method again.”
Bryony hurried along beside her sister. “You know, it is okay to be concerned about Kristoff.”
“Why would I be concerned about him?”
“There’s no time for you to consider it,” said Ivy. “You know Gabriel doesn’t have much time left, and the poisoner is most likely on their way to deliver their next round of poison.”
“One less member of the Charm Police getting in my business is a good thing,” said Kristoff. “If I help him, I’m effectively making my life more difficult.”
“If you don’t help him, and he dies, your life will become extremely difficult and unpleasant,” said Ivy. “I will make it my personal mission to destroy everything you have created.”
“I don’t respond well to threats.” Kristoff stalked closer to Ivy and glared down at her.
“I’m threatening nothing,” said Ivy. “I’m promising you that I will make your life miserable unless you help us.”
“Now I am torn,” said Kristoff. “I have the prospect of assisting you to save Gabriel Galbraith, and in turn risk my own life. Or I have the offer that you will be a constant in my life keeping me entertained as you try to ruin my enterprises. Such fascinating opportunities.”
“Kristoff, please,” said Bryony.
Kristoff looked over at Bryony. “I will do it.”
“You will?” asked Bryony.
“There are conditions,” said Kristoff.
“Here we go,” muttered Ivy. “What do you want?”
“To keep some of your powers,” said Kristoff.
“No way,” said Ivy. “We can’t give you anything permanently.”
“I didn’t say permanently,” said Kristoff. “I have some challenging business dealings to complete over the next six months. Having an edge over the competition will guarantee my success. I propose a short-term swap. I get some of your powers for six months, after that date, I return them to you.”
“What’s the guarantee you will return them?” asked Ivy. “You’re not known for keeping your word.”
“My word is good,” said Kristoff sharply. “But we can seal it with a blood oath as well. That way, it will be unbreakable. At the allotted time, I will be compelled to return your abilities to you.”
“How much do you want?” asked Bryony.
“I want a third of each of your powers,” said Kristoff.
“No, it’s too risky for us,” said Ivy. She looked at Bryony. “I know you care about Gabriel, but we cannot hand over so much power to a demon.”
“I am not such a terrible demon,” said Kristoff. “I may tread a fine line when it comes to the Charm Police, but I would never intentionally harm either of you. I respect your family and your abilities.”
Ivy frowned. “You can have ten percent.”
“And you can’t use our powers to harm others,” said Bryony.
“That I cannot guarantee,” said Kristoff. “As you know, we demons like to do terrible things.”
“Just don’t kill anybody using our abilities,” said Bryony.
“That I can almost guarantee,” said Kristoff. “I may do a little maiming and pulverising with the powers, but it will all be for show. A demon has to demonstrate his powers or other magic users think you are weak and try to take control.”
“No killing,” said Ivy. “If you can guarantee that, we have a deal.”
Kristoff was silent for several seconds as he studied Ivy and Bryony. “No killing, and twenty-five percent.”
“No killing, and fifteen percent,” said Ivy.
“Twenty percent,” said Kristoff.
Ivy looked over at Bryony and she nodded. “Fine, twenty percent. And we get it back after six months.”
“Absolutely,” said Kristoff with a smile. “I can’t have my favorite dark witch out of action for too long. It would take all the fun out of Old Sarum.”
Ivy slid a knife out of her long black boot. “Time for the blood oath. Give me your palm.”
Kristoff held out his left hand. “My blood is yours.”
Ivy slid the thin blade across his palm, before doing the same to hers and then Bryony’s.
Kristoff pressed Ivy’s bloodied palm to his. “By the power of this blood oath, I declare that I will return the exchanged abilities of Ivy Thornheart to her, six months from this date. I agree to return the abilities in full.”
Ivy nodded and yanked her hand away from Kristoff. “Good enough.”
He turned to Bryony and took hold of her bloodied hand. “By the power of this blood oath, I declare that I will return the exchanged abilities of Bryony Thornheart to her, six months from this date. I agree to return the abilities in full.”
