Page 77 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

But even as I say the words, I know the idea of returning to the stronghold, of taking my place as Uncle Alvric’s heir, sounds worse with each passing day.

Leaving the cafe,my heart skips a beat as I catch sight of Ecco in the town square. Her face is flushed, violet eyes wide and bright.

Worry flashes through me, that old fear that something might be wrong. My protective instincts are always on high alert when it comes to her.

But I quickly realize it’s not fear or distress making her eyes bright, but pure, unadulterated joy. Ecco rushes to my side, her words coming in a breathless rush.

“I’ve figured it out, Graeme! I’ve reached my true powers!” Her musical voice rings with triumph. A hint of uncertainty creeps into her expression. “But I’m not sure what I’m going to do next. I need to try the powers out, make sure I can control them. And I can’t exactly practice on people without their consent, when I don’t even know what my powers will do.”

I reach out, gently taking Ecco’s small, soft hand in my large, rough one. My thumb brushes over her knuckles as I meet her gaze.

“Practice on me, Ecco. I trust you.” I say the words quickly, before I can second guess myself.

Ecco studies me. “What? Are you sure, Graeme?”

I just shrug, trying to communicate my trust with my steady gaze. “Whatever feeling or change you cause is temporary, right?”

Ecco nods slowly. “The effects themselves are temporary, yes. But… the book says over and over that a memory of it remains, just like with normal emotions. So… whatever I do, it could have unintended consequences.” She bites her lip. “That’s why I have to be so cautious.”

I squeeze her hand, my gaze intense and unwavering. “I know you’ll be careful, Ecco. You’re stronger than you know.”

She hesitates, and I gather her up into my arms.

“Let’s do it. Let’s find out what you’re capable of, Ecco.”

Ecco leadsme into the tranquil depths of the enchanted forest, down a footpath that Ecco says is normally an easy hiking trail, but now is a bit of a challenge thanks to all the snow. I insist on switching places with Ecco frequently, so that I can break the fresh snow before us.

Ancient trees loom tall, their gnarled branches creaking in the breeze, occasionally dislodging snow that falls in glittering clumps. Apart from the breeze, everything is quiet.

Arriving at the spot she was aiming for, Ecco uses the sleeve of her coat to brush the snow from a worn wooden bench, then gestures for me to take a seat. She meets my eyes and I nod, encouraging.

Ecco moves to stand before me, an ethereal figure haloed by stray sunbeams. She takes a deep breath, her eyes fluttering closed as she reaches within herself.

I watch, transfixed, as the air around her shimmers, charged with the force of her magic.

And then, in a voice both haunting and achingly beautiful, Ecco begins to sing.

The melody is unlike anything I’ve ever heard, even from Ecco. Each note seems to reach into my very soul, stirring up buried emotions and half-forgotten memories. Images of grief and longing dance behind my eyelids, a lament for all that has been lost.

I see my parents, hear their voices. For a moment I’m a child again, hearing the news that my parents are gone, never to return. The anger and sadness twist together in my gut, and despair floods through me.

But then, threaded through the sorrow is a glimmer of hope, fragile yet persistent. A reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can be found.

The light expands, rays reaching outward. The warmth wraps around my middle, a sense of security as cozy as any blanket. The golden light grows and grows, radiating through me, filling me with peace.

The grief I’ve carried for years over my parents’ deaths—it’s there still, but less. For the first time, the happier memories of them come to the forefront first. My resentment and sadness has been overpowered by love. Hope.

The final note fades away, and I feel wetness on my cheeks.

Tears I hadn’t even realized I’d shed.

And when I open my eyes, it’s to a changed world. The force of Ecco’s magic must have heated the surrounding air; we sit in a bubble of warmth, snow and ice melted away for several feet in every direction.

I gaze at Ecco in wonder, marveling at the depth of her gift.

Tears stream down Ecco’s face as well. I can see her processing the magnitude of her power.

“You can heal grief, Ecco,” I murmur, my voice rough with emotion.

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