Page 73 of The Witch's Shifter
I DIDN’T QUITE KNOW WHAT to expect, but seeing Auntie as if in the flesh, standing right here before me, certainly was not it. I’ve never reconnected with a loved one who’s passed to the Otherside, so I wasn’t sure how—or evenif—she’d appear. I almost can’t believe it. More tears rush down my cheeks, and I throw myself into Auntie’s arms.
She laughs, and the sound is just as I remember it—gentle, rolling, warm, like grassy hills bathed in the summer sun. Her smell, the aroma of orange and coriander, wraps around me, and I breathe it in. The arms that embrace me are firm and real, though cold, even through the thick fabric of my long-sleeved dress. I can almost convince myself, just for a moment, that she never left, that she’s been here beside me all along.
“You’re here,” I whisper as I pull back. My vision swims with tears, making her beautiful face, with its soft wrinkles and gentle smile, blurry.
Auntie reaches up to wipe the moisture away with the pads of her thumbs. “You called, little sprout. Of course I’m here.” Hergaze flicks to one side, where Selene stands with tears running silently down her cheeks. “And my silver Selene. Come, darling.” Auntie holds out her arms, and Selene steps into them.
My mother stands quietly, hands clasped, lips pressed into a firm line. I know my mother’s expressions well, but this one stumps me. It’s as if she’s keeping her face intentionally blank, working to hold on to her mask lest it slip and reveal the true feelings simmering beneath.
I imagine it must be tiring, wearing so many faces, but never her real one.
When Auntie turns and they lock eyes, a ripple of tension goes through the room. I think everyone holds their breath—except for Fletcher, who flaps his arms and stares up at his grandaunt with glittering eyes.
“Evelyn,” Auntie says, voice still soft, like the burbling of water over river stones. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
Mama lifts her chin just a hair. “Is it so hard to believe I’d want to help my daughters reach you? This was important to them.”
“To them,” Auntie echoes. She nods once, the smile on her mouth flickering for just a moment. “Of course. And yet, after all these years...” Moving from where she stands, she reaches out to touch the silver necklace Mama placed upon the altar. The metal gleams when she lifts it and holds it aloft. “You still have the necklace I gave you. I could’ve sworn you threw this into the river decades ago.”
Mama reaches up to smooth a hand over her hair. “You must’ve been mistaken.”
“Mm.” Auntie sets the necklace down, then shifts her attention to the four men—and one baby—watching our interactions. “Well, it seems I’ve a few new faces to meet. Wyland, darling.”
“Lady Silvermoon, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Wyland steps forward and adjusts Fletcher’s bundle so Auntie can see him better. “We’ve a child now. Fletcher, meet your grandaunt.”
“Oh, by the goddess. He’s beautiful,” Auntie says. “Congratulations to you both.” Then her eyes slide to Alden, Rowan, and, standing a bit farther away, Faolan. “Mr. Stonewood.” Her tone is colored with surprise.
Alden flushes pink when we all look at him. “Um, hello, Lilith. Good to see you.” He meets my eyes, looking lost, and I give him a reassuring smile.
“I’m Rowan Highcliff,” Rowan says, stepping forward and bowing his head. “It’s such an honor to meet you. I’ve heard much about you from Aurora. She still makes that lemonade, the one you used to make when she was a girl.”
At his words, Auntie turns to look at me over her shoulder. Just meeting her eyes makes me want to burst into tears. I had so many plans, so much I wanted to ask her and wanted to say. But now I fear I won’t be able to get a word out without falling to pieces at her feet.
“You remember my secret ingredient?” she asks, arching one brow as she looks at me.
My lips pull up, and I say softly, “A pinch of salt.”
“Brings out the sweetness,” we say together.
Auntie’s lips curl up before she turns back to Faolan. “And who is this?”
Faolan straightens up from where he was leaning against the wall. His blue eyes meet mine, looking a tad unsure, but I nod softly.
“Faolan,” he says, voice low.
“Faolan. Rowan. Alden.” Auntie’s eyes flick to me, then down to my rounded belly. “It seems I’ve missed much in the time I’ve been away.”
I step forward and reach for her hand. Her skin is cooler than it was in life, but at least for now, for this one night, she is tangible, and she is here.
“I wish to tell you everything. There’s so much I want to show you. The garden is flourishing, and we have three hens now. Alden fixed the veranda, and—”
Auntie starts to chuckle. Her free hand rises to press against my cheek. “Let’s have a cup of tea, and we can speak until the time comes for me to return.”
Chapter 39
Aurora
OVER TEA AND PIE, I tell Auntie everything. She gets a chance to meet Harrison, and he spends his time moving between her and Selene, though he avoids my mother entirely. Those two have never been fond of each other. I believe the only animal my mother has ever liked is her spirit companion, Vesper, though the elder raven didn’t accompany her on the trip here to Faunwood. Like her, he can be cantankerous, and I imagine he wasn’t thrilled about being away from home for so long. He’s a homebody, that one.
