Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. 1) MM A. M. Rose
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Like a House on Fire A. M. Rose
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Thisbookisaworkoffiction
Names,characters,businesses,organizations,places,events,andincidents areeithertheproductoftheauthors’imaginationorareusedfictitiously. Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesis entirelycoincidental
EditingdonebyKateWoodProofreading© ProofreadingdonebyLoriParks
CoverdesignedbyBCJArt&Design© "This work by BCJ Art & Design is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4 0 International License ”
Blurb Right,so…let’sseehowhegothimselfinthismess. Anestrangedfamilymemberlefthimahouse.Whichisgreat.Thehouselookslikeit’sasoftbreezeawayfromcrumbling.
Lessgreat ThehouseiscursedandnowMorganistrappedinsideit AnythingBUTgreat Cursebreaker,please!
(Andmakehimhot Morgan’sbeenthroughalot) Herbs?Check.Fire?Check.Beingthebestathisjobandknowingit?Doubleeffingcheck. Ashhadeverythingheneededtogethisclientoutofacursedhouse Sohowintheworlddidhegethimselftrappedinside withhim?Whyisthehousesoagainstthemleaving?Andwhyishisclientthehottestthingsincewildfire? Timeforanewplan.
Onethatinvolvesbreakingthecurse,andbreakingthebed Notnecessarilyinthatorder
AboutTheAuthors
AlsoByA.M.Rose
Author's Note CW: Claustrophobia
Graphicdescriptionsofsmallspacesthatmaytriggerthosewithclaustrophobia
Chapter 1 Ash ThatmotherfuckerHADNOTjustknockedhistoothout.
Ashtriedfeelingaroundhismouthwithhistongue,butitwassoswollenandfilledwithbloodhebarelyfeltanything. Helookedaroundthefloorfromhispositionsprawledonhisknees,spottingsomethingsmallandwhite,andragemadehis visionflash ThatcasterbetterbeontherunwhenAshfoundhimagain,becausehe’dverygladlytakenhispayment,assuring Ashthespellwouldkeephisteethintact. Hadit?
Apparentlynot,becausehistoothwasnowlyingafootawayfromwhereitwassupposedtobe. Insidehisfuckingmouth.
Ashreachedforit,grippingitbetweenhisfingers Itwassquishy.
“Fuck,ew!”Ashlaunchedsomeone’schewed-upgumasfarawayfromhimselfashecould Gross.
“What’sthematter,prettyboy?”agravellyvoicejibedfrombehindhim “Alreadydonefortheevening?” Right.Fuck.Hewasinthemiddleofafight.
He turned to lookathis opponent, curlinghis lip atthe beastly-lookingman;his lip was split, blood gushingfroma tear abovehiseyebrow,andoneeyecompletelyswollenshut
“Aw,youstillthinkI’mpretty,”Ashsaidmockingly,flutteringhislashesjusttobeadick.“Wannameetupafterthis?” “I’mmarried,”themansaid,balking “Evenbetter,”Ashsaid.“Iloveagoodthreesome.”
Themanadvancedtowardhim,fistclenchednearhiship “Youtouchmywife ” Ashjumped to his feetand cutthe restofthe sentence offwitha beautifullyplaced uppercut. The manwentdownlike a felledtree.
Andstayeddown
The bell rang and Ash threw cheeky little curtsies to the crowd. He could see money changing hands between the big spendershispresencealwaysdrew out,somepeoplemorepleasedaboutitthanothers Heknew hisfanbasewasrelatively small. Somethingabouthimrubbed people the wrongwaymostofthe time, so theyusuallyopted to rootfor whoever was standingontheothersideofthecage,butthosewhowereinitjustforthemoney,theyknewAshwastheirman. He’dneverlostafight.
“You’remoretroublethanyou’reworth,Cursebreaker.”
Ashwhippedaround,clutchinghisimaginarypearlswithbruisedhands
“Ibetyousaythatto all the boys,” he said, smirkingwhenhe came face to face withHurricane justCane, ifyoucared aboutyour ownlife the ringleader ofthis lovelyand sordid underground fightclub He was aboutas tall as Ashwas, but probablytwicehiswidth.Themanwasagiant.
Every visible inch of his skin was covered in tattoos and scars, some of which looked way too neat and artistic to be unintentional.Several piercings hungfromhis ears,noseandlip,andAshhadheardstories aboutother…bodyparts…being justasdecorated.
Hehadshort,darkhairhalf-coveringhisscalptattoos,andaneatlytrimmedbeard Dudewashot Ifyoulikedthatkindof thing.
“Just the biggest pains in my ass,” Cane said, looking around and growling at the sight of several very hostile money exchangestakingplace.TherewerebustedlipsandladiesscreamingwhereverAshlooked.
“Forfuck’ssake,”Canesaidashewatchedanotherfightbreakoutjusttotheleftofthem.
Aposh-lookingmanina suitwas pocketinga lotofmoneywhile the goons ofanother, equallyposhman, were tryingto
interveneandgetthemoneyback.
Ashspottedafamiliarblondmaninasatinyshirtcaughtinthemiddleofitall.Hewaswearingheelsaboutassharpasthe pointynosehehadstuckupintheair Ashhadseenhimaroundbefore,accompanyingvariousrichpricks,wearingoutlandish outfits and fiddlingwithhis shoulder-lengthblond hair. He usuallyseemed detached and absentinhis ownmind, butatthe momentAshcouldtellhewasscared,sincebetweenthrowinginsults,threatsandfists,nobodywaspayinganyattentiontohis safety.
“Lovelyestablishmentyouhavehere,CandyCane,”Ashsaid,keepinganeyeontheblondmanincaseheneededanyhelp “Pissoff,Cursebreaker,”Canesaidinresponsetothenickname,andAshpreenedatgettingunderhisskin.
Hedidn’thaveadeathwish,perse,hejustliked…pushingthingsthatshouldn’tbepushed.Itwasacharactertrait.Afeature, notabug,inhisopinion
“Wantmetohelpbreakitup?”Ashaskedwhenthecrowdinvolvedinthefightgotlargerandtheamountofbloodsplattered onthefloorreachedworryinglevels Theblondmanwasnowheretobeseen
“I’llhandleit,”Canesaid,pullingawadofcashoutofhispocketandsmackingitintoAsh’spalm.“LastthingIneedisyou gettinginvolvedandpeoplerealizingwhatyouare Idon’tneedmoreheat”
“Sweet,”Ashsaid,pocketingthemoney,fingersbrushingoveralollipopinhispocket.Hepulleditout,unwrappeditand stuffeditintohismouth.“AndIdidn’tevenloseanyteeth.”
“You’restillaround,soit’snotoffthetable,”Canesaid,crackinghisknuckles Ashgavehimacheekysalute.
“Message received, CandyCane,” he said, skippingover his opponent’s unconscious bodyand headingtoward the cage door.“I’mout.”
“Anddon’tshowupforawhile,”Canecalled.“Seemslikeallyoubringistrouble.” “Andmoney.”
“Absolutelynotworthit,”Canegrumbled.
“Yousaythat,butwebothknowyoudon’tmeanit”Hemadefortheexit,blowingCaneafarewellkiss “Later,babe!” He walked outofthe abandoned warehouse Cane claimed as his territoryand into a foggynight. The scentofsmoke and motoroilhungheavyintheair,andthesoftbreezedidnothingtomakethenightcomfortable
Despitethat,Ashgrinnedallthewaytohistruckintheparkinglot,hoppinginandheadinghome,stoppingonlytopickupa smallmountainoffastfoodalongtheway.He’dmadegoodmoneyfromthefight,andhehadverylittleneedforitgenerally,so hefeltlikesplurgingforsomegrubforhimandhisbrotherswouldbecool.
The smell offood and the growlinginhis stomachmade himpress the gas pedal harder. The inner-citycircle was nearly emptysolateintheevening,thelasttrainofthenightmakingitsroundtotheoutskirts
Theroadswerealmostcompletelydevoidoftraffic,butthatwasn’tunusual.Veryfew professionswereallowedpersonal vehicles,andmostofthoseconductedtheirbusinessduringthedaytime Ashlikedbeingaloneontheroad
Slatehollowwasn’ttheprettiestcitytheworldhadeverseen,butAshfounditsuitedhimjustfine.Theconcentriccirclesit waslaidoutinwereneatlyorganized,soyoualwaysknewwheretogoforwhatyouneeded.
Theinnermostcirclewas reservedfor fancybusinesses andchromeandglass buildings,their windows perpetuallymurky withthetown’spollution.Thenextringwasforeducationalbuildingsandadministration,theoneafterthatfortradebusinesses andstores Nextwastheresidentialarea,andthelastonecontainedfarmsandgreenhouses
Forthosewhodidn’thaveapermittoownavehicle,thecircleswereconnectedabovegroundwithwalkingbridgesandthe oneloopingrailwaythattookpeoplewherevertheyneededtogo
It wasn’t the prettiest town, but it was his, and he felt a strange sense of protectiveness over it as he watched it being coveredindarkness.
Hecrankedthemusicuptochaseofftheweirdblues,andsangalongasheleftthecitycenter,drivinghome
Heparkedhiscarinfrontofalargemultistoryhouse,shuttingtheengineoffandfrowningwhenhenoticedmostofthelights were off The house loomed atthe edge ofa small forest, lookinglike anovergrownlogcabin All ofthe outer walls were made ofdarkwood, there was a wide porchwrapped around the entire base ofit, and several lawnchairs and tables were scatteredaroundeverywhere
Grabbingthebagsoffood,hehoppedoutofthecarandwalkeduptheshortflightofstairs,enteringthehouseandtoeingoff hissneakersattheentrywaybesidecountlessothersofallshapesandsizes.
“Sweethearts,I’mhome!”hecalledout,lookingataposteronthewalljustacrossfromthefrontdoor
‘AHOUSEIS MADEOF WALLS AND BEAMS, AHOMEIS BUILT WITHHOPES AND DREAMS ’ Thathadn’tbeentherewhenheleftthatmorning,andiftherewasanew poster withamotivational quote,thatmeantHart washome.
Hewalkedfarther in,dodgingarustybirdcagethathadbeenleftinthemiddleofthehallway.Wrenreallyneededtostop leavingthosearound.Hemadehiswaytowardthekitchen,noticingsomehorrifyingcasefileshadbeenpinnedalongtheonce
blueandcalmingpaintwork.Herolledhiseyes,rustlingthepaperbagsasloudlyashecould.Hisbrotherswerelikedogs theysensedfoodthemomentitcrossedtheirthreshold.
Rightoncue,stepscouldbeheardcomingdownthestairsandamessofblondcurlsandpinklacebarreledintohim “You’reback!”Hisyoungestbrother,Black,gavehimabighugbeforedivingheadfirstintotheclosestbagandpullingouta hamburgerthesizeofhisheadandaservingoffries
Hehoppedupontoabarstool,shortlegsendinginfurryslipperskickingbackandforthashechompeddownonhisfood.
“You’rewelcome,”AshsaidashewatchedBlackdevourhisfoodlikehehadn’teateninacentury Forsomeonewholookedascuteashedidinhispinklacypajamaswiththosegorgeouscurls,hesureatelikeasavagelittle beast.
“’Hankooh,”Blacksaid,grinningwithhismouthfull,showingallofthechewed-upfoodtoAsh,whogaggedashepushed hisshoulder.
“Disgusting,”Ashsaid,rummagingthroughthebagstofindhisorderbeforeBlackruinedhismealforhim “Webehaveatthetable,Black,darling.”Avoicecamefromtheentranceasanothermemberoftheirteam,Hart,walkedinto thekitchen Hisdarkgreensatinpajamaswereneatlypressedandbuttoneduptohisneck Histanskinwasshiningfromhis fifteen-stepskincareroutine,andtherewasagentlesmileonhislipsdespitethereprimandthatcameoutofthem. “No, you behaveatthetable,”Blacksaid,pointingaketchup-loadedfryathisface.“Weenjoyourselves.” “Speakforyourself,”Ashsaid,handingHartaseparatebagalongwithaplate,knife,andfork
“Gotyourfoodrighthere” “Appreciateit.”Hartdisheduphischeeseburgerontotheplate,arranginghisfriesinaneatpilenexttothem. Hetookthesilverwareandcutatinypieceofthecheeseburger,chewingitslowlybeforeswallowing “Youdon’tevenhavesauceonyourchin,”Blacksaid,mouthstillfull.“It’sunnerving.” HartignoredhimasheliftedanapkinandwipedhislipswiththecornerofitbeforelookingatAsh.
“Andwherewereyou?”heasked,andAshsmiledatthefakenonchalanceinhisvoice. Hepointedatthebruisedeyebrowandbustedlip.
