Chapter 7
Sean’s face was a picture of misery as he gazed at me with those puppy-dog eyes.
“Sloane, can we talk? Just the two of us?”
I gave Keith’s head a gentle pat and reassured him, saying, “Just hang outside for a sec. A quick chat won’t hurt.”
Keith listened like a good boy. As soon as I asked, he left the room, though his figure seemed to carry a world of sadness.
Once it was just Sean and me, he slumped over.
“Sloane, I’m so sorry. I was a terrible person in my previous life, treating my lifesaver so badly. I was the worst.
“Sloane, please, save me one more time. You’re here today… You still have feelings for me, don’t you?”
I folded my arms and stared blankly at Sean.
“What makes you think I still care about you?”
However, as I said that, Sean’s eyes lit up with an even stronger glimmer of hope.
“Sloane, you’ve come back to life, too, right?
“In our previous life, you were crazy about me. So this time around, you wouldn’t just stand by and watch me die, would you?”
I shook my head.
“Sorry, Sean, but you’re in a real pickle now. You’ve turned into a hen, and I can’t do anything to help.”
Walter, who had been sneakily listening by the door, freaked out when he heard I could not save Sean.
“Sloane, what are you saying?”
“Take a look at Ruby.” I nodded toward Ruby, signaling them to pay attention to her, as I was about to spill the secret she never got to tell before her untimely death in her previous life.
“Ruby’s supposed to be the one to break the curse, the one who can save your family from doom.
“However, Ruby had been messing around so much that any power she had to break curses is now pretty much ruined. Getting close to her now would just set off the curse even faster.
“We’re like two peas in a pod, Ruby and I. We can feel what the other feels. Her power was strong before she hit 20.
“However, after her 20th birthday, it was like her powers went haywire. It got unpredictable and dangerous.
“I can tell she’s been with way too many guys on the down-low, which means her powers are more poison than potion at this
point.
“So, not only can she not save Sean, she’s more likely to drag him down to the depths herself.”
Everyone was astounded by my rundown, but Sean looked like he had been hit by a truck.
“You liar! You told me you were untouched!
“You played me?”
Ruby went white as a ghost.
“No way! That can’t be true. You’re making this up…”
I let out a weary sigh.
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“Ruby, it’s time to face the music.
“Before your 20th birthday, the magic to lift curses was incredibly potent, ensuring your journey was without a hitch.
“Didn’t you notice, while you were hopping from one boyfriend to another, that your luck worsened and your health went
downhill?”
Brianna’s eyes widened with the realization as I spoke.
“She’s been carelessly dating around, and so, she’s passed her streak of bad luck onto Sean?”
I gave a solemn nod.
“That’s right, and Sean’s pain is only going to get worse, with no chance of getting better.”
Ruby, seeing my unwavering certainty, lost her composure, screamed, and charged at Sean.
Walter was quick on his feet, swinging his cane at Ruby with precision.
“You vile woman! Leave the Gilbert family now, or I swear you’ll regret it.”
The Gilbert family’s men swiftly escorted Ruby out.
Ruby’s parents were tossed out, too, discarded like unwanted carcasses.
Once the unwanted guests were gone, Brianna stood before me once more, her tears coming in heaving sobs.
“Please, Sloane. I’m begging you, help Sean.”
I steadied Brianna, shaking my head gently.
“Mrs. Gilbert, you’re an amazing mother. Sean is truly blessed to have you. It’s something I’ve always wished for but could
never have.
“Mrs. Gilbert, I have immense respect for you and your devotion as a mother. I’m willing to try one last thing to save Sean.
“However, I can’t promise it’ll work.”
