Page 73 of Captivating Magic

“Will you miss the chance to see him if you stay? Like, can’t you meet up with him in the afterlife or something?”

Her wolf counterpart looked to Isis to explain.

“The part of Kyrella transitioning to the next stage will be with her mate again. There, she will be a wolf for all but three days,” the Goddess said.

“So, the reverse of her time here?”

“Yes.”

Ebba smiled at Kyrella. “Not so bad then since I get to consume your pain.”

“Not so bad then.”Her canine grin was a sight to behold, and Ebba laughed for the first time in what felt like forever.

Sobering, she asked the question they’d avoided all night. “Why would the Fates allow this?”

“Because I asked them,” Isis replied. Her sudden smile was startling and a thing of wonder.

“I still don’t understand why. Was it for Laszlo?” Ebba couldn’t say why her need to know was so strong, but she couldn’t seem to let it go without the full truth.

“It was for you both, child.” The Goddess’s expression was one of deep affection, the kind reserved for a friend or relation. “You were my handmaiden, and when it was your time to bereborn, I couldn’t bear to part with you. That delay cost you years of happiness with Laszlo.”

“My mother’s miscarriage four years before I was born?”

Isis nodded.

“It’s why you bothered yourself to get involved in mortal affairs,” Ebba concluded.

“Yes.”

“It would also explain the familiarity I feel around you.”

“If by that you mean your inability to curb your tongue, yes. You’ve always been outspoken,” Isis replied with a laugh. “It’s what makes you unique, my darling girl.”

“I wish I remembered.”

“It’s part of the process. When your time comes to leave the earthly plane for the Otherworld, those memories will resurface,” the Goddess assured her. “If you choose to join my court again, you will be welcomed.”

“Thank you for this chance, Exalted One.” Ebba bowed her head.

“It was the least I could do for my favorite pet and handmaiden. Treat Kyrella well.”

“I will.”

But there was one possible objection left.

Laszlo.

“Will you wake him?” Ebba asked, climbing to her feet. “He should get a say in whether he’s tied to me forever or not.”

Castor snorted. “Somehow, I don’t think that will be a hardship.”

26

PRESENT DAY

Laszlo jolted as his spirit rejoined his body. He woke slowly, vaguely aware of the conversation around him. Words likewolfandEbbawere spoken in hushed tones, and the sense of dread he experienced was staggering.

Panicked, he bolted upright and looked around the living room. Seeing only Castor, Alastair, and Damian caused his heart to slam painfully against his chest wall.

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