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-Banishing spells

  -Bend-over spells

  -Better Business spells

  -Binding Spells

  -Blessing Spells

  -Break-up Spells

  -Court Case Spells

  -Curses, Hexes and Spells for revenge

  -Dream Doll Spells

  -Healing Spells

  -Employment Spells

  -Love and Romance Spells

  -Power and Domination

  And the list went on and on. Damn. It would have taken all day to sort through the endless list of Voodoo doll related spells.

  Would a banishment spell work?

  Banishing Spells: The act of driving away negativity and evil. Banishing spells can be used to get rid of illnesses, negative emotions, and unsavory conditions. They can also be used to block negative thoughts that are sent your way. Banishing spells are most effective in getting rid of evil spirits and demons. They can be utilized at any time, but are most effective when preformed on a Sunday while there is a full moon.

  Banishing spells include:

  -Bottle Spells that will Make a Person move

  -Marie Laveau Banishing Doll Spell

  -Voodoo Doll to banish illness

  -St. Expedite Spell to get rid of a person

  -To banish a woman who is trying to steal your man

  -To get rid of a troubling Ex-lover

  Hmmm. Though he could be incredibly frustrating, Louis couldn’t technically be called a demon. And I was out of luck because it wasn’t a Sunday and there wasn’t a full moon out. Plus, I didn’t want Louis to disappear.

  I flipped over to the next section.

  Bend Over Spells: Bend over spells are also called commanding spells. These spells are used in order to manipulate someone, so that they do whatever you wish.

  No. That wasn’t quite what I was looking for. Though very tempting, I didn’t have time to control Louis like a puppet. I had enough on my plate. Next.

  Binding Spells: Binding spells are a manipulative form of magic. Kings and Queens ritually bind a Voodoo Doll, charge it, and name it after the target. This leaves the target feeling, powerless, confused, and frustrated until the King or Queen decides to reverse the spell.

  -Binding Spells have been in use since ancient times when they were most often used to stop people from spreading rumors and lies. According to archeological evidence, dolls similar to Voodoo dolls, have been found in ancient Greece. These ancient dolls, called Kolossoi, are often found with a corresponding curse tablet. The dolls are made in the likeness of their target and have their hands and feet bound.

  -Voodoo Dolls used in Binding spells are placed in tombs, graveyards, or a place where the target often visits.

  “Yes! This is it!” I couldn’t contain my excitement as I continued to read. I had found the perfect solution. Louis would get a taste of his own medicine. I reminded myself that I didn’t want to hurt him. I only wanted to make sure he wouldn’t be able to hurt me. I flipped through the various binding spells until I finally came to one that was perfect for my particular target.

  Mirror Box to Bind an Enemy Spell

  -This spell can be used in defense against spiritual attacks.

  -A King or Queen can bind their enemy and send all of their negativity back to them until they were ready to change their ways.

  Wasting no time, I searched the shelves for the ingredients I would need. Once I collected them I read the list again to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.

  -A mirror box (a small box with six mirrors placed on the inside of the box. This includes all four sides as well as the top and bottom of the box). Since these types of boxes were staples in Hoodoo/Voodoo, there was a shelf full of them.

  -A black candle.

  -A vial of Cast off Evil Oil. The oil, which consisted of Eucalyptus leaves, lemon oil, and other roots and herbs was very effective in driving away evil, negativity, hate, procrastination and jealousy.

  -Uncrossing Powder

  -A black baby doll stuffed with Spanish moss

  -Yellow yarn, two gray buttons and some glue

  -High the John Conqueror Root

  -Hot peppers

  -Sulfur

  -Gooferdust

  -A bottle of rum, a bottle of vodka, nine copper pennies, and a cigar. Lucky for me, Aunt Mae had really thought of everything.

  -A piece of paper and a pen.

  I fixed the black candle with the Cast off Evil Oil and dusted it with the Uncrossing Powder before I lit it. I glued the yellow yarn and gray buttons onto the black baby doll. It wasn’t perfect, but it kind of looked like Louis. The important part was attaching John the Conqueror Root to the doll and then soaking the doll in vodka. I let out a small chuckle. Now, that was definitely Louis.

