Rand and Jake made a few appearances, playing with Toby out back most mornings. Rand joined us in the evenings, mostly just listening. I made sure to catch him up on anything he’d missed when he wasn’t around. He’d been exploring the estate, saying he’d found the boundaries by the electric jolt he got whenever he tried to cross them. He also mentioned starting my defense lessons as soon as we found more help. I’d been hoping he would forget about all of that.
Chapter 20
While relaxing after a late breakfast and enjoying the Jamaican coffee Gloria had found somewhere in the pantry, Aunt Stella motioned for Zara to move to her lap so she could pet her. Not that long ago, having a cat eating at the dining room table with people would have been a no-go for me. Now . . . I gave surprisingly little thought to it.
“What do you think of all these developments, dear Zara? Do you think that this is what we have been waiting for?” she asked as she lovingly stroked the cat’s head.
Zara stretched her neck first one way and then the other, purring loudly, but she still answered publicly. Oh yes, Stella. I’ve been waiting all my long life for a couple of flea bitten mongrels to invade the sanctity of our home. Oh, behind the left ear, please. A little harder.
Stella chuckled. “Oh my lovely, lovely, girl. Have you any idea the joy you’ve given me over these centuries we’ve had together?”
Don’t go getting all serious on me right now, Stella dear. Now do behind the right ear, if you will.
“Ha ha! Most certainly, but you have to answer my question. You know what I’m referring to. Do you think you can teach Roxanne everything you taught me? And my mother? And her mother before her?”
Gloria and I both froze in place for a second when she said that, the realization of the meaning of her words clear. Zara groaned and stretched up in front of Stella, looking her directly in the eyes. Don’t do it yet, Stella dear. Please stay with me. Training young witchlings is tiresome work, and it takes forever for them to learn how to scratch ears properly.
“Zara . . .”
Fine. Yes, this one shows great promise. She doesn’t need me to See for her, though, so where does that leave me?
“Oh, she needs you, Zara, and whoever comes after her will need you, as well. The world needs your wisdom and knowledge, dear. Never forget that.”
Gloria and I looked at each other, confused. Hoping I was wrong, I spoke up. “Wait. What are you two talking about? Where are you thinking of going, Aunt Stella?”
Zara sighed deeply and lay down in front of her, refusing to take her eyes off her now.
“To the place I should have gone years ago, dear. It’s time for me to join my mother, and my grandmother, and your mother and father in the Light. For so long, I worried about who would be able to take up the mantle of the Devraux family magick, the wealth and the power accumulated over generations of very long lifetimes, and most of all, the wisdom, love, and loyalty of Zara—the Devraux family familiar. Now suddenly, here you are, the answer to my prayers!”
“Aunt Stella, no! With those criminals gone from your house, you’ve been able to rest properly, and you’re looking better than ever. You’re my last living relative, and I’ve only just found you. Now you’re talking about—what, suicide? Please don’t talk like that.”
Stella smiled knowingly. “It may sound like that right now to you, my dear niece, but only because you did not grow up with the magick. If you had, you would know that this,” she motioned to herself, “is every bit as much glamour as that which hides this estate from outsiders. Beneath that, this old body is worn out. Don’t get me wrong—it has been an honor and a privilege to have had this many years here. Not everyone does. Gloria’s kind do. Longer even, but afterwards, if they are lucky and have lived life well—they go to their own Light and their own reward. The same one your Jake has been resisting for so long. It is different for their kind than it is for our kind. Different how? I’m afraid I cannot answer. Zara? Can you explain that to these girls one day?”
Certainly. But not this day.
“Remember also, dear niece, that once you accept all that is given to you, that you also will have two-hundred years added to your lifespan. That may sound like a lot to you, at this moment, but it passes quickly. So very quickly, does it not, Zara dear?”
Too quickly.
“And then, if you’ve lived those years properly—you shall get to join your mother and father, myself, the grandmother that you never got to meet, and many others—forever, on the Other side.”
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces of what happens with my kind,” Gloria said. “Zara, do you really think you could explain it to me someday?”
