Page 76 of Blood Match

What if I made a mistake?

I guess it’s too late to be worrying about that now.

In a few hours, I’ll find out.

25

Chapter 25

Rowan

Ifollow Kara and Gran through the woods behind our house, fighting down excitement and dread. We’re heading to the old stone circle – a place our ancestors have used for powerful rituals for generations. It feels right to connect with Mia here.

“Are you sure about this, Rowan?” Kara whispers, her eyes searching mine. “I feel like I kind of forced you into this…”

I smile, trying to project more confidence than I feel. “It’s fine. I can do this. I want to do this. For Mia.”

We reach the clearing, where weathered stone slabs form a perfect circle. Mom and Dad are already there, setting out candles and herbs. I can practically feel their anticipation on my skin.

“Darlings! You’re here!” Mom comes over with hands outstretched, pulling us each in for a warm hug. She looks happier than I’ve seen her in weeks. “That’s a pretty scarf, Ro. Are you all set?” she asks.

“Absolutely!” I nod eagerly, wanting to show her that I’m fully on board.

Dad joins us. “It’s going to be a good night.” He squeezes my arm. His smile is more reserved than Mom’s, but I can see he’s excited too. “Shall we begin? Mom and I have set everything up.”

Gran starts arranging us around the circle. “Remember,” she says, her voice steady, “we’re reaching across the veil to connect with Mia’s essence. Focus on your love for her, on your shared blood.”

I take my place, acutely aware that I’m the weak link in our family’s magical chain.

Not anymore.

The power I gained from Darick courses through me, unfamiliar yet potent. Despite my earlier doubts, I can feel it now.

We join hands. Gran begins the incantation, her voice rising and falling in the ancient language of our craft. The candles flicker, and I feel the magic building.

It’s working!

Then, it’s my turn to add my power to the circle. I close my eyes, channeling everything I have into connecting with Mia.

Please, let this work. Let us find her.

A surge of energy rushes through me, far stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before – although to be fair, I’ve never felt much of anything before. The clearing blazes with light as our combined magic connects, sealing the circle.

Gran’s voice rises and falls, the ancient words resonating through the circle. Mom and Dad join in, their voices blending in perfect harmony. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for my part.

As Kara and I add our voices to the chant, the energy in the circle intensifies. The candles flare brighter, their flames reaching impossibly high. A curtain of light begins to form between the stones, pulsing with our combined magic.

I pour everything I have into the spell, drawing on the new power I gained from Darick. For a moment, it feels incredible. I’m actually contributing, holding my own alongside my family’s formidable abilities.

But then I feel it start to slip.

The unfamiliar magic within me flickers and sputters like a candle in a gusting breeze. I grit my teeth, desperately trying to hold onto it, but it’s like reaching for tendrils of smoke. Panic rises in my chest as I realize I can’t maintain the connection.

“No, no, no,” I whisper, my voice breaking the rhythm of the chant.

The glimmering curtain wavers and I can see the concern in Gran’s eyes as she glances my way. I try to rally, to push through, but it’s no use. The power is fading fast, slipping through my fingers like sand.

With a sound like shattering glass, the circle of light collapses. The candles gutter out, plunging us into darkness. As my eyes adjust, I see the disappointed and worried faces of my family.

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