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“Your family’s sight may be why you could recognize when the curse was distorting something.”
Scarlet’s face drains. “My lineage to Susannah.”
“Yes.”
Scarlet looks toward the cemetery. Anger replaces fear. “Then my family has been dealing with pieces of this for generations.”
Pepper’s voice softens. “And your family has been seeing through it for generations.”
Junie looks down at her wrist. “So Honey makes supernaturally good cake, Scarlet gets inherited supernatural sight, Pepper gets an ancient supernatural role as a witness guardian, and my bond wouldn’t hold.” She sighs. “Figures I’m cursed.”
Honey takes her hand. “You’re not cursed.”
“Wonderful. I prefer being naturally this complicated.”
Roman snorts. Scarlet laughs despite herself.
Pepper touches Junie’s knee. “Your bond not holding may have been the curse.”
Junie’s expression changes. “If that was meant to sound reassuring, it needs work.”
“It wasn’t meant to be alarming.” Pepper gives her a tired smile. “We don’t know enough yet.”
“Better.”
Something moves in the water beyond the graves. The Deacon rises without a sound. Only his eyes and the ridged length of his head break the surface. He watches the graves beyond the old channel.
Everyone falls silent.
The Deacon remains there, still as carved stone.
Scarlet follows his gaze. “The land isn’t healed.”
Pepper pulls the blanket tighter around herself. “No.”
The Deacon sinks beneath the water. One ripple spreads across the surface. Then another.
The paramedic clears his throat. “Your friend still needs imaging.”
Pepper looks down at her ankle. “I was hoping we had moved past that.”
“We have not.”
Theo rises and gathers her up before anyone can bring over the stretcher.
She puts one arm around his neck. “You’re enjoying this.”
“No.”
“You have been waiting to carry me around all day.”
“Yes, but I’d prefer different circumstances.”
Honey picks up the bags. “We’re bringing everything inside.”
“Be prepared. The house may judge your muffins,” I warn her.
“The house can have one.”
