At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series

I feel my body rematerialize from the aether, panting heavily as I stand in front of a large house. When you arrive via teleportation, I often describe as though you are sand pouring from the air. It’s not exactly the most enjoyable of sensations. I also haven’t needed to use the spell in some time, hence my exhaustion.

I feel utterly drained, despite my weeks of training. Even if I had performed the spell without any previous injury, it still would be taxing. I couldn’t use it during the summer as Titania handled that issue, and it was through the use of the Kinstone I was teleported to where Aria was that fateful night.

I pull out one of the potions I brought along with me and down it. I gag, nearly choking from the awfully bitter and rather disgusting flavor of the concoction. I spit out some of it while swallowing the rest. I shiver as the potion rejuvenates my strength. I smirk, as I regain my composure, thinking I should really learn how to cook.

I look out onto the visage of a city clothed in heavy fog. The city of Seattle is often a dreary place, even in more amicable weather. So many friends reside here, friends who no doubt are worried sick over my daughter, perhaps still mourning my “passing”. I can’t let many of them know that I am in fact alive, despite so desperately wanting to.

The air is ripe with moisture and cold, no doubt a storm had either passed or is coming. A storm is coming, a powerful one, but not one of nature. I nod softly and turn towards the long, stone-paved walkways and travel along them to the front door of the house of someone very dear to me. I reach up and knock on it a few times.

A moment passes as I wait before the door finally opens, revealing a servant. He looks to me, eyes wide with shock as he stares. His mouth hangs ajar the more he stands speechless.

“Is your mistress here?” I ask, smiling softly.

He finally snaps out of his shock and looks to me. “Please forgive me, my Lady. Her ladyship is indeed home.” He quickly steps back and ushers me inside, closing the door behind me. He then leads me deeper into the house.

As we stroll through corridors, I gaze around. The house has not changed as soft, muddled gray light filters in from the numerous windows. Paintings line the walls along with various Ming vases that rest upon the wood floors. At times I can hear the joyous laughter of children running up and down the hallways, knowing the generations who would visit.

The further we traverse the halls, I wonder how long it’s been since the last time I was here. I then smirk softly, grinning, two years. It was the week of Aria’s first Thanksgiving with me, having traveled here to attend a yearly meeting concerning the Coven at large. I didn’t attend last year’s meeting as another family elected to go in my place.

All around me I see several more servants, all in shock to see me. I smile to them, knowing they won’t be the last.

We travel up the stairs, feeling the cold, stone railing under my hands. I smile, also quite loving this feeling.

Our trek down the second floor corridor leads us to a pair of doors. The servant then motions for me to wait as he knocks.

“Come in,” I hear a woman’s voice from the other side.

The servant then opens the door and walks in. I am instantly greeted by the smell and sound of a crackling fireplace. Past the door I can see a dark, wood-paneled room with chairs, a couch, various small tables and desk partially obscured by the door. I smile, gazing into the study, seeing a woman sitting in a chair by the fire.

I watch as the servant walks over to woman. “You have a guest, my Lady.”

The elderly woman sighs, sounding slightly annoyed. “If someone is here seeking any more news, tell them I have none,” she rasps.

I smile, “Hello, Miriam.”

The woman quickly turns and stares at me. She then slowly rises from her chair and stares at me. “Are…are you really here?”

I smile, walking towards her, “That I am, my dear old friend.”

Miriam’s mouth quivers slightly as we quickly embrace one another. It is long and deep, one shared only by family. Miriam at times has been like a mother to me, in fact being the one who raised me and then brought me into the Coven. I confided in her often during that first year alongside Marron when concerning Aria. It was this same bond that she extended to Aria, becoming her grandmother. It’s true that while she views all the children of the Coven as her grandchildren, Aria is truly hers.

She pulls back and looks to me. “I was told you perished in the battle,” she says with tears in her eyes. “Yet…here you are.” I chuckle nervously, nodding.

She then looks to the servant who led me here. “Have the kitchen prepare tea for us.” He quickly bows and leaves. She then leads us back over the fireplace, each taking a seat. “Now tell me what happened after poor Aria fled.”

My heart jumps slightly, still feeling the sting of that day. I take a long steady breath. “When she fled, I sealed the Estate away, expelling all invading forces sent after us. Unfortunately, that act cut us off from the world. To anyone observing, it would seem we had perished.” I then lower my gaze solemnly, “Some did.”

Miriam reaches over and holds my hand. I smile, having missed her greatly. My gaze then turns back onto her. “Where is she, Miriam? Where is my daughter?” My voice now filled with worry for her.

