Ember of Hope
Chapter 70

When Raegan’s parents died… when her little brother lost his life… when she lost everything - the darkness that surrounded her was so immense and complete that there was no end to it. The tunnel of despair had no light at the end, because there was no end in sight. Those days of desolation had made her believe that this was it. That there was never going to be that sense of wholeness for her ever again. The sense that came with a loving family... the sense that came with having that little shit of a brother who steals your brownies and grins around a mouthful… the sense when you replace solace in your mother’s warm embrace after a draining day… and the sense that comes when your father ruffles your hair and asks “What’s up kiddo?”

And there was darkness in his past too… too much of it and still he was once again giving life a chance. She could do it too… she wanted to. He had suffered, but here he was; right in front of her with his heart in his hands... an offering to her... the love shining in his eyes was real. It was no figment of her imagination. The bond between them shining so brightly it chased away all the darkness of her past. She only had to take a step and accept his offering. And she realized she wasn’t scared anymore because he was her strength. So she did just that. She took that step and hugged the happiness she deserved. She held him close... she held him tight... she held him to not ever let go... and he held her back just as tightly. There, in each other’s arms, they found their light again. And they were enough for one another.

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“Honey I wish I could, but only your mother can lift that spell of concealment”. Tamara answered remorsefully when Raegan asked her to remove the block from her witch half of nature.

“Please don’t call her that. She isn’t my mother”.

“Oh I’m so sorry honey. I didn’t mean to offend you. It was just a slip of tongue”. Tamara apologized immediately, putting a hand on her shoulder; she squeezed gently, “Maybe I can come with you if you’re going to ask her?”

She sighed, “I don’t know. I don’t know if I’m ready to see her just yet”.

“Just know that you’re not alone. All of us; we’re with you whatever you decide. I know I can never replace your mother but I love you as my own. You’re my daughter and I’ll do whatever I have to, for you”. Tears came unbidden to Raegan’s eyes as she got up and hugged her mother in law. True that she’d lost her parents, but she’d gotten so much in return. And even though the hole her family had left in her heart would always remain empty; the other parts of her heart were now full of love and gratitude for the people in her life.

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“I’ve never felt anything before, but now that I know everything; I feel like I’m missing a part of me… like I’m incomplete Val”. She nuzzled closer in the crook of his arm, getting comfortable in his warmth. Now that their bond was complete; she felt that much closer to him emotionally and mentally. She could feel the shift in his emotions. She could feel the bond between them like a bridge of light joining her soul to his. Most of all she could feel his love for her, which he never tried to hide and neither did she.

“If you want to go to her now, I’ll go with you. I don’t trust her”. Valiance kissed the top of her head and tightened his arm around her shoulders.

She smiled up at him, “Your mom said the same; that she’d go with me. I never imagined I’d have so many people in my life… so much love, after losing my family. But it’s all thanks to you. You pulled me back here even when I didn’t know where I belonged”.

Valiance smiled, “And where do you belong love?”

“Right where I am. Cozy in your gorilla arms”. She wrapped his other arm around her middle to emphasize her point and he chuckled at her silliness.

“That’s right. You belong with me. And I belong with you”.

“Mmmm… as much as I don’t want to move an inch; I think my stomach will go on a strike if I don’t feed it soon”. As if on cue; her stomach rumbled loudly.

“We can’t have that, can we love? Let’s go get you something to eat before you turn into a monster.” He flicked her nose, got up and pulled her along.

“Hey little one” Damien called from the far corner of the dining room attached to the kitchen. It was an enormous room with several tables around a giant fire pit. This was the informal dining room of the fortress; open for any and all the guests who happen to be there. Even though there was a staff of almost a dozen people but officially the fortress had only one chef – Richard; who cooked just for those who actually lived there. And he was Raegan’s favorite person in the whole world. Sarah, Damien, and Nina were sitting around a table; waving them over. She stopped to chat with Richard while Valiance went ahead.

She was seeing him for the first time after her ceremony, “Your braised lamb was exquisite. I ate almost half of it myself. It was out of this world Richard. Thank you” she thanked him properly with a kiss smacked on his cheek. The old chef turned pink. “Are you blushing Rich?” she teased and he threatened her with a spatula covered in bacon grease. “Go sit down and I’ll bring breakfast over”. She grinned, kissed him again and ran away before he actually smacked her with that spatula.

“When are you turning witchy?” Damien asked. Of course all of them knew her situation.

“I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet. Going to Katherine and asking for anything, it…” she shuddered, “It just makes my skin crawl”.

“We’ll go with you; Sarah and I. right sweetheart?”

“Of course I’ll go with her. I’m not sending her alone to that bitch”.

“If I listen to all of you; I’ll have a small army behind me. I’m sure my dad and Val’s will both want to accompany me too if I ask and maybe chef and Fenrys too.” She laughed. “Honestly guys, I appreciate your offers; I really do but… I think this is something I’ll have to face myself”.

“Raegan, love…” Valiance started.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be with me”. She assured him before he panicked.

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