Page 97 of Witch's Fate

Sofia had nothing to say to that. Physically, she couldn’t say anything. Through her grief and pain, she recognized that it was true. But it hurt too much to say the words that would confirm it. And what did it matter? Mnemosyne was the Titaness of memory and this place was named for her. She knew all. Sofia didn’t need to confirm it.

“I suppose it changes the situation,” Mnemosyne said.

What?

Warmth suffused Sofia’s cold limbs. Slowly, her breathing became easier and her lungs began to clear. She still hurt, but eventually she was able to drag herself to her knees. Mnemosyne had healed her?

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Malcolm sit up. She clambered to her feet, her legs still leaden from exhaustion. Kitty stood beside her.

“Malcolm!”

“Sofia.” Relief echoed in his voice. “I felt you. But you were in danger.”

He was at her side in an instant, sweeping her into his arms. He felt as whole and vibrant as he had been in life, his arms strong and real. Not ghostlike as his mother had been nor faded from giving her all his power. Warmth filled her.

“You gave me all your power,” she said. “You were fading when I got here.”

“I had to.” His gaze burned with conviction, and he pressed a hard kiss to her mouth.

Joy surged in her chest. He felt so strong and warm and real. This was worth any cost.

She leaned back and looked up at him, cupping his face in her hands. His golden eyes were bright with unshed tears, his gaze devouring her. He looked so handsome and familiar that she felt hot tears begin to pour down her cheeks.

“Why are you here? You should be on earth, alive.” Anguish resonated in his voice.

“I had to find you. Vivienne brought me here.”

“You need to leave. More than anything, I want to be with you. But this is a half-life, just a waypoint. You need to live. You need to go.”

“I’m not leaving you.” She gripped his shoulders. “I don’t care what’s here. I love you, and I’m not leaving.”

“But you—”

“Silence,” Mnemosyne’s voice resonated with power.

Sofia whipped around to look at her, dread sinking her heart. The sight of Malcolm had made her completely forget about Mnemosyne.

She was even more beautiful than Sofia had realized, regal and elegant. Only now did Sofia see where they stood—in a beautiful courtyard that was paved with the same glimmering gray stone that made up the walls. Colorful flowers bloomed everywhere, in beds and pots. Two-story buildings with balconies surrounded the courtyard and fountains burbled in the middle.

Beautiful.

“Malcolm the warlock and Sofia the Bruxa. One of you should be here, but the other should not,” she said.

“I’m sorry I broke the rules, but I want to stay with Malcolm. Please,” Sofia begged.

“I know. I saw what you went through to get here. Do you know the story of Orpheus and Eurydice?”

“The Greek myth?” Malcolm asked.

“Yes. But as with all myths, it was true.”

Sofia nodded. “Orpheus went to Hades to try to save Eurydice when she died. He was allowed to lead her from Hades, but she would only make it out if he didn’t look back at her.” Sofia could see how it was a bit similar to her circumstance.

“Yes. And you are a bit like Orpheus. Coming to the afterworld to find your beloved.” A small smile curved her mouth.

“If you let us leave, I swear I won’t look back at Malcolm,” Sofia said.

Mnemosyne shook her head slowly and Sofia’s heart dropped. “No. That will not happen. You don’t want that. You see, Plato had it right in his version of the story. Orpheus never really had a chance to save Eurydice. He was a coward, unwilling to die to be with his beloved. He mocked the gods by attempting to steal her rather than by having the courage to join her.”

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