“You…you’d do that?” Mother asked.
“Of course. My current involvement keeps you safe for the most part. And away from watchful eyes. Once we no longer have to worry about safety, things can return to normal.”
Mother looked as though a heavy burden had been taken off her shoulders. “Thank you. I will never be able to thank you enough. I…” her voice broke and she glanced at me. “It’s been hard. All of it.”
“I understand.”
“My… husband. I’m aware of what he did. I…” Her voice trailed off and she bowed her head for a brief moment. “I can only apologize. I had the privilege of meeting your father when I was a girl. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Wolfe looked noticeably moved by my mother’s words. “Thank you. And do not trouble yourself over your husband’s crimes. We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, we must remain vigilant.”
“What do you need us to do?” Grandmother asked. “There must be something we can do to help.”
Wolfe shook his head. “Not right now.”
“Will finding this ring truly remove Elariya’s curse?”
Wolfe nodded. “She need only locate it and the curse will be removed. All her memories will be restored as though she never lost them.”
During this reset getting my memories back felt far away from me. There had been so much going on. But now I had hope.
“You’re certain there’s nothing we can do?” Emabelle asked. “I feel so useless.”
“No. We’ve created quite a stir today. One that has never been seen before in the mortal realm. People will not be happy. Especially in Stormfell.”
He was right. Those like Chancellor Blackthorne and Friar Jameson would raise hell. They wouldn’t be able to do anything but they would make life difficult.
“Laying low is the best option.” Wolfe sighed and looked at me again. “Elariya will resume her training once we return to Galaythia. Then we just have to hope for the best.”
“I will do my best,” I promised. “My magic feels different. Stronger. That has to count for something.”
Grandmother came over to me and cupped my face. “It has always counted for something. That was why I couldn’t stand to bound your powers. And look, now we have a time mage.” She smiled wide, her eyes a wealth of pride. “I’ve only had the privilege of meeting three of those in my life. And now I know another.”
I smiled at that. “It does feel great to have a …rare power.”
“My dear it is an honor. A true gift from the Great Mother.”
“Thank you.”
She released me, and looked back at Wolfe.
“If anything changes, I’ll let you know,” he promised. “I’ll also grant you all passage to the magical realm once a month, fora full week, and allowance to travel by a portal stone, so you can come whenever you want.”
My spirits lifted. “I’ll get to see my family every month?” I couldn’t hide my excitement.
“Sure, and you can visit them here too,” Wolfe replied with a small grin.
“Thank you. That’ll be amazing.”
“It will,” Mother agreed, her expression brightening.
I glanced at Emabelle. She gave me a knowing smile. The kind that carried secrets between women.
I thought back to our conversation in the tavern about her running off with Philippe. She’d promised to stay in touch no matter where she went. The certainty in her gaze told me she still meant it. We would speak of it later.
“I’ve always wanted to see the magical realm,” she breathed.
“Now you can.” Wolfe gave her a curt bow.
