Page 125 of The Rebel Seer

“Shy,” my mother-in-law gasps. “You’re…”

Glowing. I glow with invitation, and they take it. I feel the first of the sluagh fly through me.

Feel his cool presence. In life he was a farmer. A half-troll who was killed because the king feared his size and ordered his family slaughtered. He holds on to his two sons, also killed and then trapped by the wizard. He holds them close so they won’t lose each other. So they can be together wherever fate leads them.

I feel his love and gratitude as he flies into eternity. Into whatever way station waits for him and those he loves.

I hear shouting but I pay no mind to it. I don’t need to. My husband and our family and friends will take care of me. He won’t allow anything to happen when I’m in this vulnerable time. Or am I? I don’t feel vulnerable. I feel my gift.

Each soul who passes through has a story to tell, a life to share, and in those seconds it takes to cross over, I take them in. I open myself and let them fill me.

I feel when all who were trapped have passed, and yet they do not stop. Some of these souls were stuck in Hell for centuries, but when they saw my mother and Bris, they took the chance that their long suffering could be over. They realized Hell is a choice they made, and they can make a new one.

When the last moves through, my mother stands before me.

Myrddin is screaming about some contract, but Daniel is arguing with him. Something about the deal being fulfilled.

I’m sure I’m right. The deal Dev made was completed with his death and Bris willingly entering Hell. No one said I couldn’t bring them back.

But I ignore the argument because I see her again.

She holds out a hand. “Hello, baby.”

Tears stream down my face as I hold her hands in mine. “Hello, Mama.”

“Your mother?” Rhys straightens his shirt. “Your mother is here?”

“Her mom? She was in the mountain?” Zoey asks, her face still red from crying. “I thought Myrddin killed her.”

“He did. She’s been following me ever since,” I say, never taking my eyes off my mom. “I was afraid of her. She was the first spirit I ever saw. Connecting with her brought me into my power.”

“I’m sorry I scared you, baby. I thought I was taking on a peaceful form. Things get confused on this side, and then I couldn’t change. I was as stuck in my fear for you as you were in your fear of me,” my mom explains, her voice sounding ethereal. She’s wearing white, and it contrasts with the beauty of her skin. “But I’m not afraid anymore. I can move on now because you have a family again. I suppose I needed to know you had a mother who would take care of you.”

I look to Zoey. “She says she can go now because I have a mother again.”

Zoey bites back a cry, and Rhys puts an arm around his mom’s shoulders. “I am, Shy. I will be your mom for as long as I live. I won’t… I will survive for my children’s sake. I will honor my husband by taking care of us all.”

I feel Dev’s deep sorrow.

And I see the King of the Seelie staring at Zoey.

Oh, is that what Arawn meant?

Shy, Dev begins. I should talk to them and then I will go.

“Trust me,” I whisper. “There is still a chance.”

“I love you so much, my baby girl,” my mother says. “But I would love to see your father and sister again. To be with my family. You have found your soul’s mate, and I am so happy for you. He’s stubborn, but I can feel his love for you. Be happy, my love. I know now what a gift you were to us all. Thank you for picking me to be your mom.”

Tears stream as I offer my mom the door. “Thank you for teaching me how to love.”

“You always knew,” she says and then she hugs me, arms reaching around, and she is gone. “It’s who you are.”

A deep sense of peace grounds me in the moment, and I reach for my husband, hopeful I have one last job to do.

* * * *

Zoey

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