Page 175 of Castings & Curses

I did. I poured out my heart, the torment of my feelings for Cristian, his transformation into a vampire, and the discovery of our family’s ancient feud with the vampire council that had arisen from the curse. As I spoke, I watched the play of emotions on her face that reflected my own fears and uncertainties.

When I finally finished, Mother’s gaze was distant as she became lost in thoughts and perhaps memories I had no access to. Finally, she spoke.

“Sage, my dear.” Her voice was soft, her hand reaching out to cover mine. “Life is a complex tapestry of emotions and decisions. Loyalty to family is paramount, as is the pursuit of happiness and love.”

“But what about the feud with the council? What about the risks?” I asked, my eyes searching hers for an answer, for a direction.

“We cannot change the past, Sage,” she said, her gaze steady on mine. “We cannot change the actions of our ancestors or the circumstances Cristian finds himself in. What we can change is our response.”

“So, you’re saying…” I trailed off, uncertainty still gnawing at me.

“I’m saying”—she squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with an understanding born of experience—“love is a powerful magic. It’s time for the curse to be broken and the feud put aside. Search for the answer. Let your heart guide you.”

Such a wave of relief and hope overcame me that it nearly stole my breath. I leaned forward, hugging her tightly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me quite yet. There is one thing you must do in order to break this cycle of animosity. You must gain your grandfather’s blessing. Only he can vouch for you to the elders. What you’re taking on is incredibly dangerous for us all.”

My smile quickly turned into a frown. I’d always been his favorite, but would he do this for me? There was only one way to find out.

* * *

The walkto my grandfather’s was a short one, but it felt as though I were traversing an endless path. His home, a larger cottage on the outskirts of the village, was known to all as the home of our coven’s head, a man of strength and wisdom, who was deeply entrenched in the old ways.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, I found him hunched over his old oak desk, scrolls unfurled before him, the warm glow of candlelight painting him in a somber tableau. His keen eyes glanced up, instantly softening as they found me.

“Sage, my little star,” he said into the silent room, “What brings you here so late?”

“Grandfather,” I began, my voice trembling with the weight of my confession, “I’ve come to speak to you about Cristian Lazar.”

His demeanor shifted instantly, the warmth replaced by a chilling rigidity. “I’ve heard the rumors. Are they true, then?”

Swallowing my fear, I nodded.

Grandfather straightened. Despite his years, he was still a man of great strength, and his resolve showed in his clenched jaw, his big hands clenching by his sides. “He must be destroyed, then. We cannot allow a vampire to be the lord of the lands on which the coven resides.”

I shook my head. “No! Grandfather… He’s still a good man. He’s…he’s refused to feed from mortals and has turned to animals instead. He’s vowed not to hurt us.”

Grandfather’s eyes, as cold as I’d ever seen them, pinned me in place. “And how do you know all this?”

I swallowed hard. “Because…I love him. Grandfather, please hear me out!” I cried as his jaw tightened in anger. “He sought power to keep us safe, to stop these lands from falling into the wrong hands. His intentions were good…” I trailed off unevenly.

He shook his head, shoving his hand through his thick mane of white hair. “By the Great Mother, Sage! He’s a monster!” His thunderous voice reverberated off the stone walls. “You cannot be serious about this…this creature of death!”

“I am, Grandfather,” I said, straightening my spine. “I love him, and I believe he can bridge the gap between our people.”

His laugh was bitter, hollow. “And can you stop the curse? If you persist, you threaten all our lives, everything we’ve built together. Even if I gave you my blessing, the elders would hunt both of you down and destroy you, and if not them, then the vampire council. The hatred between our species is elemental. We support life.Theybring death.” He folded his arms over his broad chest. “I cannot agree to this.”

“I’m not asking for your approval,” I said in a small voice. “I’m asking for your blessing.”

His eyes grew wide in disbelief, then narrowed as he scowled. “Impossible.”

“Then I…” My words caught in my throat. What was the cost of love? Of happiness?

“Then, Sage,” he interrupted, his tone unyielding, “you will be exiled. From our family, our coven, and our village. We must cast you out and disown you lest you bring the curse down upon us all. Is this creature worth such a price?”

My heart ached, threatening to shatter under the weight of his words. I’d never seen Grandfather so angry. I had anticipated resistance, perhaps even disbelief, but exile?

His gaze never wavered as he waited for my response. I drew in a shaky breath, my thoughts racing. But as I looked into his stern eyes, a quiet strength settled over me. This was my path, my decision.

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