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If asked this question a month ago, I would’ve said yes, but now… “I’m falling for Finn and Rune, and I care about Sebastian’s well-being. I believe our bond is the key to helping him and, in turn, the vampires of the French Quarter.”
I think about Emilie Broussard and her mating with Remi Guidry, the Gentilly Pack Alpha. They have taken the bond and made it something beautiful and celebrated.
In fact, there are half a dozen packs other than the Algiers Pack that treat their witches with love and respect. Those women won’t want to destroy their bonds.
“No. I don’t see that happening.”
“Nor do I. Sometimes what is done cannot and should not be undone.”
We walk a little further and I sigh. “I don’t like the part my mother and grandmother played in hurting my sister witches and even Sebastian—both unintentionally and not—but it seems correcting those wrongs while moving forward is the only course. It can’t be undone.”
“And I have great faith that you will do just that, Josephine. The Dumont witches have always held my respect. I expect you will prove yourself to be a witch of worth and a valuable leader to the community.”
I blush, barely able to believe Mother Gaia could even speak those words. “Does that mean you’ve chosen me as the next high priestess?”
She brushes my cheek and smiles. “I have never chosen a witch to be high priestess. That decision has always been yours to make, as it was to introduce the role of a leader in the first place.”
“But—”
“I do not sway things one way or the other. Your life is yours to lead. Your decisions are yours to make, as are the outcomes of those choices—good or bad. I simply allow those who are worthy to access the power of my realm.”
“What about me being the high priestess? Do you believe I could do a good job?”
“I do.”
I’m not so sure. “Do you know about my necromancer powers? I was taught no witch of worth would ever affect the dead and yet…”
“Being a necromancer has no more bearing on your morality than being a witch, or a vampire, or werewolf. It is simply a facet of who you are.”
Grand-Mère would not agree, but I’m beginning to think that being isolated with only one witch’s views has left me with a very closed-off view of my world. “I always tried to live up to the expectations of my grandmother and the woman she taught me my mother was. Lately I’ve found out…”
“That they weren’t perfect? Child, no one is.” She stops walking and turns to hold both my hands in hers. “Forgive them for their flaws—perceived or real—and know that going forward you need only meet your own expectations.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“And that will always be good enough for me. Blessed be, Josephine Dumont.”
“Blessed be, Mother Gaia.”
Our time together has come to its end, but as the ethereal plane shimmers and fades, I’m reminded of all the other questions I needed to ask her. If the bonds can’t be broken, how do I handle Egan misusing my Moon Witch sisters? And how do I lift the curse off Sebastian and help him?
I glance down at my hands, but it’s all slipping away. Mother Gaia…the vision…all of it.
I blink awake and Zana is sitting before me, holding my hands just as Gaia had been only a moment ago. “Welcome back, Josie.”
I get to my feet and help Zana off the dirt floor. The woman gives me a wide smile. “Congratulations, Josephine. That was incredible. It’s been a long time since the power of a Dumont has guided our way. I’m pleased to announce you as the new High Priestess of the New Orleans Sun Witches.”
I step back and the reality of that collides with the realization that Beatris is sitting with Francine in the corner, crying, and Summer is already gone.
That can’t be good.
“I’m honored. Thank you. But there is an emergency I must attend to.”
“Something more important than assuming your place as our leader?”
“More urgent, yes. Summer wanted me to withdraw and kidnapped Finn. She threatened to kill him if I didn’t bow out. I’m sorry. I have to find her and stop her.”
And with that, I leave the sacred chamber, hoping I’m not too late to save my mate.
