by J L Lawrence
“Lucian didn’t have a lot of faith in his chosen one either. He’s been working on a new plan for some time. He found a loophole to leverage his freedom. His actions have released the means for you and your brothers to redeem your people and atone for the evil actions of your father.”
“When? What do we need to do? Should I gather my brothers?”
“I’m afraid patience will be needed. Several years will pass before everything falls into place. But your path is now part of my visions, and your family will receive one chance to repair the Shadow Realm and restore it to its former glory.”
His silence worried her, but she didn’t want to pry. Didn’t he understand, they would be given a chance at receiving their greatest desire? They had waited this long. A few more years wouldn’t hurt.
“How long must we wait? My people have become restless. Many are ready to cross over and end it. What do I tell them?” She’d been in their world enough to understand their impatience to repair access to other realms.
“The timeline isn’t absolute, but be prepared. Tell them the truth. I don’t foresee it being too far into the future. A time of peace and tranquility will surround us for now. Keep your brothers sharp and study humanity. My friends will help. Your time will come, Zane. We know that now. I’ve seen it. Keep hope alive among your people. I’ll see you again, soon.”
She envisioned him smiling at her encouragement. He and his brothers were good men. It gave her heart relief that their own chance at redemption would be forthcoming. Zane disconnected after thanking her, so he could update his brothers. Storm would be the most upset about the wait.
One more piece of that vision had also escaped. She’d keep it to herself until more needed to know. The plight of the Mystic. Knowing what to share and what to hide. She’d have to thank Rowena someday for being so masterful at that task and showing her the way. Visions bombarded her, all wanting her attention. She locked them away for another day.
* * *
Several days later, all warriors had been healed or accounted for. Kate scheduled the memorial at night, similar to the last one. Following Rowena’s lead, she decided to mention each fallen soldier. There were too many for an entire set of pictures, but she could at least pick her favorite snapshot of each to show in remembrance.
With her increased powers, she’d been able to allow humans to enter without issue for a small amount of time. The Council voted to build up their base camp in Alaska into a state-of-the-art training facility with the best technology in existence. Chris, Teri, and Randy had been ecstatic with her proposal for the academy and new jobs. Nate had finally agreed to join them. She had every confidence they’d exceed her expectations.
Ace and his warriors had returned to New Orleans with Tristan’s blessing. He’d given them the territory to protect, instead of his unit of gliders. Ace had beamed with pride. They’d earned it. She wouldn’t have made it to her final destination in the battle as quickly without them. Hopefully, they wouldn’t harm any humans and would stay on the Council’s good side.
She’d hate to have to return to New Orleans and teach them a lesson. Maybe she’d visit there every once in a while, to check in. After all, Xander had purchased Tristan’s house for them. It’d be a shame to waste it.
Cian and Selena had returned to their new home in Australia to comfort their people and rebuild everything they’d once had. She’d convinced them to stay connected to the realms, instead of isolation. Even her own family, including her mother, decided to remain in their city. They’d found a purpose and enjoyed life. She kept the protective barriers on their mind, and it gave her peace to know they would remain safe. Drake and Daria chose to stay for the memorial. Then, they’d go home together.
Kate opened the doors and stood at the top of the castle steps. So many were in attendance that she’d had to find a large open area to accommodate them all. She’d chosen to be more formal for the ceremony.
Her white gown swirled around her feet. Her tattoo expanded across her chest as she signaled for silence. She’d let her long blonde hair cascade across her shoulders and down her back. She added the cape from Queen Annalisse to show respect for their realm. It also served as her silent promise that they’d never be forgotten again.
She stepped forward and projected her voice for all to hear.
“We’re here today to celebrate our victory at the Rising and remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our success. Their willingness to fight till the very end is an example for all of us. The dedication they’ve shown to our realms gave us the strength and confidence we needed to defeat the Omega and his evil reign in this world.
“None of us are naïve. We acknowledge that evil never completely disappears and future wars will be fought. It’s the endless, inevitable struggle between good and evil. These men and women we honor tonight understood this purpose and willingly traded their lives, so when we are called to battle once more, the rest of us can stand up to defend this united world of realms that we’ve created.”
As she spoke, the name and picture of every fallen warrior appeared in the air. She made sure to pay tribute to each one. Most of the pictures had been taken during training. They were smiling, but their eyes displayed the gravity of the situation. She wished she could’ve given them more time and gotten to know them better. Then again, it would have made today all the more painful.
Emotions spiked when the pictures shifted to those who had made their home in the Meadows. Jeff and Jane’s picture broke her heart. She listed all they had done for the Council and to prepare for the Rising. She told the story of Jane’s discovery of Angie’s ancestry and abilities. They tirelessly worked for a better future.
Camilla’s picture proved equally as difficult. Her actions at the previous Rising and this Rising were highlighted as a testament to her dedication and love for all realms. Her gentle spirit and resolve would be with Kate always. Angie lowered her head and wiped away the tears as the scene of her taking the curse in Angie’s place hung in the sky.
Kate had originally refused to acknowledge Micah, but in the end, she recognized his actions and the good he’d done prior to his mental breakdown. She decided not to punish him for his final actions, borne out of terror and instability.
