I close my eyes and draw another deep breath. “What if you just go for a little while? You could rest, recover, and maybe reconnect with your family. Maybe you'll learn something about Lily and Violet while you're there. The ancestors see things we can't, right?”
Mom's quiet for a long moment. “What if I can’t get back?”
“I’ll play the song on the piano. That’s the summoning command to your anchor spell, right?”
“It is, but… I don't want to leave you alone. There is so much happening in your life. Too much.”
“But I'm not alone." I gesture vaguely toward the rest of the house. "I've got Asher, Wylder, Rowan, Sebastian, and the whole Brigade. And you'll come back after a while. Just... stronger."
She drifts closer and reaches to cup my cheek. I feel the barest whisper of cold against my skin. “You’ve grown into such an amazing woman, you know that? Strong and brave. Your father would’ve been so proud.”
“Maybe he’s waiting for you somewhere. You could find him and explain what happened. Tell him I’ll find Violet and Lily and will make things right.”
That makes her smile. My parents had an amazing connection, and I know it’s been terrible for her, knowing that he died because he came to rescue her.
It was Laurel who set that in motion, but I know she feels responsible for his death.
“Go, Mom. Find some peace. Grow stronger. And when you’re ready, come back and I’ll give you the updates.”
It’s obvious she doesn’t want to go, but I’ve worn her down. “Give everyone hugs from me, will you?”
She raises her hands and holds my shoulders, studying my face. “Be careful, Poppy. Listen to Sebastian. He’s smart, and he cares for you kids.”
“I will.”
“And check in on the others. The long-term spirits in town—they need guidance."
"I will." The promise feels heavy.
Mom takes a deep breath and then nods. “Call me if you need me.”
My throat is too clogged to speak, so I just nod.
As she closes her eyes, the candlelight dims, shadows lengthening across the workroom walls.
"I love you, Poppy. You and your sisters are my soul.”
I swallow past the emotion choking me. "I love you too, Mom."
She fades slowly this time, deliberately. Not flickering out in distress but dissolving like mist in sunlight, returning to wherever spirits go when they’re not existing on the physical plane.
Hot tears stream down my cheeks as the reality of losing her hits. I told her that I wasn’t alone, butI am.
She’s my mom and no friend or mentor could ever fill the void left by losing her. She’s gone, and with her, so is my strong and steady, my guide through this magical life, my safe place.
The workroom feels emptier without her.
I stand there trying to breathe, letting the reality settle around me.
She'll be back. She promised.
I’m not sure how long later I hear Asher’s truck coming up the driveway, but the low rumble of the engine has the pups going full-on hysterical and pulls me out of my pity party.
A swipe of my sleeve across my face and a deep breath won’t hide anything, but thankfully, by bestie is a take you as you come kinda guy.
I don’t close the door as I leave the workroom, because knowing my mom is gone, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to open the door again if I find myself standing in the hall.
This has always been her space.