  I placed the doll into the mirror lined box while baptizing it. “You are Louis Beau.” I surrounded the Louis Voodoo doll with the hot peppers, sulfur, and gooferdust.

  As I sprinkled the doll with the ingredients I said, “May all of your evil, negative thoughts be suppressed inside of your own head. May all of the anger and the hatred towards me remain with you until you willingly decide to change your ways. Until you see the error of your ways and have a true change of heart, I must keep you in bondage for your own good and the good of others.”

  Afterwards, I took a piece of yellow yarn and tied up the box to symbolically represent Louis’ bondage. I needed to get to the cemetery and fast, so I could bury the box before Louis could find me. The spell wouldn’t work unless I buried the box. “You won’t get me this time,” I vowed, as I opened the office door.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Act like a Queen. Dress like a Queen. Think like a Heathen.

  Present Day

  Darkwood Plantation

  I was about to rush out of my bedroom while still in my bathrobe, but the door refused to open.

  “Come on!” I shook the handle with all my might, while juggling the box, nine pennies, and bottle of rum in my arms, but for some reason it still refused to budge. I hurried towards the balcony. I glanced below and saw that the once ghastly scene had transformed back to normal. In fact, a grand dinner table covered in heavy white linen and bone white china had been set up on the lawn. The spotless silverware sparkled under the fading sun and heavenly aromas drifted up from down below. Casting all my fears aside, I decided I would climb down the vine covered wall and run to the cemetery. Since I wasn’t a Darkwood employee anymore, I didn’t have to worry about what the guests thought about my not so formal evening wear.

  “Don’t even think about climbing down there,” said a delicate voice

  Jasmine. Honeysuckle. A huge grin spread across my face. “Erzulie!”

  “Bonjour.” She was radiant and hauntingly beautiful as she appeared beside me. Her brown skin was dewy and glowed, while her hazel eyes shone brighter than the extravagant jewels that hung around her neck. As usual, her pink satin gown was stunning and detailed in its understated elegance.

  “It looks like someone is wearing the look of love. I heard the news. I’m so very happy for you and Brise.” I couldn’t contain my excitement for her and the once tortured owl spirit who was actually a handsome King.

  She laughed delicately. “Merci. I am so very happy about the wedding, but not as happy as I am at how far you’ve come. You really have turned into a true Queen. I’m so proud of you.” Her seemingly ever present tears slid down her face.

  “I guess.” I shrugged, not quite understanding where she was going with this.

  “Arelia, can’t you see how far you’ve come?”

  I took a deep breath. “Yes, but I don’t have time for self reflection right at this moment.” My mental to do list was growing by the second. Emilie. Edmond. Sabrina. Child spirit with low self-esteem. Marie. Louis and burying a Louis Voodoo doll were top priorities. “I really have to go.”

  “No.” Erzulie’s delicate voice took on an authoritative tone and her tears immediately vanished. “You are a Queen. A true Queen, you have to
look the part. You must carry yourself with dignity and pride. You must look the part of a Queen, have the heart of a Queen, but have the mind of a heathen. Heathen warfare is quite effective you know,” she said coyly as she fingered the small dagger necklace that she wore. “But you can’t go running around in your nightgown. Carry yourself with pride. Put on a fine dress, comb your hair, and walk out of the bedroom door with your head held high and the Voodoo doll well hidden. How can anyone take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously?”

  “You’ve got to be kidding, right?” I pulled an Edmond and scoffed at her suggestion. “I’ve gotten much bigger fish to fry. I don’t think anyone cares about what I wear.”

  “Haven’t you learned anything from your ancestors? The strong women who fought battles and fought oppression, while still maintaining a well guarded front.” Her hardness softened. “They wouldn’t have gotten half as far if they ran around in their nightgowns. You have to face those people.” She motioned to the guests. “You have to face your Grand-mere and Aunt. You have to face Lucus and Louis. I know you’ve come so far, but sneaking around and trying to fix everything all at once is not the correct approach.”