Yes, I would be glad to, Gloria. I’ve never met one of your kind that cared to know before. Surely the two of you girls will change the world, just as Stella has during her time here.
“Why thank you, Zara! Do you really think I’ve made this world a little better for having been here?”
Without any doubt, Stella dear.
Tears ran down my cheeks now. “But I’m not ready to lose you, Aunt Stella! Maybe I’m being selfish, but I’ve only just begun getting used to all this, and I have so much to learn. Tell her, Zara. Tell her to stay with us, please!”
Witchling, your heart is in the right place, but you’re thinking only of yourself. I’m guilty of the same, I know. That’s not bad, it’s normal. I want you to consider this—if you could have your mother here to hold you in her arms right this very second, what would you give in return for that?
“I would give anything. Everything I have, or ever will have, for just one more hug, one more conversation over coffee, or even one more argument over who’s marinara sauce is better!”
Exactly, dear. That is what Stella looks forward to, yet here we are asking her not to, just so we can have her company longer. Think of it like that.
“I see, Zara. I’m so sorry, Aunt Stella. Please forgive me.”
Gloria was crying silently beside me. Rand appeared near the doorway, concerned as he saw the seriousness of the situation. He came over and placed his right hand on my shoulder, making it solid enough that I could feel its weight. He stood observing, wondering what was happening, I’m sure, but wisely remained silent.
Her crossing will weigh on those of us who remain behind, Roxanne, but it will be a joyous occasion for Stella and all those who wait for her on the Other side.
Toby wandered into the room, likely because Rand was here. Jake appeared right beside him.
“Hello. Toby!” Stella reached out and patted Toby’s head. Jake whined at being left out. Zara placed her paw on Stella’s other hand so she could see him, too. She reached her hand out as if patting his head too, but wisely only came close. “Hello, Jake. You’re a big, wonderful bear of a boy, aren’t you? It was a pleasure to meet the both of you, but I’m afraid it’s time for me to say goodbye to you soon.”
No longer able to contain herself, Gloria burst into loud sobs. Both dogs immediately moved closer to her, whining anxiously. She stood up, wiping at her tears. “I’m sorry. I’m not very good at these kinds of things. Is it okay if I take the boys out back and run with them for a while?”
“Absolutely, Gloria,” I told her. “Go ahead.” More awkwardly, I asked, “Rand, would you mind staying with me, please?”
To his credit, even having no idea what was happening, he didn’t even hesitate. “Of course. You’ll tell me what’s going on, right?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to explain, yet.
“Come on boys. Let's go outside.” Gloria told the dogs. She paused as they bolted out the door ahead of her. “Goodbye, Madam Devraux. Thank you for your kindness.” She broke down again as she turned and hurried after Toby and Jake.
“W-What happens now?” I asked.
When Stella decides it is time, we’ll go down to the old workshop. She’ll perform the ritual that transfers all of her magick over to you, Roxanne. Everything she has.
“This is not something
to be drawn out,” Stella said as she stood up. “Once this decision has been made, it’s more painful for everyone involved the longer it’s delayed.”
“Now? You can’t be serious!”
“There's no time like the present, is there? Isn’t that what they say?” she asked, smiling. She picked Zara up, cradling her in her arms gently as she walked away.
Trying not to panic, I pushed my chair back and stood shakily to follow her out of the dining room, Rand right behind me.
She led us to the hidden doorway that led down to the lab, giving me an encouraging nod as she waited for me to recite the spell to open it. Setting Zara down, she started down the stairs, taking each step carefully. I was terrified. With each step, I felt the terror increase, if that was even possible. By the time we reached the old workshop, I was visibly trembling.
Calm yourself, witchling. Everything that will be done here has been done before many times, Zara told me sadly.
“But I don’t know what to expect. Zara, I don’t think I've ever been this afraid in my life!” Rand looked a little lost as he stood beside me, not able to take action and not knowing what to expect any more than I did.
That’s only because you weren’t raised around the magick. Stella will recite the ancient spell that will transfer all of the Devraux family magick to you. It may be disconcerting for you, but be brave and follow my instructions, little witch. I’ve witnessed this many times in my long life, and nothing has ever gone amiss. Stand in the center, she indicated the sun symbol on the floor.
