Page 42 of The Banshee and the Warlock

Understanding slots into place. "You're my mother?"

She nods. "I know you may be angry at me for leaving..."

"I'm not. My parents told me that you had no choice but to give me up." A lump forms in my throat. "They always spoke well of you. But if you're here..."

"Yes, I am here because I no longer walk among the living."

"Do all banshees speak so poetically?" I ask. "Do I need to learn how to do that?"

She lets out a surprising laugh. "No, it's just that the older generations speak in a certain way, and it rubs off on you after a while. You'll learn to speak this way once your spirit is here."

"That doesn't sound like a fun way to spend eternity."

"I'm only an echo, Anja. Only the banshee part of me resides here. The rest of my spirit is at peace."

"Oh."

She steps closer and brushes some hair out of my face. "I'm glad I got to see you."

"Me too." I stare at her, seeing how alike we are, but how different at the same time.

"I'm glad you've found people who love you."

"I have," I assure her, thinking of my parents, of my friends, and of Cethin, even though it's still new between us.

She smiles. "You're strong, Anja. I'm sorry that you've had to find out what you are alone and that I wasn't there to guide you, but know that I'm proud, and I know you will find the peace you need in order to use your powers."

"Thank you."

She steps back. "You should wake now."

I nod and close my eyes, unsure how I know that's what I need to do, but it feels right given the circumstances.

I take a deep breath and open them again, already knowing from the warm arms around me that I'm back in the Potions classroom.

"Hey," Cethin says softly.

"Hi."

"No screaming this time?"

I shake my head. "I met my mother."

Surprise flits over his face. "That sounds heavy."

"I guess. It's hard to explain. I came to terms with my adoption a long time ago, but it still feels like I got closure, kind of? I mean, I don't know anything about her, or why she gave me up, but I guess it's nice to know that she cares?"

He nods and runs his hand up my arm in a comforting gesture. "What about the rest of it?"

"They did something that they said would give me access and understanding about my magic. My head hurts a little." I rub my temple.

"I'm not surprised. We should get you back to the flat. A good night's sleep should help, especially if you don't have to worry about nightmares."

"Hopefully." I sigh. "I wish I weren't so tired."

"Oh?"

"Then I could invite you back to my room."