THE CAGE (The Chosen Series #3)

Epilogue2. ♔e3 ♚e6

Morgan

Two months one day earlier

"It's time to call in my debt."

This is serious. Isla has never once asked me to pay her back, to help her in the way she did me, even after everything she sacrificed for me, for us... But I always knew that this day would come. Inhaling deeply, I let the earth's magic center me, its welcoming pulse mingling with my own.

Clearing my throat, I say, "Tell me what you need."

Isla doesn't hesitate, giving me precise instructions on who to call to organize the collection, the coordinates of a drop location an hour away from my compound, and additional ones for the final pickup. She even provides an ETA on when I should arrive and the supplies I need to pack. I note them down on a small writing pad and pause when she gives me the final details.

"Are you sure?" The information is concerning, even for Isla. But I should know never to question her. Isla always has a plan, and her outcomes are very rarely wrong.

"Yes." There is a slight waver in her voice, as if Isla is hoping, for once, she will be wrong.

She ends the call, and I immediately locate my case and gather the additional herbs and other items I will need. I struggle to calm my racing heart. We always knew that we were balancing on a fine tightrope, and at any moment, we could fall.

I grab my keys and another bag I've kept hidden for this exact moment and leave my small house.

"Morgan! Morgan!" one of my sisters shouts, running away from the others to skip alongside me. I quicken my pace, knowing that time is limited. "Morgaaaaaan," Izzy pouts and stomps her tiny booted foot when she can't keep up, but her mother must know something is happening because she takes hold of her daughter and offers me a small smile before leading my youngest sibling away.

Izzy complains, but her voice becomes small giggles as she becomes distracted by a water trick one of the other kids is doing. Nostalgia fills my gut as I watch the small orbs floating several feet above the children, reminding me of the things my mother used to do for me when I was discovering my magic.

Before I become too distracted, I refocus and march directly into the main hall, where I know I'll find my Aunt holding council.

The magic shifts as I arrive, and familiar green eyes look up from the large wooden table where several other council members currently preside. Understanding shows in her features. My aunt is the only one in the coven who knows the full truth of my past and the pact I made. Giving me a small nod, she stands and excuses herself before following me into a side room at the rear of the building that doubles as her office.

The coven leader's office. My legacy.

When the doors are closed and the magic ignites, preventing any sound from escaping the confines of the room, she takes me in her arms and embraces me tightly. "I knew this day would come." She sighs into my hair. I nod, taking in her familiar scent of lavender and sage. "Your grandmother would be proud of you and the role you're about to play."

Our family has always worked alongside the Mac Tíre Dubh pack, but our relations have been strained since my father...

After another squeeze, she releases me and leans back. I feel my throat dry at how much she reminds me of my mother, with her shoulder-length red hair, high cheekbones, and wide, bright smile. "May the earth keep you grounded."

"And forever be your anchor," I add, reciting our family mantra.

"You have grown so much in the last few years, niece. But it's now time to fulfill your destiny and protect the ones who need it the most."