Casters

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

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“Carmen,” I opened my eyes and above me was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. She had hair so blonde it looked white and clear blue eyes that I could see my reflection in. Her slim face was pale and flawless but a look of relief was displayed all over it. Instantly I knew it was Amelia because of her voice.

“What happened?” I asked. My throat was so dry.

“You died.” Amelia cringed. “The ritual killed you. But your partner convinced me to bring you back. The dark followers went into hiding as soon as the light Caster arrived here. Deyanira, Gybon and Corwin have been sent to the other side by the spirits.”

“Amelia, are you back here then?” I asked. I looked around me to see we were still in the graveyard but nobody else was there. The graveyard was empty.

“No child, I cannot stay on earth but I can now find peace thanks to you.” She smiled whilst tears fell down her cheeks. 

“What does that mean?”

“It means that you are the one that has saved me.”

“Don’t leave me Amelia.” I sobbed. Amelia took my hand in hers and ran her thumb over my palm.

“I’ll always be with you Carmen. But now you can live your life how you were meant to.” I didn’t know what to say to her. “Goodbye Carmen.” Amelia smiled before placing a kiss on my forehead.

*****

When I woke up I was still in the graveyard on the floor. But I lay in my Grandmother’s arms with my friends around me.

“She’s gone.” I cried to my Grandmother once I’d gathered my thoughts.

“I know, it’s okay.” My Grandmother cooed. “Come on, there’s something you have to see.” My grandmother led me to where I had to stood earlier that night and to my delight all the light Casters stood with a lit candle in silence gazing up at the sky. I knew they were remembering Amelia and saying goodbye. “She was here earlier you know. She spoke to us all. She said that we were to follow you from now on.”

“What?” I asked in shock.

“The balance between light and dark has been restored, they’ve fled. You’re to show us the way from now on Carmen.” My Grandmother beamed with admiration and turned me to face the Casters.

“Nos inducas!” They all chanted at once, which meant lead us. I picked up a lit candle and help it up to the sky and said,

“In memory of our great leader.”

****

As my Grandmother drove me back through the town of Beethoven I saw the familiar streets flash by. The chemists, coffee shop and the little diner I used to love so much. I couldn’t stop smiling as I knew I was getting closer to Robert. I didn’t know if he’d still want me after me leaving him but I had to see him. I had to apologise and say how much I loved him.

We’d just passed the high school when I realised I only had a semester left at school before we graduate and I hadn’t been there in months. I thought about how I hadn’t seen my friends in so long. That’s when all the memories came flooding back to me. Paige was alive! I instantly looked in the backseat for any sign of her.

“Grandma where’s Paige? She’s alive isn’t she? I didn’t dream about it, did I?” I was so worried and just wanted to hold my best friend in my arms. How was I going to Erin she was alive?

“She’s waiting with Robert. Let’s just say she can get places quicker.”My Grandmother replied giving me a knowingly look.

“She’s one of them isn’t she?” I asked distraught.

“Yes, they turned her into a vampire Carmen.” My Grandmother said apologetically.

Suddenly Robert’s tall house was insight and I was fidgeting with my nails in anticipation. For some reason I thought Robert might be angry at me for leaving him but I knew I did the right thing.  My Grandmother parked the car on the curb outside our home.

“He loves you Carmen.” She smiled sweetly, before getting out the car and walking up the steps to wait for me at the door. After a moment of hesitation I unbuckled my belt and followed her to the porch. Before I turned the door handle and stepped into the familiar home I looked to my Grandmother hopefully.

Instantly Robert’s flawless figure was standing before me with a heart stopping grin on his face.

“I should be mad at you.” He laughed before picking me up in his arms and spinning me around in a comforting embrace.

“I love you.” I sighed, wishing that that moment could last forever.