Scarlett, the Found One

Chapter 18: Maya

The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread and simmering stew. The relief was almost palpable as we all gathered around Lillian and Cassius. Cassius held Lillian tightly, his cheeks red with emotion, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Charlie, their little boy, had practically leaped into his mother's arms, his small face buried in her neck as he clung to her.

I stood off to the side, watching the heartfelt reunion. The sight made my own eyes sting with tears of relief and happiness. Seeing Lillian safe, back with her family where she belonged, was a moment I had desperately hoped for.

Cassius finally loosened his grip, and Lillian turned to me, a warm smile spreading across her face. She pulled me into a tight hug, and I felt a wave of comfort and familiarity wash over me. "Maya," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

I hugged her back just as tightly, savoring the moment. But as soon as she let go, her expression turned stern. "And why haven't you come back to visit?" she scolded, hands on her hips in that familiar way that always made me feel like a child again.

I chuckled nervously, scratching the back of my head. "I've been...busy," I said, which was an understatement considering the chaos of the last few weeks.

Lillian shook her head, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "Busy or not, you should have made time. Family is important, Maya."

Cassius stepped forward, his arm still around Lillian. "She's right, you know. We've missed you," he said, his voice gruff but warm.

Charlie looked up at me with wide eyes. "Mama always says you're like her daughter," he said, his innocent voice cutting through the emotions in the room.

I knelt down to his level, ruffling his hair. "I missed you too, Charlie," I said softly. "And I promise I'll visit more often."

Blaine and Miles stood nearby, watching the scene unfold. Blaine had a small, shy smile on his face, while Miles looked around the kitchen, taking in the warmth and the homeliness of it all.

Kyle clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Looks like you've got some catching up to do," he said with a grin.

I nodded, feeling a sense of belonging that I hadn't realized I'd been missing. "Yeah, I do."

Lillian's expression softened, and she pulled me into another hug. "Just promise me you'll stay safe," she whispered.

"I promise," I replied, feeling a sense of peace settle over me.

As we all sat around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Despite everything, we were together, and that was what mattered most. As we settled into the cozy kitchen, a question had been nagging at me. I looked at Lillian, who was busy fussing over Charlie and making sure everyone had something to eat.

"Lillian," I said hesitantly, "why did you keep your powers a secret?"

The room fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to her. Lillian sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she took a seat at the table, Charlie still clinging to her side.

"I wasn't born with powers," she began, her voice soft but steady. "I come from a long line of spellcasters. When I was young, I was granted these gifts. The spell book and the animal figures. My parents taught me to use them responsibly, to protect our family and our home."

She glanced at Cassius, who nodded encouragingly. "When I married Cassius, it put a target on my back. As the wife of a prominent figure and the aunt of a Princess born with magic, I knew it would only be a matter of time before someone discovered my abilities."