Page 44 of The Midwinter Mirror
“I’m scared.”
“Don’t be. It’s clear she never forgot you. She loves you. Go.” I give him a gentle nudge, and he swallows and walks slowly toward the little group.
He crouches down in front of Tansy. I can’t hear them from here, but I see the wide smile on her face. She looks at Josh and Milo and asks something. Whatever Zayne says, she likes itbecause she jumps up, and then she’s in his arms. He swings her around, then puts her down and kisses the top of her head.
My eyes prick, and I let out a little sniff.
“It makes everything worthwhile, doesn’t it?” my mum says, coming up beside me and handing me a plate of food. I eat as I watch Zayne, deep in conversation with the children.
“It’s beautiful,” I say.
“You saved them. I knew you would.”
“Which is more than I knew.” I turn to look at her. “I’m a witch, Mum.”
She smiles. “I guessed as much.” She pats my arm. “I always wanted a witch in the family.”
Only in Elderfell. “Well, now you have one.”
“You’ll be leaving us, I’m guessing.” She looks across at Zayne. “The two of you were always meant to be together, and Elderfell is too small to hold Zayne. But don’t forget us, Holly.”
“Never! You’re my family. I love you.”
“Good.”
At that moment, Zayne raises his head, his gaze meets mine, and a slow smile curves his gorgeous lips. He whispers something to Tansy, and she giggles. Then he’s heading toward me. So big and full of confidence, and my heart swells inside my chest. I nearly lost him forever, and my life would have been empty without him.
Fate has given me another chance.
My heart beats faster as he stops in front of me, takes my plate, and puts it on the table. He slips his hand in mine, and together we walk from the room, through the corridor to the library. He shuts the door behind us, presses me back against the wood, and kisses me.
Deep, hot kisses that literally make me weak at the knees. Finally, he raises his head. There’s a tic jumping in his cheek. For once, he looks young and nervous.
“Just ask me,” I say.
His lips quirk. “Will you come to Valandria with me, and Josh, and Tansy, and Grimlet and be part of our family?”
It’s not what I expected of this Christmas in Elderfell, but it’s the best Christmas present ever.
“Come on, Holly. You’ll love it there. And it’s the sensible thing. I mean, you’re a witch, and while there are no more mirror mages in Valandria, there will be others who can help you understand your magic.”
He’s totally right. I open my mouth to answer, but he’s already speaking again. “And did I mention the animals? Lots of animals. You can still be a vet if that’s what you want. And I bet the magic will help with that.”
I hadn’t thought about my studies, but yes, he’s right. Again, I try to answer—
“Did I mention how beautiful it is? And you can still see your mum and dad and Milo. You’re a mirror mage. You can go wherever you like. And Milo has already planned his first trip, and—”
“Zayne,” I snap. “Will you let me get a word in?”
“Sorry. I’ve been trying to think of all the ways to persuade you to come.”
“There’s only one thing I need to persuade me to go to Valandria.”
He looks wary. “And that is…?”
“Will you be there?”
A slow smile curves his lips. “Hell, yes.”
