BiteBound *completed*

Chapter 74

They weren't really planning on... No.

There's no way Arthur would do any magic without my knowledge. Not when it came to my Father.

But I suppose if it did come to that, maybe it was for the best for him to forget about all of this. To forget about his promise to make amends.

Just how much would Peterson have to alter in order to permanently delete me from his mind?

The brisk night air stung at my nostrils, eliminating the scent of Hugh's blood that was seeping through his anxious skin. As I looked up at huge gray clouds in the night sky and the rest of my surroundings, I noticed that vintage hanging lights had been hung across the yard on tall iron stands.

They weren't prepared to be lit just yet, but the idea of amber lights illuminating through the dark pleased me a little. It was a tiny step in the right direction, but there was still so much more work to do. So much growth that needed to be replenished.

I bent down towards the broken path, picking up one of the stones that had already come loose before it easily crumbled in my fist.

"Hmm.." I ponder. "Would be nice if this cobblestone was concrete stepping stones instead. Least I wouldn't have to worry about tripping over a stone too large."

Maybe we should just abandon this idea of a garden wedding. After ditching death's door, I'd much rather elope at this point before any else happens.

... Swear to fucking Gods, if I get taken out by lighting right now, i'm going to be so pissed.

When I thought about that, I meant it as an internal joke. But even when the possibility was slim to none, the anxiety in me ruminated on that thought; the what if's and maybes.

I sighed in a emotional defeat. Me and my stupid thoughts...

Suddenly, the metals within the earth tickled at the tips of my fingers, pulling them down into the dirt and closing my eyes to make a connection. It's earthy odor calmed my worried heartache, almost like a warm hand rubbing on a shoulder for comfort. I couldn't help but to sink even further. Matching my breath with the earth as it wanted me to.

"You did well My Child." Gaia's voice whispers through the breeze. "I am pleased to see that my gift could be of use to you."

I reply through the roots, If only I could do so much more. Your gift is so powerful, I don't know how I can give back to nature.

"In time you will find a calling. As for now, I think what you can do currently is a good start."

But I want to do more than just bend and twist vines Mother Gaia. My brows knit. I want to be useful to you.

"And you are my Daughter. Can you not see that?"

See what? I ask. All I did was fight.

"And bring in new life."

Mother, I don't think I did. All I did was manipulate and bend the earth.

"True, but I am not talking about the fight. Open your eyes and see what you have done."

See what I— What?

When my eyes opened, my breath was taken away by the shimmering light that made the garden glow.
The broken cobblestone paths had been swallowed up by the earth, leaving behind a fresh patch of soil to work with. Every pile of leaves and branches Peterson had collected had been eaten too, replaced by wisteria trees that flowed elegantly in the breeze.
Low shrubs of hydrangea were lined up the edge of the garden, a mix of blues and white followed by antique roses growing out of the risen brick flower beds.
Almost every inch of the garden was now overflowed with flowers and greens, glittering with my golden tattooed light like stars that had fallen out of the sky.