Page 99 of Light and Shadow
Mother looks pale and tired, and it’s still early morning. Her hands rest on Cara’s head and throat. She lets out a long breath. “I’m sorry. This magic will require some research to reverse, Cara.”
Cara nods, her expression somber and resigned.
Dorian presses his hand to her shoulder. “Thank you, Ma’am. We’re grateful for my magic’s return and all your kindness.”
“Mother, you look like you need a rest.” I kiss her cheek.
Cara nods.
“I just need some fresh air and sunshine, but that’s not what the gods have given this day. I’ll step onto the veranda.” She squeezes Cara’s hand and walks to the doors at the end of the long row of windows.
Harper stays with Cara, but I follow Mother. The drizzle doesn’t affect a few feet of cover outside. “I’m glad the freed will have their magic back.”
She nods. “We found one whose magic is dark. He has been taken to the lower-level cells until Rían returns from patrol and can evaluate the cause.”
The captain has a gift for knowing if Venora’s magic holds a person or if they’ve chosen a dark path. I ask, “Who is it?”
“His name is Cormac.” She breathes deep, as if denied clean air. “He claimed he’s not a follower of the witch queen.”
I picture the quiet man who carried injured children and helped in many small ways during the journey. “I never noticed anything off-putting about him.”
She shrugs. “Better to be cautious. He’ll be well treated until an evaluation can be made.”
“And if he follows Venora of his own free will?” A few months ago, if I were in her place, I’d be tempted to rid the world of all dark magic. Now, I know that all shadow is not evil.
“We’ll hold him or banish him. I don’t know yet, Aaran. I don’t want to become what we’re fighting.” She slumps on a bench, and her lips tighten into a straight line.
“No. I agree. Venora destroys what she can’t use. We have to be better than her.”
Mother stares at me. “You’ve changed. Is it the human woman?”
Sitting beside her, I say, “In part. Harper’s magic is filled with light and shadow. She has taught me that all things can be used for good and evil. Maybe I haven’t changed so much as I’ve grown up a bit.”
Her smile is lighter and full of pride. “Are you in love with this human?”
“I am.” I can’t lie to my mother, though I’d hoped to keep this from her for a while longer. “Her soul’s song sings to mine in a way I never dreamed possible.”
“I see.”
“You’re displeased.” I ready myself for a different kind of battle, though I feel as committed to winning this as I do to defeating Venora.
“No. She’s a smart, powerful woman who clearly adores you. She came here to help us when she didn’t have to. That shows courage. What more can a mother ask for her eldest son?” Rising, she kisses my forehead.
“I will return to the human world if Harper won’t agree to remain here. Liam will take my place at your side. He’s a fine soldier and will learn diplomacy.” It feels as if I’m disappointing her, but this is not negotiable. I need Harper, and once Domhan is safe, I’ll choose her over duty.
Looking out over the Cumhachdach Mountains that rise to the west, Mother sighs. “I will accept whatever you decide, Aaran.”
“You’re not going to try to talk me out of this or demand we stay here?” It’s hard to believe she’d let me go without a fight.
As she cups my cheek, her smile is sad, but pride shines in her steel-blue eyes. “All I have ever wanted for my sons is for them to find happiness. I want you to live, have babies—some girls would be nice—and enjoy every moment.” On a deep inhale, she steps back. “Venora must be our first task. After that, you are free to do what will make you and Harper happy.”
I hug her tight. “Thank you, Mother. I hope Father is as understanding.”
Laughing, she breaks our embrace. “You might want to hold off on this discussion with him. However, I think he’ll be swayed.”
Feeling a hundred times lighter knowing Mother approves and the freed are healing, I leave her and the veranda to find Harper and claim her time for the rest of the day. I just have to tear her away from the children.
Chapter Twenty-Six