“Guess,”hesaid,andHartscowled
“Idon’tneedtoguess.”Hart’sfingersclenchedtightaroundhissilverware.“Ijustwantedtohearadifferentresponse.” “LikethatIwasattackedonthestreetandmuggedatgunpoint?”
“Itwouldbepreferable,”Hartsaid.
“Wasn’tityouwhosaidsomethingaboutaskingquestionsyoudon’twanttheanswersto?”Ashasked,makingBlackchortle alaugh,sprayingfoodalloverthecounter.“Stilldisgusting,Black.”
“Whendoyouplanonstoppingwiththatnonsense?”Hartasked,lookingatAshthewayhealwaysimaginedadisappointed parentwould Notthatanyofthemhadanyideawhatthatwaslikeinpractice “WhywouldIstop?”heasked.“Ihadfun.AndIwon!”
“Yay!”Blackcheered,dippingahandfuloffriesinapoolofketchup
“Ofcourseyoudid,”Hartsaid,ignoringBlackcompletely,asolitaryfryforgottenontheendofhisfork.“You’reverygood atwhatyoudo.”
“Hedoesn’tlookgoodatwhathedoes,”Blackoffered “Lookatthatgashonhiseyebrow” “But?”Ashasked,swattingBlack’shandwhenhewenttopokehiswound. Hartshrugged “Meddlingwithunsavorypeople isn’ta verygood idea It’s illegal, itcould come backto bite youinthe behindifwordgetsoutyou’reacursebreaker,andyoukeepgettinghurt.”
“Youcan’tevenseethebone It’snotthatbad,”Blacksaid “Butyoualwayssayweshoulddothingsthatsparkjoy,”Ashsaid,andHartfrownedathim. “Don’ttwistmywords to suityour needs,” he said. “Imeantwithinthe realms ofthings thatdon’tinclude shadypeople doingveryshadythings Iwon’tevengetintotheissueofgettingbeatenupsparkingjoywithinyou”
“No,no,dogetintoit,”Blacksaid,liftinghisfuzzy-slipper-cladfootandpokingHartinthethighwithit.“Iwannahearyou counselhisweirdass”
“Iwillnotbecounselinganyoneoutsidebusinesshours,”Hartsaid.
“You’regonnasitthereandcall me weird?”AshaskedBlack Blackjustshrugged.“Icall’emlikeIsee’em,”hesaid,throwingafryatAshandreachingforthebagwiththedrinks.He grabbedhimselfaCokeandslurpeditobnoxiouslyuntil Ashbeggedhimtostop.Hewas rewardedwithanother lookatthe massacreinBlack’smouthandusedthebagstobuildawallbetweenthemtoblockhisview “Whereiseveryoneelse?”Ashaskedwhenthepileofunclaimedfoodremindedhimthathalftheirhouseholdwasmissing. “Wrenisatthesanctuary,”Hartsaid “Theyrecentlyreceivedafewfoxesthatwereunderacurseforaprettylongtime,so they’requiteferalnow.He’stryingtogetthemtosettlewiththeotheranimals.” Ashreachedintohispocketandpulledoutacrumpledbill,slammingitonthetablebetweenthethreeofthem. “Twentyslates he’s bringingthe foxes home!” he said,andBlackmovedthe bagtothe side toroll his eyes atAshbefore puttingitbackinplace.
“Iain’twastingmymoneylikethat,”Blacksaid.
AshlookedatHartwitharaisedeyebrow.Hegotasmallheadshakeinreturn.
“Pointless,”Hartsaid “Thepenoutbackisalreadycleanedout”
“Typical.”Ashchuckled,stuffinghismoneybackintohispocket.“WhataboutMidasandFix?”
“Midasisstayingthenightoutoftown Hehasaleadonhiscaseandwantstofollowupinthemorning”Hartfinishedup hismealandpouredhissodaintoaglassfromthedisposablecupAshhadbroughtitin.
“Right,”Ashsaid,reachingintoadrawerbehindhimselfandpullingoutametalstrawtohandtoHart “Fixisonacasetoo,butheshouldbehomesoon,”Blacksaid,lookingattheclock.“Hetextedmeearlierandtoldmenotto gothroughthefilesheleftonthelivingroomtable.”
“Therewerenofilesonthelivingroomtable,”Hartsaid,andAshfrowned “There were files pinned to the wall though,” he said, and Blacknodded, sittingup so Ashcould see himover the bag barrier
“Yeah,thoseones.They’rephotosofthatdudewhogotcursedtogetareallygnarlyrashwheneverhejerkedoff.”Helooked entirelytoopleasedtobesayingsomethingsogross
“Andhowdoyouknowwhatthefilescontained?”Hartasked,andBlackleveledhimwithalook.
“BecauseIwentthroughthem,”hesaid.“Therashhadpuscomingoutofit.”
“Disgusting,”Hartsaid “AlsobreakingFix’strust”
“Idon’tthinkhetrustedmeinthefirstplace,”Blacksaid.“Hedidn’tsendanyofyouatexttowarnyouawayfromreally coolphotos,nowdidhe?”
“No,becausenoneofusarederangedenoughtoconsiderthatcool.”Ashforcedthebilebackdownhisthroat.
“Andbecauseweknownottobenosyaboutthingsthatarenoneofourbusiness,”Hartsaid.
Blacktookadeepbreath,whichusuallymeanthewasabouttogointoaprettylengthytiradeabouthowallthegrossthings intheworldwerehisdomain,sohehadeveryrighttoknowandsee.
“Hart,couldyouhelpstitchmeup?”Ashsaid,bothbecauseheneededhelpandbecausehehadtointerruptBlackbeforehe builtupsteam.
Hartpursedhislipsbutstood,headingbackuptograbafirstaidkit “UnpinthosefilesbeforeFixcomesback,”HartsaidtoBlackbeforehedisappearedupthestairs. “Busted.”
AshgrinnedatBlack,whomadeafaceathim,mockinghisslightlispnowthattheswellingonhisfacehadspreadtohislip. Ash flipped himoff before grabbing a bag of frozen peas fromthe fridge and smushing themover the side of his face, ignoringtheslurpingcomingfromBlackandwaitingforHarttocomesavehim
Nowthattheadrenalinewaswearingoff,hehadtoadmittheguyhadgothimprettygood. Motherfucker
Chapter 2 Morgan “I ’mnotsurewhetherIshouldthankherorresurrectherjustsoIcankillheragainforsaddlingmewiththis,”Morgansaid tohisfriendashestoodinfrontofhisnewproperty.
Hisgreat-great-aunthadpassedawayacoupleofmonthsago,andinherwill,she’dleftheroldhousetoMorgan.And whenhesaidoldhouse,hemeantOLDhouse Thethingwasbarelystandingupright Therewasn’tawallstandingstraightora window thatwasn’tflappinginthe wind. The roofwas halfcaved inand the paintwas chipped to the pointwhere Morgan wasn’tsurewhichpartsweretheoriginalcolorandwhichwerejustpeeledoff He didn’tevenwantto thinkaboutthe veritable jungle the yardhad become bythis point, or the four steps thatled to the porchthatlookedliketheycouldmaybeholdafive-year-oldchildbutdefinitelynotafull-grownman.
“Ithas charm,”Breasaid,tiltingherheadtothesideandsquinting Hershort,darkbobcoveredhalfherfacewhenshedid that,makingitimpossibletoactuallyseeanything.“Like…ifyoulookatitfromanangle…” “Fromanangle,inthedark,andfrombehindawall,”hesaid “Sure Verycharming” “Areyougonnagoinside?”Breaasked,andhelookedatherasifshelosthermind. “Whythe fuckwouldIgoinside?” He flappedhis handtowardthe house “Doyousee thatthing? It’s gonna collapse ifI breatheonittoohard.Ineedtosneeze,butI’mtooscaredtodoit.”
“You’resomelodramatic,”shesaid.
Heshrugged “Yougointhen”
Shehuffed.“I’mnottheonewhoinheritedtheplace.Ihavenobusinessgoinginside.” “I’mgivingyoupermission,”hesaid,everthegentleman “That’sokay.I’lljustwaithere.Standguard.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherleather-coveredchest. Helookedupintohereyesandfrownedattheraisedeyebrow Achallengeifhe’deverseenone “I’mnotgoingin,”hetoldher,knowingfullwellwhatshewasdoing. “Idareyou.”Dammit.She’dsaidthemagicwords.
“Ihateyou,”hesaid,andsheleaneddowntosmackakissontopofhishead Hefuckinghatedbeingafullheadshorterthan shewas.Oreveryoneelse,forthatmatter.
“Youdon’t Andyouhavetogoin Them’stherules”
“But ”
“Rules!” she said, and he threw his head backwitha groan, hatinghis ten-year-old selffor agreeingto this stupid game wheretheyhadtodowhatevertheotherdaredthemtodo.
ButhehadtoadmitthathewasalwaysweakwhenitcametoBrea.Herfamilyhadgivenhimahomewhenhisownhome life got too messy His parents loved him, and each other, but they didn’t work well as a couple They argued a lot And Morganhad found solace inBrea and her family. They’d welcomed himwithopenarms backthen, and he’d never looked back He’ddoanythingforher
“Fine,”hesaid,glaringatherandpointingafingeratherchest.“IfIdie,it’sonyoursoul.I’mgonnacomebackasaghost andhauntyourassforever.”
“Lookingforwardtoit.”
“Youshouldn’t.I’llbethemostannoyingpoltergeistthateverpoltergeisted.Yourchandelierswillneverbestill.Yourbooks willbeunalphabetized Iwilldriveyoucrazy”
“So…justlikenow,exceptyou’llbedead,”shesaid,andhesmackedapalmoverhisheartwithanoffendedsqueak. “Howdareyou?”
“I’mcourageouslikethat.”Sheplacedahandonhisbackandgavehimalittlepush.“Goonthen.Idon’thaveallday.” “Yes,youdo,youtrustfundbrat,”hebitback,andsheshrugged.
“Okay, I have all day, but I don’t wanna spend it here Now scram!” She pushed himagain, and this time he stumbled
forward,thornscatchinghislongknittedsweaterandhisuntiedshoelace,pickingupsomeseriousdebristopullbehindhim.
He walked toward the steps, as careful as his uncoordinated bodyallowed himto be, and gripped the dilapidated railing beforehetookthefirststep Therottenwoodgroanedandcreakedunder his foot,andhefeltitgivealittlewhenheputhis weightonitfully.
Hescaledthestairsasfastashecouldafterthatfirstominoussound,figuringthatthefasterhegotup,thelesschancehehad ofactuallyfallingthroughthestairs.
Morganstoodontheporch,turningaroundtolookatBrea,whogavehimathumbs-up Hegaveheradifferentfingerupin returnandturnedbacktothedoor,reachingintothepocketofhispants.
Hepulledoutarusty-lookingkeydecoratedwithaweirdlittletilewiththeimageofasquirrelcarvedintoit.Veryweirdo chicvibes,Morganthought
Surprisingly,thedoorstilllookedwholeand,byandlarge,untouchedbytheweatherandthepassageoftime.Ifanything,it lookedlikethemostpreservedpartofthehouse
Morganpushedthekeyinandturnedit,grippingthedoorknobandgivingitadecentshove.Hewasexpectingthehingesto screamfromlackofuse,andtheydidcreak,butmuchlessthanhe’dexpected Emboldenedbyit,hepushedthedooropenandwalkedin,hisbreathcatchinginhisthroatatthesight.
The house fromthe outside looked as damaged as a house could be and still remainstanding, but the inside was unlike anythinghehadeverseen Foronething,otherthandustandthegeneralscentofhumidity,theplacelookedwellpreservedand relativelyclean.
Thatwaswherethepositivesstopped,though,becausethedecorwassomethingstraightoutofhisworstnightmares Every visiblewoodensurfacewascoveredinweirdsymbolsandwhatlookedlikecountlesseyesstaringathimwhereverhelooked.
Therewereframedbutterfliesandfliespinnedtocorkboards,andafewtaxidermizedanimalshidinginnooksandcrannies betweenfurniture.Hespottedasquirrel.Andafox.
Theirbeadylittleeyesfollowedhiseverymove.Itwasunnerving.
“Whatthehell?”hesaidtohimself,stillholdingontothedoorframe,barelyabletobelievewhathewasseeing “Areyoutalkingtoyourselfagain?”Breayelledfromoutside.
“Ineededtoconsultsomeoneintelligent,”heshoutedbackoverhisshoulder “Buttherewasnobodyaround,soyousettled?”
“Shutup,”hesaid,lookingaroundthefoyer.
“Greatcomeback,ohintelligentone.Trulymasterful.Anythingweirdinside?”
