Page 61 of Little Mate
The moment we step inside, there’s movement around us, a swirling of air inside an enclosed space and it sweeps over our joined hands, blessing the strength we all share. I can smell Mom’s sweet floral scent and Dad’s patchouli. I can feel a hug, binding all five of us before the presence disappears out of the door.
It’s time.
The plaque on the wall that holds both urns and the small, lavender-infused satchels with a small amount of ash is open, the stone covering on the floor…
“Who opened it?”
“That would be your mate. He wanted to make sure you didn’t lift a finger.” Leo’s tone holds amusement while my face registers shock. “And before you ask, that man is above magic. Nothing seems to affect him.”
“Okay.” Because what else can I say? I’ve always known him to be strong, unmovable, but this surprises me.
Maybe it’s because of who he is. What he is.
Maybe it’s because I’ve witnessed his iron will.
Or maybe it’s because he allowed me to…
He allowed me to bend his will. That sneaky devil.
“Let’s begin.” Isa follows the chant that so many outside are already singing, their voices reaching a high crescendo when we remove the closed burial vase. They chant a wish for those who’ve passed, their former king and queen, a happy afterlife and prosperity for those who remain in their shoes.
Leo carries the urn, and I light the incense. “Te amo. Invenire in pace.”
“Invenire in pace,” my brother repeats before walking out behind Isa.
I take an extra moment after they leave to place a kiss on the cold stone; the pain of loss has been replaced by Theo’s affection, but I would’ve loved for them to share in this moment of happiness with me. To walk me down the aisle and then see me round with a baby in the future.
“You were right. He’s amazing, and I hope we make you proud.”
The ceremony begins the second we enter the ground where we will spread their ashes. We chose not to go the traditional Wiccan route, not when it would be left to their children to speak and conduct—not when we are hit with the reality of their death once again.
They say you never get over the loss of a loved one, and it’s true.
Some days the pain lessens, and you remember the good times:
Family dinners.
The laughs.
The closeness we all shared.
On others, we’re left with the painful reminder that someone’s greed destroyed our family.
Today is one of those sad days. Tears flow down our cheeks while those around us sing my mother’s favorite song, the one she danced to at her wedding to our father. Then they move onto an old classic rock song from the human world that he would hum when strolling across the territory, checking perimeters or simply helping someone in need.
The two say more than we ever could. More than an anecdote from a friend or fellow coven member.
Love. Family. Peace.
Those three were their symbols, and we honor them by letting go and looking toward the future.
Looking back, I meet Theo’s eyes and find so much love in them. He’s everything my parents told me he’d be in that dream after we first met. The key that brings us together.
Because of him, I’m not alone and my people will thrive once more.
Because of him, we are back home, forcing Xadiel to come after Isa and show his true feelings. He’ll mark her soon enough, make her happy, but also be there for her people.
And together, we’ll all be here for Leo to grow into the wizard king I know he is.