Free Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova Page B

that. But he recovers his charm quickly. “I hope in the next one I come back as a billionaire playboy.”
    â€œThe way the Deos work, you might come back as the billionaire playboy’s toothbrush.” I grunt, trying to twist the bulb, but it won’t budge.
    â€œDon’t be stubborn,” he tells me. “Let me help.”
    â€œI’ve got it.”
    He drags a second chair beside me and hops on it.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    My eyes have adjusted enough that the light from the living room lets me see the outline of his face. His cheekbones are perfect. His eyes are on the green side of the spectrum now. I can see myself in them.
    And then the light comes on.
    Nova pinches the air with his black-inked fingers. A soft, white light flows from his fingertips and fills the room. I can feel its warmth along my skin, brushing against my own magic.
    â€œOh,” I say.
    â€œOh,” he says playfully.
    I want to ask him how he did that. How do you control something that is living inside of you, like a parasite, a virus? Like this growing thing that has attached itself to me without asking my permission.
    â€œCome back to the party, Alex.”
    â€œWhy can’t everyone just leave me in peace?”
    It’s a hypothetical question, but in truth, I want an answer. A real, true answer.
    â€œYou’re a brat, you know that?”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    His blue-green eyes are brilliant in the shadows. He doesn’t even blink. “I always hated kids like you growing up.”
    â€œKids like me?”
    â€œYou have everything. A mom that busts her ass for you. All the gifts of the Deos at your disposal. Look at all the people here for you.”
    â€œThey’re here for my mother.”
    â€œThey’re here for you . You have a legacy. They’re family. You think your life is so tough—you don’t know what tough is. If you knew what I’ve been through, you’d never sleep again.”
    I hop off the chair. My magic sparks between my fingers. “You’re right. I don’t know you. So do us both a favor and leave. You don’t want to stick around for what comes next, trust me.”
    I hear him jump. Hear his footsteps walk around me and toward the door leading to the backyard. He shoves his hands in his pockets, turning around to look at me. “I guess you’re not a fan of tough love.”
    â€œNot a fan of any love if it’s coming from you.”
    Part of me wants to take it back. Out of everyone here, he’s the only one who noticed me leave. I want to tell him to come back, but he’s already gone. When Nova shuts the door, I look up at the light he left. It dims slowly, like a concentrated sunset meant just for me.
    â€œThere you are!” my mom says, running into the kitchen. She holds my face with her hands. She kisses my forehead. I take a deep breath, but I can’t stop myself from shaking. “It’s time.”

10
    When the bruja meets her dead,
    she will welcome them.
    She will open her heart
    and know her true potential.
    â€”The Deathday, Book of Cantos
    It starts in the dark.
    My closest living relatives—my mother, Lula, Rose, Aunt Jeanette, and, from my dad’s side, cousin Teresa and Maria—sit in a circle with me at the center. My feet fall asleep in seconds. Sweat clings to my lashes, blurring my vision with every blink. Somewhere in the dark is Old Samuel, tapping the drum skins, matching the rhythm of Lady’s song.
    Lady lights the stone bowl between us. She thanks the Deos for blessing me with such power. She’s singing about the moon and sun and the balance of the earth. Then, the names of my ancestors are listed one by one and called forth to meet me.
    The lights go out, but a different brightness fills the rooms. Soft, red, and warm. My heart booms—a terrible, bloody thing inside of me. My first instinct is to run. Lula widens her eyes at me, a quiet