“Onlyeverything,” he said, walkingfarther inside and ignoringBrea’s barrage ofquestions as he rounded a corner to the rightandfoundhimselfinsideakitchen Likethefronthallway,itwasinrelativelygoodcondition,despiteeverythinginsideit beingoldandcoveredinalayerofdust.
HeglancedthroughawindowabovethesinkandfrownedwhenhesawBreahoppingfromfoottofootinfrontofthehouse Hecouldhavesworntherewasliterallynowayanythingcouldbeseenthroughitfromtheoutside,itwassocakedwithdirt anddust.
Hisconfusiongrewasheleftthekitchenandwalkedbackintothehallway,lookingupatanarrowstaircaseframedwitha metalandwoodbanister.Themetalwascarvedwithmoreoftheweirdsymbolsandeyeshe’dseenwhenhewalkedin.Itled upstairs,andMorganwasprettysureonlyagunpointingathisheadcouldmakehimclimbit
Heturnedhis backonitandcrossedthehallwayagaintotheoppositesideofthefrontdoor,andwentintoanother room, whichturnedouttobealarge,spacious livingroom Itwas filledwithmoreweird-assdecorations,morefurniturethanone personcould ever possiblyneed, and evenmore dead animals perchingoneveryavailable surface. He walked around the creakingfloors carefully, reachingthe large, ornate fireplace onthe opposite wall fromthe entrance, inspectingmore ofthe strangecarvingsinthewood,andwonderingexactlywhatwasitthathisgreat-aunthadbeenuptowhileshewasalive
No sooner had he thought that thanhe felt his foot catchthe edge of somethingand he fell backward into a large, plush armchairjustbehindhim Heletoutanoof ofsurprise,tryingtobatawaythecloudofdustbillowinguparoundhim
Abreezepickedupandrushedthroughthefrontdoorallofasudden,liftingthefringeofoneofthedustcovers,thenstarting toswirl inthemiddleoftheroom Morganstaredatit,watchingasitpickedupspeedandstrength,gettinglouder andmore powerful.
Itstoppedseeminglikeacalminglittlebreezeandturnedintoaveritablestormthatstartedragingthroughthehouse,rattling windowsandchandeliers,messinguphishair,andmovingtheheavyfurniture
Morgangrippedthearmrestsofthechair,panicrisinginhischestashetriedtostandupfromthechairbutcouldn’tbecause thewindkeptpushinghimback
“Morgan!” He heard Brea screamfromoutside and he opened his mouthto call her for help, butwhatever came outwas swallowedbythestorm,andheknewshecouldn’thearhim.
Another flurry of wind slammed the windows shut, and Morgan watched in terror as the front door shook, rattled, and resistedbeforefinallygivingin.
ThethunderoussoundmadebythedoorclosingranginMorgan’searssomuchthatittookhimamomenttorealizethewind hadstoppedandhecouldsafelygetupandwalkaround.
Herushedtowardthedoor,desperatetogetoutofthere
“Morgan?”HeheardBreaagain,andshesoundedjustaspanickedashefelt.
“I’mcomingout!Honestly,fuckthisplace”Herantothedoorandgrabbedtheknob Hetriedtopullthedooropenandrunthroughitatthesametime,whichonlyresultedinhimhittingthewoodheadfirstwhen itdidn’tbudgeaninch
Hetriedagain,andagain,andagain,buttherewasnowaytoopenthedoor.
“Brea?Help!”hecalledout,andheheardherstepsonthericketywoodenstairsoutsideassherantohelphim. Hecouldhearherrattlingtheknobandtryingtoopenthedoorfromtheoutside,butshewasgettingthesameresultshewas Nothingwhatsoever.
“Whatthehell?”sheasked,andheturnedaround,lookingforanotherexit “Ihavenoidea.”
“Thewindow I’llbreaktheglass,”shesaid,alwaysonetooptforthemessiest,mostdestructivesolutionpossible “Careful.”Hestoodasideasshegrabbedalargerockfromthegroundandslammeditintothewindow.Itshattered,sending shardsalloverthefloorathisfeet.
Hegrabbedablanketfromthelivingroomandwrappeditaroundhisarm,reachingouttoclearthejaggededgesfromthe framesohecouldhopout.
His hand touched the remainingglass, thenslammed into somethinginvisible Somethingthat hurt like he had hit a wall Somethingthatkeptthewindowclosedevenwhileitwasbrokenwideopen.
“Whattheactualfuck?”hesaid,andBreapeekedovertheedge,takingherjacketoffandwrappingitaroundherarm.She reachedinandherhandwentthroughthewindowasifnothingwasgoingon.
“No,seriously,whatthefuckingfuck?Howcanyoudothat?”heasked,andshelookedup,shockclearonherface.
“I have no idea But just stand back Let’s get you out and away from this place” She cleared the glass with swift movements.“Youowemeajacket.”
“I’llbuyyoufive JuststandbacksoIcangetthefuckout,”hesaid,anxietykickinghisflightreflexintooverdrive ShehoppedbackandMorgandraggedachairtothewindow,climbingupandkickinghisleguptostepoutside.
Thesamethinghappenedagain.
Aninvisiblebarrierblockedthewindow,andheslammedhistoesintoit,cursingupastorm.Hetriedseveraltimes,finally gettingfrustratedenoughthathehoppeddownfromthechairandpickeditup,throwingitatthewindow.Itbouncedbackand hithimonthefoot
“Fuckinghell.”Hewascompletelyblindwithfearnow.
“Morgan?”Breasaid
Helookedup.“Brea…Ican’tgetout.”
“Idon’t…”Shetrailedoff,lookingathimwithwideeyes.“Whatdowedo?”
“Idon’tknow,butweneedhelp,”hesaid “Youneedtocallforhelp”
Chapter 3 Ash “Y ouhavereachedCursebreakersIncorporated.Formissinglimbs,pressone.Forlifetimecursesthathavenohope,press two.Ifyourex-boyfriendhascursedorlockedyououtofyourhome,pressthree.Ifyou’retrapped,beingheldhostage, or otherwise detained, press four. Ifyou’re onlymaimed, press five. Ifyou’re atriskofimminentdeath, press six. If you’ve turned into ananimal or a non-humanentityofsome kind and can’tpress the buttons, please howl, scream, hoot, or otherwisevocalizeintothephone.Ifnoneoftheprovidedoptionscoveryourcurrentissue,pleasepresszero.Remember,your callisimportanttousandamemberofourteamwillgetbacktoyoushortly Thismessagewillstopafterthebeep BEEP!” AshwatchedTaylor,theirsecretary,reciteintothephone,voicenasalandbored.
Thebeepshescreechedtowrapupthemessagewastheicingonthecake,andAshcrackeduplaughingashelistenedtoher huma piece ofelevator music into her headsetwhile the persononthe other end waited to be transferred to someone who couldhelpthem.
Her longblond hair was perfectlystraightand fallingdownher backand she was wearinga leopard printshirtand pink leatherpants.HerfeetwerekickeduponherdeskandherblackheelswerethesizeofAsh’sforearms.
ShetookabreakinthemiddleofaverseandheldahandoverthemicrophonetotalktoAsh
“Youlooklikeshit,”sheinformedhim,takinginthebruisedsideofhisface.
“Thanks,love,”hesaid,andshewavedhimoff.
“Everyoneelseisalreadyinthemeetingroom You’relate Again” “Ihaveagoodreason.”Heheldhishandsupinsurrender.
Shegavehimalookthatclearlysaidshedidnotbelieveasinglewordhesaid,andhecouldn’tblameher Hehadnoexcuse forbeinglate,hewasjustabysmallybadattimemanagement,andnoneoftheotherswantedtowaitforhim.
Taylorwentbacktosingingintothephonewhilethepoorcursedpersonontheotherendprobablylosttheirmindwaitingfor hertogatherthewilltodoherjob.Shewasamazingatitwhenshefeltlikedoingit,butthestuffthatamusedherusuallydrove everyoneelseinsane.
Heturnedhisbacktoherandtheneedlesslylargedeskshewassittingbehind She’dfoughttoothandnailforitwhenthey weresettingtheirheadquartersup,claimingitneededtosetthetoneforwhoeverwalkedintotheotherwiseemptyspace.
Hecrossedthemarblefoyer,leavingthelarge,ornatemetalmaindoorbehindhim Hetookthelong,half-circularhallway, hisstepsechoingashisbootsconnectedwiththedarkgrayfloor.Itwaslinedwithofficesforeachmemberoftheteam,and everydoorhadasilverplaquewiththenameofthepersonitbelongedto.
Hepushedthedoortotheconferenceroomopenandwalkedin.
“Ihavearrived!”Hisproclamationwasmetwithzeroreaction.
“‘Themanwhoisregularandpunctualwillgetsuresuccessinallwalksoflife,’”Hartsaid,sittingprimlyinhischair,the tipsofhisfingerstouchingunderhischin.
“I’llmakesuretorememberthat,”Ashsaid,lookingaroundtheroom HebrokeintoasmilewhenhespottedFix’shugeform slumpedinoneofthecomfierchairsintheirmeetingroom.
“MyFixFix!Imissedyouso,so,somuch,”hesquealed,throwinghimselfatFixandhugginghimaroundtheneck.
“Welivetogether,Ash,”Fixsaid.“Yousawmethismorning.”
“ItwasveryearlyandIhadn’thadbreakfast.”AshperchedhimselfonFix’slap.“Ididn’treallyregisteryouthere.”
“Wehadafull-blownconversation”
“’Boutwhat?”Ashasked.
“Yourfight,thefood,Blacknosingthroughmystuff”Fixthrew alookatthemessofpastelandwildpatternssittingtohis right.
“Iwasn’tnosing,”Blacksaid,wavinghishanddismissively.
“AndIwasn’tawake,”Ashsaid
“Yourabilitytopretendtobeafunctioninghumanisimpressive,”Hartsaid,andAshnodded,vacatingFix’slap.
“Iknow.It’soneofmymany,manytalents.”Ashthrew himselfintotheemptychairbetweenHartandFix.“Also,Fix,that beardisgettingwild”
“Ithinkitlooksawesome,”Blacksaid,givingFixtwothumbsup.
“Thankyou,muffin,”Fixsaid,levelingAshwithalookthatmadehimraisehishandsinsurrender “Ididn’tsayitlookedbad.Settledown,grouch.”
Fixquirkedaneyebrowathim,hissteelygrayeyesmakingAshsquirm Fixwasdressedinhisusualshort-sleevedflannel shirtandjeans,hiscolorfultattoosonfulldisplay.
“Okay,children,”Taylorsaidasshewalkedintotheroomwithhertabletencasedinanewbrightpink,bedazzledprotective case Shechangedthemoutlikeshedidherpurses “Settledown Wehavequiteabittodotoday”
“Youdo realize we’re all older thanyouare,” Ashpointed out, and Taylor looked up over the edge ofher tabletathim, freezingthebloodinhisveins
“Yourpointbeing?”sheasked,deliberatelyslow.
“Nothing,”hemumbledquickly,pickingatanannoyinghangnailonhisthumb “Justsaying”
“Well,ifyou’redonejustsaying,Ihaveyourassignmentsfortheday.”Shesyncedhertablettothelargeflat-screenbehind her.“Fix,youhavecasenumberone.AwomancalledaboutherfatherbeingcursedtospeaklikeGenZ-ers.Thereisalotof canceling,stanning,andbeinglit,andthe‘fam’can’tstanditanymore”
Theyallsnortedatthewaysheputairquotesaroundthewordfam,herrhinestonedclawsslashingtheair.
“Soundslikequickwork,”Fixsaid,markingthecaseonhistabletasassigned “Great,”Taylor said,pullingupanother file.“Nextwehavethecaseofafairlyweirdweddinggift.Thebrideandgroom receivedavasefromoneoftheirrelatives.Theyrealizedtheycan’tmoveitortouchitwithoutbeinghurtbyit.Thelongerthe vaseis intheir housetheless theycanevenbearoundeachother.It’s liketheforcefieldofthevasespreadtothebrideand groomaftertheytriedmovingit.Theycan’ttoucheachothereither,notwithoutfeelingthesamepaintheyfeelwhentheytouch thevase WhenisMidascomingback?”
“Hesaidtomorrow,”Blacksaid.
“Wellhopefullytheywon’tmindstickingtooppositewallsoftheirhomeforanotherday”TaylormarkedMidasasassigned to the case. “And finally, Ash, we have a prettyinterestingone. Ayoungwomancalled about her friend who was trapped insideahouse.”
“That’ssimple,”Ashjoked.“Tellhimtocomeout.”
Taylorglaredathim,andhisballspulledbackallthewayintohisbody.WhatthefuckwasitwiththeHorrorBarbieandher powertojustmakementhreetimeshersizerevertbacktobabies?