She nods, leaning back slightly. “After Aria fled the battle, she sought refuge with the Parkstons. The entire coven was in shock and sadness when she relayed what happened. Her friends in particular wanted to go and be with her, only to be turned down for Aria’s safety.”

I smile and nod, yet feeling slightly ill. I’m glad that she made it somewhere safe, yet amazed she knew of the town and their home’s true purpose. Although, I really shouldn’t be surprised with her by this point. The Parkstons are among several who act as secret refuges in times of crisis. They typically are located in remote parts of the country and are at times difficult to reach.

At the same time, I hate that the whole of the Coven had to learn of her exile from her. I know many would have loved nothing more than to have taken her and her party in without hesitation.

Miriam nods softly, “She spent time there, trying to come to terms with what happened, her mourning.” The elderly leader then sighs, “All the while there, she suffered greatly from nightmares, some more horrific than the last time.”

I slink back into my seat in horror at this. Not again, not those again. The last time she suffer from nightmares like this was after her birth family was murdered and she was dealing with survivor’s guilt. They were horrendous, the likes no child should ever bear.

“Evelyn often reported on Aria’s lack of sleep at times,” continues Miriam. “We often stayed in constant contact. While there, Aria did find some measure of peace, often being surrounded by other coven members.” She smiles softly, “Matthew Lancaster and his family were constant sights at the Ranch on weekends.”

I smile. Matthew is a wonderful man and his wife Rebecca and their children are treasures. With them there, along with Liam and Samantha, Eveline and Jonathan’s children, Aria and Fenris would definitely have had their hands full with them. The pair love children, with Aria no doubt acting as the elder sister to all of them, being she would be the oldest while there.

Our tea is brought in and the servant carefully pours each of us a cup. I smile to the servant and pick up my cup, slowly taking a sip, allowing the rich, bitter flavors soothe me somewhat.

Miriam takes a sip from her cup. “The Court made several inquiries into Aria’s well-being, with Arcturus being the most vocal. However I told them to refrain from entering America.” She looks to me, “I know several of them are your dear friends, however given how Regulus seems to possess a vast network of spies and informants, their presence here would not go without notice.”

She smiles softly. “Arcturus wished to bring Aria into his home, yet I had to sternly turn him down. She potentially would have been put into more danger if she had gone to him. Given Arcturus’ status, Regulus could have possibly found her faster.”

I smile, oh you wondrous man. Hearing his willingness to do such a selfless act makes me love him all the more. I am forever grateful for his generosity and concern for my daughter. I know he loves Aria and will make a wonderful father to her one day. However I agree Miriam in that the risk would’ve been far too great if she were to have gone with him.

Miriam then rolls her cup I her hands. “In early-September however, Edtrich attacked the Ranch, forcing Aria and her party to flee yet again.”

I look to her as my face then grimaces and lets out a growl. Edtrich hates Aria with a passion over a simple misunderstanding. Granted I did scold her over the affair. Edtrich is far too petty in bearing a grudge against her. However while they aren’t the most powerful of covens, seeing how we fought against four others that were, they still possessed numbers in their favor. That in of itself troubles me.

“Jonathan and Evelyn are both fine,” continues Miriam, obviously sensing my concern. “Their only really issue, apart from Edtrich destroying part of their home and Aria’s car, was their children coming home and crying when they learn Aria was gone.”

I nod, knowing how Micha and Luna felt when they fled. Now for Edtrich to destroy Aria’s car, that must have hit a sore spot for my girl. She loved her Sportage; being a simple vehicle she enjoyed driving. Not to mention all the care and attention given to it by Marie.

“To add insult to injury,” she adds, “a warrant was place for Orga and Kateryna, alleging they kidnapped Aria.”

I grip my cup tightly, growling softly, “Damn you Regulus.” If you couldn't take her by force of arms, you instead attempted to remove her protectors.

She takes another sip of her tea. “Aria went silent for the next week and a half. When she finally contacted me, I learned that they were attacked not only by Mythcia but also Hawkesvaine.”

My jaw drops at this. Mythcia is one thing, they are more powerful than Edtrich, but nothing Aria or her party can’t deal with. Hawkesvaine is an entirely different matter altogether. The Coven as a whole isn’t normally violent to other covens yet are easily far more powerful. Even still, the fact that Regulus managed to recruit more covens to his side troubles me.

A smile then appears on Miriam’s face. “During her call to me, Aria told me how she and Marron reunited with each other during the battle with Hawkesvaine and were able to reconcile afterwards.”

I smile brightly, feeling relieved by this. At least one of my innumerous worries has been laid to rest.

