Page 43 of Bearly Believable Romance

In that instant, she knew Ophelia had the chance to end it all. To strike Tabitha down once and for all, to extinguish the light that threatened to pierce the veil of darkness she had wrapped around herself.

But she didn’t.

With a final, anguished cry, Tabitha’s sister vanished, her form dissolving into wisps of darkness that melted into the shadows. In her wake, a cryptic warning echoed in the sudden stillness, the words hanging heavy in the air.

“Whispering Pines will fall. And you with it.”

Tabitha sagged against Bram, her breath coming in ragged gasps as the adrenaline that had sustained her began to ebb away. He held her close, his arms a fortress of strength and comfort around her. The tears she had been holding back finally spilled forth. He held her close, his strength a steadying presence in the swirling chaos of her emotions.

This was just the beginning, Tabitha knew. Her sister was still out there, still a threat to the town and to herself. But for now, they had achieved a small victory. They had planted a seed of hope, a chance for reconciliation.

“She’s gone,” Tabitha whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of relief and sorrow. “But she’ll be back. This isn’t over.”

Bram nodded, his jaw tight with determination. “We’ll be ready for her. We’ll find a way to reach her, to bring her back to the light.”

Tabitha clung to those words, to the hope that they represented. She needed to help Ophelia, to reestablish the bond that had been ripped from them.

TWENTY-TWO

After arriving at the shack her sister currently called home, Tabitha stepped out of the car into the crisp morning air, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The weight of the Celestial Chalice in her hands served as a constant reminder of the task that lay ahead.

She glanced back at Luna, Ellie, and Celeste, all of whom insisted on coming with her, and saw their faces etched with determination and support.

“Let’s do this,” Bram said, his voice steady and reassuring. He reached out and gave Tabitha’s hand a gentle squeeze, his touch sending a surge of strength through her.

Celeste nodded, her auburn hair gleaming in the early light. “We’re with you every step of the way, Tabitha.”

Luna and Ellie murmured their agreement. Tabitha felt a swell of gratitude for their unwavering support, knowing she couldn’t face this challenge alone.

Tabitha closed her eyes for a moment, reaching out with her senses to the land itself. The earth beneath her feet thrummed with energy, guiding her forward like an invisible compass.

With each step, she could feel the Celestial Chalice’s power growing stronger, its ancient magic pulsing in time with her heartbeat.

All at once, the air grew thick and heavy, the clouds blotting out the sun. Tabitha’s skin tingled with the tang of dark magic, a palpable presence that set her nerves on edge.

Suddenly, a shimmering wall of energy materialized before them, blocking their path. It crackled and hummed with malevolent power, a protective spell woven by Ophelia to keep intruders at bay.

“I’ve got this,” Celeste said, stepping forward with a look of grim determination. Luna and Ellie flanked her, their hands already glowing with arcane energy.

Tabitha watched in awe as the three witches began to chant, their voices rising and falling in a complex harmony. Strands of golden light flowed from their fingertips, weaving together into a shimmering tapestry that slowly enveloped the barrier.

The dark magic fought, hissing and spitting like an angry serpent. But Celeste, Luna, and Ellie were relentless, their power fueled by the depth of their friendship and their unwavering commitment to Tabitha’s cause.

Inch by inch, the barrier began to fray, its edges unraveling like a threadbare cloth. The witches’ faces were tight with concentration, beads of sweat glistening on their brows. Tabitha held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the battle unfold.

With a final surge of power, the barrier shattered, dissolving into a shower of shimmering sparks. Celeste, Luna, and Ellie sagged with exhaustion, their faces lined with fatigue but alight with triumph.

“Incredible,” Bram breathed, his eyes wide with admiration.

Tabitha nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. The display of raw magical power left her breathless, a testament to the true strength of their bond.

As the sparks faded, Tabitha caught sight of a rundown house, its walls shrouded in a pulsing dome of dark energy. She knew with certainty that Ophelia was inside, waiting for her.

Squaring her shoulders, Tabitha gripped the Celestial Chalice tightly. “Let’s finish this.”

Celeste gave her a wink. “We’ll take care of any other traps. You focus on Ophelia.”

With a grateful nod, Tabitha approached the house, steeling herself for the confrontation to come. She stepped inside, the musty air thick with the tang of dark magic. And there, in the shadows of the dilapidated living room, stood Ophelia.

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