31. CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
T he courtyard was draped in a shroud of mourning, the scent of incense mingling with the lingering smell of charred wood. Three funeral pyres stood tall and still, each one adorned with the belongings of the fallen warriors. Pressure built at Rowan’s temples as she moved through the grieving assembly, their faces etched with sorrow.
Ruby stepped forward, clearing her throat. “Eris was more than just a member of our coven. She was our heart,” she began, her voice trembling as her gaze swept over those gathered around the pyres. “Her wisdom guided us, her kindness strengthened us, and her strategic mind saved us countless times.”
There was a collective nodding of heads, a murmur of agreement. Eris’ presence had been a comfort to everyone. Without her wisdom strengthening their defenses, their losses would have been significantly higher.
“Solene . . .” Ruby faltered. “She embodied the light we all seek amid the relentless darkness. Her laughter, her hope . . . it was infectious. She reminded us that there is still beauty to be found, even in the darkest night.”
Solene’s twin sister Luna let out a choked sound as several women surrounded her to keep her from collapsing. Rowan struggled to come to terms with how someone who had burned so brightly could be snuffed out in an instant.
Casimir’s hand wrapped around hers, his grip strong and comforting. Rowan squeezed back, grateful for his presence. Tears streamed down her face, and she made a silent promise to herself to try to live the remainder of her life with the same bravery and strength the fallen had shown in their final moments .
Ruby’s voice cracked with raw emotion as she continued. “And my mother . . . Cora.” She paused to steady her quivering lips. “She was the rock upon which I built my strength. She was always brutally honest, and tough, but fair. She taught me that true courage is about doing what’s right not just when it’s convenient, but also when it’s truly difficult.”
Ruby lifted her gaze, her eyes glistening with unshead tears.
“Cora led us all by example. Her wit, her passion for righting wrongs. She inspired all of us to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Because of her, we found our courage.” A single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. “I know that her fire will continue to burn within me forever, and I pray that the Goddess reunites us in the next life. Please join me in honoring her memory by living her values and continuing her fight for justice.”
As Ruby’s final words hung in the air, the witches gathered, their voices hushed in a prayer honoring the cycles of life and death. The fire wielders stepped forward, their hands glowing with flames that reached out for the kindling stacked beneath the funeral pyres.
In a solemn and steady tone, they recited, “With fire and flame, we honor our fallen kin. As it is above, so shall it be below. From the earth we come, to the earth we return.”
The pyres caught fire, the flames reaching toward the heavens as if to deliver the spirits into the arms of eternity. The heat from the crackling blaze kissed Rowan’s cheeks, and the scent of burning pine filled the air. Beside her, Casimir stood resolute, his hand never leaving hers.
“May the winds carry their spirits to the next realm, where they will find peace,” Rowan said, her voice wavering on the last word.
She turned away from the flames, seeking some small escape from the relentless tide of grief, and found herself enveloped in Ruby’s embrace. They clung to each other tightly, united by the pain they shared, until there was nothing left but ashes.
Casimir strode across their luxurious guest room in Marcus’s castle to embrace Rowan. “Has your mother shown any progress over the last few days?”
“Ruby’s been able to heal her physical injuries. But she still looks through me, as if I’m a stranger,” Rowan said. “During the battle, when I forced my power up against hers, I felt her magic shatter. It’s like I broke something inside her. Something that can’t be fixed.” She sighed, overcome by guilt .
“You did what was necessary. The power you wielded saved all our lives—including your mother’s.”
“But at what cost?” Rowan looked up at him. “I forced my power on her. I took away her control without understanding the potential consequences. What if I shattered her mind? What if I’m responsible for killing not just one parent, but both?”
Casimir gently placed a hand on her cheek. “Please listen to me. Lilith’s condition isn’t a reflection of your intent or your love for her. The Reaper forced your mother to use her powers against you. Any loving mother would choose to sacrifice themselves for their child. She wanted you to overpower her so you could win the battle. Deep down, you know what I’m saying is true.” He gently caressed her face. “I’ll do whatever it takes. We’ll leave no stone unturned and no spell uncast until she’s been fully restored.”
Rowan nodded. She leaned into his touch, yearning for the solace he provided. His arms wrapped even more tightly around her as she rested her forehead against the solid wall of his chest.
“Thank you.” She allowed herself to be held, to take comfort in his presence. “For being here. For always standing by me.”
Casimir’s deep voice resonated through her as he uttered a promise. “I’ll stand by you forever, Rowan. I’m yours: in love, in battle, in sorrow, and through whatever our future holds.”
Sitting at the massive table in the dining hall, Rowan locked eyes with Ruby, sorrow clouding her features.
“Lilith hasn’t been able to heal here.” Ruby gestured to the stone walls of Marcus’s castle. “I believe it would be best for her to leave with my coven. She needs to be away from vampires—they trigger her fear and are hindering her recovery.”
Sitting beside Ruby, Marcus nodded in agreement. “Her coven has resources and magic at their disposal.”
Rowan’s chest tightened painfully. She couldn’t imagine being away from Casimir, yet staying by his side felt like abandoning her mother. The logical part of her mind told her that Lilith’s only chance lay with the witches, but guilt made her insides twist in on themselves regardless .
“Lilith will recover with the ancient healing magics of the coven,” Casimir reassured her. “You and I aren’t healers, and she needs the capable hands of the witches.”
He spoke the truth, but his words did little to ease her pain. Rowan gazed at each of her new friends sitting around the table, all showing genuine concern and support.
“Okay,” she said, finally finding her voice. “Please take her to Cora’s cabin. There’s an energy there that I think will be helpful for her healing. I’ll send Phoenix as soon as possible to seek word of her recovery.”
Ruby nodded. “I won’t stop until we find a remedy, and you’ll be the first to know when she shows signs of improvement.”
“Thank you,” Rowan said, her voice steadier now. Her spirits lifted slightly as she clung to the hope that one day her mother would come back to her, whole and unbroken.