The Baron and his Lady

Fifty-two: Threats and treats

Krista's pov

We found Tristane's flat and he was happy to see both us. He let us in and managed to tiptoe around his luggages and several moving-in boxes. He probably just got here.

"Sorry about the mess guys. I literally just flopped in my bed over there and made myself home." He pulled away the plastic covering his couch, "Please, take a seat. I'll get you something to drink."

Lucian nodded while I decided to open the windows. The room needed some fresh air. "This is nice place you got, Tristane."

"Gee, thanks. I barely had time to look around some more but I do like it here." He answered from the kitchen. "Are you guys hungry?"

"No, we have just eaten." Lucian replied.

With that said Tristane came out carrying a tray. He laid it down on the table. He had some fresh lemons on the counter and guessing by the color of the liquid inside our glasses we were having lemonade.

"Well you are just in luck. My next door neighbor, Katie had three pots of lemons growing on her balcony."

I took one gulp and marveled at the right amount of sweetness and soury taste, "Wow. That sure saves a trip from the store, huh? Do tell her this is good."

"I will." He said. Since there wasn't any other furniture in the room he just sat beside Lucian. "So, I hear we have some problems?"

"A major one, I believe." Lucian finished his glass and looking rather serious, "Letecia's curse is still upon both of us. And we are hoping you could shed some light into this?"

"Hmm. I'm sure how I can help but what exactly has been going on?"

I told Tristane my version of the ripple while Lucian added his. Our witch friend was nodding while taking notes. After a few minutes of Q and A we let him digest the issue. I was hoping he knew a spell or any remedy to undo what his great-great-great (I didn't even know how many great's to add) grandmother did to us.

"Well, I can try and consult the book. Right now I am at a loss." He said apologetically. "But base on what you've told me the ripple doesn't attack when you two are near each other, right?"

I stared at Lucian and he stared back at me. "That's right." He said. "It is like a force pulling us towards each other. The further apart the stronger it gets. It is hard to fight back at an enemy we cannot see."

"Then isn't the obvious solution is to stay together?" Tristane asked. "I mean, after all, you two are going out already. Dr. Neville knows and Louie, too. Not unless Krista's Mom is against it?"

"No. She doesn't know about Lucian. Except that he was there during the accident." I exhaled before continuing, "We sort of broke up before I went home."

"But why?"

Lucian tried to say something but I preferred not to reveal some personal matters that happened between us. So I interrupted, "It was a mutual decision, Tristane. For now can we maybe, find some band aid for this thing?"

"I'm not sure a band aid would work but I can try and contact other witches. This is beyond me."

"How about Letecia's memories?" Lucian asked. "Is there some clue she may have left behind?"

"I tried that but seem to have lost those. There were traces of her spirit somewhere but it's been days and I wasn't getting anything." He sighed.

"Very well, how soon can you reach out to the other witches?" Lucian asked.

"I should be able to get one tonight. You guys are free to stay the over. We just have to work on the sleeping quarters."

"Fine by me." I said. But Lucian's face contorted. "I'll unpack some of your stuff. You can point me to some of your boxes."