“MorganLivingstoninheritedthehousefromhisaunt,severaltimesremoved.Hewenttocheckthehouseoutwithhisfriend, andsheclaimshewalkedinandcouldn’tgetoutagain Shedescribesaninvisiblebarrieraroundthehousethatwon’tallow anythingtogetout.Shecanputherhandinthroughthewindowandpullitbackoutwithoutissue,buthecan’tdothesamefrom theinside.”
“Aone-sided bondingcurse?” Ashsaid, now sittingfullyuprightinhis chair Bondingcurses were his specialty He was goodatfiguringoutthebondsthatkeptpeoplelinkedtosomeoneorsomethingandhowtountiethemwithoutharminganyone. “Lookslike,”Taylorsaid
“Huh.”Ashpulledthefileuponhisowntablet.“Anyadditionalinfo?”
“Thewomancallingwasprettyscared,soshedidn’tsaymuch Youhavetheaddressandherphonenumberonfile”Taylor shooedhimwithherhand.“Offyougo.”
“ButIdidn’thave breakfastyet,” Ashsaid, eyeingthe basketofpastries theyordered everymorning. Itwas alreadyhalf empty,butitdidn’tbotherhimbecausenobodylikedthepoppyseedbagelsAshalwaysgot
“Eatonthewaythere,”Taylortoldhimasshewalkedout,grabbingthepoppyseedbagelandthrowingitathim. Hecaughtitmidairandbitintoit,scowlingatthefactthathehadnotimetositdownandenjoyit “Good?”Blackaskedwithasmilethatwasfar toosweettobetrusted.Ashsquintedathim,realizingtheentireroomhad gonesilentandwaslookingathimexpectantly “Youassholes,”hesaid.“Wholickedit?”
Theyall turnedwide-eyedandinnocent,shruggingshouldersandshakingheads.You’dnever suspectanyofthemofdoing anythinguntoward
“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout,”Blacksaid,blinkinghugeeyesathim,buthisvoicewasshakingwiththelaughter trappedinhisthroat
Ashwalkedovertothebasket,stickinghisfingerinhismouthwhilehepickedthefluffiest,sprinkliest,glazed-estdonuthe couldfind.Hepulledhis finger outofhis mouthwithawetpopandstuckitintothedonuthole.Hefingereditslowlyfor a momentwhilewatchingthemall groanatthesacrilege.Satisfiedthatthedonutwasalso…quitesatisfied,heputitbackand, beforeanyofthemcouldgetup,shuffledthedonutsaroundtomakeithardertopickoutwhichonehe’dtouched.
“Havealovelyday,boys,”hesaid,practicallyskippingoutoftheroom,escortedbyswearsandthreatsofbodilyharm. Heloadedhistestingkitintohiscarandpiledsomeofthemostcommoncountercurseingredientsintohisgobag.Hehadno ideawhathe’dfindwhenhegotthere,buthewassurehehadwhatittooktodeal withitproperly Peoplewererarelyvery creativewiththeircursesonceyouscratchedthesurface.
No matter how intriguingthe curse sounded at the briefing, it usuallyended up beingjust a standard curse decked out in glitterandbaublestomakeitlookfancy.
Castersweregettingweak,andhewaswillingtofightanyonewhosaidotherwise Hedrovetothesoundofwhatever wasplayingontheradio,takingturnswhenever hisnavigationinstructedhimtodoso. Theaddresshe’dbeengivenwasforaprettyupscalesideofthecity,sohewasexpectingalarge,ornateminicastlethatjust screamed‘wehavemoremoneythanweknowwhattodowithsoinsteadofdonatingittocharitywe’llbuyourselvesagoldplatedtoiletseatsoevenourshitfeelsfancy.’
Thedilapidatedshackheparkedinfrontofwasthelastthinghe’dexpectedtosee Sowastheflurryofblackleather and shortbrownhairthataccostedhimassoonashesteppedoutofthecar.
“Are you the cursebreaker?” the woman asked, and Ash nodded “I hope that’s not an indication of your ability?” She pointedtohisbustedface.
“No,ma’am.”Heturnedtograbhiskitfromhiscar.“Thisisfromahobby.Areyoutheonewhoplacedthecall?”
“Yes Mybestfriendistrappedinside,”shesaid “Pleasehelphim” Ashlookedather,andwhilenotalotoftimehadpassedforhertobepanicking,fearanduncertaintywereobviousonher face, and he sympathized withher Nobodyexpected to be hit bya curse intheir life, and people reacted to it inso many differentways.Ashwassurehehadseenthemall.Fromcryinghystericallytopanickingbeyondreasontogoingcompletely numbandcatatonicuntilsomeoneexplainedtothemthattheycouldbesaved.Itwasallstandardforhislineofwork. “I’lldoeverythingIcan.”Hepointedtothehouse.“Upthere?”
“Yes.He’ssittinginfrontoftheleftwindowwhenyouclimbthestairs.Itriedgettinghimtogochecktherestofthehouse foranexit,butIdon’tthinkhewantedtodothatalone,”shesaid,andAshnodded “Bettertonotwanderaroundinacursedhouse.Thelessdamage,theeasieritwillbetosolve.” “Youthinksomethingmorecouldhappen?”sheasked,andheshrugged
“Ican’tsay,buthopefullyit’sjustamilddetainingcurseandwe’llallbeoutofherebylunchtime,”hesaid,climbingupthe ricketystairsandcomingtostandbytheleftwindowthewomanpointedhimto.
Theglasswasshattered,butnotasingleshardofitwasontheoutside.Whathecouldseeontheinsidelookedshockingly pristinecomparedtotheoutsideofit.Histrainingkickedinandhestartedinspectingforsignsofthecurse.
Hefrownedwhenhefoundnone Therewasn’ttheglittery,almostluminescentresidueintheairaroundthecursedplace,or thebarelynoticeablescentofherbshe'dgrowntoexpect.
Hewasalicensedcursebreaker,andyet,ifsomeoneweretoaskhimifthehousehewaslookingatwascursed,hewould havesaidnoinaheartbeat.Ashtookastepcloser andpeekedinthroughthebrokenwindow,all thoughtofthecursewiped fromhismindthemomenthesawthemantrappedinsidethehouse.
HewasthehottestcreatureAshhadeverseen Bigdarkbrowneyesstaredupathimfromasmall,angularface Acascade ofblackhairlookedlikeahurricanehadflownrightabovehishead,butitworkedforhim.Hewassittingonthefloor,soAsh couldn’treallygaugehisbodyshape,buthelookedtobefairlysmallinstature,anddressedinallblack Ashwasabouttosayhitohimwhenthemansquintedandstoodtohisfullheight,reachingjustunderAsh’schin.
Heputhishandsonhisslimhipsandglaredashardashecould
“Tookyoufuckingforevertogethere,”hesaid,andAshalmostsnortedathowcutehelookedallindignantandpissy.Anger wasn’tuncommonwithcursedpeople.Itusuallystemmedfromfear anduncertainty,butswearingatthepersonwhocameto helpwasdefinitelynew
Ashfounditrefreshing.
“Sorry,”hesaid,placinghiskitonthefloornexttohisfeet “IgothereasfastasIcould”
“WellIcouldhavedied,”themansaid,andAshlookedaroundhimintothehouse,fairlysurethatapartfromnotallowing peopleout,itwasjustyourstandardhouse
“Idoubtyou’dhavediedinalittleoldhouse,nowwouldyou?”Ashknewhewasgoadingtheotherman,buthefiguredas longashewasactingallhuffy,hismindwasoffbeingtrappedinsideabuilding.
“Littleoldhouse!”themanscreeched,flappinghishandsaround “I’vebeentoloadsofhouses,andletmetell you,all of themwerequiteunbotheredbymydesiretoleave.”
“Thishouseclearlylikesyou”
“Fuckthishouse,”themansaid,andwhilehestilllookedlikehishackleswereup,therewasabreathinesstohisvoicethat spokeofhowshakenhewas.
“Howaboutinsteadoffuckingit,Ihelpyououtofit?”Ashasked,andthemannodded. “Yes!”
“Okay,great.I’mAsh,bytheway.I’llbeyourcursebreakertoday.”
“Morgan,”themansaid,snortingathisterriblejoke.AshrememberedTaylorhadsaidhisnameinthemorningbriefing,but Ashwashorriblewithnames
“Nice to meetyou, Morgan.” Ashpulled outthe firstofhis diagnostic materials fromhis linenbag ground Blackthorne thorns,apackofmatches,andathinstripoffabriccoloredblackononesideandwhiteontheother
“What’s that?” Morganasked, and Ashlooked up to find himpressinghis head against the invisible barrier, buttonnose squishedweirdlyashelookedatwhatAshwasdoing
“I’mgonna use this to determine whether the curse was initiallymalicious or ifit started as a protectionspell that went rogue,”Ashsaid,liningthestripoffabricupoverthewindowsillandpouringBlackthorneoverit.
“Doesitmatter?”Morganasked “Ijustwantoutofhere!”
“Iknow. Butthis will determine how Iproceed. IfIattacka well-meaningspell withcounter curses instead ofa counter spell,itcanbackfireandmakethingsworse” “But…”
“Morgan?” Ashsaid, waitinguntil Morganlooked up into his eyes “Iknow you’re scared, butI’mhere to help, and I’m gonnaneedyoutotrustthatIknowwhatI’mdoing.Alljokingaside,I’mreallygoodatwhatIdo,soifyoucantrustmeforjust amoment,I’llfigureouthowtogetyououtofhere,okay?”
HewatchedMorganfightaninternalbattlebeforewrappinghisarmsaroundhiswaistandnodding “Itdoesn’tfuckinglooklikeyouknowwhatyou’redoing ”HepointedatAsh’sface.“ butIguessI’malloutofoptions.”
“That’sthespirit,”Ashsaid,givingMorgananencouragingsmilethattuggeduncomfortablyonhisbruisedskin
He pulled outone longmatchand ranhis fingers over the small runes etched into the wood before strikingit. Asoftblue flameshotup,andAshgaveitafew secondstostabilizebeforebringingittothecenterofthestripoffabric,wherethetwo colorsmet.Hebroughtthematchdownandtouchedthegroundthornsliningit.
Forasplitsecond,nothinghappened,andAshfelthisbrowliftbeforehisearswereassaultedbyaloudwhooshingsound.It thunderedaroundhim,makingthegroundbeneaththeirfeetshake,andhelookeduptoseeMorgancoveringhisears,backto thewallandeyesterrifiedashestaredatAsh.
The whooshing sound gave way to a high-pitched screamas the strip of linen in front of himcaught fire, but instead of lightingupjustonesideofthestriptogivehimdirection,thewholethingburstintoflames.
Itspreadlikeaspiderweb,overthehollowofthebrokenwindow,overthericketyoldwallsandtheruinedroof,engulfing theentirehouseinblueflames.
Morganwas screaming, and Ashdove for his bagto stop the fire before it tookthemall out. But he wasn’t sure he had anythingtostopit Itwasasimplediagnosticsprocedure,notsomethingheshouldneedtofightagainst
Theloudnoiseroseinpitch,threateningtopiercetheireardrums,almostdrowningoutMorgan’sscreams.
Therewasasoundofwoodcracking,likeabeamsplinteringrightabovetheirheads Ashlookedupandsawthewallofthe house beingswallowed bycrackafter crack, the plaster fromthe ceilingfallingaround Morgan’s head, and there was still screaming.
Ashdidtheonlythinghecouldthinkof He dove through the window, grabbing Morgan around the shoulders and rolling themonto the floor and away fromthe decadesofpaintlayerstumblingdownfromthewalls
Allofthecursesignshe’dbeenmissingwhilehewasoutsideslammedintohimatonce.
Thescentofherbs
Thelittleglimmersinthecornersofhiseyes. Itwasallthere.
Insidethehouse
Wherehewasnoweffectivelytrappedwiththeclienthewassupposedtobebringingout. “Fuck”
Chapter 4 Morgan Whatever the cursebreaker, Ash, had done thathad setthe house onfire seemed to stop the momenthe dove throughthe windowandrightontopofMorgan.
Ashwassprawledalloverhim,squishingMorganintothehardfloorwithhisgiganticbody,andMorganwashavingtrouble breathing Hefeltlikehisribswerebeingcrushedintofinepowder Hisearswerestillringing,andheknewitwasfromhis ownscreaming,buthewasfuckingscared,sohefiguredhewasjustified.
Justified,andnoclosertobeingoutofthedamnhousethanhehadbeenbeforethecursebreakerhadshownup Shownuptohelp,anddonenothingotherthangethimselfstuckinsidethehouserightalongsideMorgan.Stunningservice. Truly.Literallynobodywouldrecommend.
