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Penny. The witch is headed to a portal, but we cannot tell where she is going. She may be returning to the forest.
With a gasp, I stand up. Hurriedly, I put the book on the table and gather my skirts, running out of the room. In the hallway, I collide with Raúl. He puts his hands on my shoulders. “Penny, I’ve just returned. Would you like to visit somewhere new tonight?”
I shake my head, panic pounding through me. “Mother is almost home. I must go. Now.”
Immediately, Raúl wraps an arm around me and runs out into the night. He travels quickly, and it isn’t long before we are at the crumbling castle. He zips up into the tower, flying through the air at a speed we’ve never traveled. We crash through the open window onto the floor, and I heave a sigh of relief.
“Rapunzel.”
My back stiffens, and I turn toward Mother. We are too late.
Chapter Fifty-One
Mother’s eyes track Raúl as he moves to stand next to me, taking my hand in a show of strength.
She raises her chin and looks down her nose at me. “How did you find this trash?”
My heart pounds and sweat drips down the back of my neck. There is no denying Raúl’s presence, and I know she will be able to tell he is a vampire. “He is not trash, Mother.” I raise my own chin, mirroring her expression. “Not that I should even call you that.”
Her jaw clenches slightly, barely even noticeable. But I notice, and I use some of my power. I utter the truth spell and focus on Mother.
“How did you get in?” I ask, hoping the magic works.
“As if I can’t get into my tower by myself.”
“Who is my real mother?” I ask, watching closely for any movement. Mother’s face twitches slightly.
She grits her teeth and grinds out her answer. “Dreselda.”
My breath hitches. “Why did you take me from her?”
Sweat drips down her forehead, and she clenches her fist. “You are the seventh child three times over.”
Thinking quickly, I pass over this question. I can find the answer in a book, guaranteed. The truth spell won’t last forever, though, and I need answers. “Why did you make me stay in the tower? Why did you hurt me?”
She grits her teeth again, an awful grinding sound. “I couldn’t risk losing your power. I needed it. I spelled you to be afraid after you left the first time.” She looks me up and down, sweat still dripping down her forehead. “I thought having a baby would change my life for the better. That I would finally feel whole. It only made it worse. No one understands what it’s like taking care of a crying baby alone, with no help or support. My parents barely tolerated me, especially once my magic manifested. How was I to know it would be the same for me?”
I loosen the grip on my power as sadness flows through me. It was all power for her. Never love. “You don’t deserve to be called mother,” I say.
She sneers at me. “Please. I kept a roof over your head. Fed you, educated you. You should be grateful to me. I provided for you when no one else would have.”
I step forward slightly. “Lies you tell yourself. I would have been much better off with a family who loved me rather than one who treated me like you. I could have grown up with siblings and parents.”
Mother laughs. “You think you would have been able to stay with your family? Once the other mages or witches found out about your ability, you would have been hunted down. Your family slaughtered. I did them a favor. You a favor. As I said, you should be grateful.”
My shoulders shake with emotion. Too many to even pin down. Raúl tightens his grip on my hand, grounding me to reality. I glance at him. His face is impassive, save for a glimmer of rage as he stares at Mother.
“What is your name? I will not call you mother any longer.”
“Airalin,” she says. “Of course you would not, you thankless child.”
“I am no longer a child, Airalin.” I straighten my back and stare into her eyes.
Her red hair lifts, and she grins slightly. “You will always be a child.”
I shake my head. “No. No, I am a woman. With choices. My choice right now is to leave. We’re finished. I’m not living in this prison anymore.”
“After all I’ve done for you? This is how you repay me?” She seethes, gesturing to the window. “I cannot believe I wasted my blood feeding those creatures, only to have you end up with one.”
