Granny leans forwards, her voice soft but firm as she speaks. “You see, Harri, you and Sam are twin flames. It is not just a bond of love. It is something deeper, something more powerful. When two witches are bound this way, their magic becomes one. Your souls intertwine, and together, your strength multiplies beyond anything either of you could do alone. It’s a force that even time can’t unravel.”
My brow furrows in confusion as I sit back down, allowing myself to listen. “But… what does that mean?”
Granny’s eyes gleam with a secret knowledge, a warning in her tone. “It means that your magic isn’t just for you anymore. It can be passed down, and your children, your offspring, become amongst the most powerful witches born. And that, my dear, can make us dangerous to witch hunters. They know what that kind of power can do. And they won’t hesitate to try and take it for themselves.” She relaxes her shoulders. “But two twin flame witches also can use their power to protect those around them with such size that it would take a lot for a witch hunter to get near. Your healing potions will double with power, your dreams will become clearer, your power and Sam’s powers will be greater than any of us.”
“How long have you known?” I stutter through my words.
Granny does not answer.
“Granny?”
“Since the day you were born. I knew this day would come. That you, my darling Harri, would be together with Samuel, the most powerful witch in our ancestry. I knew one day you would feel that missing feeling. That one day Sam would lay eyes on you and that fire within you both would ignite. Your mother knew it too.”
Tears are filling my eyes. “My mother?”
“She took you away to stop it happening sooner. She didn’t want you wrapped up in our world. But, instead got wrapped up in another. One against our kind.” Her eyes dart to Aradia. “Tell Harri what you know.”
My eyes, red and upset, shoot to Aradia who is quiet and anxious. “What?” I seethe at her.
“The Belfours use witch hunters. I was waiting to get some more information before telling you. They have been using witch blood for years to get where they are. It looks like they have known what you are this whole time. And your father is the one who sold you to them for the price of wealth and power.” Her eyes also start filling with tears. “I’m so sorry, Harri.”
The magic inside me swirls like an angry wave in the North Sea, angry and unforgiving. It fizzles up through my throat and out my mouth into a blood curdling scream. The lights in the cottage explode above us. The empty chairs around the table fly away slamming into the floor. My face falls onto the table and I wail like an injured animal. I pass out.
Twenty
I awaken on the floor in the living room with my legs on the sofa and my head resting on a pillow with a cool flannel over my forehead. Aradia is fanning me with a copy ofGardeners’ World.
“She’s awake,” she shouts, panicked but relieved, towards the door before turning to me. “Are you OK?” She strokes my forehead lightly.
“What happened?” I slur slightly.
“You have been out for hours. Your emotions spurred on a magic blowout. Quite spectacular but completely validated, obviously.” She carries on wafting me with one hand and stroking my hair with her other.
I try to sit up, feeling wobbly. Aradia helps me from behind and I turn and use the sofa to prop myself up, so I am now sat on the floor.
Granny rushes in with someone behind her: my mother.
“How is she?” my mother asks quietly, her eyes tired and dark.
“She’s awake at least.” Granny scurries to sit beside me. My mother sits awkwardly on the armchair across from us.
“Why are you here?” I stare directly at my mother with eyes of daggers.
She rubs her hands in her lap and lets out a defeated sigh. “I know everything, Harri. About you and Sam. The twin flame you both possess. I know about Greg and the Belfours. I know about your father and I think it’s time you do too.”
My heart stops. She is serious. My whole life has been a lie. Planned out for me. Every move calculated.
“Someone better start explaining,” I say emotionlessly. I just want to know the truth.
Aradia and Granny look at each other then look at my mother.
“Maybe it’s best we leave you both to it for a moment,” Granny says tenderly before Aradia helps me onto the sofa opposite my mother. I am still angry with them but I still adore them too. I know whatever they did was in the best interest of me. But my mother… I am not so sure.
They stand. Granny touches my mother’s shoulder with a sympathetic squeeze and follows Aradia out of the door.
“I can imagine you’re feeling confused and angry right now,” my mother whispers.
“You have no idea.” I look at her. She’s not the woman I am used to seeing. This woman before me is broken and defeated. Part of me actually feels sorry for her. The fire in my belly simmers down and I calm my demeanour. “But you’re here, and I’ll listen.”
