The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 24, New Paths

Ember's POV~

A cool chill pricks my skin. Opening my eyes to a mist so thick it was stone. Rushing to my feet. Looking around processing what and where I could possibly be. Knitting my brows forward in cautious frustration. Clenching my fist at my sides as I spin on my heel. It was all so unfamiliar.

Nothing.

Nothing at all but the stone path I stand on and this eerie haze. Sending an unnerving shutter down my spine. Reaching up on instinct to ground myself in this dream. Willing my breathing to a calm pace. Grasping my celtic knot crescent moon charm that hung around my neck.

A easy sigh helping wash away my panic. Enough so I start walking forward. Unaware of the direction I was heading. All I knew was it felt like the right path. I must trust my instincts on this.

Squeezing my charm even tighter with every passing minute. Until a hauntingly familiar voice stops me dead. Frozen by an icy chill as when I heard.

"Daughter." My mothers voice rings loudly in my ears.

Paralyzed with almost horrified disbelief, my lips part in shock. As I lifted a hand up to cover my mouth, I couldn't bring myself to turn around to look. I felt too scared, because what if I did and she wasn't there.

That's when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. Turning me to see who it was. Who I've been without this last decade. Tears threaten my eyes brimming close to the edge.

"Mother? Mom, is this really you?" Wrapping my arms around her tightly. Pulling away as I held onto her shoulders with both hands. "Where have you been? What's going on? Why haven't you come home, or tried anything to get ahold of me?"

A million and one questions racing with my thoughts. Buzzing with emotions, as I truly don't know what to feel. Panic, relief, surprise? Gods, where has she been all this time?

Looking at me with somber pride and a soft smile. "Oh my sweet little robin. Some things never change no matter how many years pass," her words hit me. Why did she look so at peace?

"Mom," my voice shook and my eyes stung with tears.

Removing my grasp on her. She stepped a few feet from me. "I don't have long, especially given it was you who reached out to me— but I'm happy to see you've grown into such a beautiful woman." That smile of hers brims with joy.

"Mom." Shaking my head trying to keep my composure. "This is not the time for small talk."

Her chuckle cuts shallowly, "Oh but I think it is. Just— gods— you are—" covering her mouth hiding that large smile. "And with such a lovely and intriguing family."

The prick of fear once more. Family? But I'm alone? My mother must pick up on my confusion. Motioning towards me, a sense of another stronger presence came up besides me. I should be terrified— but I'm not.

An arm wrapped around my back placing a firm protective hand on the shoulder opposite. Glancing over I see a tall figure cased in shadows. Piercing silver irises, in a pool of white. Those eyes— could it be. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

My gaze shifted downward and I find yet another mystery. While it held me with one arm, it held a much smaller childlike figure. A baby? Lifting an arched brow as I stare into the shadowy babes eyes. Piercing silver with bright green rings around the pupils. How strange.

Snapping my head to look at my mother once more. "I— I don't—" Failing to find my words. My jaw hitting the ground beneath my feet.

"My daughter when I said don't do anything I wouldn't. I didn't quite expect this." She laughs gleefully at my rather confusing predicament. I'm too stunned for words.