Epilogue Best Christmas Ever.
Josh
Everything has changed.
I’ve never had a proper Christmas before.
Though I’m not sure this counts. Most Christmases don’t include monsters, and missing children, and gargoyles who eat too much chocolate.
Grimlet is on my shoulder—he weighs way more than he did when we arrived.
Tansy—my sister (I like saying that)—has my other hand in a death grip.
It’s Boxing Day morning, and we’re in an empty upstairs room—the soon-to-be “mirror room” at the manor. All our goodbyes have been said, though I don’t think it will be long before we see Holly’s family again.
Holly stares up at Zayne as she whispers the spell, and a mirror shimmers into life in front of us.
And I realize I saw this moment before we ever came to Earth. Tansy’s small hand in mine. The mirror waking like an eye. Holly’s hair catching the light. Zayne half-turned toward us.
It’s not the first time I’ve seen things that come to pass.
And I know it won’t be the last. The seeing is getting easier.
Also…hungrier. Sometimes it feels like the stars aren’t just showing me paths—they’re asking for something in return.
And one day soon, the payment will come due.
All magic has a price. Amber told me that.
It should scare me. It doesn’t. Not yet.
The mirror pulses, a glow rolling over my skin like a warm breath. Tansy squeaks and clutches my arm. “Is it safe through the mirror?” she whispers.
“Safe? No,” I tell her, grinning. “Better. Yes.”
Zayne glances back, silver eyes catching the light, and says, “Ready?”
This Christmas was amazing. All the same, I’m glad we’re going home. I nod.
And together, we all step through into the starlight.
The End.
If you enjoyed Zayne's story, then check out my fantasy romance trilogy, Lucifer's Mirror and see just how Zayne became a basilisk!