“Ithoughtyousaidyouknew whatyouweredoing!”Morganscreechedwhenrealitymaderoomforitselfinsidehishead, liftinghishandstopushagainstamassivechest.Amassive,muscledchest.Areallyquitenicemassive,muscledchest. He squeezed with his hands, just to double-check he wasn’t imagining it in his terror Like seeing the pearly gates or something.
“What?”themanasked,breakingMorganoutofhisdistraction HepushedagainstAshagain…maybealittleweakerthistime.AndmaybehewiggledhishipsslightlyunderAsh’s.Buthe didhaveprinciples!
“Yousaidtotrustyoubecauseyouknewwhatyouweredoing,”Morganrepeated “Idoknow whatI’mdoing,” Ashsaid,liftinghimselfupwithhis elbows either side ofMorgan’s headandlookingdown intohiseyes Morgan’sbreathcaught,andhesuddenlyfoundithardtoswallow Ashwasnotattractive.Atall.Notevenalittlebit.
His eyes were notthe color ofchocolate and caramel swirled together The lazystubble onhis jaw didn’tlookruggedly handsomeorlikeitwouldscratchjustright.Thebruisesonhisfaceobviouslytookaway fromhishandsomeness.Obviously. “Morgan?”AsmirkcurledtheedgesofAsh’sbustedmouth.
Thesmugenergywaslikeabucketofcoldwater,andMorganscowled “Doesn’tseemthatway” “Gotyouunderneathme,didn’tI?”Ashsaid,wagglinghisbrows.Theywereadarkershadethanthelightbrownhaironhis scalpthathadbeenshornsoclosetherewasnohopeofgrabbingevenapinchofit “Andspeechless,atthat”
Morganbristled,kickinghislegsashighashecouldandwigglingwithallhismight. “Getoffme!”hedemandedwhennoneofitworked,andAshactuallylistened. HehoppedupandawayfromMorgan,crouchingnexttohishipandlookinghimover.“Areyouhurt?”
Morgantookadeepbreathjustbecausehecould,beforeshakinghisheadandpushinghisachingbodytohisfeet.“I’mfine. Stilltrappedthough,despitetheexpertonthepremises” “Sorry,”Ashsaid,thesmirkstill presentbuthisvoicetakingonaslightlymoreseriousnoteashestoodaswell,glancing around “Glitchescanhappen,eventoexperts ButthegoodnewsisnowthatI’minsideIcanactuallyseethatthisplacewas cursed.”
Morgangaped.“Andyoucouldn’tbefore?” Ashshookhishead.“Nope.”
“Wherethefuckdidshefindyou,underadamnbridge?”Morganyelled,pointingthroughthewindowwhereheknewBrea wasstillstanding Hecouldhearher “Areyoueventrainedinthis?Whosentyou?Doyouhavecredentials?” “Mybagisstilloutside,soIcan’tshowyoumyID,but ”Morganwatchedinshockasthemanreachedforhisbeltbuckle. “ Icanshowyoumy ”
“IDON’TWANNASEEIT!”hescreeched,slappinghishandoverhiseyesbeforehisbrainturnedbackonandreminded himthathedid,infact,wanttoseeit.Hepartedhisfingersandhislips.“Well…actually…” “ mymark”Ashfinishedasifhe’dneverbeeninterrupted,andoh
HewantedtoshowMorganhiscursebreakermark.Nothis…right.Thatmademuchmoresense.
“It’s fine.” Morgandropped his hand and hoped he didn’tsound too disappointed. Itprobablywasn’teventhatgreatofa dickanyway He justneededtoconvince his eyes ofthatandgetthemtomove awayfromthe outline ofit “Canwe getout now?”
“Isyourfriendstillhere?”Ashasked,oblivioustohisstaringashefixedhisbelt Morgangothimselftogetherandmadea noiseofassent.“What’shername?”
“Brea”
Ashwalkedtothewindow,squishinghisfaceagainsttheinvisiblebarrier.“Brea?”hecalled. Morgancouldhearherbootsstompingtowardthehouse.“Yes?Areyouguysokay?”
“We’re bothlivingour best lives, thankyou,” Ashsaid, cheerful as anything, and Morganstared at the backof his head incredulously.“Canyoutellmehowthehouseislookingatthemoment?”
Therewasasecondofsilencebeforeshespokeagain “Weirdly,thesameasitdidbeforetheflames.”
“Solikeadeathtrap,”Morgansaid “Sentdirectlyfromhell Forme” “Brea, could you grab my bag and hand it to me through the window?” Ash asked, ignoring Morgan’s dramatic flailing completely.Rude.
“I’mthrowingitin,”Breareplied “I’mnotgettinganyclosertothisthingthanIhaveto” “Coward,”Morgancalled,justtobeabitchaboutit.Inreality,hewasgladshewaskeepingherselfsafe. “Gotthebag!”Breasaid Ashspreadhisarmsacrossthewindow.“Ready!”
Notasecondlater,alargeblackbagflewrightintohisarms,followedbyBrea’sfootstepsscurryingbackdowntherickety steps.
Ashletoutanoof asthebaghithischest,stumblingbackastepbeforerightinghimself.“OhImissedyou.” MorganwatchedAshhughisbagtightlylikeapreciouschild,beforeplacingitonthegroundandturningtoMorgan “Okay.”Ashclappedhishands,makingMorganjump.“Ithinkit’ssafetosaywe’renotlookingataprotectionspell gone wrong”
“Isit?”Morgangriped.“Isitsafetosaythat?”
“Yup.”Ashreachedintohisbag.“It’sacurse.AndI’mnowgonnatreatitlikeone.”
Hepulledsomethingout,unwrappingitandstickingitinhismouth.
“Isthatalollipop?”Morganasked,eyeswideandfistsballed,readytoactuallygetaggressive.
“Wantone?”AshpulledanotheroneoutandofferedittoMorgan Whostaredatit.
Huffed
Andthenstormedover.
“Yes,”hesaidashesnatcheditfromAsh,unwrappingitandstickingitinhismouthbeforeflappingahandathim.“Nowdo thething”
“Whatthing?”AshsmirkedaroundhislollipopandMorganfeltheatriseinhisthroat.
“I’mgonnaleavethe worst reviewonyourwebsite,”Morgansaid,andthatactuallygotAsh’sattention “I’msureIcanmakeituptoyou,”Ashsaid,andwasn’tthat makingpromises.“Howaboutyoutrustme,hm?”
“Thelasttimeyousaidthat,Iendedupflattenedtothefloor”MorgansliddownthewallnexttoAshandcrossedhislegs, onlyhalftohidethereactionthementionofthatflatteningevokedinhim.
“Andwehadfun,didn’twe?”Ashwinkedathimlikehewasreadinghismind,beforetakingsomanythingsoutofhisbag thathequicklyfilledtheemptyspacearoundhisfeet
“Noneofthisisfun,”Morganlied,lipssmackingaroundhiscandy.Thelollipopwasdoingwondersforhisfrazzlednerves. Sugaralwaysdid
“I’mgonnastartthinkingyoudon’tlikemeorsomething,”Ashsaid,voicemockhurt.
“How about you start thinking about getting us out of here instead,” Morgan suggested, and Ash actually nodded in agreement.
Firsttimeforeverything.
“I’mgonnaneedyoutostepbackandgivemesomespace”AshrolledhissleevesupandMorganscootedonhisasseven fartherdownthehallwayandawayfromthecursebreaker.
HewatchedinraptfascinationasAshpulledoutcountlessbottles,burlapbags,andlongwhitestripsofsilkfromhisbag
Curiosityscratched atthe backofMorgan’s throat, and he opened his mouthto askhis questions. Ashmusthave noticed somehow,andheturnedtolookathim,shakinghisheadsoftlybeforeturningawayagain.
Morganbristledandwantedtoargue,butthenagain,Ashwas workingongettinghimoutofthere,sohe figuredhe could controlhisbarbsforhoweverlongthebreakingofthecursewouldtake.
Seemedlikeitwouldstretchforeversincethesetupwasstillgoingon nobreakinginsight.
Ashunwrappedthesilkstripsandwalkedtothefarthestcornerofthehallway,tuckingtheendofthestripintotheveryedge wherethewallsmetoneanother
Hesecuredtheendwithasmallmetalpin,thenreachedforoneofthelittleburlapbags,pullingoutapinchofsomepowder. TheairaroundthemfilledwithastrongherbalscentMorgancouldn’treallyplace
Hewasn’texactlyanoutdoorsyperson,sotheonlyfloralscentshecouldrecognizeweretheonesinlaundrydetergentsand showergels WhateverAshwasusingsmelledearthy,woodsy,groundingsomehow Notunpleasantatall Morganmadeamentalnotetoasklater.Maybehecouldgetthesamescentinessentialoils sansthecurse,thankyouvery much.
He came backto the presentto watchas Ashwalked backto the center ofthe room, sprinklingthe powder alongthe silk strip.Hedidthesamethingwiththerestofthestrips,tuckingeachoneintoacorner,thensprinklingdifferentpowdersalong them
Thestripsmetinthecenteroftheroom,andAshsecuredthecrosssectionwithanothermetalpin.
He reached into the bag and pulled out a larger burlap bag, untying it and taking out dried leaves and different twigs, arrangingthemneatlyaroundthepininthecenteroftheroom.
Heshiftedthecompositionseveraltimes,tiltinghisheadandwalkingaroundthearrangementuntilheseemedsatisfiedwith it
Hepackedthebagsaway,andjustwhenMorganthoughtitwasfinallyoverandthecursewouldbebrokensoon,Ashturned tothe small metal bottles he’dpulledoutearlier Theyhaddifferentrunic symbols onthemthatMorganhadnoidea how to decipher.
Morgansighedandslumpedagainstthewall,earninghimselfanotherlookfromAsh.Morganflappedhishandina‘gettoit’ gesture,rollinghiseyesandpointingtoanimaginarywatchonhiswrist.Ashliftedonecornerofhislipsinasmileandturned hisbackonMorganagain,uncappingoneofthebottles.
He startedwalkingagainandMorganlegithadthe urge tojusttake a nap,because itfeltlike they’dbe there for a while Sincehehad,unfortunately,beenraisedbetter thanthat,hedecidedtojustwatchwhatwas happeningandhopeitwouldall cometoanendsoon
Ashuncappedbottleafterbottle,sprayingthewallswithwhateverwasinside.
Itgaveoffasimilarscenttothepowdersinhisburlapbags,soMorgan,smartly,concludeditwasprobablytheexactsame herbsinliquidform.Why?Hehadabsolutelynoclue.
Ashhadsaidheknew whathewasdoing,anddespiteverylittleevidencetosupportthat,Morgandecidedtogivehimthe benefitofthedoubt Itwasn’tlikehehadanotherchoice
Finally,AshtuckedawaythelastbottleandMorganperkedup,sittingstraighterandwaitingtoseewhatwouldhappen. Ashreachedintohisbagagain,rummagedthroughitforasecond,andcameoutwitha “Is thata blowtorch?” Morganscreeched, hoppingto his feet, almostchokingonthe half-eatenlollipop hangingfromhis lips.
Ashgave himanother look, but no Not this time That lookwas not gonna stop Morganfromaskingquestions this time around,becausethatwasablowtorchabouttobeusedinahousemadeofflammablematerial.Ahousethatrefusedtoletthem leave
“Iwasnotawarebreakingacursemeantkillingthepeopleaffected!”Morgansaid.“Ididnotagreetothis.Youcan’tsetme onfirewithoutmyconsent”
“I’mnotactuallygonnasetyouonfire,”Ashsaid. Morganpointedattheblowtorch.“Weroastingmarshmallows?”
“Iusefiretobreakcurses,”Ashsaid,strokingthedamnedthing “Isthatanofficialmethod,orjustyourpreferredone?” “Doesitmakeadifference?”
“Itdoes,actually,”hesaid.“Onemeansit’sanagreed-upontechnique,andtheothermakesyouanunhingedfirehazard.” “It’ssafeforyou Itwon’ttouchyou,”Ashsaid,andfuckMorganifhebelievedit
“I’mliterallystandingnexttothethingyouplanonlightingup,insideahouseyou’regonnatorch,”Morgansaid,likeAsh wasstupid.Whichwasn’toffthetable.“Ahouse,mightIadd,wecan’twalkoutof.Soifthatthingcatches ” “Oh,itwillcatch,”Ashsaid,anditwasunnervinglygleeful
“You’renotmakingmefeelanybetter,”Morgansaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Idonotwanttobebarbecue.”
“There’shardlyanymeatonyou,sweetness”Ashwinked “Now,standawayfromthestripsandthewalls,andletmedo myjob.”
