She took Honey's hands, her expression gentle yet grave. "In this vision, I saw that you came to us here, as a tiny soul, lost and scared. But you were not alone. A sister held your hand as you were running through the woods. A tight grip, until a trip over a stone, where you lost all but her small stuffed bunny. There your lives were separated. You found your way here to our enchanted corner of the world. Our Cauldron Falls. But somewhere, out there in the world, there is a part of you, a sister from birth whom you must find and bring back to Cauldron Falls."
Honey's breath caught, shock rooting her to the spot. “A sister? How was that possible?”
Leahnora gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "I tell you this now because you are ready to know, and she needs you. She is seeking you out."
Overwhelmed, Honey's heart rose in her chest. All her life, she had felt there was some part of herself missing. She had kept that to herself, buried deep under her skin.
Leahnora glided to an ancient chest, producing a scroll tied with a silk ribbon. "This scoll will help you in this quest. You will need many tools and much protection."
With a racing heart, Honey accepted the scroll. “But what do I do next?”
Leahnora turned, her eyes glinting in the firelight. “There is more you must know before you decide what is next.”
“Okay.” Honey urged breathlessly.
Leahnora met her gaze. “In my vision, your sister was surrounded by bats. Vampire bats.”
Honey reeled back in shock. “What? How can that be? Vampire bats are deadly.”
“I am afraid it is true,” Leahnora whispered. “I cannot say if she dwells in a realm of darkness, perhaps even turned to a creature of the night herself.”
Thoughts swirling, Honey spun toward the door. A sister consumed by evil? It seemed impossible. “Why did you tell me this?”
“Because she’d coming to find you and that means she coming to Cauldron Falls. You’re not the only one who lives with the sting of separation and loss. She too has struggled with never quite feeling a part of the world she inhabits. She is restless. Or you could find her first. You must know this now, while you can get ahead of it.”
Honey clutched at her own chest, dismayed by the truth in Leahnora’s words. “You could have told me this a year ago.”
“Yes. I could have. But would you have accepted it? Leahnora gathered Honey’s hands in her own. “You know now. Go. Find your sister before the darkness consumes you both. But beware... the path is fraught with peril.”
Overwhelmed with fear and sorrow, Honey knew she had to try. For the sake of her sister’s humanity, and perhaps her own, she would confront vampires or bats, or whatever she had to face to save her sister, herself, and everyone she loved in Cauldron Falls.
Rhoda and Edgar Hadwin stepped through the shimmering transport portal into the FACTS & FIBS Victorian kitchen, weary but pleased after another successful mission rescuing familiars. They were surprised to find the house empty except for Roam O'Reilly sitting solemnly at the farm table in the center of the room.
"Where is our Honey?" Rhoda asked, immediately concerned something was amiss.
Before Roam could respond, Honey came bursting in the Cadillac swinging door. She froze when she saw her parents, tears springing to her eyes.
"You're back! I'm so glad..." Her voice trailed off as she rushed to embrace them.
"Dear Honey. There, there. What is wrong?" Rhoda asked gently, smoothing Honey's hair.
Honey took a deep breath before responding. "I went to Leahnora to find out the meaning behind her cryptic message to me a year ago, when we were investigating Lily’s murder. I just learned I have a sister out there somewhere. I have to find her before she comes to Cauldron Falls."
Rhoda and Edgar exchanged astounded looks.
“What are you talking about, Honey?” Edgar took his daughter’s trembling hand in his.
She told them of Leahnora's mystical revelation. They listened with a mix of shock and knowing.
Rhoda sighed, “I always knew you were looking for someone when you stared out into the distance beyond the woods. Remember Edgar? When she was little, how she’d go to the woods and call for her ‘Bunny’?”
Edgar nodded. “I thought you were just playing a game with your dolls. The bunny and bear never left your side when you were small.”
“I remember. It’s fuzzy, like a black and white movie. But it’s there.” Honey felt for the necklace around her neck. The one with the silver bar engraved with Martha. “I bet she has one of these, maybe?”
The room fell silent.
“We love you and think you are so brave.” Rhoda paused.
