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unfamiliar voice. “Good evening Arelia,” it said.
    I ignored it and prayed that it would disappear.
    The voice laughed wickedly, obviously not pleased with being ignored. The oak trees shook violently, and for a moment the animals in the swamp stopped their humming. “I’ve heard that you can be quiet rude. I assure you, you don’t want to upset me. I can be violent if you hurt my feelings.”
    “Why is that?” I asked, unable to keep quiet any longer.
    Lucus turned around quickly. “Are you alright?” His eyes were filled with uncertainty, as he tried to read my apprehensive expression.
    “Arelia,” the voice hummed. “I can free your lover from Darkwood.”
    “That’s such a stupid word!” I shouted.
    “So you’ve decided to speak, have you? Are you too shy to speak to me in front of your lover? I know how you burn for him; he’s so handsome, isn’t he? So charming. Secretly, you fear if you do release him, he won’t want you. You’ve been disappointed before, haven’t you? Poor Arelia, always second guessing herself. Always feeling inferior. I can grant you your deepest, darkest wishes.”
      “Arelia, what is it?” asked Lucus firmly. “Is it a spirit?”
    “Yes, I don’t know who he is, but he sure is annoying!”
    “Are you calling Papa Legba annoying?” asked the voice.
    “Papa Legba? Are you honestly Papa Lebga?” I cautiously asked.
    “I could be.”
    Papa Legba was one of the most powerful spirits in voodoo. Grand-mere Bea and Ms. Mae had told me he was the spirit of the crossroads and controlled the gateway between the living and the dead. His favorite spots to hangout were plantations, gates and crossroads. He was also a master at eliminating obstacles that stood in the way of one’s dreams. He had the power of granting your most private wishes and was a force to be reckoned with.
      Grand-mere had told me countless urban legends where desperate musicians stood at crossroads and offered their souls to Legba for fame and fortune. I had always assumed Lady Gaga had offered her soul to Legba, even though I didn’t have any direct evidence of that little transaction. Despite his power, Legba was supposed to be a lovable spirit, this guy didn’t sound very lovable. But, if Lucus had the curse of Mad Marie right, Papa Legba was the spirit in charge of Lucus’ soul, so cooperating with this spirit was worth a shot.
    “Lucus, he says he’s Legba.” I was way beyond excited.
    “Legba? Are you certain?” Lucus’ voice was skeptical, as he reflected on this vital piece of information.
    “So I’ve got your interest now, have I?” asked the voice.
    “If you are Legba, maybe you could help us,” I replied.
    “If I show myself and help you, you realize a price must be paid.”
    “What is he saying?” asked Lucus.
    “He’ll show himself if we pay a price.”
    Lucus shook his head. “Arelia, it’s too danagerous. Ignore him and let’s head back to the house.”
    “We can’t, if he is Legba, he can help us. He can help you. It has to be Legba. He’s at the gate.” After listening to Lucus tell his tale of being a prisoner at Darkwood, there was nothing more I wanted to do than help him.
    “The last thing I want is to put you in danger. It’s absurd that Legba would show himself at exactly this moment. He’s an infinitely powerful spirit. It’s not possible that he would randomly appear without being called upon. Mae has never successfully contacted Legba, even after extensive rituals and offerings. I believe whoever this spirit is, he has more malicious intentions.” Lucus grabbed me firmly by the wrist and tried to pull me away from the gate. “Please believe me when I say you need to learn more from your aunt.”
    The spirit laughed a deep, throaty laugh. “He’s always so secretive, isn’t he? Always so guarded. You don’t need to be guarded Arelia. You’re powerful. Sprits love powerful queens.”
    I shook my wrist free and refused to move. I was allowed