“Notuntilyoutellmeexactlywhatyou’redoingwiththatthing,”Morgansaid,andAshsighed. “Okay.” He shouldered the damn torch. “The herb powders are used in binding rituals and curses. They symbolize connections,attachments,andtiestosomeoneorsomething.Rosemary,cloves,andsuch.Theonlywaytomakesureabonding
curseworksistousethecorrectherbsintheritual.Andtheonlywaytobreakoneistousethosesameherbs,butinreverse. Bydestroyingthem.Fire…destroys.”
“Yousoundedwaytoodelightedjustthen”
“Butthatmeansitalsobreaksthecurse,”Ashsaidhappily.“I’mgonnasetthestripsofclothinfusedwiththeherbsonfire.” “Butyoualsosprayedthewalls,”Morganpointedout “Whichmeansthehousewillburn” “Itwon’t.The herbs representintent.The curse is tiedtothis place withthem.The fire is goingtoburnthe herbs andthe intentbehindthem It’llburnthroughtheties,thebondsplacedonthisplace TheliquidIsprayedonthewallsisn’tthesame thing.It’sprotective.Sothefirewon’tspreadanddestroyanythingphysical.”
“Andnowyoujustsounddisappointed,”Morgansaid.Theguywasunhinged. Ashchuckled “Idon’tjustworkwithcursedhouses,youknow Iworkwithpeople too Theydon’ttake tookindlytothe suggestionofbeingburnedalivetobreaktheircurses.”
“Gofuckingfigure!So,what?Youhosethemdownwithyourprotectivejuiceandallisgood?”
“Prettymuch.Myjuiceisthebestjuiceintown,”Ashsaid,thensmiledathimlewdly.“Wanttogiveitago?” Morganlickedhislips “No?”
“Wasthataquestionorananswer?”Ashaskedwithaknowingglintinhiseyes.
“Istillhaven’tforgottenthatyouintendtolightthisplaceup,”Morgansaid,deflecting.
“Morgan ”Ashpointedathimwithhisblowtorchasifthathelped anything “What?”
“Trustme”
“IfIdie…”
“You’renotgonnadie.”
“ButifIdo…”
“Youwon’t,”Ashsaid,theblowtorchstillswinginginhishand.“Justkeepawayfromthewallsandthestrips.”
“I’d like to keep awayfromthis entire thing,” Morganmumbled to himself, buthe made sure notto touchthe wall or the stripsorevenasingletinyspeckoftheherbalpowderstrewnacrossthefloor.
“Ready?”Ashasked Morganscowled.“Yes.”
Ashplacedhisfeetwidearoundthecenterofthestripsandhisarrangement,takingadramaticdeepbreathbeforeliftinghis blowtorch.
Helookedentirelytoointoitforittobepurelyprofessional.Morganwasprettysurethesamethingcouldhavebeendone withasimplematch,butno Dudecameoutwithapowertool
ThesoundofaflamehissingoutofthetorchstartledMorgan,andhegasped,staringwide-eyedatthebluishfireatthetips ofAsh’sfingers
Ashspread his arms wide, circlingthe torchthroughthe air once, paintingthe air blue withitbefore claspingbothhands aroundthehandleandloweringittothecenterofthestrips.
Theedgeoftheflametouchedthemetalpinholdingthestripstogether,andsingedthecornersoftheherbsarrangedaround it.
Andthenjust
“Isthatit?”Morganasked,andAshstartled,adeepfrownonhisforeheadasheturnedtolookatMorgan.
Heshookhistorchonceandlititagain,tryingthesamethingwiththesameresult “Diditwork?”Morganasked,riskingsteppingcloser.“Itdidn’tlooklikeitworked.”
“Itdidn’twork…”Ashwhispered,andMorganstaredathimforalongmoment,tryingtocomposehimself.
“Zerostars,”Morgansaid “Worstserviceever”
Chapter 5 Ash Whattheabsolutefuck?
Ashwasstaringatthepristinewhitesilkstripsonthefloor,thescatteredherbsandthebarelytheresingemarksthefire hadmadeinitall.
There was supposed to be a flame He’d been looking forward to a flame the smell of it catching all the herbs and intensifyingtheirscent.Thecrackleintheairthatcamewithit.Theheatonhisfaceandtheinevitablebiteofhotmetalonthe tipsofhisfingerswhenhetouchedthetipofhistorch
Noneofthatwasthere,andAshwasmorethanjustconfused. Ithadneverhappenedbefore.
Hewasgoodatwhathedid Thetrainingfacilityhe’dattended,Nexus,sworeupanddownhewasoneofthebestthey’d evertrainedinthebondingcursesfield.Sowhatthehellhadjusthappened?
Heputtheblowtorchdownandwalkedaround,checkingthathe’ddoneeverythingcorrectly,evenwhenheknewhehadn’t madeasinglemistake.Cursebreakingwassodeeplyingrainedinwhohewasthathedidn’thavetothinkabouttheprocesstoo much Thesetupwasautomatic
Thedoublecheckconfirmedit.Itwasjustasperfectaseverysingletimehe’ddoneitbefore.
“I’mseriouslynotpayingforthis.”
Ash turned to look at Morgan, who was standing there with his hands on his slimhips and a condescending lift to his straight-tippednose.Hisdarkeyeswereglaringoutfromtheirnestoflonglashesandsmudgedeyeliner,killingtheeffectand onlymakingAshwanttopisshimoffmoreoften
Allattractivenessasidethough,themandidnotstoptalking.Theconstantchatterhadbeencuteatfirst,butnow,facedwith thefirstfailureinhisentirecareer,Ashjustwantedtowallowinself-pityforawhile Insilence “No,thisoneisonthehouse,”hesaid.
“Atleastwe’renotdead,”Morgansaid,snarkyandquippy,butthewayhewrappedhisarmsaroundhiswaistandhunched hisshoulderssaidmorethanthebiteofhistongue
“Wewerenevergoingtodie,Morgan.”Ashsteppedoverthesilksonthefloorandwalkedtowardthewindow.“Brea?” Therustlingofthegrassoutsidetoldhimshewascomingcloser “Ithinkitworked!”shecalledback. Ashfrownedinconfusion.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Itotallysawthehousemoveabitjustthen,”shesaid,soundingbright. Ashshookhis headatMorgan’s hopeful look,notwantingtolether raiseanyexpectations.“Ican’tmakebuildings move, babe That’snothowitworks”
Morgan’sentirefacefellbeforeheturnedaway.“Well,itdoesn’tseemtoworkatall,so…” Ashdidn’tletitsting IfMorganneededaverbalpunchingbag,thenAshdidn’tmindsubbinginforafewroundssohecould releasethetension.
“Brea,whatdoyoumeanthehousemoved?”Ashasked,spottingheremergingfromtheovergrowthagain.
“Noclue.”Sheshrugged,eyesmovingoverthebuilding.“Iwasjustwaitinghereforyoutocomeoutandthenitlookedlike oneofthewalls…wiggledabit.”
“Wiggled?”
Shenodded,makingawavewithherhands.
“Right” Ash shook his head as he worked through the situation “Okay, so, I tried to break the curse and nada Still indescribablyupsetaboutthatifyouwerewondering.Butthere’sclearlysomethingdifferentaboutwhatever curseisonthis house,andit’lltakemeabitoftimetofigureitout.”
“Howmuchtime?”MorganaskedatthesamemomentasBreadid
“I’mnotsure,”hesaid,lookingbetweenthem,“butIthinkit’ssafetosaywewon’tbecomingouttoday.”
“Atall?” Brea gasped, buthe was distracted byMorganplasteringhimselfto his side, small hands wrappingaround his bicep Ashresistedtheurgetoflex
“We’regonnasleepinhere?”Morganasked,wide-eyedandnowveryobviouslyuncomfortable.
“The house doesn’t seemto be hostile, so I think we’ll be safe,” Ash said, trying to avoid what he felt was a coming meltdown.
Morganslappedhishandagainstthenon-existentwindow “Thehouseliterallyrefusestoletusout Howisthatnothostile? Wearehostages.Idon’tknowwhatplanetyou’refrom,butbeingaHOSTageseemsprettyHOSTiletome.” Ashsighedandranahandoverhisface.“Morgan…”
“No,don’t‘Morgan’me,”hesaid HestuckapointylittlefingerrightuptoAsh’snose “Idon’twanttostayhere” HisvoicebrokealittleattheendandanyfrustrationAshfeltsubsided.
“Iknow”Ashmovedthefinger awayfromhis facewithagentlehand Morgan’s skinwas butterysoft “We’regonnaask Brea here to go grab some ofyour stuff, I’mgonna call one ofmyteammates to getme some ofmine, and inthe meantime, we’regonnapokearoundthehouseandseewhatwecanfind Andlookatitthisway You’retrappedinahousewithapretty hotdude.”
“You’renotashotasyouthinkyouare.”Morganhuffed,pushingawayfromhimlikethatprovedhispoint. Ashlaughedattheridiculousnotionthathewasanythinglessthantenthousandpercentfuckable “Itotallyam”
“Also,Idon’tthinkpokingaroundthisplaceisagoodidea,”Morgansaidasheglancedaroundnervously.“Deathisstill totallyonthetable”
“Itabsolutelyisn’t.”
“Let’sagreetodisagree,”Morgansaid,glaringagainandgettingAsh’stemperatureup. “Let’stellBreawhattobringsoshecanleaveyoutwotoyourweird-assforeplay,”Breainterrupted,andMorganscowled. “Whatdoyouneed?”AshnudgedMorganwithhisshoulder. “Justsomeclothesandtoiletries,mylaptopandcharger,andmypinkvibrator,”hesaid Ashsputteredatthelastitem.“Youwerescaredofdyingjustfivesecondsago.”
“AndifIdieI’dliketogorelaxed,”Morgansaid,pointingatBrea “It’sinthefirstdrawerofmynightstand” “I’mnottouchingyoursextoys,”shedeadpanned.
“It’sclean.”
“Itwasupyourass,”shesaid.“Mylovehaslimits.” “Icoulddie!”
“I’llgogettheotherstuff”Sheshrugged “Andsomefood Iguessyou’llneedfoodaswell” “OH!FeedCassiusforme,”Morgansaid,andBrearolledhereyes. “Who’sCassius?”Ashasked “Casismypetcrow,”Morgansaid. “He’snotyourpet,Morgan,”Breasaid.“He’sawildbird.”
“Hebelongstomemorethanhedoestheopenskies”Morganjuttedhischin “That’satadmelodramatic,isn’tit?”Ashaskedwithasmirk.
“Atad?”Brealetoutasinglelaugh “Thisbitchnevergrewoutofhisemophase” “Icanseethat,yeah,”Ashsaid,lookingMorganupanddown.Fuckifhewasn’thappyaboutthatthough.Itsuitedhimso well Morganscowled.“Fuckyouboth.” Ashsnorted.“So,Cas…?” “Isacrowthatlivesaroundmyhouse Ileavehimfoodandhebringsmegifts” “Hebringsyoujunk,”Breacorrected. “They’re gifts andyou’rejustjealous” Sherolledhereyes.“Yes,magicalgothprincess.I’mveryjealousofyourmurderpets.” “Idon’thaveamurder,”Morgangrumbled,apoutclearonhislips “Ionlyhavetheone” “Notthisagain.”Sheturnedherbackonthewindowandheadeddownthestairs.“I’llbebackassoonasIcan.” “Thankyou,Brea,”Ashcalledafterher,andMorgancrossedhisarmsoverhischest. “Donotthankher,”hesaid “She’smean” Ashsmiled,steppingawayfromthewindowandpullingouthisphone.“I’mgonnacallworkandseeifIcanhaveoneofthe guysbringmesomesupplies” “CanIaddsomethingtoyourlist?”Morganasked,trailinghimlikeanannoyinglittleterrier. “Sorry.NosextoysattheofficeaftertheGreatWar.”
“Thegreatwar?”Morganaskedskeptically.
“TheDildoWarsof2017,”Ashsaidwiththereceiverathisear,hearingthesmall clickofapickup.“HartsaystheGreat
Warislessvulgarincompany.”
“AreyoutellingyourclientabouttheDildoWarsagain?”Hartgasped,scandalized.“Wetalkedaboutthis,Ash!It’shighly unbecoming,nottomentionunprofessional!”
“Myclientwasaskingifyou’dpickhimupavibrator.Ithinkmyprofessionalismisonpar,”Ashsaid. “What?!”Hartscreeched
Morganstudied his nails, unbothered byAshrevealingsomethingthat would usuallymake another burninshame. Prudy Prudence,hewasnot
“Itoldhimtheygotbannedattheoffice.ThoughIthinkTaylor ignoresthatrule,soit’skindofunfair.Shetakeshour-long breakstothesoundtrackofbuzzing,”Ashgrumbled.
