what our families promised.
If I've never told you this, Cole, I'm so glad that you and Mara
found each other. I know you will continue to protect the magic,
together. Please, take care, my love, and always remember the
promise first made by my grandmother. I hope it is a legacy you
and, one day, your children will continue.
At night, when you see the moon, think of my love for you and
know that I'm watching.
Love Always,
Mom
When we finished the letter, we both looked at each other with tears
glistening in our eyes.
“She always told me how much she loved you, Mara,” Cole said. He handed
me the cylinder and the note. “I guess it really is now or never.”
“You probably should take a seat before you drink it. There's no way I can
carry you,” I warned.
“You are right.” Cole sat down in one of the red chairs. Putting the vial to his
lips, he toasted, “Cheers.” After a long drink, Cole handed me back the empty crystal. With a big grin, he said, “I'll see you soon, Mara. I hope I'll have all the
answers we need when I return.”
I noticed there was a little of the blue liquid left in the vial. As I watched Cole drift off, I wondered what would happen if I drank the rest of the potion. I
justified the risk since it was such a small amount. Going against my better judgment, I decided there was nothing I could lose by trying.
I tilted the crystal vial back and let the final drop land on my tongue. The strong berry taste filled my senses, and the room began to spin. Suddenly, I felt
so dizzy that I had to sit down. Unable to make it to the other red chair, I collapsed to the floor, drifting off into sleep.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
When I woke up, it took me a moment to recall what I did, and then
to figure out where I was. To my surprise, I had woken in Cole's
home. The house he had grown up in, not the cottage. The same
building that we had watched burn tonight.
As everything came into focus, I saw Sarah and Cole in the kitchen. They
were decorating cupcakes with a bright white frosting and blue gemlike
sprinkles. Cole was putting more icing into his mouth than on the treats.
“Cole, we need frost the cupcakes, too, sweetie.” Sarah moved the bowl
away from her greedy little boy.
“Look how good I'm decorating this. I've barely even had any to eat.” Cole
held up one of his creations. The sugar coating was piled unevenly and so high
that the toppings teetered precariously.
“Maybe, next time, you should just not get as much on your nose.” Sarah
laughed as she wiped off his face and kissed him on the head. “What am I going
to do with you?” she teased with her brightest smile. Clapping her hands