Bryony nodded and winced as Kristoff let go of her palm. “Now what?”
“Now comes the fun part.” Kristoff wrapped an arm around Ivy’s waist and tugged her towards him. “I get to taste your abilities.”
“We don’t need to be this close.” Ivy struggled in his grip.
“Yes we do, the more contact the better,” said Kristoff. “I have siphoned abilities off of witches when they were naked. That is a most pleasurable experience.”
“That’s not happening now,” said Ivy. “Take what you need and let’s get on with this.”
Kristoff grinned at her. “As you wish.” He stroked his hands down Ivy's hair. “I never thought I’d see the day when you would come to me and ask for help.”
“I’m not asking for my benefit.” Ivy gritted her teeth as she inhaled Kristoff’s musky cologne.
“Yes, I know you’d do anything for your sister,” said Kristoff. “There is some good in you, always looking out for her. It’s an admirable quality.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against Ivy's neck.
“That’s not how you siphon power,” said Ivy, her stomach flipping as Kristoff’s lips continued to travel down her throat.
“You’re right,” whispered Kristoff. “But I am simply enjoying myself too much. This is how I like to siphon my power.” His hand moved to Ivy’s face as their lips made contact.
For a few seconds, Ivy was too surprised to move. A warmth spread across her face, down her shoulders and arms and continued to travel to her toes, enveloping her in a warm cocoon. The siphoning had begun.
Despite her initial resistance, Ivy felt herself relaxing in Kristoff’s embrace. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck and she pulled him close to her.
Kristoff growled in response and his own embrace tightened.
Bryony loudly cleared her throat and tapped Ivy on the shoulder. “I hate to interrupt, but I think he’s got enough.”
Ivy broke apart from Kristoff, feeling their connection evaporate as she did so. She felt a strange twang of disappointment that they were no longer connected. Kristoff's siphoning had made her feel warm and relaxed, and she'd felt safe in his arms. And as for the way he kissed! Ivy shook her head to clear her muddled thinking.
Bryony blinked several times at her sister. “Everything okay?”
Ivy stepped away and straightened the sleeves of her dress. “Everything is fine.”
“Yes, that went well.” Kristoff had a smile on his face like an ogre who had just eaten his first red blood. “A most satisfying power transfer.”
Bryony continued to stare at Ivy. “Are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yes, I already said so,” said Ivy.
“It’s just that, well, your hair’s changed color.”
Chapter 20
“It’s done what?” Ivy pulled a strand of her hair over one shoulder and saw it was now a deep red color.
She glared at Kristoff. “Did you do this?”
“It may be a small side effect of the power transfer.” Kristoff grinned slyly. “But I’ve always wanted to see you as a redhead.”
“This has nothing to do with the power transfer. You did this deliberately.”
“It’s a temporary thing,” said Kristoff. “You never know, you may get to like it. The color makes your whole face glow.”
“The glow probably has more to do with the way he siphoned the power off you,” whispered Bryony to Ivy.
Ivy growled at her sister. “Don't think I enjoyed that.”
“Now for your turn,” said Kristoff to Bryony.
“Are you going to change the color of my hair, too?” Bryony walked cautiously towards Kristoff.
“Nothing so dramatic,” said Kristoff. “And we can hold hands to do the siphoning.”
“So you don’t need to kiss someone to take their power?” Ivy's hands clenched into fists as she realized she'd just been played.
“I don’t have to,” said Kristoff. “But I enjoy doing it. Especially with you.”
Ivy cursed under her breath and stalked over to the bar, before helping herself to a bottle of brightly colored liquor.
“You shouldn’t mess with my sister,” said Bryony to Kristoff.
“I couldn’t resist the temptation,” said Kristoff. “She is such a feisty witch, and I rarely get an opportunity to be near her. Ivy has a habit of throwing insults at me and running.” He took hold of Bryony’s hands.
