“How do you know it still stands?”
“When I finished university, and at the insistence of Nina, I did sail to France to learn what I could of the estate, who survived from my mother and father’s families. I only met those from my mother, but I believe there are survivors who are related to my father. I also saw the estate. It stands, but many repairs are needed.”
“I hope that you find what you are looking for,” she said with sincerity. “I hope that you can claim your estate again and that Nina can also visit.” Samantha frowned. “She can leave Nightshade Manor, can she not. She is free of the grove, but is she completely free?”
“She is.”
“Are you speaking about me?” Nina asked as she entered the music room.
“I was telling Samantha how we came to be here, and how you once lived in the Sacred Grove.”
“He is still eaten with guilt for saving my life.”
“Nina.”
“I am glad that you did, Cassian.” She smiled. “I came to get the tray and ask if you need anything.”
“I would like wine, or brandy,” Cassian answered and looked at Samantha. “Would you like wine or would you rather have a fresh pot of tea?”
Her stomach churned at the mention of wine. “Tea please.”
“Yes, well…I am so sorry this happened to you, Samantha.” Nina picked the tray up off the table. “I know the witches will find the answer and free you.” She paused when she reached the door and looked back. “If you can think of anything else, please let me know. Or, let Cassian know so that he can tell me.”
She was very sweet and kind. Given what Nina and Cassian had both lived through, she was surprised that they weren’t more unhappy or even bitter.
“There is magic in Nina,” Samantha whispered. “I heard it when we first spoke and each time since.”
“Likely from being a Dryad.”
Samantha shook her head. “No. It is a new magic. Not yet fully realized.” She frowned. “I first heard it the night of Haloa, before the fairy grog.”
“What does it mean? How can she have new magic?” he demanded.
“When a witch is increasing,” she whispered. “A new magic joins with an older one. Except, neither Nina nor her husband are witches and hers is simply new, so it is surprising, but I suppose witches have come from stranger circumstances. After all, the first real witch was likely born of parents with no magic.”
Cassian laughed. “Do you not know about children who carry the blood of a Drakos, which her husband is?”
“That only daughters become witches, never the sons. But if neither one of them are witches…” Samantha answered.
“Orion still has Drakos blood, thus my sister is carrying a magical daughter, not a non-magical son.”
Samantha grasped his hand. “Please, do not tell her. I never reveal what I hear because it is personal and I always wait until a delicate condition is announced. I have also never known if the child was a son or daughter, nor do I think it is right that we do now. Let the parents be surprised.”
“I was thinking that they need to be more prepared.” He chuckled.
“Why? Witchcraft is not new to either one of them. When they see their daughter, they will know.”
“If they do not?” he asked.
“Then, you do have permission to tell them. That way they can watch for her magic to protect her and everyone around her.”
“They will bind it,” Cassian stated.
Ah yes, now she recalled their earlier conversation. “One of the grandchildren is a new witch.” She smiled.
“How do you know?”
She smiled. “I have come across her concentrating on trying to make blades of grass grow.”
