Page 37 of Hidden By the Gargoyle

I noticed that she didn’t say she wouldn’t be hurt or anything else. Only that she wouldn’t leave. Still, I didn’t call her out on it.

For the first time, I could feel the power snap in the air when she said the words. They were magically binding, as vows were in Devil Springs. There was magic in the air here and promises made were promises kept. Or else the magic would take its due.

My aunt released my hand and picked up her tea, taking a sip. “What did you need to talk to me about when you messaged this morning?” she asked. “Other than Dax having a hard-on.”

I scoffed. That was just like her. A sneak attack to change the subject, along with an outrageous statement to throw me off balance. She was sneakier than any fox.

Goddess, this was more difficult than I thought it would be. It was the first real secret I’d kept from her, and the guilt was a razor’s edge cutting at me.

“I’ve been having dreams the past couple of months,” I admitted. “About a man.”

She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the counter. “About Dax? Were they sexy?”

I shook my head. “No, about a man named Talant. I thought, at first, that my imagination was working overtime because I was stressed or bored or something. Because, when I first started dreaming about him, he was sleeping inside a stone prison. But, around the time Bethany died, he started to wake up. And he talked to me.”

My mouth was dry, so I took a sip of my tea. The warm liquid soothed my throat, and the floral scent of chamomile calmed me somewhat.

“It wasn’t until Sommerton kidnapped Sela that I realized he wasn’t a figment of my imagination. He was real.” I took a deep breath. “And then, when you told me that I was destined to wake the blood god, I realized that’s who he was. That we had a connection.” I took a deep breath, preparing for the most difficult part. “I kept it a secret because I was embarrassed that it took me so long to realize what was happening and…”

“And what?” Minerva asked. She didn’t sound angry, only curious.

It made the tightness in my chest ease a little.

“And I thought that’s all my power would be—talking with Talant in my dreams. I didn’t think it was anything special or world changing.”

Minerva stared at me, an astonished expression on her face. She set her mug to the side. “That’s why didn’t you tell me about this when you realized what was going on? Because you were afraid I would judge you?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe. I’ve been so confused about it and a little scared.”

See, that was the tricky part. I talked to Minerva about nearly everything, but this was a difficult conversation because it made me much more vulnerable. And I didn’t want to hurt her feelings or have my feelings hurt either.

“Ally?” she pressed.

“I thought that it was the only magical ability I would have. And I didn’t want to disappoint you again.”

Minerva looked confused. “Disappoint me again? I don’t understand. I don’t think you’ve ever disappointed me.”

I had to keep going, even though I didn’t want to.

“I know you were disappointed when I didn’t manifest during puberty or high school.” I lifted a hand when she opened her mouth and said, “Let me finish.”

Minerva closed her mouth and crossed her arms at her waist, nodding.

“You never said anything, but I know that you wished I’d manifested. I was excited at first when I realized I had power. Until it hit me that this might be it. My dreams about Talant might be all I was ever capable of. And I knew you’d be disappointed again.”

Minerva shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “Sweet girl, I was never, ever disappointed that you weren’t a witch. And I’m so sorry if you thought that. The only thing I ever worried about was howyouwould feel about being a human in Devil Springs. There aren’t many humans here and I worried that you might feel unwelcome or as if you didn’t belong here. I was terrified that you wouldn’t come home after college, but I never said anything because I only want you to be happy.” She sniffed, wiping away one of the tears that fell. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted—for you to be happy and healthy and have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

A lump settled in my throat. “But what if I don’t have any more magic than this? Nothing other than being able to talk to the blood god in my dreams?”

Minerva sniffled and then laughed. “Oh, Ally, this is why I wished you’d come to me. I could have explained to you that you have a very special ability. One that many witches would love to have.”

Um. What?

She continued as though she’d heard my silent question.

“It’s called dreamwalking. It’s an extension of telepathic magic. In sleep, you can make a connection to others and either walk into their minds or bring them into yours.”

I could bring someone into my mind? Wow, that was nuts.

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