Demonically Tempted (Frostbite 2)

I placed the mirror next to the wand on the desk and grabbed the pen. In great detail, Gretchen went through the demon banishing and I absorbed each word as if my life depending on it.

And well, it did, didn’t it?

Once she finished and I completed my notes, I pondered all this, replayed her acknowledgement that this wasn’t straightforward.

What was I missing? Where was the catch?

“Everything you’ve said is simple enough, but I’m guessing it isn’t, is it?”

“It is simple, if you believe in it.” She smiled. “These spells have been created to ward off evil.”

She cupped my hand on the desk, squeezed. The same energy I experienced with Dane’s touch sped through me and caught my breath.

“They’ll work for you if you let them. If you doubt what you’re doing, the spells will fail.”

Her hand tightened on mine. “But I’ll warn you, when the demon realizes what you’re going to do, it’ll remove itself from the body it holds and will come at you in demonic form.”

“What will it look like?” Images of horned animals flashed through my mind.

“A shadow,” was Dane’s reply.

Considering what I thought it could be, that didn’t sound all that bad. “I think I can deal with a shadow.”

“Don’t be fooled,” Gretchen said. “It’ll be stronger in its demonic form.”

And there went my confidence.

She turned away, grabbed a few more items off her bookshelf and placed it in a bowl. “Just for good measure, take this.” She handed me the jar containing what looked like charcoal and some spices.

I examined the contents, and inhaled the woodsy, sweet scent. “What is it?”

“Camphor, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Myrrh and Sandalwood.” She closed the book with a heavy thud. “After all is said and done, light this mix

ture in your circle and let it burn. It’ll purify the house and ensure no other evil can come through.”

I glanced between her and Dane, finally settling on Gretchen. “That’s it, then? I’ve got everything I need?”

She nodded. “I believe you have enough to keep you protected. If the banishing doesn’t work, at least, the demon won’t be able to attack you.”

“Isn’t that a load off?” I murmured. “But you seem pretty confident this will work, so why wouldn’t it?”

“It all depends on you.” Her expression became measured. “If you don’t believe in the energy that’s available, demand it to awaken to you, and for the demon to be banished, your mission will not succeed.”

“Well then, I believe,” I snapped. “Simple as that.”

“I hope you do.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze. “If you fail, do call me and we’ll figure out another plan. If I must come help, I will.”

“Thank you,” I exhaled, but suspected she was saying that to be supportive and nothing more. It was obvious she didn’t really want to help, and I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t want to do it either.

“Let’s be off, then.” Dane turned on his heels, and headed toward the stairs.

I stepped forward to follow him, suddenly remembering Kipp was at the house with the demon and wanting to return to him, when Gretchen grabbed my arm causing me to glance at her.

“Remember,” she whispered. “You choose your life. Don’t let others tell you what is right. And don’t forget that voice of yours.”

I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Follow your heart, Tess Jennings, and you’ll do fine.” She walked by me, heading up the stairs behind Dane.