“She claims it’s just a simple Water and Fire spell meant to protect Cedric from harm. When I pressed her for the real reason, she insisted it’s to keep what’s his from being taken away. I have no idea what the spell is really for, but
I'm not going to help her with it.”
“Chester told me he had heard at the club that Drygen had been fighting with
Sam Heart about who owned land up north. They both had a claim to it, but the
Drygens wanted all of the property,” Gram said. “I wonder if that’s what the spell is for.”
A small voice from upstairs shouted, “Mom. Mommy.”
“I'll be up in a minute, Cole,” Sarah called up to him. “Mae, thank you for
coming and for the gifts. How's Marina doing?”
“She is such a joy for us. My only concern is that she’s becoming stronger in
her magic. I have instructed her to not tell Eliza or Elliott about anything yet,”
Gram said with sadness in her voice. “I made a potion for her. It looks like I'll be
giving it to her sooner than I had hoped. It’s just getting too dangerous for her to
learn more about her magic with Eliza around. I cannot fathom how a child of mine could be so selfish? I fear I'll never know the answer to that question,”
Gram said as she walked towards the exit.
“Does Elliott know what is going on?” Sarah stopped Gram as she opened
the front door to leave.
My grandmother shook her head. “I have no idea what Elliott knows. He
always seems to be snooping around, looking for something, but I'm not sure what he’s seeking. I guess only time will tell. I'll see you later, Sarah.” Gram kissed her on the cheek and left.
While I watched my grandmother walk away, Cole came down the stairs.
Sarah immediately picked him up and held him in her arms.
“Did you have a nice sleep, my love?” she asked, and then covered his
cheeks with kisses.
“Yes, Mommy." Cole's eyes lit up. "Can we eat one of those cupcakes?”
Their warm laughter rang out as she tickled him.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Iwoke to the sound of Cole calling my name as he gently shook me.
“Mara. Mara.”
I opened my eyes and smiled at the sight of him. "What a lovely way
to be awakened." I stretched and sat up.
Cole frown as he held out the empty vial towards me. “Did you drink some
of this, too?”
You didn't think this one through, I scolded myself. “I did.” Pausing to find
the best way to explain my actions, I decided to go with the truth. “I'm not sure
what came over me. It just seemed like a good idea at the time.”
The scowl on Cole's face turned to a big grin. "I'm glad you did,” he said with a chuckle. “Did you see everything?”
“Do you mean, did I hear my mother wanted nothing to do with me, or that
you love frosting?” Sadness washed over me.
Instead of responding, he drew me close and kissed me.
My anger subsided as I melted into his arms. Regret replaced it. “You're not
