Page 34 of Bearly Believable Romance

Bram reached out, covering her hand with his own. “I don’t know what happened when you were born, but we’ll find answers and your role in resolving it.”

Tabitha nodded, determination settling in her eyes. “Let’s visit Jasper at the library. He might be able to help us uncover more about historical feuds in magical families. And he always seems to know everything about everyone.”

At the library, Jasper greeted them with a knowing smile. “Ah, the bear and the witch. I had a feeling you two would be stopping by.”

The ghostly librarian guided them through the stacks, pulling out old records and newspaper clippings. A new story began to unfold—a scandal involving Tabitha’s ancestors, where twins of light and dark magic had been born before. The parents, not understanding the dangers, had raised both children. But the child of darkness had brought chaos upon the family and the town.

Bram watched Tabitha closely as she absorbed the difficult revelations, her face a mix of shock and sorrow. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a silent promise of support.

“We need to know more,” Tabitha said, her voice steady despite the weight of the discoveries. “Luna might be able to help. She mentioned that if I needed help connecting to my past, she had a way, but I didn’t think about it until just now. Plus, her knowledge of history and magic is unparalleled.”

Luna’s shop was a haven of herbs, potions, and old books. The wise witch listened intently as Bram and Tabitha recounted their findings. With a thoughtful nod, she retrieved a small vial from her shelves.

“This potion will allow you to experience a vision of the past,” Luna explained, handing the shimmering liquid to Tabitha. “It will show you the events that led to your family’s feud, so you may know the truth.”

Tabitha accepted the potion from Luna and glanced at Bram, her eyes seeking reassurance. He nodded, his hand reaching out to clasp hers, a silent promise of support.

“I’m here,” he murmured, his thumb caressing her knuckles. “No matter what, I’m right beside you.”

He watched her take a deep breath. With a final squeeze of Bram’s hand, she raised the vial to her lips and drank.

Tabitha’s eyes fluttered closed.

Bram watched, his heart pounding as Tabitha went rigid, the empty vial slipping from her grasp. He lunged forward, catching it before it shattered on the hardwood floor.

Luna placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “She’s all right,” the older woman assured. “The vision has taken hold.”

But as seconds ticked by, turning into minutes, Bram’s worry grew. Tabitha’s face contorted, pain etching lines around her eyes and mouth. A single tear escaped, rolling down her cheek.

“What’s happening to her?” Bram demanded, his voice rough with fear.

Luna shook her head. “The past can be a painful place. She’s witnessing events that have shaped her family’s history. Events that have been hidden for generations.”

Bram’s hands clenched into fists, frustration welling inside him. He wanted to take away Tabitha’s pain, to shoulder the burden for her. But all he could do was wait and watch, an outsider to the secrets unfolding in her mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Tabitha gasped, her eyes flying open. She stumbled, and Bram rushed to steady her, his arms wrapping around her trembling frame.

“I saw it,” she whispered, her voice hoarse as if she’d been screaming. “I know what I have to do.”

Bram held her close, his chin resting atop her head. “What did you see, love?”

Tabitha pulled back, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I have to heal my family’s wounds,” she said, her voice gaining strength with each word. “I have to reclaim my heritage, the light and the dark. It’s the only way to bring balance.”

Bram held her. “Then let’s heal your family’s wounds.”

The bell above the door chimed as Bram and Tabitha entered the Lone Wolf Cafe, the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries enveloping them. The usually bustling cafe was quiet, the lunchtime rush having passed.

Bram guided Tabitha to a secluded corner booth, his hand resting gently on the small of her back. They slid onto the worn leather seats, a sense of familiarity and comfort washing over them.

A waitress approached, her smile friendly as she placed a couple steaming mugs of coffee on the table. “Anything else I can get for you two?”

Bram glanced at Tabitha, a silent question in his eyes. She shook her head, offering a grateful smile. “Just the coffee, thanks.”

As the waitress retreated, Bram leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “So,” he began, his voice low and gentle, “tell me about your vision. What did you see?”

Tabitha wrapped her hands around the mug, her gaze distant as she gathered her thoughts. “It was like stepping into a memory,” she murmured. “I saw my parents, young and happy. They were holding two babies, twins. Me and... a sister I never knew I had.”

Bram’s eyes widened, surprise etched on his face. “A sister? What happened to her?”

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