While Rowena had survived and chosen her own fate, she still paid tribute. She’d earned that much. Rowena’s previous battles lit up the night. She showed Rowena defeating her Omega over a thousand years ago. Then she shifted to Rowena’s sacrifice during the last Rising with Cassius. Wonderful memories filled her heart, when the first day they met came into view. She smirked as several gasps flowed through the crowd as Rowena sent the dagger into her heart.
Through the ups and downs, they’d become a family. Maybe that had been their secret weapon all along. Whatever the case, good became victorious and would rule over the realms for the next few hundred years or so. With the help of all realms, including humans, she’d defeated Braxus and given them time.
Each person lit a paper lantern and sent it into the atmosphere in remembrance. Kate lifted them high above their heads. She sent a bright light through all of them creating pure light in the dark night sky. It appeared as if a star had fallen into their midst. Then, they rose up in unison, returning to the endless starlit heavens. The joy and awe on their faces brought peace to her own heart. They’d pay one last tribute and then celebrate. Those that lived deserved their moment, too.
“What we have learned throughout this battle is that love and honor can conquer any obstacle, but not alone. My journey to be your Mystic wasn’t easy and never clear. But many we honored tonight helped me find the way. We’ve all lost great friendships along the path. Together, we charted our own destiny and didn’t lose faith.
“Because of every single one of you and your unwavering support, I learned who I was destined to be and who I want to become. A leader lifted high by those she loves. I am the Mystic and will fight for each of you as you did for me. Tomorrow, we may have to ans
wer to new challenges that continue to shape our destiny. But today, we celebrate our triumph over the Hell Realm and another successful Rising. We are the victors!”
Fireworks exploded in the air. The people cheered and danced around the main street in front of the castle. The celebrations lasted for weeks, before everyone began returning to their homes. Kate constructed a monument to recognize all they’d lost and to begin a new tradition of remembrance.
* * *
Kate sat in her favorite spot in the garden, watching the flowers sway in the breeze. She’d found peace and a wonderful, not normal life. Her day-to-day routine brought her comfort. Xander’s hand squeezed her shoulder from behind, bringing her out of the daydream.
He dropped beside her, and she placed her head on his shoulder. She counted her blessings every day and each night. Soon they’d leave for an extensive trip through Ireland. She couldn’t wait. He’d given her the world and then some.
His lips brushed her cheek, and the butterflies in her stomach tickled. He still had the same effect on her.
“You looked awful lonely on this bench,” he whispered. “What’s spinning in that mind of yours?”
“I’m taking a walk down memory lane. I remember the day you proposed to me in this spot. At the time, I couldn’t imagine being happier. But you’ve shown me how much greater our love continues to grow. The constant worry of the uncontrollable and human desire for normalcy are gone. With you by my side, that’s all I’ll ever need. I love you from the depths of my soul, Guardian.”
He leaned his head to hers and took her hand. “You’re my entire world. I look forward to every new adventure, starting with Ireland, and every other place on this earth we’ll experience. But none of that matters as long as I’m with you each day. My life has meaning because of you. You are my heart and have all my love, Mystic.”
Their lips met in a sweet kiss that curled her toes, and a rapid beat began in her heart.
“Are you two done with the mushy stuff?” Nikki plopped down on her other side. Guess their private moment had ended. It could be difficult at times, since they’d all chosen to reside in the same house.
Xavier and Angie joined them. Their circle was complete.
Kate couldn’t have wished for a better destiny. More tests and trials would come as they must. But she no longer feared the future. Instead, she embraced each glorious moment and tackled every challenge. She’d received her happily ever after.
Epilogue
The sunlight beamed across Kate’s face, warming her cheeks on a perfect summer afternoon. Flowers danced, and birds sang as she watched from her favorite spot on the porch of their home in the Meadows. She’d chosen to remain there and never moved into the castle. She liked having her own space. Becoming the leader of multiple realms had proven challenging and exhausting enough.
She loved every minute of it.
Daily reports came in from RISE Academy. It turned out to be one of her more brilliant ideas. Her friends had created an amazing training facility for human warriors with magical inclinations and protected innocents from the multitude of minions still skulking within the realm. Many covens had rebuilt and were thriving once again, especially under Angie’s leadership.
Drake and Daria were expecting their second child, so they’d be paying them a visit in the next few weeks. She’d get a chance to visit her family, too. Kate couldn’t wait to hold the tiny baby. Children held a magic all their own.
So many others had moved forward with their life, and she didn’t see them as often. While she didn’t miss the battle, she sometimes missed the intensity that brought them together. Other times, she yearned for the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by crazy humans. Then, on days like today, she’d take a look around and see all the beauty and peace surrounding her. She’d finally learned to have faith in fate’s design and to accept what she couldn’t change. For the most part.
She closed her eyes and let the memories of the past rush over her. She no longer blocked emotions, she embraced them.
“Mystic, why are you standing like a statue with your eyes closed? Are the visions plaguing you again?” Xander whispered in her ear and encircled her, bracing each hand on the railing.
