Read Online Eliza's Shadow by Catherine Wittmack - Free Book Online

knew how. Her voice echoed in my mind.
    Child, someday, you will have to face the things that frighten you…
You’re a strong girl and when that time comes, you’ll be brave, won’t you?
    I promised her that I would be brave.
    Ren’s eyes widen at my confession. “You know who
cast the shrouding spell? Then…do you know why?” He asked.
    I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head wishing
that none of this had ever happened. A day ago, I enjoyed complete, peaceful,
safe anonymity. Now the spell was broken. What would happen to me?
    I opened my eyes and gave Ren a stern look. “Look
it’s getting late and I promised Jane that I’d meet her down at Viva for
dinner. I really need to get going.” I said brusquely and began to stand before
waiting for his response.
    I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of Ren’s
alarmed expression.
    “Wait, Eliza, you can’t just leave now. There’s so
much to discuss, and plans that need to be made.” He said emphatically.
    Just then I felt his hand on my arm, hot and
electric, forcing me to pay attention to him.
    “Don’t do that.” I spat.
    Hurt filled his eyes. Certainly the guilt he
harbored for getting me into this mess was tearing him up.
    “Eliza, please. I know this is a shock and you
have a right to be angry with me but…”
    He dropped his hand and stared daringly at me, the
hurt in his gaze was replaced with a determined warning.
    “You don’t have a choice. You could be in danger
for more reasons than one. Will you please let me help you?” He asked firmly.
    I rolled my eyes in frustration and admitted to
myself that I had a confession to make.
    “I really am late for meeting Jane. She’ll start
to worry if I don’t show up soon. Let’s walk and talk. Viva is just down the
road.” I offered.
    Ren jumped out of his seat and hastily threw on
his jacket. We waved at Jack as we walked passed the bar. I carefully ignored
the disapproving glare he gave Ren.
    As we began the journey to Viva, walking briskly
down the sidewalk, I divulged my own suspicions about Cora’s spell.
    “Ren, you said that you think you broke the
shrouding spell on me but you’re not sure how. Is that right?” I asked
carefully.
    “Yes, that’s right.” He admitted.
    “Well, I think the spell on me was intended to be
broken.” I said evenly.
    “You knew it would be broken?” Ren asked
suspiciously.
    I raised my hands in defense and rushed to
explain. “No! Well, yes and no. I didn’t realize at the time that Cora was
casting a spell on me at all. But now… now I think I’m starting to understand
some things that happened a long time ago. Cora, she’s the woman who cared for
me after my mother disappeared, told me that I would be protected from the
things that frightened me. She also told me that someday I would have to face
them. I suspect she intended for the spell to be broken at a time when I was
ready. I guess this is that day.” I concluded glumly.
    Ren pursed his lips and squinted at the ground.
“Does this mean you’re not mad at me?” He asked hopefully.
    We had just reached the entrance of Viva and I
paused just shy of the door. With a streak of uncharacteristic confidence, I
reached over and clasped Ren’s hand. A jolt shot up my arm.
    “I’m not mad at you. The last couple of days have
been pretty rough. At least this helps me make sense of everything that’s
happening to me.” I said with a sigh.
    As Ren’s dark eyes penetrated my defenses, I felt
my cheeks grow hot. He smiled and gave my hand a squeeze before releasing it
quickly.
    “Alright then.” He said.
    I shifted from foot to foot, part of me wanted to
dash inside to Jane to escape the awkwardness of ending the conversation with
Ren and part of me felt anxious about leaving his side.
    “So, what’s next?” I asked hesitantly.
    “May I walk you to school tomorrow?” He asked.
    Surprised and flattered by his wholesome
proposition, I nodded.
    “Sure, here, I’ll give you my address.”