the ceiling of the bar before passing through it.
Daniel's body collapsed to the ground.
"Holy shit," Angela exclaimed, looking from the floor to the ceiling. "That was…that was crazy!"
"It's what I'm supposed to do. His soul just crossed to the other side." Exhaustion hit Jacqueline hard. "I need to sit down."
"Here." Angela guided her to a chair. "Breathe. Should I call Toby?"
"No. I'm fine."
She just needed to catch her breath, to stop her racing heart. A thrill of exhilaration went through her despite the fatigue. She'd crossed a soul over, done the right thing, and it had felt good.
Maybe the charm would make everything okay.
Fool, Death whispered. One good deed doesn't right everything you've done.
Jacqueline had a sinking feeling that Death might be right.
Chapter 10
"So you left her alone?" Gabe stared at Toby. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"Jacqueline is safe as long as she wears Morrigan's Kiss." Toby grabbed several books of the shelves lining the walls of his basement. The place was his sanctuary, charmed from mortal eyes, and somewhere to hide when it came to creating strong magic. "I just need to get back to her soon. She was having pains when I left which are probably growing pains brought on from the baby's accelerated growth. Morrigan mentioned that might happen."
"Did you tell her about Merlin being Gwydion's father, too?"
"No. I didn't think the time was right."
"Shit." Gabe ran a hand through his hair. "That definitely explains why she has such strong powers. She's a magical kid like me."
"I don't know what to think about that or what it means for the baby. She mentioned Merlin saying it was part of some prophecy."
"I hate those things. They never turn out well."
"Look, I may need your help later. I think the baby is coming soon and Morrigan will make her move tonight. If all goes well, Jacqueline should get her humanity back."
"Just tell me what to do," Gabe mock saluted. "I’m here."
"Did you take care of things with Angela?"
"About that…" Gabe averted his eyes. "I took care of things, but not the things you're thinking."
"Gabe," Toby sighed. "How much does she know?"
"A lot. Mostly about Jacqueline."
"If something happens to her--" Toby warned.
"Nothing will happen. I won't let it," Gabe said, his face and demeanor more serious than Toby had ever seen. "I'm on this."
"Did you tell her about Derek?"
"Not all of it. I thought it best to give her things in small doses."
"I hope you know what you're doing."
Toby gathered up his things and faced Gabe. With a nod, he closed his eyes and transported himself to Jacqueline's bedroom. To his surprise, it was empty.
"Jacqueline?"
His voice echoed in the empty home.
Worried, he hurried through the house, searching for some clue where she could be. A peak outside the window showed the car was missing. Though it gave him some comfort to know that she hadn't been taken by anyone, he couldn't keep the anxiety over her leaving away.
Where could she have gone?
"Looking for your little banshee?"
The sound of Gwydion's voice behind him was irritating.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Toby demanded as he faced the other wizard. "You have no right to be in this house."
"I have every right to visit my sister."
Alarm bells went off in Toby's head, but he managed not to betray his fear.
"So you know about that?"
"I heard only recently," Gwydion said. "I thought I'd pay her a call. Perhaps check on the baby I understand she is carrying."
"Stay away from her."
"I could give her some advice on rearing special children."
"As the child's father, I’m declining your offer. Now leave."
"Fine." Gwydion smiled and something in the gesture made Toby uneasy. The old man was up to something. "You should know though, that whatever deal you made with Morrigan is not a sure thing."
"Who says I made a deal with her?"
"I have spies everywhere."
"But they don't know everything." Toby took a step towards the wizard, a defensive spell ready. Oh, how he wanted to cast his spells aside and simply smash his fist into the other man's face. The action would be far more satisfying, but he doubted Gwydion would stand still long enough for that. "Last chance, Gwydion. Leave."
"I will. But you won't. At least not until someone comes and lets you out."
At Toby's look of confusion, Gwydion smugly pointed to the ceiling. On it was a round circle, surrounded by ancient symbols. It had been place directly above the spot Toby now stood.
"A wizard's snare," Gwydion explained. "An effective tool that is underrated