Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(10)
“What do you mean?”
“They spellbind those who hold magic and suck out their power. Killing their prey is what makes them stronger, more powerful. Plus…other benefits.” She shivers again. “The one who attacked me must’ve simply been bored to waste time on my miniscule magic. I was a mere flea to his power.”
Donna stares down at her teacup with trepidation. I can tell the memory still unsettles her and I reach over to give her a reassuring pat on the hand to encourage her to continue.
“Natalia stopped him as I was just seconds from dying. Then she healed me. She could’ve left me there to die in order to avoid revealing what she was but she didn’t. She was good. I owe her everything. ” I can hear the emotion in my mother’s wavering voice. I can tell she cared for her deeply and it makes me wish that I could’ve known my mother in that way.
“So she saved you. What happened to the guy? The Warlock who tried to kill you?” I ask. I’m on the edge of my seat but I already know the answer to my question.
Donna’s eyes darken, her breathing becoming shallow. “She killed him.”
This must still bother her after all these years. What did he do to her? But I don’t dare ask for details, not after seeing how much the recollection of the attack still affects her. Whatever it was, it must’ve been horribly brutal. I’ve never seen Donna this shaken.
“Then what? You all stayed in touch? Became friends?” I want to steer the conversation away from the bleak remembrance.
“Yes, we did,” Donna perks into a smile, looking up as if she’s recalling a memory. “Since I already had the sight, the belief and acceptance of supernatural powers beyond me, my third eye was wide open since Natalia used so much of her own magic to heal me. Things became crystal clear. Everywhere I’d go, I could see power! So I could tell who had a little something extra.” She winks at me.
“The Dark and the Light, disguised in plain sight as ordinary people- I could see them. It was amazing and frightening at the same time. All this time, thinking I was interacting with regular people, I was in the presence of great power. Power that could have killed us all in seconds.”
She looks down and shakes her head. When she returns her gaze to me, compassion and solemnity are in her eyes. “You have no idea how much is out there. It’s so overwhelming, I couldn’t take away your childhood with knowledge of all of that. If you feel confused now, imagine how you’d digest that as a little girl. You would have never been free from worry and fear. And of course, you could potentially expose the secrets that so many have died for. They would have locked you in a mental institution. Or worse.” Worse?
“So my mother, Natalia, she helped you. And in turn, you took me in?” I want to understand how and why Natalia had to die. And why she chose Donna and Chris to protect and care for me. “And what about Dad?”
Donna’s eyes grow wide with question and apprehension. She’s looking everywhere but at me. “Um, what do you mean?” she stammers.
“You know, Chris. My dad,” I say a bit more condescendingly than I intend. “Did he know her too?”
“Oh, yes, Chris,” she exhales, a hint of relief in her voice. I take note of it and file it away for later. “He knew her. She is the one who assured me that his heart is pure. She said he was a natural protector and would never let anyone harm those that he loves. I was so untrusting and wary of people after the attack. Chris showed me how to live again.”
There’s love in her eyes. I am relieved at the sentiment because I know that I was accepted into a real family, one built of real love. Not a constructed ruse to imitate a normal household for my sake.
“Are there many more like me?” I ask. I gulp down the rest of my now room temperature smoothie. Ick!
“There are supernatural beings all around us, but no… No one quite like you,” she smiles. Typical moms, always thinking their kid is special.
“Why don’t I have any magical powers? Aren’t I part….Enchantress?” The word sounds ridiculous out loud.
“You don’t but you will. Immense power. I don’t know what kind though.”
Immense power? I am momentarily floored. I can’t imagine having power over anyone or anything! I can’t even control my mediocre GPA, my hopeless love life or my crappy job. Which unfortunately, I have to be at in less than an hour. I’m not ready to end this conversation, not while my mom is being so forthcoming. How can I possibly work, knowing that there are mythological creatures roaming around? Now I can understand my parents’ apprehension at telling me sooner.