Bloodspell (The Cruentus Curse, #1)(33)

"Like what?"

"Things about her past? Who she was? Did you ever notice anything different or strange about her?"

"Darling, is something wrong?" Holly looked concerned. "Why don't you just tell me what's bothering you? Did you find something of Emmeline's in your music box?"

"I think my grandmother had secrets, a lot of secrets that she kept hidden, things like the music box and the amulet, and ... I was just wondering if you ... knew anything," she finished lamely.

Victoria paused, maybe Leto was right, a flash of Holly's consciousness would be easier, and safer—No!—she would try to be more specific. "Did you ever see her do anything? Make things happen, you know, as if by magic?" She stared at her plate, flushed from saying it aloud. "Forget about it, it's nothing."

The sound of Holly's laughter filled the room, and Victoria's head snapped up. "I was wondering when you'd get around to asking me about Emmeline's abilities." Holly stood and walked over to sit on the chair nearest Victoria, and grasped her hands in hers.

"You knew? All this time and you never said anything?"

"I couldn't. She made me promise, only until you came to me," Holly said with a sad smile. "I don't know everything, just what Emmeline told me. About what she was, and what you are. When she died ..." Holly choked, "she made me swear to always look out for you, and for Leto."

"Leto?"

"Yes, didn't he tell you?"

Betrayed by those you love? she hissed mentally, pushing her savage feelings out toward Leto and feeling him recoil from their force. You knew! Was it another one of your tests? Was it? Her words thrust themselves into his mind like daggers. She could feel him blocking her but she tore past his defenses. You want me to be cruel, use my power to control ... to hurt! How does it feel? How does it feel?

I was also bound, Victoria. I am sorry. Leto's words were gasps, and belatedly, Victoria realized that she was crushing him so terribly with the force of her own mind that he was barely conscious. She released him with a strangled cry. Holly reached for her automatically.

"No," Victoria said in a hoarse voice. "Don't touch me. I'm monstrous."

"Tori, darling, you are not," Holly said. "You have every right to be upset. It's human to be angry. But you must pull yourself in. You must control your anger—it is the one thing that you cannot afford to give in to." Holly held Victoria's shoulders firmly, her voice urgent. "Victoria? Do you understand?"

"Yes." The blood. Victoria could feel it uncoiling like a giant snake within her, flexing ... testing the walls of her all-too fragile control of it. She heaved several breaths into her body, her fingers reaching for the amulet, hot against her chest. The word flashed into her brain.

Soporo, she thought. Everything slowed and calmed. Her eyes caught Holly's and she managed a wan smile. "I'm okay now," she said, releasing her death grip on the amulet. Holly touched the pendant, thoughtful, before brushing a stray strand of hair out of Victoria's face.

"Emmeline told me that you must never ever take off this amulet. She said that it is the only thing that can protect you when all else fails. It is the key to controlling your magic. She also told me that I must tell you not to underestimate those who would covet this power of yours."

Victoria's stare was guarded. "So you know? What ... I am?"

A gentle nod. "Yes."

"I don't want this, any of this," Victoria whispered.

"Oh my darling, not everyone wants what they are born with. One person's gift is another's curse. But you are who you are, Tori, and who you choose to become is entirely up to you."

"Did you know all this, all along, when I was in the hospital?"

"Yes ... no ... I did but ... no ..." Holly stopped, confused. Leto came to her aid.

She knew, but only when you asked about Emmeline's secrets was she able to remember, he explained.

A spell?

Yes, to protect not just you, but also Holly. Emmeline was very ... protective of both of you. Leto's thoughts felt weak, and Victoria cringed, knowing how terribly she'd hurt him. It was so easy to let power become undermined by emotions—far too easy.

To Holly, she said, "Leto says it was a spell to protect us." To Leto, she sent her naked regret and as if that wasn't enough, she followed it with the words.

I'm so sorry, Leto. Forgive me.

Forgiven, child.

Victoria turned to Holly, unable to find the words to say to this wonderful, generous, amazing woman who'd looked after her so selflessly, and carried such a terrible burden of knowledge for the sake of her friend's granddaughter. Overwhelmed, she hugged Holly tightly.

"Will you tell me about her?"

Holly smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."





WHEN VICTORIA RETURNED to Windsor, it was just after seven o'clock. She had a message on her answering machine from Tony at the Black Dog checking to see if she could work a short shift that night. She wasn't tired so she unpacked her overnight bag, got right back into the Mini and headed down Main Street to the Dog. She also wanted something mundane to take her mind off of everything she'd just learned about Holly, her grandmother, and her own powers. She wanted normal for a couple hours, and then she'd allow herself to dissect it into manageable pieces.