“During our phone call,” says Miriam, “we made plans for her and group to come here. She stated how public transit was out of the question. So she mentioned their travel here would be conducted by way of fairy road. I never knew Aria had knowledge of such magic.”

I lean back, tapping my cup. Was that another reason why Titania visited her that day?

Miriam then grins softly. “During our call, Aria was quite adamant in her wanting to defend Marron when they arrived here. Oh, the passion and concern in her voice, it was moving.”

I smile to her, she truly loves her sister. Granted she did threaten to fight the Coven over her, which was also telling of how far Aria would go for Marron. I have no doubt that Marron was shocked if her sister told her.

“When I was finally able to calm her down, I told her that coven no longer holds any anger or resentment towards Marron.” Miriam nods softly, “That fact was made evident when Marron arrived at the Ranch and was spotted by Evelyn, Jonathan and Matthew after the attack. They were relieved to see her.”

The issue is that neither knows why. This lack of knowledge would only serve to fuel Aria’s concern for Marron. Yet still there’s one burning question as I look to her.

She nods, “I know what you are going to ask. The day Aria was supposed to arrive; I was awoken by my staff as they said a portal was opening outside the house. Obviously I rushed down, only to watch it collapse.” She takes a nervous sip of her tea before placing back onto her saucer. “That was nearly three months ago. Even our friends abroad have had no news of her whereabouts.”

I nod, also taking a sip of tea. My worry and concern for my girl only rises more.

Miriam looks to me, “If Regulus had Aria we would know it. The fact that he is still searching for her means she’s still out there.”

I nod, yet I recall the feeling I had as the seal was broken. I know she is alive and safe, but where is she? Lord I miss my little girl.

A servant then rushes into study holding a phone. “Forgive me, but Miss Aria is calling.” Our eyes grow wide as Miriam rapidly motions for him to hand her the phone.

“Aria?!”

“Hi Granny.”

My heart races while tears run down my cheeks as I hear her voice for the first time in months. My girl, the voice of my little angel, oh how I’ve longed to hear it. I can tell she sounds happy as I listen to their conversation. Heaven knows I want to speak up and talk to my girl. Hell, simply have the call switch to video and see her smiling face.

However I can’t, not now. I should remain in the background and silent. I can tell one thing, she’s not in America, that’s for certain. Something in her voice seems different, a slight need to correct her accent. I want to her stay safe and not here. It pains me to know she’s right there, yet I must refrain from speaking to her.

“Marron is with me, do you want to talk to her?”

Miriam takes a deep breath, “Not…right now my dear.” She pauses for a moment. “But do tell her the Coven misses her deeply, just as much as you.”

A moment later she lowers the phone and offers it to me. “Do you wish to speak to her?”

I quickly shake my head. “I can’t. It’s not yet time,” I whisper. Oh the temptation is strong to take the phone and speak to her. However I know if I do, she will want to return all the sooner. It’s just not yet time for her to.

I stare at the phone. I now know both girls are together wherever they are. She wants Marron to talk to Miriam, to also have her prove she’s there. Yet she is hesitant to do so.

I smile, God I love this daughter of mine.

I smile as their conversation continues. She truly seems happy and safe wherever she is. When the discussion turns towards the Solstice Festival being cancelled, I can feel her heart breaking over it. I know she wants everyone to be happy, but at the same time, I know everyone wouldn’t be able to truly enjoy themselves during it, knowing she and Marron aren’t there.

Miriam is elated and relieved to hear from her granddaughter, always with a constant smile on her face. I know she would have loved nothing more than to hold Aria closely if she had indeed arrived here, no doubt spoiling her rotten as any grandparent should.

I smile softly, hoping Fenris has been keeping her in line. He is her father in every way and has been since they bonded. I pray her knights are also in good spirits. Dealing with a moody teenage girl, especially after what she’s been through is never easy.

Marron, I am forever grateful to you, for everything you have done for her. However, as much as you have done in this time, you and I have business to conclude. Yet for now, I pray you have found peace and have forgiven yourself.

As the pair draws their call to a close, I still am in awe and proud of my daughter for staying alive and safe through all of this. I know Christmas is around the corner and I will miss my girl during it, being our first apart from each other. Yet I am grateful she will get to spend it with Marron, something the two have wanted for some time now.

“Oh,” says Aria, “one more thing Granny.”

She grins, “What my dear?”

“Kick ass.”

Miriam chuckles, “I shall and I will relay this to everyone as well.”

I chuckle softly; shaking my head as my daughter basically declares war. I know she is worried for her coven, but is equally aware that it’s high time we launched a counter-offensive against Regulus. At the same time, I should really help curb the incredibly sharp tongue of hers.

