Anna nods eagerly. “Sure thing, boss.”
Just then, the bell chimes overhead, and a pretty, auburn-haired man walks in. He’s holding a leash, and I spot a cute little fox at the end. I instantly know this is Autumn and his familiar, Maple. Autumn joins us and introduces himself, while I’m buzzing with happiness. I’ve been having visions of people I know are meant to be my close friends.
“Here you go, love,” Darius says, handing me a drink a few minutes later. “As promised, a Peppermint Potion.”
Grinning, I take the mug and peer at the pretty green drink. It almost looks like a matcha latte. “I thought this was supposed to be a peppermint concoction,” I tease.
Darius shrugs. “I thought it could use a better name.” He leans in close and whispers in my ear. “Its natural properties are supposed to help you feel relaxed and calm. I thought we could share before we meet your parents.”
I nod thankfully. Damn, he’s so thoughtful. I take a sip, and an explosion of taste bursts on my tongue: peppermint, sugar, and cream.
“Oh my gosh,” I gush. “This is delicious! You have to make one of these for me every day!”
Darius’ golden eyes sparkle. “Every day? I can do that.”
The bell chimes overhead again. As soon as I recognize the older couple, I gasp. The couple in my vision are my parents. Andstanding next to them is the pretty blonde woman who’d been with them. Anya. My sister.
Memories, visions, and dreams flutter through my mind. I don’t know whether it’s because I’m finally seeing them in person, or if it’s magic, but either way, I don’t care.
I remember them!
Mom rushes to my side, pulling both me and Darius into a warm hug. “Oh, my baby!” She holds on desperately. “You’re finally home.”
Dad joins the hug, smiling down at me. “Christmas really has come early.”
Tears fill my eyes, happiness swirling in my heart.
Chapter fourteen
Kaleb
November marks the twentieth anniversary of Kaleb Dumas’ disappearance. On November 15th, six-year-old Kaleb vanished in the town square while shopping with his parents, leaving only the faintest magical trace behind. Following a thorough investigation, the Elite Guard tracked down and apprehended the witch who kidnapped Kaleb.
Unfortunately, the Dumas Heir was never found, leaving the Dumas Coven devastated. Till this day, Edwin and Lyra Dumas are convinced their son is still alive and won’t stop searching until they are able to bring him home.
November 15th is an important marker in Heart’s Hollow’s town history. Every year, we honor the Dumas Coven for the extra strides they’ve made to strengthen the town’s wards and in making Heart’s Hollow one of the safest sanctuary towns in the world.
-Heart’s Hollow Tribune
Darius guides my parents to the table, encouraging them to sit down. Autumn gives Anya a quick hug, and it’s clear they know each other. As soon as we are seated, Darius flags Anna over, and she quickly takes everyone’s order. I ask for a pastry and some water, just to have something to do with my hands.
“I’ll be back. I’m going to take Maple on a quick walk and meet up with Rook. I’ll give you time to catch up.” Autumn pats me on the back as he walks by.
I study my parents. Even though I’ve been having visions of them, they actually look younger in person, leading me to believe that maybe those happy visions are further along in the future.
Just knowing that warms my heart even more. If the future unfolds the way I’ve glimpsed, then I’m happy I’m reuniting withthem. On the flip side, it’s kind of weird that both Edwin and Lyra look a lot younger than I thought they would. What if they really aren’t my parents? Maybe the little boy they were looking for is a lot younger than me.
No, that doesn’t make sense. Darius said they’ve been looking for their son for twenty years. Plus, there are all my memories and visions. Darius must sense my nerves because he leans back in his seat, pressing his thigh against mine under the table. A stray image of Darius sitting here in his mer-kraken form comes to mind. I imagine one of his pretty blue tentacles wrapping around my calf to give me comfort, and another wrapping around my shoulders.
The image is so clear, I yearn for it.
“Oh,” he gasps quietly as a blush spreads across his cheeks. Surprise pulses down the bond.
“Did I just send you that image?” I ask him with a shy smile.
Darius nods, speechless. “No one has ever…” He pauses for a moment, perhaps to gather himself. “I don’t usually shift in public.”
Surprise flutters in my stomach, and I make a mental note to ask him about this in private.
