My head bowed. “I know you will. And I appreciate that you are willing to help us.”
She gave my shoulder a tug, and I turned her way. “There is nothing I wouldn't do to help you if I could. You have given me everything. Returned my magic, my hope, and my child. I will be forever in your debt.”
All I could do was shake my head, and I knew that she realized what I tried to convey. Turning to the others, I made sure we were all ready. They each took a place around the casket. We had agreed that Taryk would open it, so Xavier and I could be prepared for any magical intervention. I took one last deep breath and gave the go-ahead.
Taryk placed both hands on the top, murmuring quietly. For a brief moment, I panicked, thinking the box would not release her as we had hoped. Seconds later, the entire chunk of crystal had vanished, and she lay on the stone floor.
There was no movement or sign of life. Endryl immediately placed both hands on her, brow furrowed in concentration while I brought her soul into view. I pushed magic into her runes, hoping to somehow regenerate her being. I heard Xavier's voice as he, too, worked to bring her back to us.
It seemed that no matter how much magic I infused her with, there were no changes. At some point, I heard Endryl apologize. I felt one of them grab my hand, and I yanked it away. I would not give up yet. I wasn't ready. She just needed a little more time. More and more, I shoved the magic outward, willing her soul to wake up and the beautiful purple tones to return to it.
I didn't stop until I heard her say my name “Everleigh.”
I looked up. She stood before us, not as a solid being, but an ethereal soul, just like Celeste.
“Oh, no, Mom. Please...” Rivers of tears fell from my eyes.
“Everleigh, listen to me. Your power has given me the strength to become visual, but I do not have long. Already the veil is calling me to the other side. I must go soon.”
She closed the distance between us, placing her hands over mine. I gave her as much magic as I was able to prolong what little time we had left.
“I will pass to you all the knowledge I gained while in her possession. Use it to your advantage.”
My eyes closed as I accepted what she offered. I did my best to compartmentalize and seal it away for now. I would examine her memories when I felt more stable. When she finished, I opened my eyes once more.
She now looked at Taryk. “Take care of her. The two of you together are unstoppable.”
“You gave your life to save mine. I will never forget that, and I will honor your memory always. So long as I live and breathe, she will be safe.” He too let the tears run freely.
“Xavier, my long-time friend. The dark mage will get what she has coming to her. I will always be grateful for your presence in my life. I'm so glad you and Everleigh have each other now.”
Xavier's tears ran unchecked, and he could say no words. But my mother knew all he wanted to say.
She turned to Endryl. “Thank you for your efforts. Your child will grow healthy and strong. I have given my blessing.”
She faced Celeste. “Thank you, for all you do for my daughter. When your time comes, I look forward to meeting with you again.”
Finally she looked at me once more. “I wish we didn't have to say goodbye. But this is the way things are meant to be. You have all of my love, and I will be with you always. You and Taryk make a wonderful pair. With your combined powers, you can be victorious. Have faith but be wary. Amass the largest army you can. She is strong, but you are stronger if you tap into your potential. I love you daughter. Thank you for setting me free...”
Her voice trailed off as she began to fade from sight. I tried pushing more magic into her runes but it was if they had holes like a sieve; it just ran right out.
“It is time, my child. She must move on.” Celeste's voice was gentle.
Wiping my tears, I stood. We would need to plan a memorial soon. For the moment, I just wanted to return to my room and be alone. I looked at the others. Before I could voice my thanks, I noticed Endryl looking pale and shaky.
“Endryl! We need to get you to bed. Xavier, help her!”
He picked her up in his arms and headed for the hall.
“Wait!” I stood beside him and opened a portal directly into her room. We needed to get her resting as soon as possible.
As soon as she lay comfortably in her bed, I perched on the edge next to her. “Let me give you more magic. Please. I can restore your waning energy.”
She began to shake her head, but Xavier was quick to cut in. “Let her. If not for your sake, then for the baby.”
She nodded, and her eyes fluttered closed. She had given much in her attempt to bring my mother back, and I would do everything in my power to be sure she was restored and comfortable.
Once she had been given a boost, she smiled at me. “I feel much better thank you. For now, I think I will take a nap.”
Taryk and I left her to rest as Xavier fussed about her, offering to bring her food. It made me smile. I hoped things worked out between them. He deserved someone to make him happy.
As we returned to my room, Taryk insisted I get into bed and rest for a while as well. I would have argued, had I not been aware of how desperately I needed recharged. I needed to be at the top of my game from here on out. Sweats and sleep were the plan for now.
Soon, we would be gathering more volunteers and growing our army.
Soon, we would be moving forward with our plan of attack.
Soon, I would be meeting the dark mage face to face in battle.
But for now? I would take this moment knowing my loved ones were safe and protected, and I would close my eyes to rest. Tomorrow would be a new day.
The End.
Thank you for reading book two of the Soul Scribe Trilogy. Watch for the third and final book as we wrap up Everleigh's story to release near Thanksgiving.
I sincerely appreciate that you took your time to read my work! If you have enjoyed the book please consider leaving a review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tera Lyn Cortez has worn many different hats throughout her life: hospice CNA, booking assistant at the county jail, a district supervisor for UPS, plus Mom and Wife, to name a few. Being an author has always been on her bucket list!
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, five children, and multiple pets. When she's not writing, she's reading and spending time with her family!
Visit her website or Facebook page to make a connection!
http://www.teralyncortez.com/
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