The Salem Witch and the Sorceress of New Orleans

Epilogue

SONG: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by Kate Bush

*

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the Bayou, illuminating the lush greenery and the gentle ripples of the water. Nicholas flitted between the sunroom and the kitchen, a whirlwind of youthful energy and anticipation. Today was special—his birthday. Tomorrow, he would turn sixteen, a milestone that filled him with excitement and a touch of trepidation.

The air was thick with the scents of fresh herbs and the sweetness of cake batter, as if the very fabric of their home was alive with magic and love.In the kitchen, Rio was busy at work, her hands deftly mixing ingredients in a large bowl. Flour dusted her cheeks, and her dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders as she hummed a cheerful tune, the soft sound blending with the clinking of utensils.

"Nicholas, can you pass me the vanilla?" she called, glancing over her shoulder with a playful smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. "And my God, try not to spill it this time!"

Nicholas grinned, darting over to the pantry. "I can't promise anything," He reached for the bottle, raced back to Rio and hesitated handing it to her, noticing the playful sparkle in his mother's gaze.

"Please, please can I just have one taste?"

"No," Rio teased, slapping her son's hand away from the bowl as she stirred. She added sugar to the mix, the crystals sparkling like tiny stars. "You have to wait until tomorrow!" She mixed the batter vigorously, her excitement infectious, filling the air with a sense of joy that enveloped Nicholas like a warm embrace.

Meanwhile, in the sunroom, Agatha stood surrounded by an array of vibrant plants and shimmering light, the soft sun filtering through the glass casting rainbows across the floor. She was whispering incantations, her voice flowing like a gentle breeze, the words dancing on the air like fireflies. Nicholas peeked through the doorway, captivated by the sight of his mother in her element.

"What are you doing, Mom?" he asked, stepping into the sunroom, his youthful enthusiasm radiating from him.Agatha looked up, a mischievous smile gracing her lips. "Just a little something special for your birthday, sweetheart," she replied, her voice low and melodic, filled with warmth. "You know how I like to make things magical."

"Can I help?" Nicholas asked, eager to be part of whatever enchanting surprise she was crafting."No! It's a surprise," Agatha said, her playful tone matched by the twinkle in her eyes. "You'll see soon enough."

As the afternoon sun began to set, bathing the room in warm hues of orange and pink, the three of them shared the noise and silence alike, the kind of easy banter that comes from years of love and understanding. They moved seamlessly between their tasks, weaving a tapestry of family and magic, each moment vibrant with connection and joy.

After a while, Nicholas found himself alternating between helping Rio in the kitchen and watching Agatha in the sunroom, enchanted by the way she seemed to blend the elements of nature and magic into something beautifully intricate. He marvelled at her concentration, the way her brow furrowed slightly as she focused on her spell, her hands weaving through the air like she was conducting an unseen orchestra.

As evening settled in, Nicholas felt the familiar pull of his childhood routine. The house was filled with warmth, and as they prepared for bed, he felt a sense of comfort wash over him.

He appeared slowly in the doorway to Agatha and Rio's bedroom, "Can I sleep in the middle tonight?" he asked, his voice hopeful and sweet. Despite being nearly sixteen, he still loved those nights nestled between his mothers, the safety and love cocooning him like a soft blanket.

"Of course," Agatha replied, her smile tender. "You know we'll always make room for you."

Rio chuckled, shaking her head playfully. "You practically take up the whole bed, but I guess we'll manage."

With that, Nicholas climbed into bed between his mothers, settling in with a contented sigh. They wrapped their arms around him, a familiar embrace that felt like home.

"Tell me a story," he urged, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Okay, but you have to promise to keep your eyes closed," Rio said, her voice teasing. She poked at his sides, "The faster you go to sleep, the faster you'll wake up and see your presents."

Nicholas laughed at their childish tone, he felt as though he was six years old again but his heart swelled with joy. "I promise!"

As Rio began to weave tales of enchanted forests and daring adventures, Agatha added her own flair, painting vivid pictures with her words. They shared tales of their past—the first time they met, the challenges they faced together, their victories, and the incredible magic they had encountered along the way.

Laughter filled the room, blending with the sound of the wind rustling outside, creating a beautiful harmony that wrapped around them like a protective shield.Time slipped away as they lost themselves in storytelling, the bonds of family tightening with each shared laugh and whispered secret.

Nicholas felt cherished and safe, the love between them radiant and unbreakable. He could feel the warmth of their bodies against him, his mothers' arms, a place of tenderness, a place he could rest completely.

Eventually, the stories faded into soft murmurs, and Nicholas's eyelids grew heavy. As sleep began to claim him, he felt the weight of love surround him, a comforting blanket that promised to keep the darkness at bay.

"I love you both," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

"We love you, too," Agatha replied, her tone soft and soothing.

As the three of them settled into a comfortable silence, a sudden gust of wind rattled the windows, but none of them stirred.

It was only later, deep in the stillness of the night, that they were awakened by a raging storm outside, the spirits restless, and the world around them erupting into chaos.Shooting out of bed, Rio and Agatha raced downstairs to find books and tomes scattered across the room, their witchcraft supplies tossed about as if the wind had come alive.

The storm howled, filling the air with an electric charge that sent shivers down their spines.

"What's happening?" Nicholas gasped, as he followed behind them slowly, adrenaline surging through him.

Agatha and Rio exchanged a determined glance, "Maybe the spirits are just restless tonight," Rio said, her voice steady despite the turmoil surrounding them. "I'm sure everything is fine,"

Just then, another gust of wind came howling through the house, picking up stray papers in its path. Rio and Agatha stepped backwards, magic flaring at both of their fingertips. Agatha's arm reached out instinctively in front of Nicholas.

"What do I need to do?" he asked, stepping closer behind his mothers, his resolve firm and unwavering.

"Stay focused," Rio instructed, she could hear the spirits, uncontrollable and hysterical, in her ears. "Something's coming,"

As the winds howled louder and the storm grew wilder, the three of them stood united, bracing themselves for the unknown. They stood side by side, one another's lifelines amidst the chaos. With hearts beating as one, they stood ready, poised to confront whatever lay ahead.

The Witch's Covenant: Guardians of the Realm ... coming soon.