KEN POV As I wait for Keegan’s return from the Hall of Records, I cannot help thinking about how grateful I am to have her back and that she remembers us. I always believed this day would come, but now that it’s here it’s more surreal than I have imagined. While I’d love nothing more than to spend our days wrapped in one another’s arms – making up for lost time – I must tell her the truth looming over our reality. If she doesn’t take up her destined mantle as Sorceress Queen, it could mean the end for all of us. Just as I release a sigh, Keegan appears at the top of the stone staircase. I quickly explain how to close the door and we climb back in the golf cart, heading towards the castle. Placing the vehicle in park, I walk over to her side, taking her hand as she too steps out. I lead her up the steps to the castle, through the great hall, round the back and up the steps to the castle turret. From here the lands behind the castle are easily seen. Before stepping towards the lookou
KEEGAN POV “How are you doing? Would you like to take a break?” Ken asks wiping a tear from my cheek.“I’ll be alright, I need to know what happened so I can – fix this.” I say with determination.He continues “In the meantime, more of the banished attacked at the castle, trapping and spelling you and your mother inside her bedroom. Though you both had your powers, they weren't enough to break the barrier spell. The left wing was set ablaze with you and your mother trapped inside. It was a slow burn as most of the wing was made of stone, but eventually the wooden beams and tapestries caught alight. I believe that’s where your memory begins.”“Yes,” I sniff. “The fire had just reached the inside of the room, but the smoke had long reached the inside. Frantically, my mother and I used every bit of our powers combined to try to break the barrier spell, but it was no use. Whatever dark magic this was, was more powerful than the two of us. It wasn’t long before my mother started to cough
KEEGAN POV “Assuming time magic works the way I think it might, by sending myself back to sometime before the attack, I could stop Balfour in the past and prevent our present from ever happening,” I say matter-of-factly.“That’s one theory, but what if another reality is created and this one still exists then you get stuck – or worse – in the past?” Ken warns, always considering other possibilities. “Ugh, you're right. I’ve never actually sent myself through time, only items and only into the future. I truthfully have no idea what actions in the past could mean for our present, but I’m going to try to find out!” I exclaim. “Let’s head to the Hall of Records, surely there’s bound to be some books on time magic in there, plus my mother’s grimoire. Speaking of which, is there somewhere safe I can keep them at the lodge?”“I know the perfect spot. I’ll show you when we get back.” Ken replies. We quickly head back to the golf cart and make our way back to the Hall of Records; I make my
A pinch of rosemary, some goldenrod, peppermint, patchouli, and olive oil, is all it requires. “Alright dear, time for you to lay back and remove your shirt. I’m going to be placing some sigils on your chest and stomach. You'll feel some warmth, but there shouldn’t be any pain.” Laura tells me. She does exactly as she said, also chanting under her breath. Relaxing I close my eyes as this rush of warmth overtakes my entire body. I feel heavy and like I’m flying at the same time. Tingles move up and down my arms, legs, chest, and back – it almost tickles. Similarly, to before flashes of memory play in a reel in my mind and I feel like I'm a puzzle being put together. A flood of emotions invades my being and I cannot tell one from the other individually, just that I feel every single one with equal intensity. Finally, there’s a flash of light nearby and I open my eyes to see where it’s coming from; the most magnificent Phoenix – glowing red and gold glides above me. My body lifts into
KEEGAN POV After sharing an intense kiss, Ken pulls away, positioning his lips on my neck. Rubbing my back, and gently kissing my neck, he asks, “are you ready?” “Mmhmm” I replied granting him permission. I feel his mouth open and fangs extend, lightly pricking my flesh; before I have the chance to prepare myself for what comes next, he sinks his fangs deep into my neck. There is a moment of sharp pain that quickly turns to pleasure; I feel my core heating with want as a fire burns throughout my body. I begin to feel a little light headed just as Ken pulls back, once again kissing my lips. I return his kiss hungrily, needing to be with him, to feel him deep inside of me. Sensing my arousal and being aroused himself, he lifts me with his hands under my thighs, positioning me over his erection. With one swift motion he enters me, bouncing me up and down as if I’m as light as a feather. I could really get used to this vampire side in the bedroom – well, shower in this case, I think t
It was the morning of her twenty-fifth birthday, Keegan awoke with a sigh. Slowly, she managed to fumble around on her bedside table long enough to silence her alarm. Turning and brushing her long, dark auburn-red hair slightly to the side, she makes her way out of the bed and into the kitchen. As she sits down at her small vintage table she notices a large envelope sitting just inside her doorway. Curiously, she examines it, before deciding to step over to it. Picking it up, she notices its weight; too heavy to be a mere letter. Hesitantly, she opens the envelope with her small, gentle hands. Inside she finds a pendent, polished gold with a large green emerald nestled in the center of a Celtic knot. Curious, she reaches further inside the envelope and brings forth a letter on the most magnificent stationary she has ever laid eyes on, aged, yet pristine at the same time, complete with what looked like a waxed royal seal.Strange, she thinks to herself as she proceeds to untie the bri
Several hours later, Keegan wakes to the captain speaking over the intercom. “Good evening, this is your captain speaking. Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing.” Eagerly, Keegan opens her window shade to take in the scenery before landing. There is a beautiful body of water and lots of greenery surrounding Shannon airport- just outside of Limerick. That wasn’t something she was accustomed to flying out of Atlanta, GA. She relaxes into her seat rubbing the sleep from her eyes and stretching as the plane comes to a swift landing. She glanced at the note card once more then places it back in her bag. Grabbing her carry-on from the above baggage compartment, Keegan makes her way down the ramp, through the airport, and out the front doors. Next she locates a taxi and gives the driver the address from the note card. He informs her that it would be about an hour drive from the airport and off they went. As they neared County Tipperary, Keegan is completely awestruck by t
She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and begins to reflect. How is any of this possible and how does Ken know so much about my family? This entire experience feels like something out of a storybook. Why me? Why now? Keegan yawns and decides to get up before she falls asleep missing dinner. After all, she is very hungry. She peers around the room paying attention to every detail. So many warm red and orange tones. The hardwood floors, walls and exposed beams above all have the same cherry finish as the rest of the inn – at least from what she’s seen so far. The bedspread was a beautiful red color with swirling patterns of yellow and orange. Hm. It almost looks like it’s on fire. She thinks to herself. The curtains draped on either side of the large bay window are sheer red, yellow and orange as well. So different, yet beautiful at the same time. She walks to the bathroom to freshen up a bit and is taken aback by the size of the claw foot tub and walk in shower. This suite is m