Yes, and Mara has done a wonderful job on your makeup, but something is just,
well…” he stopped, and looked as if he was trying to think of the right word.
“Something is just off.”
“What!” Meg exclaimed. “What is wrong?"
Cole held out his hand, revealing a small velvet box. “Go on, open it.” He winked at me.
Meg gasped as she saw her gift. Nestled inside the white satin of the box was
a silver chain that held a silver heart pendant. The center of the necklace held a
moon made from a blue stone.
“It is beautiful,” she said softly as she stared at it.
“Well, let's see how it looks on you.” Cole put the necklace on her. “Now, I
can say you are the prettiest dancer at the festival.”
“Isn't it beautiful, Gram?” Meg asked our grandmother as she joined us.
“Cole gave it to me.”
“What a nice gift.” Gram smiled. “I have another present for you.” She
opened her hand and sitting on the palm was an even tinier version of Bay.
The petite elemental sat with a big smile on her face.
“Bay!” Meg exclaimed. “I thought you were going away.”
“Now, how could I miss your first dance? I taught you everything you know.” Bay giggled. “And, most importantly, I had to be here for your first drink
of moon water.”
Holding the small vial that I had prepared that morning, Bay held it out for
Meg to take. “Drink this and let me know what you think.”
“Wait,” I interrupted, taking the vial before my little sister could. “Meg, this
isn't exactly moon water. It is a potion that will make you forget everything you
know about the magic around us and inside you.”
“Mara, why would you want me to forget about the magic?” Meg turned to
Gram and held out her little hand. “Gram, do you want me to forget, too?”
“Meg, when Mara was a few years younger than you, I didn't give her the
choice she’s giving you. Instead, I made the decision and took the magic away
from her. You’ll understand better when you are older, but we are responsible for
protecting this gift. Sometimes, the best way to do that is by taking away the knowledge we have of it.”
Meg's eyes widened in confusion. The elementals had been her friends, and
now, we were going to take them away. Anger flashed on her face for the briefest
moment. Slowly, her shoulders slumped, and she bowed her head. I held my
breath, unsure of what to do. When Meg lifted her chin, her eyes were brimming
with tears.
Gram touched her cheek. "Mara's right. It is your choice, Meg.”
“Listen to your heart, Meg," I encouraged.
“Will it be gone forever?” she asked.
“No,” I said. “It will not be gone forever, and I promise you that the minute
Gram and I feel it will be safe for you, we’ll return all of your memories. Please,