As they finish their call, Miriam lowers her phone to end the call and looks to me. “You do realize that all of this is a gamble correct?”

I sigh, nodding. “I know.” I know what Miriam is talking about, what must happen if and when Aria and Marron are to return and come home.

A sharp thought then races through my mind as I look to Miriam as I realize I spoke loud enough for Aria to hear me. She’s always possessed sharp ears. We each look to each other, praying Miriam ended the call fast enough before that happened. If Aria did in fact hear me, she may want to come here and potentially expose herself to Regulus.

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. A smile stretches across my face, overjoyed to hear my lovely girl’s voice after so long. This will definitely lift everyone’s spirit back home.

After a moment of silence, Miriam smiles to me. “Our little girl is correct, we should begin a counter-offensive. To make sure it is safe for her to come home to us.” She finishes her tea, “Allister and Multhaine are both ready to aid us.”

I smile to her, placing my cup and saucer onto the table. “Where am I to be sent first?”

She chuckles, motioning to the door as it opens. I turn and discover Annabelle standing there. Her face is alight with joy and relief. I quickly leap out of my chair and the two of us embrace one another, overjoyed to see each other again. We are also mothers separated from their daughters.

“I am so happy to see you sister,” says Annabelle.

“As am I, sister,” I reply. We share so much in common, both having daughters brought into the Coven, a bond shared over our love for them both. Annabelle has always kept a close eye on Aria’s progress along with Marron. After Aria finally met her, the pair would always be excited to see each other.

Miriam smiles, “We have work to do ladies. Our girls need a safe home to come back to.”

We nod and head for the door.

(Back to present day)

My daughter smiles to me yet has the look of possessing more questions. “So what we heard about battles being fought were true. That was you and Miss Annabelle?”

I nod, holding her close and kissing her on the head. Now, I know for a fact she hadn’t contacted Miriam in the last month, otherwise I would have heard of it. There was only one other being who was aware that I had returned, and he was in Europe at the time. So maybe it was him?

I stroke her gently, when I learned that Arnold and his family were murdered, I was dismayed and horrified. I still had them watched, yet somehow the team sent to their home managed to complete their task. I can’t begin to imagine how Aria must have felt when she learned of their fate, her last blood kin and tie to her past life.

“So Mom,” she asks, “how did you come to be there when we returned?”

I smile, stroking her more. “Miriam and I had gained intelligence that Regulus had sent many teams into America when the covens began to fall away. One team was traveling dangerously close to the Parkstons so I went to intercept them.” She looks to me, “I had no clue that Lana and Mistral were among them.”

She grins softly, “That explains the feeling I got the moment I opened the fairy road at the Outpost.”

I smile, holding my girl tightly to me. I then lean into her ear. “Perhaps we should have a little mother/daughter time together. What do you say my love?”

She grins, nodding. “Oh, I have something from Serasfall to give you.” I watch as she then reaches into her bag and rifles through it only to pull out a small black capsule. She smiles handing it to me. “It’s a letter from her.”

I take and look it over. I smile and nod, “I’ll read it later sweetheart.” She nods. I look into her eyes, seeing a glint of something, no doubt she too received a similar letter from her ancestor.

Aria then looks to the children. “I’m gonna be with my mom for a while. We can play later if you want.” The pair grumbles, whining softly before nodding. She smiles, hugging them tightly.

Fenris and Athena both then rise from the floor. “We would like to escort them home,” says Fenris.

Warwick smiles, “Thank you Fenris. It’ll be good have a moment to speak with you again.”

Fenris smiles and nods.

Athena leans in and nuzzles the little ones, causing them to giggle. A broad smile stretches on her face as she then looks to Aria. The wolf then softly nudges her face lovingly. Aria smiles stroking her muzzle gently. I marvel at this, thinking how much a mother Athena is to Aria. It’s rather obvious to me how close the pair are.

The pups look to Athena and then to Fenris. A broad and mischievous grin grows on both their faces. “Fenris has a new girlfriend.”

Fenris puffs up as he stares at them only to look to Athena. The pair then smile brightly to each other.

I laugh, shaking my head, “Oh just go home you two.” They each let out a giggle before hugging Aria tightly and then leave with the wolves.

I sigh happily and rise from my seat, pulling my daughter with me. I smile to everyone, knowing they’re simply happy to see us together again after so long. The maids all are smiles with Sebastian nodding his head to us. Xiphos nods, knowing his favorite student will no doubt pay his sanctum a visit soon.

As we head for the door, I peer back to see Sil’vari knocking her head towards Marron who sighs, nodding. She too rises from couch and follows Sil’vari and Velhemina out of the parlor.