Chapter 20

He pressed on. “I understand you want to protect Claire. I do too. Whatever measures you want to take to ensure she doesn’t get hurt, I will accept. I only ask that you give her the chance to try. She can do it. She has to.”

“Without giving up her life? Without the original spell?” Sosata shook her head. “Even with magic, it can’t be done.”

“Can’t you figure out how Grandfather did it?” Claire asked.

“Not without knowing where he started with it,” Sosata said. “This is Antonio we’re talking about. That could’ve been anywhere.”

“What if you had the tether he created to bind us to Celeste?” he said.

Sosata sneered. “Doesn’t your mistress have your leash wrapped tight around her dead hand?”

“No. I have it. Claire, can you unbutton my shirt, please? I’d do it myself, but I’m a tad indisposed at the moment.”