HEIDI
"Mother, we're home!" Tristan announced as we entered the house.
I shut the door behind us and locked it. I wriggled out of my leather jacket and hung it on the coat rack. Tristan did the same.
"You're still mad at me?"
"What do you think, Heidi?" He shot back without turning to me. Then to the house he called out, "Mum? Ada?"
I sighed. "I'm sorry, Tristan, but I couldn't possibly stay behind without doing something. Someone faked my death and I want to know why."
"You know better than to leave without letting me know," he retorted. "What if something happens to you?"
"I can take care of myself," I said dismissively, slipping out of my boots. "You're always so—"
Tristan waved a palm in my face and placed a finger on his lips to shush me, eyes wandering the two-storey house. I frowned.
"What?"
"Did you hear that?" His eyes were fixated on the top of the stairs.
"No? I don't think I heard anything."
He turned to me, the anger in his voice completely dissipated. "Exactly. It's ten in the evening and it's quiet."
"Maybe they're asleep?"
Tristan was pulling out his cellphone from his pocket when the front door unlocked and opened. Mrs. Embers, with Ada in her arms, entered with a sheepish look on her face.
"Mother! Where did you go?"
"Oh, I know, I'm so sorry! I met an old friend and we were at her place since—"
"It's way past Ada's bedtime and why were you out so late? Mother, are you aware of the things that lurk past sunset? Do you know how dangerous it is for Ada?"
The old lady's face was flushed. Ada stared at her father and then at me.
"I know, son, I got carried away there. I promise it wasn't on purpose!"
"This is unacceptable, mother! I cannot—"
"Tristan!" I interrupted and tugged his arm. "I need your help with the laundry."
Mrs. Embers made her way up the stairs and into Ada's bedroom with her. Tristan shut his eyes and exhaled.
"What's gotten into you?" I asked and pulled him into the the kitchen.
"What was she thinking, Heidi?"
I raised my eyebrows. "She made a mistake. You didn't need to berate her like a drill sergeant. That's your mother."
"I know. I feel guilty now." He sighed and leaned against the refrigerator. Tristan looked spent—like he was carrying more burden then he led me to believe.
I cupped his face with my hand. "We all make mistakes."
* * *
I woke up the next morning and got ready before everyone else. Everyone except Tristan. I made breakfast and laid them on the table. I pocketed my dagger and wand before leaving a note on the refrigerator.
He'll understand.
I summoned a portal and stepped through it. I stood in the middle of the council chamber where I was the night before. Brian was dusting the table. I couldn't stifle a smile, seeing the Vampire Queen's fearless right-hand man holding a feather duster. He startled and looked up, red eyes boring on me.
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Spellcaster series #5: The Sage
FantasíaSynto goes all out in ensuring dominance in all three realms. As a new, dark power rises after the death of Dean Ryans, will Heidi, the three Sages and Vicky be able to find ways to stop the Leader of Djinns before the three realms sink into the Voi...