  I knew she was right. She was always right. I had secretly hoped that I could fix everything without actually facing any of the people that were involved in the situation. I wanted to be a ninja who wore all black and worked under the moonlight behind shadows and mists.

  “I know you’re afraid and that is normal. Louis is just as afraid, but he doesn’t have any of the clarity that you have. He needs to see you composed. You need to lead him. You will lead him. You have to be seen. You have to show yourself.”

  I sighed. “What do I do?”

  “Go inside and put on a beautiful dress. Comb your hair and let your beauty shine. Go greet those guests. Say hi to your family and enjoy dinner, and then go bury that box. Remember, you are a leader and this is a part of your training. You cannot run around and hide in the shadows any longer. The loa will guide you when the time is right.” She disappeared, leaving me standing alone in front of the gorgeous mahogany wardrobe.

  “Okay,” I muttered. “I won’t hide in the shadows any longer.” I opened the door and saw a wardrobe fit for a Queen. Vintage dresses in all shades, fabrics, and lengths hung from hangers. Emerald earrings, diamond necklaces, and an array of other vintage jewels, straight from the past gleamed from antique jewel encrusted boxes. Satin slippers, gorgeous diamond studded heels, and delicate flats rested on the ground. In one section hung all of my previous clothes including my much beloved Oscar the Grouch t-shirt with one armpit hole.

  There were so many stunning dresses to choose from and my first impulse was to go for the most discreet black one, or my ratty t-shirt. I can’t hide I reminded myself as I reached for a more dramatic dress. My heart fluttered as I read the label Jean-Philippe Worth 1902. As Cecile I had religiously worn Charles Worth, but I hadn’t lived long enough to try any of his son’s designs.

  I threw on the dress and admired my reflection in the full length mirror. “You’re gorgeous,” I said to the full length gown, with its beautifully detailed bodice which was covered in tiny purple and green silk flowers. The gold silk and lace complimented my olive skin perfectly and the corset and sash gave my silhouette an hour glass cut. At that very second I missed Sabrina terribly. I never had appreciated the simple things we had done together. I had always claimed that I was too busy for dresses and boys, yet here I was obsessing over dresses and drooling over a boy.

  “Arelia are you seriously obsessing over dresses! That’s my job!” Sabrina’s distressed voice floated into the room.

  “Sabrina! Where are you?” I frantically scanned the room.

  “Where do you think I am? NO! PLEASE!”

  “Sabrina?” My blood ran cold.

  “Arelia, please hurry. I don’t have much longer.”

  I didn't come here to be anyone's servant

  Digging the hole; it's me. Burying; it's me (bis)

  I didn't come here to be anyone's servant.

  “YOU FOOL! SING!” Ghede Massaka’s nasty voice screamed from beyond the grave. “Sing louder!”

  “AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Please don’t beat me with the shovel. Please. I’ll sing louder than ever before.”

  “Damn it!” I put on a pair of emerald earrings and quickly ran a brush through my hair before tossing it to one side and placing a gold butterfly clip in it. I lined my eyes with a kohl pencil, dabbed on some peach blush, and some pink lipgloss. My heart sank as I applied the makeup. It was Sabrina’s makeup. Lucus hadn’t thrown away any of her clothes or belongings. Instead, he had kept them all carefully guarded with my belongings.

  “The show must go on. I am Queen,” I muttered, as I finished applying a coat of black mascara. Afterwards, I shoved the little box with the Louis doll down my bra along with the nine pennies. I carefully placed the small bottle of rum between my stomach and underwear. I took a deep breath, held my head up high, and reached for the door knob. Of course, this time it magically opened with the lightest touch. “Thanks Erzulie.” I headed down the long hall dreading each step I took.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Time to face the music

  Present Day

  Darkwood Plantation

  I hurried down the spiral staircase with my head held high and hope in my heart. I prayed that the spirits and saints of New Orleans would not let the small bottle of rum slip from its place, or let the pennies and Voodoo doll pop out from my bra. At the bottom of the stairs, the absolutely sinful buttery scent of lobster thermidor, along with the spicy scent of Creole stuffed peppers greeted me. I was temporarily thrown off balance and had to take a second to appreciate the aroma.