“So long as she isn’t hurling fireballs at you, you should be fine,” said Bryony.
“I have experience of both her insults and her fire magic,” said Kristoff. “I enjoy them both.”
“Can you also create the circle of protection now? It will be good to know everyone else is safe from the poisoner.” She dropped her hold on Kristoff's hand and extracted another copy of the list of names from her purse.
Kristoff read through the names and then passed his hand over them. “That is a lot of women you want me to protect.”
“Are you able to do it?”
“Yes, I can work on the circle of protection as I take your powers,” said Kristoff. “It is not a complicated spell, and with the assistance of your powers, it will be easy to do.”
Bryony nodded. “Shall we get started?”
Kristoff took hold of Bryony's hand again. “This will feel warm, given that I’m a demon. All of my powers come with a warming side effect. But it shouldn’t be unpleasant. Let me know if it does get uncomfortable and I can turn the furnace down a little.”
“I’m used to colder magic,” said Bryony. “That’s how Ivy’s feels when her abilities touch me.”
“She had a cooling effect on me when I transferred her abilities into me. It was an unusual feeling. I’ve never experienced it before. Dark magic is usually spikier and more violent. But hers felt like a cool stream running into me.”
“Do you feel any different now you have some of Ivy’s power?” asked Bryony.
“I do,” said Kristoff. “I can already sense your sister’s powers in me. And Ivy is hiding just how powerful she is.”
Bryony felt the palms of her hands heat up. “I sometimes wonder if Ivy keeps her abilities suppressed because she doesn’t want to hurt people.”
“She doesn’t suppress them when she’s around me,” said Kristoff.
“But she does around most other people,” said Bryony. “I know she would feel bad if she ever harmed me because her magic got loose.”
“Ivy is fascinating.” The red rings around Kristoff’s dark eyes gleamed. “You are the one thing she seems to really care about.”
“She cares about the rest of the family,” said Bryony. “Family is important to us all.”
“My family are not so close,” said Kristoff. “My mother spends most of her time in the regions of Hell, only coming to earth when she wants to cause mischief.”
“And your father?”
“We visit now and again. He has plans for me in the family business. But I like it in Old Sarum.” Kristoff’s gaze moved to Ivy. “I’m not sure I want to leave. Not just yet, anyway.”
“I shouldn’t say this.” Bryony swayed on her feet as her power drained, “but I think Ivy does like you.”
“I wouldn’t be pursuing her if I thought she didn’t have some interest in me.”
“She thinks you chase after her because you like the challenge.”
“I’ll admit, there is that element to it too,” said Kristoff. “I do like to chase the unobtainable. But I have a feeling your sister will give in one day.”
“No, she won’t,” said Bryony.
“You sound so certain,” said Kristoff.
“Because of our family curse,” said Bryony, annoyed with herself for talking so openly with Kristoff, but not seeming able to stop. “I know Ivy will never date you.”
“Ah, yes, your small problem with an ancient curse,” said Kristoff. “Tell me more.”
“We don’t like to talk about it,” said Bryony.
Kristoff leaned in close. “But you can tell me. Now we’re sharing powers, we’re practically family.”
Bryony felt lightheaded as her power slowly siphoned out of her. “Neither of us dates because if we fall in love, the other one will die.”
“It is that simple.” Kristoff tilted his head to one side. “But how effective. Your love for your family keeps you from loving anybody else. I assume whoever cursed you had the idea to keep you lonely for life and unable to continue the family lineage?”
“The curse must have happened hundreds of years ago,” said Bryony. “Decades before it was acceptable to have children outside of marriage. That’s the only way the family line has been able to continue.”
“The women in your family choose wisely when it comes to mates. They give birth to children sired from powerful magic users.”
“We've all got strong abilities,” said Bryony. “My cousins, Raven, Jinx, and Seren not only have Aunt Lilith's abilities but also powers from their fathers. They can slow time, transform into other animals, and rip holes into different dimensions.”
