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‘And next year,’ Trinity said, her eyes shining as she gazed at Sirius, ‘we plan to have our own child, so I’ll be kinda busy. Now I have my magic back there’s no reason to suppose things won’t go well next time. We’re going to set the school up and then see how it goes.’ She turned to me, suddenly looking guilty. ‘Is that okay, Wulfram? I don’t want to let you down.’
‘You haven’t let me down,’ I assured her. ‘As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.’
Star and Benedict had been very quiet, but now Star cleared her throat. I saw the anxious look on Benedict’s face and waited.
‘It’s a wonderful idea,’ Star said hesitantly. ‘And, honestly, I do believe it’s what you’re supposed to do. But the fact is, I have two young daughters. They won’t be little for long, and I want to spend every spare moment I can with them. I want to make sure I’m around to see them grow up. They must be my priority. I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be sorry,’ I said, seeing the relief in Benedict’s eyes. ‘I think you’ve made exactly the right choice.’
‘But if you ever need an expert fire witch,’ she added, ‘just call me. I’ll be there.’
I smiled. ‘I’ll be sure to remember that.’
My heart, though, was sinking. So far only Keely and I were up for this. My vision of us all banding together to form the Pendragon Alliance was disappearing rapidly. What if no one wanted to join? Where would we find other members?
‘I suppose I ought to be brave and say this out loud,’ Sky said miserably. ‘The thing is, what I’ve realised is, I’m not brave. Not really. I like my nice, quiet life in Castle Clair. I like my lovely house in Hornbeam Close. I like helping Star in the magic shop, or helping Celeste at the museum or the Mother Clipson Experience. I like helping Jethro research his books. I like having cake in Mrs Greenwood’s teashop. And I’ve got a wedding to plan, too, now. I don’t really want to be worrying about threats and danger. I’m just not that sort of person. I’m so sorry, Wulfram.’
‘You don’t have to be sorry,’ I told her. ‘It sounds like the perfect life.’ I sighed heavily. ‘I wouldn’t mind that sort of life myself, but I have a feeling I’m meant to do this. But don’t feel guilty, Sky. I want you and Jethro to be true to yourselves.’
‘Thank you,’ she said gratefully, grasping Jethro’s hand.
Celeste and Hector were sitting quietly together, listening. Celeste reached into her handbag and pulled out a card, staring at it intently for a moment.
She raised her eyes to mine.
‘You know, ever since we first arrived on that island I’ve wondered what this meant,’ she said, waving the card at me. I realised it was the invitation that Meri had sent her. ‘You will find your true purpose in unity,’ she read. ‘What did that mean? And why did the wording never change when everyone else’s seemed to? But when you asked us to be part of the Pendragon Alliance, Wulfram, I checked again. It’s finally changed. Now it says,Your battle is done. You have found your purpose. I guess that’s clear enough. I’m meant to be part of this.’
‘Are you sure?’ Sky asked worriedly.
‘What about the museum and the Mother Clipson Experience?’ Star pointed out. ‘You can’t do everything!’
‘But Sky is perfectly capable of taking over from me. I’ve felt a restlessness for a long time now,’ Celeste admitted. ‘Like I was meant to do something else with my life. I just didn’t know what. It’s hard being married to a Guardian.’ She turned to Hector who gave her an understanding smile. ‘Not that I’d change him for the world. He’s everything to me and he knows that. But knowing what he can do, knowing he’s out there changing things that none of us have any idea about, making a difference without anyone being even slightly aware of it… I’ve felt useless, inadequate. Like I should be doing more.’
‘It’s not a competition,’ Trinity said. ‘You don’t have to feel inadequate, Celeste. You’re an amazingly powerful witch.’
‘Yes I am,’ she agreed. ‘That’s not me being boastful. I’m just stating something I’m finally starting to accept. I do have powers that most other witches don’t, and they’re growing stronger all the time. I don’t know why. But the point is, I can’t waste those powers sitting behind a counter at the museum, however much I love the place. I should be doing more.’
She smiled at me. ‘What you’re suggesting—reforming the Pendragon Alliance—I think it sounds perfect for me. It’s a way I could make a difference. If my purpose is in unity, as it said on the invitation, then what better way to fight for unity than this? I’m in.’
I looked doubtfully at Hector, wondering if he’d raise any objection, but to my relief he seemed perfectly happy with her decision.
‘As a Guardian,’ he said, ‘I can’t officially be involved with the Alliance. You realise that?’
I nodded, understanding all too well.
‘But,’ he added with a twinkle in his eye, ‘if there’s ever anything I can help you with—unofficially naturally—I’ll be there. You only have to say.’
‘Thank you, Hector. Celeste, welcome aboard.’
‘Welcome aboard what?’
We all looked up and shuffled awkwardly as Derwa walked into the room. I eyed her worriedly. I may have been mistaken, but I was almost certain she’d been crying. Her eyes were slightly puffy and red-rimmed, and her previously flawless skin looked a bit blotchy. My heart went out to her, and I saw from Keely’s face that she was thinking the same thing.
‘Come and sit down, Derwa,’ she said, patting the seat next to hers. ‘We were just talking about our new venture.’
Derwa gave Aidan a quick glance, and I saw the sympathy in his eyes and knew he understood how she was feeling all too well. Maybe he was feeling the same way. Maybe I should have fought harder to get their families to call this wedding off. Had I been a coward? Had I let this couple down? I just didn’t know.
‘So what’s going on?’ Derwa asked, trying to sound cheerful.