Zara jumped back into Aunt Stella’s arms, hugging her neck with her long front legs. She rubbed her face on both of Stella’s cheeks. Thank you, Stella dear, for living your life the way you have, for treating me with such love and kindness. For us, my dear friend, this is farewell, for I will not see you again . . . ever, unless our new witchling is successful in being able to call you back from time to time. If she can do that for me, Stella, and maybe even the others with whom I shared my life with before you . . . know there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her! Know that, Stella dear, and know that I love you deeply.
“Aunt Stella, if you want to be called back, I will call you back. If using the Power Ring and the Rose Quartz doesn’t work, I’ll find another way, I promise!”
“Of course, my dear. Maybe just not for a few days, all right? Give me a minute to settle in.” she chuckled.
“Zara will see you again. You have my word.” Rand nudged me, probably to stop me from making any more promises I had no way of knowing if I could keep.
Stella kissed Zara’s head and handed her over to me. Zara let out a soulful cry and arranged herself in my arms so she could see Stella as she lay down on the table next to where I stood. Aunt Stella looked at both of us lovingly as she chanted quietly under her breath. She reached her right hand out toward me.
Reach your left hand out toward her, but do not touch her, Zara told me.
Swallowing hard, I did as I was told. When my hand was within several inches of hers, a bright flare of blue fire leapt from her fingers to mine, joining them together for a few seconds. I expected heat, but there was none. There was a small jolt of . . . something. Warmth spread throughout my body, feeling as though it were filling me. Zara stayed right where she was, nestled against me. When the sensation stopped, Aunt Stella crossed her hands over her chest and closed her eyes. The glamour she had described slowly faded and she began aging at an incredible rate. Horrified, I gasped as her skin darkened and shriveled until it began to crack.
Rand stood at attention, solid for my benefit, watching the grisly spectacle before us. I leaned on him heavily, mindful of Zara, selfishly taking advantage of the energy I knew he must be expending on my behalf. Aunt Stella’s body continued to dry and crumble right before us until it was little more than a coarse gray powder inside her clothing. What she had welcomed—no—invited so enthusiastically, had easily been the worst nightmare I could have ever imagined. Turning my face into his shoulder, I shook and tried hard not to lose control.
Stroking my hair soothingly, he whispered, “Roxanne, look!”
I turned back just in time to see her spirit slowly rise up to hover above herself. Her eyes were glued upon her ruined body, studying the remains. Once satisfied that it was complete, she nodded and turned to face me, smiling.
My heart beat so hard, I thought it would jump right out of my chest. I pressed my hand to it, as if to hold it in place. Zara purred loudly as Aunt Stella said to me, “Calm yourself, child. I am in no pain and there is no reason for you to be upset. This is but the natural progression of my state of being. I leave my physical body behind now. Everything I once possessed, I give now to you. All of the arrangements have been taken care of, as Zara well knows. Listen to her, niece, for she is far more than she appears. Trust her in all things. She will not lead you astray. Familiars cannot lie to their witch, though she may tend to omit things now and again.”
Zara hung her head, but said nothing.
At that moment, the Light appeared in front of her. I remembered Elmer had told me that I couldn’t see it if I looked directly at it, to only try to view it in my peripheral vision. Aunt Stella looked straight into it, though. It lit up her face and made her appear as she must have as a young woman. She smiled beautifically as she glanced back at Zara and I, before turning back to it.
“Go ahead, Aunt Stella,” I sobbed. “This is what you’ve been waiting for. Go see my mother, and your mother, and all those you loved that went before you. This isn’t goodbye. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Tell my mother I love her and I miss her.”
As she started walking past us toward the Light, I told her, “I love you, Aunt Stella!”
Goodbye, Stella dear! Zara’s voice was heavy with emotion.
Just as I started to lose sight of her from the corner of my eye, I could have sworn I saw Rosemary and Grandmam Jenkins standing with several others in the Light, smiling and holding out their arms to greet her.
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