“I would like to meet these cousins,” said Kristoff.
“They would eat you alive,” said Bryony.
“That doesn't sound too objectionable,” said Kristoff. “What you Thornhearts have done is clever. Your family’s abilities continue to grow and you outwit your curse.”
“It hasn’t always been successful,” said Bryony. “Witches in our family have died because someone was weak and fell in love.”
“Love shouldn’t be seen as a weakness,” said Kristoff. “It is a powerful and beautiful thing.”
“Only if it doesn’t kill somebody else you love,” said Bryony. “My heart would break forever if I killed my sister by falling in love.”
“That would be a tragedy,” said Kristoff. “But you would like to see your sister happy, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” said Bryony. “And we are always looking for new ways to break the curse. But it sometimes feels as if we’ve exhausted all avenues. Until we find the original source who actually cursed us, there’s only so much we can do.”
Kristoff's grip on Bryony’s hands tightened alarmingly and he let out a gurgling sound.
“Is everything okay?” asked Bryony.
“I’m not certain,” said Kristoff. “I feel... strange.”
Ivy stalked over, a bottle of liquor in one hand. “What are you doing?”
“He said he feels strange.” Bryony peered intently at Kristoff.
“I can’t, I’m not...” Kristoff sank to his knees.
“Maybe the power transfer has gone wrong,” said Bryony.
“Or he’s playing with us.” Ivy toed Kristoff with one of her boots. “Stop messing about.”
Bryony knelt down next to Kristoff. “He’s not playing. The red in his eyes has faded and I can feel the power transfer has stopped. Kristoff, what’s wrong?”
“I felt it as I activated the circle of protection,” gasped Kristoff. “Somebody else has been poisoned.”
Chapter 21
“How do you know someone else has been poisoned?” demanded Ivy.
Kristoff slowly raised his gaze to Ivy’s. “Because I am now connected to everyone you consider to be at risk. When one of them becomes injured, I am aware of it. I also feel their pain.”
“He created the circle of protection while we were transferring my powers into him,” said Bryony to Ivy.
“So who’s been poisoned?” asked Ivy.
“I don’t know her name,” said Kristoff. “But she is at the Charm Police headquarters. I can sense her location.”
“We need to get over there,” said Ivy.
“So long as you’re okay, Kristoff,” said Bryony. “Did you get enough of my powers?”
Kristoff dropped his hold on Bryony’s hands. “I have enough. I need a moment to recover. I did not expect the poison to strike when we were activating the magic. It is something of a shock to the system.”
“You’ll live,” said Ivy. “You’re practically immortal now you have our combined powers. Use them wisely. If I find out you’ve been messing around with our powers, there will be hell to pay.”
“My dear Ivy, that is a territory I’m familiar with and does not worry me.” Kristoff slowly climbed to his feet. “But I understand your warning and I will not abuse what you have both given me.”
“Thank you, Kristoff,” said Bryony.
“I should be the one thanking you,” said Kristoff. “I can already sense how strong the two of you are.”
“I’m warning you, no messing with our powers.” Ivy slugged back some of the liquor before handing Kristoff the bottle. She grabbed hold of Bryony’s hand. “Let’s go and see what happened at the station.”
“And arrange for Gabriel to have the poison siphoned,” said Bryony. “We need to know how he’s doing.”
“I will be at your disposal, ladies,” said Kristoff to their retreating forms. “Let me know when I can be of assistance.”
They hurried out of the Demon’s Den and jogged along the road.
“I’m surprised how badly Kristoff reacted when the magical poison was used,” said Bryony. “I assumed he wouldn’t be effected by creating a circle of protection.”
“Maybe he’s not as good a demon as he thinks he is,” said Ivy. “We can’t worry about him now, we have to find out who’s been poisoned. Maybe they saw the person who left the flowers if they used that method again.”
Bryony hurried along beside her sister. “You know, it is okay to be concerned about Kristoff.”
“Why would I be concerned about him?”