  As I walked down the long marble hall I could hear the chefs arguing with one another over the consistency of the Roux and whether the guests should be served another round of cocktails before dinner. It started out softly and almost inaudible, but as I got closer to the ballroom its urgency increased. Someone was playing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on the grand piano. My blood froze as the music continued to rise, but my feet continued to walk closer and closer to the ballroom. This is it. Something told me Louis was in there waiting for me.

  The ballroom was dark and eerily haunting as I entered it. The heavy curtains completely covered the floor length windows, blocking out the fading sun and the decadent crystal chandeliers swayed to the music. I gathered my courage and walked towards the mystery pianist who was hidden behind dark shadows. The music only continued to get louder and faster. I closed my eyes in defense and continued to walk. With all the strength I could muster, I reached out and lightly tapped the pianist on their shoulder. The music stopped. My eyes opened.

  “Who are you?” I asked, baffled by the miniature Beethoven, who definitely was not Louis.

  “Who am I? Who are you?” asked the beautiful little girl. She couldn’t have been over the age of nine. She was dressed in an exquisite pale blue satin dress, with lace and pearl trimmings. Her bright blue eyes were filled with suspicion and her heart shaped mouth was turned down in a disapproving frown. She tossed her thick mane of raven curls over her shoulder and turned her back on me. She continued to play totally ignoring me.

  “Hey. Wait.” I tapped her shoulder again praying that she wasn’t a ghost or a spirit.

  She stopped and gave me a drop dead look. “What do you want? Can’t you see I’m practicing?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m Arelia.” I extended my hand for her to shake. I had no idea why I did that. Did nine year olds shake hands? “That’s a really pretty dress you have on,” I said sincerely.

  She eyed my hand as if it was a pot of gumbo that had been left out in the hot afternoon for far too long. “What do you want?”

  Good question. What did I want? “Nothing. I was just wondering if you’re hungry?”

  Her defiant expression softened. “A little,” she muttered.

  “Well, there’s so much yummy food right o
utside these doors. If you want I can show you where it is.”

  She let out a dramatic bored sigh.

  “Your dress is really pretty.” I tried to sweeten her up. She was one tough kid.

  “Viola! You can’t keep running away, don’t you know there are alligators, snakes, and swamps around here!” Ben rushed into the ballroom. His chubby cheeks were flushed and his blue eyes were full of concern.

  “Arelia! You’re here!” He gave me a huge bear hug, which knocked the wind right out of me. He had grown a few inches since last year and I could see that his baby fat was slowly melting off.

  “Ben. It’s so good to see you.” I squeezed him as tightly as I could.

  “Arelia, you’re squishing me, I can’t breathe.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m just so happy to see you. How are things?” I asked, referring to his family problems.

  “Not so good.” He glared at the little girl. “My sister is annoying.”

  “Your sister?” I asked surprised. “I thought you were the only child.”

  “No. She refused to come last year because she wanted to go to band camp. She’s so weird. Look at the way she dresses. She doesn’t even want to be here. She thinks she’s the best just because she can play the piano like a professional. Mom and Dad are spending time with Mary, so I have to take care of her. You ruined my summer,” he growled bitterly. “I wanted to see the swamp again, but I can’t now because you’re here and you’ll probably do something stupid like fall into it.”

  “Shut-up,” Viola snapped. “You’re just jealous because Mom likes me better than you, and I’m so much prettier than you.” Clearly, Viola knew how to defend herself.

  “Guys, cut it out. Ben, your sister’s not weird. Viola, it’s not polite to tell your brother that your Mom likes you better than him because that’s not true.”

  Viola scoffed and Ben stuck his tongue out at her.

  I grabbed Viola’s hand along with Ben’s. “Let’s go outside and enjoy some delicious food. Really great food always makes everything better.” I attempted to diffuse the escalating situation.