Epilogue
EPILOGUE
A fternoon sunlight streamed through Madame Zephyrine’s store’s stained glass windows, casting multicolored patterns across the ancient wooden tables. Sabine nestled closer to Ren on their shared bench, his warmth seeping through her sweater. Every casual touch still sent sparks of awareness through her body, centuries of love making each moment more precious.
Madame Zephyrine’s eyes twinkled as she watched them from across the table. “So happy to see you two finally mated and together. As you should be after waiting centuries.”
Heat crept up Sabine’s neck. “You knew? All this time?”
“Of course, we knew, dear.” Neve’s silver hair caught rainbow lights as she poured tea into delicate cups. “We just couldn’t outright tell you both because that would have messed with fate.”
Ren’s arm tightened around Sabine’s waist. “You could have told me.”
“And spoil the fun?” Madame Zephyrine’s laugh chimed like bells. “Besides, some things must be remembered naturally. Speaking of remembering...” She nodded at the restored silver locket hanging around Sabine’s neck.
Sabine’s fingers brushed the familiar surface. “You gave this to my father.”
“I did.” The elder witch’s expression softened. “Told him it belonged to his daughter and she must never remove it. The poor man thought I meant it would protect you - which it did, but not quite how he imagined.”
Sabine unclasped the locket, laying it carefully on the table. Inside, nestled in spelled silver, the small amulet gleamed with remembered power. Her magic reached for it instinctively, recognizing the piece of herself - of both of them - stored within.
“I remember creating this with you.” She glanced up at Ren, whose golden eyes had darkened with memory. “We wove our magic together, storing it as a symbol of our bond.”
His fingers traced the delicate metalwork. “You made me promise to keep it safe until we met again.”
“But how did it end up in my father’s locket?” Sabine looked between the elder twins. “How did you end up with it?”
Madame Zephyrine grinned at Ren. “You dropped the amulet on your last visit into town.”
Ren gasped. “I’ve been going crazy looking for it for decades.”
“And your father? That would be our doing.” Neve stirred honey into her tea. “We knew George wasn’t truly dead - merely banished. The possibility of him hunting you in another life was too high to ignore.”
“The locket helped disguise the amulet’s power,” Madame Zephyrine explained. “We layered it with protection spells, making it appear as nothing more than a sentimental piece of jewelry. Even George’s dark magic couldn’t detect what lay within.”
Felix bounced in his seat, notebook already open. “The magical resonance readings when the locket shattered were extraordinary! The combination of ancient witch magic, dragon fire, and parental protection spells created a completely unique-”
“Felix.” Neve’s tone held fond exasperation. “Perhaps save the technical analysis for later?”
“Right, sorry!” He grinned, unrepentant. “But speaking of combinations - you’re technically the most powerful and eldest witch in Mystic Hollow now.”
Sabine shook her head, though she couldn’t help smiling at his enthusiasm. “That was another life. I need to practice my magic again, relearn everything. I’ll definitely need guidance.” She squeezed Ren’s hand. “From all of you.”
“Of course, dear.” Madame Zephyrine’s eyes sparkled. “Though I suspect you’ll remember faster than you think. Magic has excellent muscle memory, even across lifetimes.”
“Speaking of lifetimes...” Felix wiggled his eyebrows. “Do you finally have plans for a wedding date? We’re all dying to know.”
“Felix!” But Sabine couldn’t help grinning up at Ren, her heart skipping at the heat in his gaze.
“As soon as possible.” Ren’s voice rumbled low in his chest as he pulled her closer. “I’m not waiting another eight centuries to marry her.”
His lips brushed her temple, making her shiver. “Careful, dragon,” she murmured. “Your cold, aloof reputation is at stake.”
“Let it burn.” He nipped her ear, sending sparks of awareness down her spine. “I’ve earned the right to show everyone exactly how much I love you.”
“And that’s our cue to leave.” Neve stood, dragging a protesting Felix with her. “Come along, my friend. Let’s give the lovebirds some privacy before they scandalize your poetry.”
Madame Zephyrine’s laughter followed them out. “Use protection spells, dears!”
Sabine buried her burning face in Ren’s chest as he chuckled. “I feels so good to not worry about George anymore,” she admitted.
“I’m just happy I get a second chance with you.” His fingers traced idle patterns on her arm. “Both versions of you. I love them both.”
She lifted her head, meeting his heated gaze. “Well.” Her fingers walked up his chest, making his breath catch. “We have centuries to make up for.”