“Taylordidn’tbrainFixwithasextoythesizeofababyelephantattachedtoastick,either” “No…butshehelpedmeattachit.”
Hartsighed “Isthereareasonyou’recalling?Andcallingmeinparticularandnotthefrontdesk” “Ididn’twanttogetsungtoontheotherline,andyoualwayspickup.”HecouldhearHartgrindinghisteethandgrinned. “There’sbeenasmallsnafuwiththecaseI’mon”
“Define‘snafu,’”Hartsaidslowly.“Didyousetaninfernoagain?”
Ashpouted,hisdisappointmentstillunbearable.“No.Barelyevenaflicker.” “Thenwhat?”
“I’ll needsomeonetodropoffsomeovernightsupplies.I’mnotsurefor how long.Ididn’tgrabmyemergencybagonthe wayoutbecausethisoriginallysoundedstraightforward It’sinmyofficeunderBetty” “Who’sBetty?”Morganasked,creepingclosersohecouldeavesdrop.Hewasn’tevensubtleaboutit. Ashtiltedhisheadathim.“I’mnotnot callingitasmallflamethrower.”
“You’re an insane person!” Morgan yelled, in much the same way Hart exclaimed, “I thought we agreed Betty wasn’t allowedintheoffice!”
“Somanyrules,”Ashwhined,legsgoingweak “WrengetstohaveMary,whycan’tIhaveBetty?” “Wedon’ttalkaboutMary,”Hartsaidsternly.
Ashrolledhiseyes “Justgrabit,please?I’llgiveyouthedetailswhenyougethere” Hartsighed.“Textmetheaddress.”
“Loveyou!”
HarthunguponhimandAshstaredathisphonescreen,perplexed. “What?”Morganasked.“Diditcutoff?”
HisphonepingedandAshgrinned
Hart: ‘Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’
“Allisrightintheworld,”Ashsaid HeshowedMorgan,whosquintedatthescreen,thenupathim “Okay,therapist?Thehelldoesthisself-helpgarbagedoforus?”
“Nothing Butifhedoesn’tsendit,thatmeanshe’s mad mad,”Ashexplained,sendingtheaddressofthehouseandtenkissy facesandfireemojis.
Morganrolledhiseyesandstompedovertoslidehimselfdownthewallagain.“Wellaslongasyou’restillbuddies.” “Ah,ah,ah,upandat’em.We’vegotsomeexploringtodo.”Ashclappedhishands.
Morganwidenedhiseyes.“What?”
“It’snousewaitingaroundherewhentheanswersareprobablyinthere,”hesaid,pointing “Ilookedintothekitchenandlivingroom.There’snothingthere,andIhavenointentionofexploringanyfurther,”Morgan said,glancingatthedoor,thenshakinghisheadvigorously “No,thankyou I’dliketostaytwofeetfromtheexitatalltimes” “Isn’tthisyouraunt’shouse?What’ssoscaryaboutthat?”
“Imetthatcrazyoldbat once inmylife!Thisisn’tlikeaholidayreunion,okay?TheonlyreasonI’minhereisbecausemy stupidbestfrienddaredmetocomebeforeIknockedtheplacedown!”
“WellI’mgoingin.Sitherebyyourselfifyouwant,”Ashsaidwithashrug,steppingoverhisfailedcursebreaking. “Wait!”Morganyelped “You’rejustgoingtoleavemeherealone?Whataboutadutyofcare,or whatever?” Ashraisedabrow.“It’smydutytocarethatwegetoutofhere.Socomeifyoulike.” “Notsomethingaboywantstohear,”Morgangrumbled,begrudginglygettingtohisfeet “Youneedtoworkonyourcharm, asshole.”
Ashopenedthedoorandsteppedaside,bowingandholdinganarmoutdramatically.“Afteryou,babe.” “Fuckno”
Ashlaughed.“Fine,scaredycat.I’llgofirst.Holdontomyrear.”
“That’snothowthatsayinggoes” “It’snot?”Ashaskedinnocently.
“Justmove!”Morgansaid,shovinghimforwardandhidingbehindhisback.
Ashlaughed again, butquicklygrew serious as he peered into the house beyond. Itwas darkas hell, all the thickvelvet drapes drawnonthe other side ofthe room, the spindlylamps turned off The rapidlysettingsunwasn’thelping He could smellthelayersofdustanddisusefromhere,themotesticklinghisnose.
Thefurniturewascoveredinwhitesheets,thelumpyshapesofarmchairsandtablesvisibleintheneardistance “Didyouraunthavetheplacepackedawaybeforeshedied?”Ashasked.
“What?HowwouldIknow?”Morganasked,peekingaroundhisarm
“Theydidn’tsayanythinginthepaperwork?Haveyougotacopyofitonyou?”
“Noandno.Whydoesitmatter?”
“BecauseI’mtryingtofigureoutifyourauntwasthelastoneinhere,orifsomeoneelsepackedthisplaceawayandwalked onout.Didshedieinhere?”
“Whatthefuckkindofaquestionisthat?”Morganasked,hittinghiminthebackofthekneewithhiscombatboot Ashstumbled.“Hey!”
“Insensitiveass”
“Youcalledheracrazyoldbatyou’donlymetonce!”
“Yes,butshe’smyfamily,soIgettocallhernames!”
“Okay, I’msorry” Ash rubbed his leg “But I’mnot asking just to be a dick I’mtrying to work out when the last time someonewasabletoleavethehousewas.Youknow,sanscurse.Ithelpstohaveatimeline.”
Morganun-archedhisbackalittleandstoppedmetaphoricallyhissingathim “Shediedinthehospital Aboutamonthago Nooneshouldhavebeeninheresincethen,butIcan’tbesure.”
Ashhummed,lookingaroundagain.“Wassheinthehospitallong?”
“About…twoweeksorso?”
Ashnodded,filingtheinfoawayashesteppedfartherintotheroom.Helocatedalightswitchandflickedit.
Nothing
Heflickeditacouplemoretimestomakesurebeforeshruggingandpullingoutalighterfromhisbackpocket.Herubbeda thumboverthemetalcasefondlybeforeflickingiton Itdidn’tgiveoffmuchlight,butitwasbetterthanpitchdarkness,andit wasmorecomfortingthanaphonelight.
“Wemightwannalookandseeifthere’sagenerator,especiallybeforeitgetsreallydark.”
“Oh,greatidea.Let’sgoandseeifthere’sacreepygeneratorinthecreepyhouse,”Morgansaidscathingly. “Wecancuddleifyouwant.”
HealreadykindamissedhavingMorgan’selfinbodyplasteredtohim “OrhowaboutIstayhere,andyougoaloneafterall?”
“Sure”Ashshrugged “Ikindalikethisplace,tobehonest Creepyoldhousesareavibe” “Youneedhelp,”Morgansaid,andAshchuckled,pullinganotherlollipopfromhispocketandstickingitinhismouth. HeturnedhisbacktoMorganandwalkedoutoftheroom,dragginghisfeetonpurpose.Sureenough,hedidn’tgetfarbefore heheardascuttleoffeetonthefloorandthensomeonelatchedontothebackofhisshirt “Missedme?”Ashaskedinnocently.
Morganscoffed “Ijustdon’twanttobetrappedherewithadeadbody Youseemtoorecklesstobesafewanderingaround acreepyhouse.”
“Aww,youworryaboutme!”Ashclutchedathischestandflutteredhislashesoverhisshoulder Morganlookedlikehe’dlovetokillhimonthespot,andsomehow,thatmadehimevencutertoAsh.Hereallywasweirdly attractive.
“So,”Ashsaid,tryingtofocus “IfIwereagenerator,I’dprobablybesomewherewhereI’mnotanuisance” “Offplanet?”Morgansuggested. “Hilarious I’mthinking basement” Morganslammedface-firstintoAsh’sback. “Basement?”hesqueaked “Youwanttoactuallygointothebasement?” “Iwantustohavelightandmaybesomeheattonightifpossible.Thesunisn’twaitingonourasses.I’llkeepyousafe.” “Last time youkept me safe youtackled me to the ground,” Morgangrumbled, but followed Ashwithout pause. He was stompinghisfeetalittlebit Ashwassureitwashisformofprotest “Andwasn’tthatfunforeveryoneinvolved.”
Ashcametoastopinfrontofadoorhewasprettysureledtothebasement Mostolderhouseshadasimilarlayout Hegrippedthedoorhandleandpulledconfidently,revealingaflightofstairsleadingintotheabyss. Morganpeekedaroundhisshoulder,peeringthroughthedoorway.
“Thatisanofromme,”hesaid.“IthinkI’lljustwaithere.”
Ashwanted to tease himso bad, butevenhis insensitive ass
while.
“Nota bad idea,” Ashsaid, flippinghis lighter closed regretfully. “Youcanhold up the flashlightonyour phone so Ican orientmyselfonceI’mdown Soundgood?”
“Sure.” Morganpulled his phone outofhis jeans and pointed the flashlightdownthe stairs. Itilluminated the firstthree. “You’dbecompletelydonewithoutme”
“Itrulywould.”Ashnodded,descendingthestairscarefully,testingeachstepbeforeputtinghisweightonitfully.
Theyseemedprettysturdyforhowthehouselookedlikefromtheoutside Hereachedthebottomandliftedhisownphoneto castsomelightovertheentireroom.Hewouldhavepreferredhislighteragain,butpracticalitydictatedtheygetthisdonefast.
The basementwasn’ttoo big, butthe space was completelytakenover bythe largestcollectionof…things Ashhad seen sincethelasttimehesteppedfootinBlack’sbedroom
The entire floor was covered in the most randomassortment of shit. There were boxes piled on top of each other, old furnituretuckedbehindthem,andanevenolderrackstackedwithclotheshalf-eatenbymoths
Therewasanarrowpathwaybetweenthecrap,andAshtracedittoalittlegeneratortuckedinthemiddleofthemayhem. Heshuffledhiswaythroughthemaze,carefulnottotouchordislodgeanythingincaseitwassomehowtiedtothecurse Hereachedthegeneratorandlookeditover,findingtherustedOnswitch,relievedtohearthericketywhirrofitcomingto lifeoncehedepressedit.Thefuelgaugeneedlefelltohalfway,andAshpursedhislipsashelookedaroundhimself. Therewereafewcansoffuelproppedafewfeetaway,andAshshookthemtoseeiftheyhadanythinginthem Theywerefull.
Atleasttheydidn’thavetoworryaboutthatfornow Thisamountwouldlastthemaweekatleast “Morgan?”hecalledoverthenoiseofthegeneratorcoughingandspluttering. “Huh?”Morgancalledback.
“Therealightswitchupthere?”Ashheardashuffleofstepsbeforeasoftglowspreadthroughthedingybasement.“Wehave light!”Ashcheered,turningoffhisphoneflashlight,onlytofindhehadatextfromHarttellinghimhewasoutsidewithAsh’s things
HemadehiswaybackthroughthecrappileandtookthecreakystairstwoatatimetothetopwhereMorganwaswaiting. “Nottoobad,huh?”hesaidtriumphantly “Isupposeyouaren’tquiteasuselessasyoufirstappeared,”Morgansaidgrudgingly. Ashsnortedandgestured.“Mybrotherishere,let’sgo.”
Theymadetheirwaybacktothefrontofthehouse,Morganclickingoneverylighthepassed. TheymadeitbacktothebrokenwindowandAshsmotheredagiggleatseeingHartafewfeetawayfromthedoor,looking perturbed,withAsh’sbaginhandashebrusheddustfromhisperfectlycleansuit “Hart!”heyelled.“Overhere.”
Hartlookedaroundandspottedhim,eyeswideningbeforenarrowingashebegantoputtwoandtwotogether “Don’ttellme.”
“Okay,”Ashchirped.“Canyouthrowthatthroughhere?”
“Hey, hey!” Morgansaid, tryingto shoulder himoutofthe way “You’re a cursebreaker too, right? Canyougetus outof here?CanIswapyou?Thisoneisn’tworkingoutsowell.Isthereanexchangepolicy?”
“Makingfriends,Isee,Ash,”HartsaiddrylybeforelookingdownatMorgan “Andno I’mafraidyou’reinthebesthands Thisisn’tmyforte.”
“Ugh You’reasuselessasyourinspirationalquotes” “Excuseme!”Hartlookedutterlyscandalized.
AshputahandoverMorgan’smouth.“Hedidn’tmeanit.He’sjuststressed.Hey,isthatTaylorpoppingguminthecar?Why isn’tsheatwork?”
