That small spark of hope I’m trying to nurture into a roaring fire grows a little as he pulls that to the forefront too. We stay like that until the sun sets before he grabs my hand and pulls me inside for dinner with the coven.
Epilogue
Rowyn
Reading through the ancient hearth spell, I silently repeat the incantation and skim the directions. Again.
Except I’ve read this a thousand times now, and it should be one of the most simple spells I’ve ever done.
Stand in front of the home’s hearth—preferably adorned with the cauldron that will sit upon it going forward.Check.
Say the incantation seven times.Check.
The hearth’s eternal flame will light…Nothing.
I bite back a frustrated scream and shake off the agitation, clearing my mind before I try again.
From the first week I moved into the inn, I felt my magic’s strength in a way I never have before. As I’ve explained to the rest of the coven, my abilities have always been limited by how weak my magic is compared to my family. I’ve never struggled with harnessing it how I desire or connecting to it. My well of magic is not as deep as everyone else’s seems to be.
As time passes, I’m not sure what to think about it anymore. I’m not necessarily getting stronger, at least not by much, but I’m certainly not weaker either. Even after months of keeping the fireplaces around theinn lit and performing more cleaning charms than I ever have before, I haven’t ever felt depleted. I don’t feel rejuvenated either.
During the resurrection, we all dipped into a well of power none of us ever expected to touch. I thought I’d be able to light this damn thing for sure.
It’s been a month since we saved Renata and Archer. I’m more determined than ever.
Life is flowing back into my hometown—something I never thought I would see. I want the Dreaming Willow Inn to live up to its potential. To what it once was: a home for kindred spirits, and a rest stop for those on a different journey.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and hold my hands out, palms toward the hearth.
I try to imagine my magic like a forest fire rather than a well. It’s always been described that way. Maybe it’s different for everyone. Visualizing myself standing in the middle of a forest, I snap my fingers and a small patch of grass catches. It stings against my arm, but it fades just as quickly and leaves my nerves alight.
In my mental forest, I snap my finger again and again. I don’t stop until my skin is burning.
“Lux et vita in hac domo.”
I pause for a breath and repeat it six more times.
As the last words roll off my tongue, I wait in anticipation for a few seconds. Nothing happens, and my body quickly returns to its normal temperature, making me shiver.
My shoulders drop and I let out a frustrated huff when a small spark catches my attention. Slowly, I turn on my heel to stare in silence. It takes a few moments, but the spark is back, stronger this time. It catches on the everlasting wood and turns into a bright, healthy flame before my eyes.
The room warms. Not temperature-wise, but like a body coming back from the verge of death. Unfortunately, I can say that with certainty now. As if it was taking a breath, the air in the room lifts to the ceiling and is slowly released, blowing the back door open.
“Oh my Gods,” I whisper with tears in my eyes. After a few seconds, my surprise turns into excitement.“Oh my Gods!”I scream and run out of the kitchen, chanting the words over andover.
It’s after dinner, so I expect everyone to be upstairs somewhere.
When I get to the top of the stairs, Renata and Archer are already running out of their bedroom. Before I have a chance to tell them, the rest of the bedroom doors are opening and the entire coven is stepping into the hallway with different levels of confusion plastered on their expressions.
Clementine is the first to ask, “What was that?”
Renata opens her mouth, but I cut her off and excitedly say, “I did it!”
“Did wh—” Renata asks before her mouth falls open in shock. “You did it?”
Feeling giddy, I nod and am practically vibrating with energy.
“Rowyn!” Esme squeals and pulls me into a hug with a kiss on the cheek. “We knew you would!”
