“Thank goodness,” Dave muttered. “I think we need all the help we can get!”
Nodding, the witch came closer, holding out her hand. “We have a deal to deliver.”
Giving her my hand, I closed my eyes briefly as a great wave of pure magic surged through me, rocking me on my heels. Warmth travelled over every inch of my body, waking up the dead nerves that had laid dormant in life. The magic from the ley line had kept my body alive, but I could feel the difference of the real thing as I tightened my grip on the witch.
A burning sensation slivered up my body from the soles of my feet. Throwing my head back, I shook violently, only calming when Dave's arms came around me from behind, holding me steady. My eyes were tightly closed, my teeth gritted as the spasms took over.
“Mother Earth is bringing life back to your body, allowing you to return to existence on Earth.” The ancestor's voice rose high above the thundering in my ears. “There will be no payment from the use of impure magic, your debt is already paid. This is your reward for your protection of the ley line.”
Releasing me, the woman stepped back as I collapsed. Dave caught me, holding me firmly against his chest as he stroked my hair out of my face. The feeling of euphoria settled in my bones as the magic that used to flow in me returned. I was a true, real life, Essex witch again.
“Are you well?” another of the witches asked.
Opening my eyes, I choked back the tears that erupted. A smile came to their lips as they bowed their heads and blinked slowly.
A surge of energy shot through me, forcing me straight to my feet. Dave let me go, his hands still on my arm just in case I needed his support. I was about to thank the ancestors and make my final request when they turned their attention to Dave.
“For your aid,” the lead one started. “We grant you magic. You'll no longer be an illusionist witch. Your link to the ley line will be strengthened when you marry Gemma, as is your fate.”
“It will? Wait, what? You're... I'm...?” Dave's cheeks flared pink as he swallowed hard.
Taking hold of his arm, I held him steady this time, allowing my magic to give him strength. He took my hand, gripping it between his fingers as his eyes blinked back the tears that threatened. His whole body went stiff as his connection to Earth was made. He wasn't directly connected with the ley line, but he would be able to use the magic of Earth, just like any other witch. It must have been a wish of his for his whole life.
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you so much.”
“We know what you want,” the witch to the left of the leader said to me. “And we cannot grant you that freedom.”
“How did you know?”
My decision to leave Paranormal MI5 had been liberating, but the idea of being free of the protection of the ley line was all encompassing. Disappointment made my energy drop as I glanced at Dave. He stood strong and proud, a grin dancing over his face. I couldn't help but smile back, happy for my man.
“We can feel your intentions, and although a part of us would love to grant you this freedom, your blood is the only thing that keeps the ley line completely protected. This was set in stone before you were even born. Taking the link away from you will give the PFF everything they wanted.”
The words pierced my chest, the truth of them stinging my heart. They were right. If I gave up my duty now, the Cambridges’, and all those who would be put to trial because of me, would've won. I couldn't do that to our community.
“You will however, share the burden with Dave once you decide to make that commitment to each other. With him still working as an MI5 agent, you'll be able to protect the line together.” The lead witch fell back in line with the others. “Now, we are done with you for now. Go and live your life.”
They each bowed their head, their pale cheeks glowing as they joined hands. I watched them as they retreated, their forms becoming fainter as they re-joined their realm.
My heart squeezed hard in my chest at the thought of never seeing them again. The feeling quickly ripped away as we landed back in my mother's spell room.
“So?” my mother said, her hands gripped in front of her. “Everything work out?”
Glancing at one another, both Dave and I fell into a tight hug, kissing each other’s face and laughing in joy.
“Yes, Mum,” I said, drawing her into our circle of love. “Everything worked out perfectly.”
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Copyright
Copyright © 2019 by Rachel Medhurst
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Published in 2019
Author
Rachel Medhurst grew up in Surrey, England. She writes to prove that no matter where you come from, you can be anything you want to be. Your past may shape you but it doesn't define you. When Rachel isn't writing, she can be found reading and walking in nature.
www.rachelmedhurst.com
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