HartwasdistractedasplannedandlookedoverhisshoulderatTaylor,whohadherheelsonthedash,blowingapinkbubble thesizeofherheadoutofhermouth “Shesaidshewasonabreak”
Ashrolledhiseyes,thencriedoutwhenMorganstampedonhisfoottogethimtolethimgo.ItgotTaylor’sattentionfinally, andsheglancedover,bubbledeflating Sherolleddownthewindowfartherandleanedout “Whathaveyougotyourpastyassintonow,Ash?”sheyelled. “It’sallundercontrol.”
“It’snotundercontrol!”Morgancalledout Theroarofanengineinterruptedthem,andBreapulledupbehindthecaronavintagemotorbikethatthreatenedtohaveAsh drooling Hehadn’tseenoneoutsideofmuseumsorpicturesonline Wherehadthisbeautybeenhidingwhenhe’dfirstpulled up?
“Here,”Hartsaid,passingthebagover.
Ashaccepteditabsently.Hewasn’ttheonlyonestaringasBreaclamberedoffthebackofthebike,thoughitseemedlike Taylor was focusingonsomethingentirelydifferent. She was practicallyhangingoutofthe window, lookinglike a princess
withherblondhairtumblingtowardthedirtyground.
“Isthereanythingelseyouneedmetodo?”Hartasked.
“Nah CanesaidIwasbannedforawhile,sonofightstoreschedule,”Ashsaid,finallypullinghisgazeawayasBreabegan toapproach,pullingherhelmetoff.
Hartscowled,adjustinghiscuffsprimly “Iwouldn’tcallthatheathenevenifyouwantedmeto” Ashsighed.“He’snotthatbad.”
“Hesmokes!”
“Notacriminaloffense.”
“Probablytheonlyonehehasn’tcommitted!”
“AmIinterrupting?”Breaasked,hesitanttostepcloser,herarmsladenwithadufflebagandafewgrocerybagsfilledwith food.
“Of course not,” Hart said, giving her a welcoming smile “My name is Hart I’d like to assure you that Cursebreakers Incorporatedaredoingtheirverybesttoresolvethesituation.”
“Oh”Shesmiledback,pointingtoMorgan “Thankyousomuch Annoyingasheis,I’dliketohavehimback”
“We assure you, we’re doingeverythinginour power to resolve the issue.” Taylor materialized outofnowhere inall her leopardprintglory,posinglikeadollagainstthebackdropoftheovergrownlawn.
Breaturnedtoherwithinterestedeyes
“Areyouacursebreakertoo?”sheasked,andTaylorwrappedafingeraroundoneofhergoldenstrandsofhair,twirlingit withasweetlittleheadtilt
“Ohno,”Taylorsaid.“ButIdoruntheteam.Soifyou’dliketodiscussanythingfurther,wecantotallydothatoverdinner.” “Shedoesn’truntheteam!”Ashyelledfrominsidethehouse,buthiswordswerecompletelyignored.
“Welltherearesomequestionsthatyoucouldanswer,”Breasaid.“Extensiveones.Itmighttakealongtime…” “Lovely,”Taylorsaid.“Howaboutwetakeyourbike?Irodeherewithmysubordinate,andI’dliketolethimhavetherest ofhisdayoff”
“Howkindofyou.”Breaswooned,andAshexchanged‘canyoubelievethisbitch’lookswithHart,whojustshookhishead. “Iamnothingifnotkind,”Taylorsaid “Shallwe?”
“Afteryou.”Breamotionedwithherhand,followingTaylortoherbikeandhelpingherfastenahelmeton. MorganwasseethingnexttoAsh.Vibratinginplace.
“Youbetter notleavemehere,bitch!”Morganyelled.“I’ll never forgiveyouifyougoofftogeteatenoutwhileI’mhere suffering!”
“Imean ifit’stheeatingthat’stheproblem,”Ashsaid,tryingtodistracthimasBreapulledawayfromthecurbwithTaylor plasteredtoherback.“I’vebeentoldI’manexcellentdiner.”
“Andthatismycuetovacatethepremises,”Hartsaid,rushingtowardhiscar
“Dokeepusinformed,Ash We’lltaketurns comingbythehouse.”
Chapter 6 Morgan “S he actuallydidn’tbringit,” Morgangrumbled as he dugthroughthe duffle bagBrea had carelesslytossed throughthe windowbeforescuttlingafterthebedazzledmenaceHarthadbroughtwithhim. Hehadnoideawhoshewas,buthewasabsolutelygoingtohavewordswithher. Brea,attheveryleast,hadhadtheforesighttotuckhislaptopbetweenhisclothestokeepitfromjustshatteringagainstthe floor,becausesheknew Morgancouldn’tcatchforshit.Luckily,Ashhadcaughtthegrocerybagsbeforethecontentspainted thefloor Morganpulledhislaptopoutandpluggeditintocharge.He’dhavetoremembertoemail workandletthemknow thathe wasinabitofapickle,buthopefullyabletogetsomeworkdone.Betweentryingtoescapeandnottodie.Hehadalotonhis plate,okay?
“Noluckhere,either,sadly,”Ashsaid,butMorganknewhewasjoking.OnelookatHarttoldMorgantherehadneverbeen achanceofanyonegettingasextoyfromthatman “Guesswe’llhavetoentertainourselves” Morganslumpeddownandheavedasighthatechoedaroundthesmallhallway. “Thisisanightmare,”hecomplained,voicewhiny “Inheritingawhole-asshouseshouldbeagoodthing,right?Evenifyou won’tlivethere,youcanrentit,orsellit.It’sanicething.Whydoesthishavetohappentome?”
“Aww,lookonthebrightside,”Ashsaid.
Morganglared “Ifyousayitgotmetomeetyou,I’mgonnacurseyousohardyourcoworkerswillfeelit” Ashtiltedhishead.“Areyouacaster?”
“No Clearly”Hehuffed,crossinghisarmsoverhischest “Really?”Ashasked,eyebrowraised.“Notevenalower-levelone?”
“I was tested and not a trace of any magical ability was found,” Morgan said “I can’t even make someone’s nose itch Why?”
“Well,basedonwhateverthefuckishappeninghere,yourauntmusthavebeenattheveryleastalevelfivecastertohave beenabletopullthisoff,”Ashsaid,motioningaround “Thisissomeadvancedmagicuse Hardtobelievesomeonerelatedto herhasnomagicalability.”
Morganhummed,mullingthewordsover Hisentirefamilyhadgonethroughthetestingprocesstoseeiftheywereableto usemagiconanylevel,aswasmandatorywhenenteringschool.They’dallgottheirresultsascommonersandbeeneducated assuch.Nobodyhadreceivedanycastertraining.
“NobodyIknowinmyfamilyisacaster…ofanylevel,”Morgansaid. “Yourauntclearlywas.”
Morganfrowned,surehewouldhaveknownorrememberedbeingtoldifhehadanauntwhowasahigh-levelcaster “She could have hired someone to do it,” he suggested, because itwas reallyuncommonfor someone thatpowerful to be bornintoafamilyofcommoners
“Itwouldcosta lot. ”
“Clearly,Iknewverylittleaboutherlife.”Morganshrugged.“ShecouldhavesecretlyhadbillionsforallIknow.” “True.”
“AndImighttakeafter her andhiresomeonetoo.”Morgancircledbacktotheveryweakthreathe’dmadeearlier.Justto makeitclearthathemeantbusiness
“Idon’tthinkplanningandannouncingacrimethisopenlyisagoodidea,”Ashsaid,pullingyetanotherlollipopoutofhis pocketandstickingitinhismouth
“Brea is rich, she’ll bail me out,” Morgansaid, watchinghis tongue move around the thinga little too closely. He feltan answeringtugdeepinhisstomach,hisbodyheatingup.“Howmanyofthosedoyouhave?”
“Enough”Ashhoppedtohisfeetandclappedhishands “Right,timetogetmoving”
“What?”MorganblinkedoutofthefantasyofAshputtingthattonguetootheruses.
Ashpointedatthewindingstairsleadingtothesecondfloor.“We’regonnaputourstuffawayandthenseeifwecanactually findsomethingusefulinthishouse”
Morgandidn’thave itinhimtoprotestitanymore.Itdidn’tseemlike deathwas imminent,after all.The house juststood theresilently,withnosignsofactivelywantingtoendthem Andhedidwantout,soapparently,nosingarounditwas “Fine.”Hesighed,standingupandreachingforhisbag.
Ashsnatcheditupbeforehecould,heftingitoverhisshoulderandtakingthelead “Wow,nowhe’sagentleman?”Morgansnarked.
“Ihaveabigmouth,butIwastrainedright,”hesaidwithacheekysmile,andwithoutwaitingforMorgantorespond,started climbingthestairs
MorgannoticedthesameattentivenesstohissurroundingsAshhadshownwhileenteringthebasement.Ashhadaneasystep tohim,hisshouldersrelaxedandhisfacesetinapleasantlycuriousexpression,buthiseyeswereeverywhereatonce Hisfeet testedeachstepbeforeclimbingit,andheusedthebagsoverhisshoulderstokeepMorganfarenoughbehindhimtoavoidany dangerthatspranguponthem
Itwasweirdlycomforting.
It tookthemless thana minute to ascend, and whenAshpaused at the top ofthe stairs to lookaround, Morganchose to remainbehindhim Justincase
Dudewaspaidtocatchbullshit.Morganwastherebyaccident.
HestillwentuponhistiptoesandpeekedaroundAsh’swidebacktoseedownthehallwaythough
Therewerethreecloseddoorsoneachsideofthehallway,andonelargeroneattheveryendofit.Morgannoticedanother flightofstairstuckedbehindthem.Smallerandlessornatethantheonesthey’djustclimbed.
Basedonthelookofthehousefromtheoutside,thoseprobablyledtoanattic.Morganmentallynopedoutofevergoingup there.Hewasn’tanidiot,thankyouverymuch.Everyoneknewyoudiedinbasementsandattics.
“Howaboutwesplitupandcheckouttheserooms?”Ashsuggestedlightly,andMorganjerkedaroundtolookupathim “Splitup?” Morgansaid.“Youwantus tosplitup? Thatis literallyhow everystupidwhite boydies ineveryhorror I’ve everwatched Iamstayinggluedtoyourdumbass”
“See, Iknew youliked myass.” Ashwinked before shakinghis head. “And Iwas joking. I’mnot lettinga civiliannose aroundacursedhousebyhimself.”
“Ohmygod,itdoeshaveabrain!”Morgancheeredflatly,butwasabsolutelygladthatwasn’tarealsuggestion. Splitup.
Pffff
“Okay,let’sstartontherightandmakeourwayaround.”Ashwalkedtothefirstdoorandinspecteditforasecond.Heran hisfingersovertheframeandknockedonceortwice
“Idon’tthinkanyone’shome,”Morgansaid,andAshactuallylaughed.Areal,deepbellylaughthatdidn’tsoundniceatall. Nope.
“Justtryingtomakeitsafeforyou,babe,”Ashsaid,reachingforthehandleandtuggingthedooropen
There was a softcreakbutno resistance as itswungopen, revealingwhatlooked like a guestbedroom. Itwas relatively small in size, the decoration very generic, unlike the rest of the house, which was swimming in doilies and taxidermized squirrelsmountedonthewalls.
There was a bed pushed into the corner, a little desk and chair under a window, and a small wooden wardrobe on the oppositewallfromthebed.
Nootherfurnitureinsight.
Ashwalkedin,settingtheirbagsdownandopeningthewardrobeandthedrawersonthedesk Hestompedaroundalittle, scuffingthetoeofhisbootovertheedgeofadustyrug,andshookoutthebedding.Hewalkedovertothewindow,knocking arounditlikehehadatthedoor,frowningslightly
“Howdidyouknowthewindowinthehallwaywasopen?”heasked,andMorganshrugged.
“Well,beforewefiguredoutIwastrapped,Itriedgoingoutthefrontdoor,”hesaid
“Itwouldn’topensoItriedbreaking theglassonthewindow.Ithrewsomethingrandomatitanditjustbounced,soBreabrokeitfromtheoutside.Shecouldthrow shitin,butIcouldn’tthrowanythingoutorgothrough.”
“Right Andotherwindows?”
“Ididn’tcheck,”Morgansaid,andAshreachedouttothewindow,tryingtoopenitandgettingnowhere.Heturnedonhis heel,spottingasmallvaseonthecornerofthedesk
Hetookitandchuckeditatthewindow,onlytohaveitbouncebackathim,thewindowintact.
“Yup.”Morgannodded.“Likethat.”
“Okay,” Ashsaid. “We’ll checkthe restofthe windows onour end and askwhoever comes here first to checkfromthe outside.Justtobesure.”
