Free The Catalyst of Corruption (The Final Formula Series, Book 4) by Becca Andre Page B

thing?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œBut you think Elysia is possessed.”
    â€œShe’s no longer whole,” he said, his voice softening.
    â€œYou mean, since she saved me?”
    â€œAnd me.”
    â€œBut she said she’s a ghost magnet,” Era said.
    â€œAll necromancers are,” Doug said. “The stronger the power, the greater the attraction.”
    Era’s brow wrinkled. “But if Elysia can’t resist them…”
    â€œOh,” I said, making the connection. “That’s where the insanity comes from.”
    Doug and Era both gave me a puzzled frown.
    â€œWhy soul reaper’s go insane—or one reason,” I explained. “They lose their natural defense. After Neil stunted her, Elysia said the ghosts wouldn’t leave her alone. She thought she was going crazy until James chased them away.” I shook my head. “Damn, if I could just figure out how to rebuild her natural defense, maybe I could cure her.”
    â€œHow would that even be possible?” Doug asked.
    â€œAddie’s an alchemist.” Era said. “She doesn’t believe in impossible.”
    I ignored them, running a possible formula through my mind, then discarding it. I could use the Final Formula to repair physical damage, but how did I rebuild someone’s failing magic? In my mind’s eye, I was back in that crematorium with Neil, holding the jar of necromancer ashes. What if I could use the natural defense of another—
    A thump, and the elevator suddenly kicked on.
    â€œEra?” I asked. She was standing closest to the door.
    â€œIt wasn’t me. It needs a key.” She gestured at the panel by the door, and even in the low light, I could see the keyhole.
    â€œSo did the locked door you opened.”
    â€œYes, but I’m not doing this.”
    The elevator slowed to a stop. Was it on our floor? None of the lights were on.
    The door began to open, and I slid a hand along my ribs—where I usually carried my vials in a series of narrow pockets. My fingers slid over the silky fabric of my dress before I remembered that I wasn’t wearing my robes. Not that alchemy would work on a ghost.
    The door banged open, revealing James standing inside.
    â€œHow—” I began.
    â€œThe roof.” He pointed at the open hatch above him. “Did you call the elevator? The door slammed closed while I was climbing through the hatch.”
    â€œThe door closed on us, too,” Doug said.
    â€œAnd no, we didn’t call the elevator,” Era said.
    James’s eyes went on full glow and he spun in a slow circle. “There’s no one here.”
    â€œSpirits use energy to interact with our world,” Era said. “I bet this one used it all.” She glanced at Doug and frowned. He looked like he was trying not to laugh.
    â€œWhat? Am I wrong?” Era asked.
    â€œNo.” Doug continued to smile. “I’m just impressed with your knowledge.”
    â€œWell, what I didn’t learn from the usual channels, James taught me.” She shrugged.
    â€œI found Elysia,” James cut in. He was staring at the floor on the far side of the elevator.
    â€œWhere?” I asked.
    â€œThe basement.”
    â€œWhy would she be in the basement?” I rubbed at the goosebumps that pebbled my arms. Was she down there alone?
    James moved to the wall of the elevator beside the open door. “Era, can you operate this? It takes a key.”
    â€œI can try.” She stepped onto the elevator, and Doug and I followed.
    A dim safety light lit the space, and I had to force myself not to study the shadowed corners.
    â€œIf you can’t get it,” James said to Era, “I’ll change and go after her.”
    â€œWhat if she’s not alone?” Doug asked. “We still don’t know if it was Elysia who opened that portal.”
    The elevator motor kicked on and we were descending.
    â€œI hope