He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, hugging me, and I felt my breath catch before forcing myself to breathe normally. “You did wonderfully for your first try,” he said, still grinning from his laughter, and picked up the music book from the floor. His arm had to leave me to do it, and I missed it as soon as it left. He paused in getting up, looking beyond me.

I turned to see blood leaking down the walls from the ceiling. It was much easier to construct an amulet when the Manifestation was currently taking place. I had to cleanse it before it went away.

“It doesn’t hurt anyone,” Magnus said as I stood. “Stay.”

Magnus’s words made me pause. I looked down at him still sitting on the bench, and he had that hopeful look, same as the night he’d given me those chocolates. That look unnerved me like no other look ever had. It didn’t want anything other than human interaction, eye contact, some sort of friendly affection. I was the only one who could give that to him, and part of me felt selfish for denying him something I took for granted every day. But cleansing this house was the only way to save him, so he’d never have to rely on one person so fully again.

Then again, another part of me felt selfish for a different reason … for not wanting to save him. For wanting to keep that beautiful, hopeful look to myself.

A sound of disgust for myself slipped out, and I watched his face drop, and all of me wanted to erase the last few seconds and start over without that impulsive sound.

“Magnus,” I tried, “I—”

“You’re right.” He stood quickly, but he wasn’t looking at me anymore, and something about losing that contact with him made my throat tight. “Cleansing the Evil Eye takes priority. I’ll leave you to your work.”

And he left. Just like that. Didn’t hesitate, didn’t look at me. And my tight throat wouldn’t allow me to call his name.

CHAPTER 14

Magnus had holed himself up in his room for the rest of the day, so the next morning I dressed and went straight to where I knew he would be—the library. The curtains on the tall windows were drawn, with so little light seeping under that if I lived in this room I would’ve thought it was still night. Magnus didn’t look to be here, but a used plate sat on the small table and enough candles were lit to be dangerous in a roomful of books, so he couldn’t be far.

A book flew from the shelf and slapped open onto Magnus’s chair. I touched my knife on instinct. “Magnus?” No answer. I suddenly felt silly. Books jumping off shelves was normal in a cursed house … I assumed.