Page 23 of Bearly Believable Romance

As he approached a clearing, he slowed his pace, his eyes widening at the sight before him. Tabitha stood at the center of an ancient stone altar, her hands gripping the weathered edges as her body swayed slightly. The air around her shimmered with an otherworldly energy, and Bram could sense, through the inexplicable bond they shared, the tumult of emotions coursing through her.

Every fiber of his being urged him to go to her, to wrap her in his arms and shield her from whatever visions plagued her mind. But he held back, understanding this was a journey she needed to take, a revelation she had to face on her own terms. So he watched, his heart aching with each passing moment, until her eyes finally fluttered open, glistening with unshed tears.

“Tabitha,” he called out softly, stepping into the clearing.

She turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. “Bram? What are you doing here?”

He closed the distance between them, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. “I was worried about you. I saw you heading into the woods and I just... I needed to make sure you were okay.”

Tabitha leaned into his touch, a shaky sigh escaping her lips. “I saw something, Bram. Something I never could have imagined.”

“What is it?”

She looked up at him, eyes shining with a newfound determination. “I think I’m a twin, Bram. I saw it in my vision. But there’s never been any mention of a sibling, not even a hint.”

Bram’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “A twin? Are you sure?”

Tabitha nodded, her hands reaching for his. “I know it sounds crazy, but it felt so real. And then there are these artifacts,” she gestured to the altar. “The symbols hint at a protective spell cast long ago. I think something happened, something that caused the rift between my parents and my grandmother.”

Together, they examined the altar more closely, Bram’s keen eyes picking out details that Tabitha had missed. With each new discovery, the pieces began to fall into place, painting a picture of a family secret buried deep beneath layers of magic and mystery.

Seeing a notch carved into a stone on the side of the altar, Tabitha pushed on it. A zap of magic raced up her arm, startling her to where she stepped back with a gasp.

The gentle breeze suddenly swirled around them, kicking up leaves and sticks. A voice boomed through the woods, “Blood of my blood. Be revealed.”

With that, a section of the altar’s flat top slid to the side revealing a stunning silver chalice that looked to be straight out of Medieval times.

Bram gaped at her. “What the hell was all that? And what is that?” He pointed to the chalice.

Tabitha reached in and lifted it from its resting place. “The voice said blood of my blood. Was this my grandmother’s way of hiding this until one of her descendants came here?” She marveled at intricate designs and lunar images engraved around the foot-tall cup.

“What do we do with it?” Bram asked.

Tabitha snorted. “I have no clue. But it was meant to be found because the map led straight here.” She placed it back inside the altar’s top and the lid closed of its own accord.

“That’s as good as any place to keep it safe,” Bram said. “If it hadn’t been found until now, it probably won’t be discovered by anyone else for a long time.”

Tabitha agreed and began the trek back to town, their minds heavy with the implications of her discovery. As they walked, Bram listened intently as she shared her theories and fears, offering his own insights and a steady shoulder to lean on.

“What does this mean for my inheritance, Bram?” Tabitha asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “For my family? What if my twin died and I caused it?”

Bram pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her waist. “Don’t speak like that, love. One step at a time. We unravel the truth. And no matter what we find, I’ll be right here beside you.”

The smile she gave him made his heart swell. “Thank you, honey bear.”

“Let’s get some dinner,” he suggested.

“Good idea. I just realized I haven’t eaten in forever.” As they approached the Lone Wolf Café, the warm glow of the windows beckoning them inside, he held her hand in his, loving the heat of the touch.

The bell above the door jingled as they entered, the cozy atmosphere enveloping them like a comforting embrace. They settled into a corner booth, their hands still intertwined as Celeste approached with a knowing grin.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite lovebirds,” she teased, setting down two cups of water. “You know, there’s a betting pool going on about when you two will tie the knot.”

Bram chuckled and gave Tabitha’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Is that so? And I suppose you’ve got the inside scoop?”

Celeste winked conspiratorially. “Let’s just say Molly gave me a special cupcake, and I have a feeling my bet is going to pay off big time.”

Tabitha shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?”

---