Connor’s telepathy with Iris meant something to the dark witch.
He slid back into Iris’s mind. Do you see Seraphina? She’s scared.
I know. But why is telepathy significant?
I don’t know.
“We need to get rid of these two right now.” Seraphina’s voice had a hard edge.
But Iris called out, “Evan. I have good news for you. Heather is here. I’ve felt her presence.”
Evan stared unblinking at Iris. “What do you mean?”
“Your wife. She’s here.”
“What’s going on?” Connor asked quietly.
She turned to him. “Violet’s here as well. They both are
.” She gestured with a hand to the floor. “Violet died here.”
“I know.” His shoulders fell. “I woke up in my home with no recollection about what had happened. But my clothes. There was so much blood. I was sick for days. Besides having eight broken ribs and more bruises than I could count. And you’re sure I had nothing to do with Violet’s death?”
She touched his cheek, then leaned up and kissed him. Absolutely nothing.
Seraphina’s deep voice intruded. “How touching. But we’re off point. Evan, use your blade.”
But Evan called out. “What do you mean, Heather is here?”
Seraphina gripped his arm. “Don’t listen to her. She’s a liar. And why would Heather be here, with Iris, but not with all those dead-talkers?”
Iris turned in his direction. “I felt her presence, Evan. And it was Violet who told me she was here. Both ghosts are present.”
Evan’s eyes darkened and a heavy frown sat on his brow. “You’re a witch, not a dead-talker. Seraphina’s right. You’re lying.”
“I’m not. I felt her touch on my arm.”
Evan suddenly grabbed his own arm then looked around. He stepped away from Seraphina and sheathed his sword. “She touched me. I felt it. Heather? Heather?” His eyes went wild. “Heather!” he screamed. “I’m here. I’m here.” He turned in a circle, his duster flaring out as he moved. “Heather!”
Seraphina went to him and settled a hand on his shoulder. Connor thought he would slough it off. Instead, he grew quiet, his vision clouding over.
The witch spoke in a soothing tone. “Calm down, dearest. The witch is lying. She doesn’t want Connor to die and she’ll say anything to you right now.”
Evan turned to her. “But I felt a touch on my arm.”
She caressed his face. “You imagined it, my love.” She held his gaze. Even from fifteen feet away, Connor could feel Seraphina’s witch energy focused on Evan.
He nodded and drew a deep breath. “You’re right. I did.” He leaned close and kissed her. “Besides, she was my past and you’re my present and my future.”
“I am.”
Connor took Iris’s hand. She’s spelled him.
That she has. She looked up at Connor. We have a chance right now to end this.
What do you have in mind?
Not sure, but when I figure it out, I’m taking the bitch down.