“Got it.” Lou finished putting her hair up into a loose bun while Will prepared the back of her neck. He cleaned the area with alcohol first, then, using a toothpick dipped in gentian violet, he marked four spots on her neck.

“That’s where the actual piercing will go.” He drew several small symbols, quickly and neatly around the dots, and leaned back, examining his work. “The rest of this is the arcane part—we’re using the ceremony to channel the natural properties of the stones in the jewelry. I picked ones that will help specifically with mental assault.”

“We’ll take any help we can get.” I tightened my fingers on Lou’s. Through our bond she confirmed my own thoughts—that last attempt had been close. Too close. We needed a leg up.

“The ceremony also helps channel your own abilities—not adding to your power, really, just streamlining what’s there. Making it more efficient,” Will said absently, checking his work. “I could do the piercings in your lobes instead, but it wouldn’t have the same oomph.” He snapped off his gloves and stepped on the trash can pedal so he could throw them away. “This placement is closer to your spine and brain, it’ll work better.”

He nodded at a metal tray with several packs holding needles and jewelry, sanitized and ready to use. “You’ll both get four—double jet, fire agate, and tourmaline.” Will opened up another drawer which contained different ritual candles, chalk, and incense. He grabbed the incense he wanted and set it into a well-used holder. When he lit it, the smell filled the small room, and I drew it into my lungs, recognizing the scents of myrrh and frankincense.

Once that was done, he had Lou take her shirt back off. His attention on Lou was focused on his work and putting her at ease. Unlike me. Then again, Will was a professional, and he saw a lot of nipples. I should know—I booked his appointments. He used a Sharpie to sketch more lines and symbols on Lou’s face, neck, chest, and arms, his face drawn in concentration.

Lou didn’t seem concerned, but without thinking, I mentally reached out through our bond to check. That earned me a smile—she was fine, though a little nervous. I took her hand, at the same time sending soothing thoughts through the bond. With each interaction, this was becoming easier, almost automatic. Lou let me calm her further, her shoulders loosening a fraction.

Satisfied with his work, Will set the Sharpie down and put on another set of gloves. He grabbed a piercing needle, which was hollow with a sharp tip, and then stood behind her, hands poised. “Okay, Lou, I want you to take a deep breath in.” His deep voice was pitched to soothe and calm. “Now let it out through your nose.” As he spoke, he pierced her neck where the first set of markings were.

The second the needle passed through the skin and hit blood, magic crackled through the air. Lou breathed in sharply, squeezing my hand, but otherwise didn’t react as the magic continued gathering around us like a mist. I could feel it buzzing along my skin—energy with no purpose, called up by Will’s ritual.