Oberon made sure not to let his concentration wander as he scrubbed up ready for surgery. Baxter had been on his mind since he’d woken up that morning, but Emily had made him promise not to go near the tunnel while she worked on his paperwork.

However, once he stepped into theatre, all else vanished from his mind. He focused on his patients, not letting anything else distract him until the last one was wheeled into the recovery room.

Tired and stiff, Oberon removed his scrubs, and made his way to the communal showers. Turning the water on, Oberon stood under the hot water, relishing the way he felt warmed and cleaned.

Stepping out of the cubicle, Oberon started to dry himself off, then stopped, staring at the mirror. A single word had been written in jerky letters.

Soon.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Oberon chanted the words as he hurried to dry and then dress himself. Uncaring he was still damp, he took a quick photo of the warning on his cell phone, then wiped it away with a towel.

Tossing the towel as far away from himself as he could, he left it lying on the floor and ran from the shower rooms. There were only two things on his mind. To get to Emily’s shop, and get back to Baxter as quickly as he could.

As soon as he stepped inside the shop, some of his panic ebbed away. As if simply crossing the threshold was enough. Perhaps the oasis of calm he’d always regarded the place to be wasn’t too far from the mark.

Taking one look at him, Emily hurried over to lock the door. “I’ll sketch an extra few sigils of protection. I think we may need them. Go straight into the backroom.”

Oberon didn’t need to be told twice. The back room had always seemed like a sanctuary, now it felt like one more than ever. Matilda was already waiting in human form, and Oberon wasn’t surprised to see that Keraon was also there, his familiar’s fur bristling, and tail slashing sharply from side to side.

“Now, I’ll lock this door.” Emily huffed as she followed behind Oberon. “Then you can tell us what’s happened.

A few minutes later, Oberon sat back having recounted everything that had happened. “All I could think of was getting here, where I thought it safe, and then getting to Baxter to make sure he’s safe.”

“I think Carswell is taunting you.” Emily sighed. “He can’t harm you here. He doesn’t have a physical presence. He’s a ... well, ghost in this world.”

“But he can harm Baxter.” A surge of fury raced through Oberon’s body, he felt a tingle of heat that spread from his scalp to his toes, and he turned to Keraon, hands raised, fingers splayed.

“I call upon my familiar.” His voice was deeper than normal, and the image of a red-headed man blazed into his mind. “I claim you, Keraon, my right hand, my familiar, and my friend.”

Keraon jumped onto the floor, a loud, feline yowl ringing out. Light passed along his body, enveloping him. The light grew larger, then vanished, leaving a naked man with long red hair on his hands and knees, panting heavily.

“I’ll get a blanket.” Matilda moved quickly, wrapping around Keraon before helping him to stand.

“Oh, fuck me,” Keraon moaned softly.

“Sorry, not my type,” Matilda guffawed.

“What did I just do?” Oberon stared at his hands as if he’d never seen them before. “How did I do that?”

“I think your concern for Baxter somehow allowed your subconscious to remember how to use your magic.” Emily tapped her chin. “But we can’t rely on such high levels of emotion. You’ll burn out. Now, give me a moment to find some clothing for Keraon.”

Oberon stared at the redhead who offered a wan smile.

“You’re not seeing me at my best, but I thank the god and goddess that I can finally be human again.”

“You look so ... so familiar, and yet despite knowing your name, it’s like I still don’t know you.” A wave of frustration and anguish washed over Oberon.

“But you do know me. Here.” Keraon patted his chest, over his heart. “And to call me back, you knew here, too.” He tapped on the side of his head. “Carswell’s curse is just stopping you. For now. But the curse is cracking apart.”

“Here we are. Not the greatest of clothing, I’m afraid Keraon, but it’ll get you by for now.”

“I don’t care.” Keraon tugged on pants and a shirt, then sat to lace up a pair of trainers. “That feels amazing. There were times I began to think I’d never know a human form again. But I kept my faith in you, Oberon. I knew you were stronger than Carswell.”

“I want to remember you, remember us.” Oberon sighed. “And I really want to remember Baxter. How do I miss someone I don’t even remember.”

“Because you’re soulmates. Your soul misses him, even if your brain is still under the curse.” Emily patted his shoulder. “But your brain is catching up quickly.”

“But if Carswell finds out his curse is breaking, he may go after Baxter again.” Oberon paced the floor. “What can I do?”

“Nothing, for now.” Emily shook her head, holding up a hand as Oberon started to object. “No, no. Carswell wants you to react this way. To panic, become careless, rash. Well, that’s not going to happen.”

“Then what is?” Oberon demanded.

“I’ll call on a friend. You’re still a witch even if you don’t remember how to be one. Let us see if the power of three can break through Carswell’s curse.”