Chapter 25 Ava #2
Her fingers fly across the keyboard, and she hums along to the instrumental music. Finally, she looks up and asks, “Adopted by Linda and Larry McGuire?”
“They’re my adoptive parents, yes,” I answer. Nerves have my voice quivering and even my hands have a slight shake.
Spinning around in her chair, Laura walks into a back room I failed to notice when we first came in.
It goes to show how distracted I am. Normally I’m more observant.
Though I have to admit I haven’t felt like myself for a few months now.
Ever since my life imploded and got tangled up in the paranormal, I find it hard to be my same old bubbly self.
The fact that I’m not human is still jarring.
I don’t feel any different, but I suppose I wouldn’t.
I’ve always been a witch, I just didn’t know it.
Valen’s hand lands on my shoulder and he gently strokes in silent support.
“Found it.” Laura strides back over to us.
She places a manila folder on the counter and opens it to show a stack of papers. Riffling through, she must find exactly what she’s looking for. Readers from around her neck land on her nose, and she squints at the text.
“Hmm. Not too much I can tell you besides their names, but I’m sure you already expected that.
Six-month-old baby left in our care with a letter in her blanket,” she reads off in a soft voice, tapping her bottom lip.
“Oh, would you look at that.” She pauses to pull an envelope out from the bottom of the stack.
“It’s for you. Looks like it was labeled to be sent out in a year if you hadn’t come to get it already. ”
I accept the envelope with shaking hands and pocket it.
“That’s all I can do for you. I’m sorry you made the trip all this way and I can’t do more,” Laura apologizes.
“This is more than I could’ve hoped for. Thank you for your help.” I shake her hand.
“Good luck, dear. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” She offers a reassuring smile, the crow’s feet around her eyes wrinkling. Valen and I begin to head out when she calls for us. “If you change your mind about adopting, just let me know.” She winks and settles back down in her chair.
Stepping out, a breeze flutters my hair around me. It feels like a phantom spirit saying I’m on the right track. The letter burns a hole in my jeans, and I resist the urge to rip it open before we’ve even reached the car.
Once we settle in, Valen leans over to kiss my temple. “Are you okay?” He doesn’t turn on the car and lets me sit in my emotions.
“Shockingly, yes. Up until this point, I was filled with dread, but this letter makes me feel less so.” I pull it out and slide it between my fingers. “I’m going to open it?”
I’m not sure why it comes out as a question, but Valen gives me a reassuring nod, encouraging me to go for it.
For our daughter, is scrawled on the yellowing envelope.
Using my pastel green nails, I pull up an edge on the back and tear across. A folded piece of paper lies beneath, and I slip it out with reverence. This is the last known connection I have with my biological parents. Unfolding it feels monumental.
The handwriting is impeccable and fills the entire page. I blow out a breath and read the letter aloud, wanting to include my mate in this moment. He’s been on this entire journey with me, after all.
“My darling girl, if you’re reading this letter, it means you’re seeking answers, and I’m sorry I can’t be there to answer them.
Trust me when I say that giving you up was the hardest thing your father and I have ever had to do.
Looking at you now while I write this with your father outside, I’m trying to memorize your giggles and your sweet smiles.
Being a parent is the ultimate gift, and the few months we’ve had with you have been the most rewarding of our lives.
“If all of this is true, why did we leave you behind? Dark and dangerous forces are hunting us, sweet girl. You are a very powerful witch, just like those in our line before us. Others covet our magic, and one evil entity in particular has set its sights on us. At first, James and I thought we could hide away until the threat passed, but unfortunately, that’s not an option.
This war is bigger than us, and I refuse to let them snuff out your light.
To protect you, your father and I have placed a lock on your magic so they can’t find you.
Your power is like a beacon, and the lock can hold them off.
Eventually, your core will become too bright to contain and unlock naturally if there isn’t already an event to trigger it. I pray you’re well equipped.
“Your name is Nova. My bright, shining star, I knew you’d come into this world with a vengeance even when I was carrying you.
We chose your name because we knew what a bright star you’d be.
We told the adoption agency your name was Ava to protect you.
It’s not exactly the same, but it feels close enough to your true name to bring some peace to my heart.
“I am so sorry you’ll have to face this world without us.
Ideally, we make it through this and can reunite.
Until then, I’m making sure the couple that adopts you will shower you with the love and care you deserve, although it will never be enough.
You deserve the world, and whatever you grow up to be, know I’m proud of you.
We both are. I love you so much, my sweet, beautiful girl.
If we don’t meet again in this lifetime, may we meet in the next life and forever more.
Your mother, Hannah.”
Tears drip onto the paper and smudge some of the ink. I hurriedly wipe it off before it does more damage and crush the letter to my chest. A sob wrenches out of my throat as I mourn parents and a life I’ll never have.
“Come here.” Valen pulls me across the console and settles me across his lap. He sings softly, a beautiful song in a language I’ve never heard.
I can’t find the words to process what I just read.
I’ve always been okay with being adopted and I love my adoptive parents, but this opens a wound I didn’t know I had.
Learning my bio parents loved me and were given a shitty hand in life is crushing.
They sacrificed themselves for me and ensured I lived a better life. It feels so unfair.
Anger surges through me, and I push off Valen, not wanting comfort.
Opening the car door, I pace in the parking lot, looking off my rocker I’m sure, and let out a gut-wrenching scream.
Valen is there, tugging me back into his arms. I push at his chest, and he lets me, until I crumple once again and he sinks to the ground curled around me.
“It’s not fair. Why?” I sob.
“I do not know, Starlight. You can’t let their sacrifice be in vain.
We must learn all we can about what’s going on and make sure you’re ready before we unlock your magic.
It sounds like whatever hunted them will then turn its sights to you.
” His arms tighten like he can shield me from what’s coming.
Steadying my breaths, I decide I’m going to take down whatever went after my family. Fuck those who try to hurt those I love. It ends now.