Cursed

Chapter 15

Sebastian practically dragged Juniper through the castle. Every bump and trip gave way to roaring laughter from the couple, not even halfway through Gareth's mystery purple drink.

"Where are we going?" Juniper asked breathlessly.

"We're almost there." He took another swig mid-stride

He pulled her through the doors that led to the Viaduct Courtyard. Layers of snow were piled on the ledge of the bridge, melting around the areas of the large pot fires. The chill sobered the two a little, the crisp wind biting at their already rosy cheeks. Sebastian took quick breaths, catching up from all the clumsy running, welcoming the cold air that regulated his elevated temperature. Juniper, with one hand in Sebastian's and the other with the bottle leaning against her knee, was bent over breathing the same rhythm as he was, her breath clouding the air in front of her.

"I knew there wouldn't be anyone here." Sebastian said through puffs.

Juniper looked at him quizzically. "Of course not. It's freezing!"

"Not if you stand here." He guided her to one of the blazing pot fires, and to her surprise, he was right. It was a very comfortable temperature despite it being winter. Regardless, Sebastian removed his suit jacket and placed it over her shoulders.

"I was wondering when your manners would kick in."

"Consider yourself lucky." He leaned against the cold stone of the bridge. "I wasn't going to wear it, but Anne insisted."

Juniper gave the drink another gulp. It was better with every taste. "She knows you better than you know yourself."

He placed the flask against his lips and closed his eyes, allowing the fluid to run freely, not even bothering to swallow. He blinked rapidly, the alcohol seeping straight into his brain.

"You know I hated you for a while. Just straight up hate you. It was very conflicting." He said laughing.

"I still kind of do!" She responded in the same bubbly manner, her drink over halfway empty.

"I couldn't help it. I blamed you for what happened. If we hadn't gone on that stupid quest to Rookwood Castle, none of this-" He gestured between the two of them with a wobbly finger. "-would've happened."

"Oh?" She said with a toothy grin and a tempting spark in her eye. "I hated you because you're a prick. Can't even communicate his feelings with those he's close with."

"Don't go thinking you're free of the same sin. How long did it take you before you could talk to me again? Almost two years? You couldn't, as you say, communicate your feelings either."

She laughed, taking a spot next to him, her legs tired of standing upright.

"I couldn't talk to you because I had too many feelings, not just the one. You would have to be blinder than Ominis if you can't tell how much I fancy you."

"You? Fancy me? Darling, that was a given! After everything we've been through, I am surprised you're not groveling at my feet!"

This statement produced laughter so strong that they couldn't stay upright, slowly sliding down until they were sitting.

"You should be groveling at my feet." She said, taking another swig from the almost empty flask. "I've found a way to cure Anne."

Sebastian half chuckled before her words settled in. "What? What do you mean?"

She giggled. "I found a way to remove her curse without harming her. I'm not yet ready to try it on her. I'm still practicing. But I can't do it too frequently as it requires a lot from me, so it will be some time before I do it."