I was a freaking kitsune.
“The kitsune have special powers that no other shapeshifter possesses. I’ve taken all the precautions I could to make sure no one but you reads this letter, because I don’t trust the wolves up the hill. Already I’ve revealed more than I should. If they were to find a way to intercept this letter, you’d be in grave danger.”
Quickly, I cast a glance at Brock, who hovered over me protectively, but he didn’t make eye contact. Gran hadn’t trusted him, but I hadn’t given a thought to whether I should ask him to leave before reading her letter. It was too late now. Besides, I kind of trusted him, though I’d been burned by men before…
“Your father was a kitsune. When he died in the car accident, you became the last of your kind.”
Cass turned the page, reading the back while discreetly wiping moisture from his eyes.
“As far as I know, you’re the only child between a witch and a kitsune. You are certainly the only living one. The kitsunes’ powers are rare enough as it is, and every kitsune manifests a slightly different set of abilities. With your mother’s magic added to the mix, no one, certainly not I, can predict what will happen to you after your kitsune powers reveal themselves.”
Cass’s gaze went to the next page, and continued with a quick nervous glance at me.
“I set an expiration on your concealment spell. In the event of my death, my magic will cease to maintain your concealment, a necessity, because in that event you will be the only one left to protect the property. You’ll have to be extremely careful, Evie. I’ll say that again, because I know your wild ways, and you don’t care for rules any more than I do.”
Cass stopped reading to meet my gaze with a rules-are-for-chumps look.
I sniffled, and three different hands landed on my shoulders and back. Blinking furiously, I stared ahead at the front door, which had long ago become blurry with my tears.
“There are those that seek to end the power of the kitsune, because the kitsune are the gatekeepers of the underworld. Their job is to keep every vile beast imaginable from entering our world. After your father was killed—"
“Killed?” Cass asked, almost to himself.
Gran saidkilled, notdied. Did that mean that my father and mother were murdered?
Cass resumed reading the endless letter, which was going from bad news to worse.
“After your father was killed, there was no one left to protect the gate to the underworld. You were too young to bear the burden, so I did my best to fill the role. Unfortunately, my gifts aren’t suited for the job, it’s been hard on my magic, and a few vile creatures have managed to sneak through over time.
And yes, darling Evie, your father and mother were both murdered by those that wish to see the gate to the underworld opened. I’m sorry I kept this from you, but I felt this was too great a weight for you to carry as a young child. I decided it was better for you to grow into your strength, before forcing these truths upon you. If I made a mistake in doing so, I ask for your forgiveness. This witch was doing the best she could to raise you, and help you build the strength you’ll require to become a guardian of this world.
The katana I’ve included with this letter was your father’s, and it was his father’s before him. I believe it originated with the very first of the kitsune, hundreds of years ago, but your father was never the chatty one, and he was especially tight-lipped when it came to the history of his kind. I suspect he figured it wasn’t my place to know, and he never imagined he’d be killed before he could pass on the knowledge to you.
Wield the katana wisely.”
Cass flipped the page over and I found myself wondering if this letter would ever end? I didn’t think I could take any more of this kind of news.
“Since I’m unaware of the means of my death, I cannot tell you whether or not I myself have been murdered. Though it’s entirely possible if the factions that opposed the gatekeepers discovered who I was, and what I was doing. If my death is suspect, look to the wolves at the top of the hill first and foremost. Maxwell knew of the gate to the underworld, and I’ve long suspected he sought to entirely open it, though I have no proof.”
Maxwell was Brock’s father. I gulped, again refusing to look in his direction. This was too heavy. Too much, and I still barely knew the guy whose baby I was having.
“The gate is located on the Wild Hunter Pack land, though it’s invisible to the sight of all but a kitsune. I can feel it here, but I don’t know exactly where it is, which is why I’ve fought the wolves all this time to maintain my cabin. What little power I do wield over the land, I’ve used to ward off the creatures from the underworld. The fate of the world depends on the protective wards I’ve constructed and maintained, a duty that now falls to you.
I’m so very sorry, my precious Evie. This is more than any one person should ever have to take on. But your parents loved each other with a love so great, that there was no way to prevent your destiny.
I wish I could tell you more, but I’ve said more than I probably should have on paper. There’s a witch I trust with my life, and now yours. She’s cantankerous, untrusting, and wily as a caged beast, but I trust her. She’ll tell you more once you prove who you are. She lives deep in the Redwood forest. Her name is Willemena Worst. Send her a message through smoke, and she’ll tell you where to find her.”
Sending smoke messages was one of my few dud gifts, but not a common one among Black witches or wizards. I struggled to process all the information.
“Trust the contents of this letter to no one, except Cass. Tell no one of your true nature or your purpose, and DON’T trust the wolves at the top of the hill farther than you can spit.”
Cass beamed and Brock shifted from one foot to the other, removing his hand from my shoulder as he fidgeted, something I’d never seen the confident wolf do before today.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t leave you with better news, my Evie. I love you more than words can say, so I won’t bother. Take good care of yourself. I have all the faith in the world in you. Be sure to have faith in yourself.
Love,
Your Gran, Belinda Betty Black
