Chapter 38
THIRTY-EIGHT
S abine nodded, unsure if she should disclose everything, but at this point, she might as well. “Yes. Every night. They don’t feel like dreams. Sometimes I remember a little, sometimes nothing, and other times it’s a mess of pieces.”
“Just now, you saw the scene with me and Shiara. Did you feel anything?”
She gulped. “Pain. Like I was dying.”
He sucked in a harsh breath and held her tight before looking at her with shock. “You’re…You’re remembering your past life.”
She stared at him, her jaw hanging. “Come again?”
“I don’t know how else to explain it. I’m almost certain that’s what it is.”
“It sounds crazy but it feels really possible.”
He brushed his lips over her forehead, and their magic responded instantly. Warmth blazed between them, melting the frost from the nearest shelves. Crystalline patterns formed in the air, catching the light like diamonds.
“I couldn’t save you,” he whispered against her skin. “Last time, I wasn’t fast enough.”
“Hey.” She pulled back enough to meet his gaze. “That wasn’t your fault. From what I saw in the vision, we were overwhelmed. Those shadow creatures...”
“There was so many of them.”
“They were controlled by George.” The name spilled from her lips without conscious thought. Her birthmark flared with phantom pain, and she gasped.
Ren’s arms tightened around her. “How did you know that name?”
“I...” She frowned, trying to grasp the memory that danced just out of reach. “I don’t know. It just came to me like muscle memory. Linus moves the same way. That’s what’s been bothering me about him?—”
Before she could finish, Kaito appeared in the doorway, his usually calm expression troubled. “The shadow witch’s signature,” he said without preamble. “I found a match in the ancient records.”
Ren tensed. “And?”
“It’s paired with George’s magical signature.” Kaito’s gaze moved between them. “The shadow magic Linus is using is exactly the same as the spells that killed Shiara.”
Sabine’s knees buckled. Ren caught her, pulling her against his chest as the implications sank in. Her past life’s murderer hadn’t just returned—he’d been watching her for months, playing some twisted game of cat and mouse.
“That’s impossible.” Ren’s voice vibrated with barely controlled rage. “George was executed. I watched him die.”
“Did you?” Kaito arched an eyebrow. “Or did you see what he wanted you to see? The shadow witch isn’t just helping him—they’re bound together through ancient blood magic. He sacrificed part of his soul to merge their essences.”
“The shadow blade,” Sabine whispered, remembering her vision. “It was dripping with something dark.”
“Poison enhanced by shadow magic.” Kaito nodded grimly. “The same kind of weapon that’s been showing up at recent crime scenes. He’s not just stalking you—he’s recreating the circumstances of your death.”
Ice crackled across the shop’s windows as Ren’s control slipped. The temperature plummeted, and frost patterns raced up the walls. Sabine turned in his arms, pressing her palm over his heart.
“We know what we’re up against now,” she said softly. “That gives us an advantage.”
“Clover’s tracking spell—” Romi started from the doorway.
“Won’t be ready until midnight,” Ren cut in.
“Actually...” Romi twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “She says she can rush it if we add dragon’s blood to stabilize the magic. Could have it ready by sunset.” She glanced at Ren. “Voluntary donation, of course.”
His arms tightened fractionally around Sabine. “Whatever it takes.”
“I’ll coordinate with Eiji, Rook and Lux,” Kaito offered. “Map likely locations based on the shadow witch’s magical signature. Once we have the tracking spell, we can narrow it down.”
“And I’ll help Clover prep the spell components.” Romi’s usual playful demeanor had given way to fierce determination. “Between the four of us, we can get it done by sunset.”
“We should strengthen the shop’s defenses first,” Ren said. “He might make another attempt before we’re ready.”
Sabine felt him tense at the thought, his arms pulling her closer. She leaned back against his chest in silent reassurance. “I promise to let you know the second anything feels off. No trying to handle it alone.”
“The mighty dragon can’t argue with that,” Romi teased, but her eyes were kind. “Come on, Kaito. Let’s go see what nasty surprises we can cook up for our creepy shadow-merged stalker.”
After they left, Sabine turned to fully face Ren. The raw emotion in his golden eyes made her heart ache. “Talk to me,” she whispered, touching his cheek. “What are you thinking?”
“That I can’t lose you again.” His voice was rough. “That if he tries to hurt you...”
“Hey.” She rose on tiptoe, brushing her lips against his. “You won’t lose me. We’re stronger this time—together.” Her magic sparked between them, creating delicate ice patterns in the air. “See? Even my accidental winter wonderland powers agree.”
That earned her a small smile. He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “My fierce little tiger.” His expression grew serious. “Promise me you’ll be careful? At least until the tracking spell is ready?”
“I promise.” She curled her fingers around his. “Now come on. We have a shop to fortify, and I have some very dramatic ice powers to practice.”
The look he gave her was equal parts exasperation and adoration. Outside, the sun climbed higher, burning away the morning mist. They had until sunset to prepare—and this time, Sabine thought, watching frost spiral across her palm, they’d be ready.