“And has been growing stronger ever since,” Ethan finishes.
Trading the demon encyclopedia for my Book of Shadows, I leaf through for the section on different dimensions.
“About a hundred years ago, witches were able to create this dimension and lock the demon inside,” I start. “And whatever spell they used to create it won’t fade, but the door can weaken and a rift can form, allowing whatever is locked inside to reach out.” I think back to what Tabatha told me about how the dimensions should hold through time. “I’m oversimplifying, but basically I need to reinforce the door.”
Laney takes in a shaky breath. “It does sound simple, so I’m guessing it’s far from it.”
“There’s only one way to repair it, but once it’s fixed, the demon can no longer reach into our world and hurt anyone else.”
“What’s the only way?”
“I have to go into the rift.”
Chapter
Twenty-Four
“Now?” Laney rushes out.
“There’s no time like the present.” I wince and shake my head. “I don’t want to, but I don’t see any other way,” I say, not voicing out loud that I have no idea how to go into the rift, let alone come out. But I know someone who definitely would. “I need an anchor.” Leaning down, I squint to try and read some of the tiny words scrawled in black in on the page. I’ve read through this particular section several times and haven’t been able to make sense of it. “It will strengthen the door and keep Kornath from getting out completely.”
“This demon makes your worst fears come to life,” Ethan reminds me, obviously unhappy with this plan. He was just offering himself up as bait not long ago. “What are you going to do when your literal worst nightmare manifests in front of you?”
“I…I could cast a fearless spell on myself,” I try. “If I can’t fear anything, then it won’t have power over me. I’ll get in, plant the anchor, and get out. It won’t go that smooth, I know, but it’ll work. In theory. I think.”
“You’re not convincing me this is a good idea.” Ethan paces to the other side of the room. “There has to be another way that doesn’t involve you going inside a pocket dimension.” He holds my gaze and shakes his head. “Because that’s a terrible idea, Anora. You’ll be alone with a demon in a place we cannot reach .”
“If you think Annie’s plan sucks, raise your hand.” Harrison holds his hand up and looks around the table.
“It’s not that it sucks,” Sam starts, putting her hand up. “It’s just too dangerous. Ethan is right. We have no way of getting you out if you get stuck.”
“You’re right,” I say and see a bit of relief come over Ethan’s face. “Because you can’t do magic. But anyone from my coven can and this seems like the kind of thing I should tell my High Priestess about.”
Ethan’s jaw tenses but he lets out a breath. “It does seem like the kind of thing you should tell her.” He takes in a slow breath. “Go. We’ll keep trying to find the connection between the recent victims so we can figure out who’s next.”
“Right.” I get up, use the bathroom, and then grab my phone and purse. Ethan is waiting for me by the back door, with a line of worry formed between his eyes.
“Be careful, Anora.”
“I’ll be fine,” I promise. “I’m just going to the Covenstead, and Hunter is coming with me. I won’t do anything beyond talk to Tabatha.”
He takes both my hands in his and kisses me. “When this is all over, I am taking you on that date.”
I smile. “I’m very much looking forward to it.”
We kiss again and I go out the backdoor, Hunter following by my side. I crank Def Leppard on my way to the bait shop, singing along to quell my nerves. It’s warmed up significantly today and I’m hot by the time I hike to the door.
“Here goes nothing,” I tell Hunter, undoing a safety pin I stuck in my coat pocket before we left. “Invoco elementum terrae. Invoco elemuntum aeris. Invoco elemuntum aqua. Invoco elemuntum ignis.” I prick my finger and crouch down, letting a tiny drop of blood spill onto the earth. Bright blue magic flickers between the two large trees, forming the door. I can’t help but feel exhilarated when I step through, turning around to close them behind me.
Hunter nudges me, letting me know he believed in me all along. The courtyard is warm from the sun today, and the smell of lilac is fresh in the air. I get an instant sense of relief and comfort just being here.
“Thanks, buddy.” We set off toward Ruby’s office, passing a few students along the way. I go down the wrong hall and have to backtrack. This place is huge, and I could easily get lost in the long, dark corridors. I pass by the library for the second time, and can’t help but slow and look inside, my bookworm heart fluttering at the sight of all those books.