A soft whoosh of air escapes my lips as her fingers slide from my arm. I open my mouth to speak but all the words lodge in my throat.
Not all those you trust are worthy.
“Clear the room,” Agnes snaps, though no one moves.
“Shouldn’t we discuss this plan together?” I gently place a hand on my mother’s shoulder.
“No.”
Stubborn dragon. I peer at Letty and Eviey, fully expecting them to argue, but instead, they’re already following Charles out the door.
“Let’s get you two a hot meal,” he says to the twins as the door clicks shut.
Good man.
Jarek, however, stands rooted. His eyes meet mine, and I nod, assuring him it’s okay to stay.
With only myself, Jarek, and Agnes left in the room, we unwrap the Stones. My mother and I gasp as the four Stones lay openly on the bed, their magick pulsing through the air. Panic claws at my chest thinking of possible hunters nearby.
My eyes dart between Agnes and the Stones. “Should we really be risking taking them out?”
“Relax, Samaria.” Agnes beams down at the four crystals. “With no Dyrsjel present, their magick won’t be emitted.” She turns to me, a slight smile slanting across her lips. “We’re safe.”
Safe.
“All this fuss for a bit of rock?” Jarek moves to grab the ruby Stone; fire.
As quick as a whip, Agnes reaches out and slaps the back of his hand.
“Don’t touch!” She traces her fingers over each of the crystals but doesn’t pick them up. “I’m sure the Mother is not pleasedwith the Stones being shoved in a bag, let alone being touched by aman.” She cuts Jarek a scowl, then me.
“How was I supposed to know he couldn’t touch them?” I ask. “It’s not like I’ve received many history lessons on Enchantresses or the Awakening Stones.”
The words are softly spoken, but Agnes’ eyes narrow anyway. The bitterness of my sheltered upbringing rising to the surface.
“Where else were we supposed to put them?” Jarek asks, flopping himself onto the bed. “Besides, didn’t you say they were a bit useless without a Dyrsjel?”
“Useless?” Agnes and I both say in unison.
I may not have had many history lessons, but just from being in the presence of the Stones and knowing their power, they are anything butuseless.
“Maybe that wasn’t the right word.” Jarek sighs, scratching a hand along his jaw. “Would it be best to leave you two alone?” His eyes find mine, desperation lining them.
Shaking my head, I walk over and place a kiss on his mouth. “Go,” I say, gesturing to the door. “I’ll meet you at the pub when we’re through here.”
He lets out a long breath like I’ve just relieved him of work for the day. Rolling my eyes, I kick him in the arse as he heads toward the door.
After he’s gone, I rejoin my mother at the table where she’s arranged the Stones; fire, earth, water, air. She cups her tea in one hand and uses the other to run delicate fingers along each vibrant Stone.
“They’re truly amazing, aren’t they?” she whispers, her eyes never leaving the Stones. She gazes at them with such admiration. My stomach twists at each line around her eyes and mouth. The tremble in her hands and the silver of her hair.
How has so much time gone by? I remember days from my childhood like they were yesterday. Agnes and my father, dotingon each other in the way they always did. Kissing and playing. Before he got sick. Before we lost him.
“Yes,” I finally say, taking a slow sip of my tea that’s now gone cold.
She runs her finger across the blueStone. “I wish your brother were here.”
“Well I’m here, Mother, or have you already forgotten?”Shite. I wince; the words are out of my mouth before I can bite my tongue.