Was he kidding? Of course, they were. She couldn’t get a moment’s peace these days. “Today I’m focusing on more of the past. Remembering how we came to be.”
“You’ve confirmed the next Mystic, huh?”
“Yes, it is what we suspected. One of our future descendants shall carry the burden, but that is all they’ve revealed. We’ll know more in time.” She leaned back against his chest and released the pressure of leading such a diverse group of people.
He rubbed her shoulders, working out the kinks. “Something’s coming, Kate. I sense it building within you. It must be the Shadow Warriors to have you so worked up.”
“It won’t be long now. Their quest will be much more intense than mine and will span many years. I’ve been given the visions and have the power to guide their way. Looks pretty complicated to me. A lot of pieces…” She drifted off as laughter pierced the soft sounds of nature.
Two girls and a boy rolled around in the wildflowers. “Faith, Hope, Destin, please be careful. It took me over an hour to undo your spells the last time you turned your cousins into toads.” They stopped for two seconds to give her the Who me? look. Then they returned to their horseplay.
“Mommy, Daddy, come join us. You haven’t had much time to play with us lately.” Her youngest of three triplets looked at them with a playful accusation in her expression.
Her children warmed her heart and brought unimaginable joy. Every day she woke up to a perfect day because she’d been wonderfully blessed with them. Although, she hadn’t expected to have them all at once. Angie and Xavier would be home soon with their twins. Talk about a crazy household, but one full of laughter and love.
Xander kissed her cheek and jumped off the porch to join them in a wrestling match. They rolled along the ground, without a care in the world. Their shrieks and giggles brought tears to her eyes. She’d found the elusive version of normal, full of family and friends meant for her.
The scars of her journey would always remain and make her stronger. New challenges awaited just over the horizon. She’d be drawn into another battle for supremacy. But not today. She wiped away the multitude of future variations and embraced the perfect moment happening now. Roxy had been right. She’d chart her own path and take it one step at a time.
She grinned, and with a shout, leapt off the porch. She joined the loves of her life in a thrilling game of tag. Tomorrow’s escapades would wait.
She grabbed her youngest and spun her around. Her bouncing curls framed her cute face. “Tag, you’re it!”
Kate set her down, and she took off running.
Absolute joy filled her heart. She laughed and happily followed.
The End……….Until the Next Adventure
Mystic Characters Glossary
Cadence (Kate) Hope Smith—Tough FBI agent with psychic abilities that help her track the worst serial killers in existence. Her latest case forces her to face a new destiny. She didn’t want to believe in magic and alternate realms, but it quickly became her reality. She transitions into the Mystic, an all-powerful magical being with unlimited abilities. It’s now her responsibility to save all the realms. She just has to figure out how.
Alexander (Xander) Montgomery—Proclaimed the Guardian at birth, protector of the Mystic. He’s spent the last 150 years training for an ultimate battle between good and evil. Due to unusual circumstances, it took him twenty-eight years to find the Mystic, so she has no idea what is going on. It doesn’t take him long to realize Kate’s one of kind. He’ll fight by her side until the end.
Angela (Angie) Taylor—Kate’s best friend and FBI partner. They have been linked telepathically since college. She has always believed Kate had a higher purpose, a reason for her gifts. But she never imagined a world filled with magic, demons,
and an all-powerful being. Her friendship with Kate catapults her into this place that should only exist in fantasies. To make matters worse, she has two territorial warriors trying to stake their claim on her.
Xavier Montgomery—Xander’s emotionally scarred twin brother. He carries around enough baggage to sink the Titanic. He hides in the shadows to mute all of these feelings. He regrets not being able to join his brother on his mission to seek out the Mystic, and he resents Gregory for being the one chosen to replace him. When feelings for Angie begin to blossom, he knows he’s in big trouble. It’s time to lay the past to rest and embrace a new path leading to redemption.
Gregory Pierce—Xander’s loyal friend and Xavier’s worst enemy. With Xavier out of the picture, he’s asked to accompany Xander on his quest to save and protect the Mystic. Unfortunately, Xavier is always there in the shadows driving him crazy. He doesn’t care for humans, but begins to find redeeming qualities the more time he spends with Angie.
Nicolette (Nikki) Montgomery—Older sister of Xander and Xavier. She fought in the last Rising and has battle scars of her own that she keeps well hidden. She secretly mourns her lost love, and has found new purpose with the arrival of the Mystic. She understands the horrors that accompany the Rising, but she’s willing to stand with her family and fight once again.
Rising—Ultimate battle between good and evil that occurs approximately every four hundred years. Each side has a chosen warrior. The Alpha represents the light and the Omega represents darkness. During the battle each side must harness an epic source of power and face off for dominion of all the realms.
The Ancient Council—Governing body of all magical realms. The council includes many species including a former Mystic named Rowena. Marcus is a very powerful wizard and leader of the council. Tristan represents the Gliders or what many inaccurately refer to as vampires. Camilla is the human born witch who was bestowed immortality during the last Rising. The last member is Micah. He’s incredibly pretentious but an excellent Seer. Together they represent the strongest power in all the realms with the exception of a full power Mystic.