Keeper(98)

Josephine’s smile was a little sad. “One day, I hope.” She looked over her shoulder, as if someone had called her name. “I’m afraid I must go now. My power isn’t strong enough to sustain me much longer. But there’s one last thing I must show you.” She pointed to the gauzy barrier. “Look.”

I followed her gaze and saw the outline of three figures standing beyond the shadows. One was tall with broad shoulders; the other two had their hands linked. One was small and petite, yet strong, and the other was solid and of a medium height. The tall one raised an arm in greeting, and I felt the tiniest beat of life in my chest.

And I knew.

“Mom and Dad . . . Gareth . . .” I smiled, though I tasted salt from my tears. “They’re okay?” I asked Josephine. “They’re happy?”

“Yes, dear one. They are together and happy. And so proud of you.”

Her words jump-started my heart, and for the first time in days, I felt it beating with life. I was bruised and weary, but I was whole again.

I wrapped my arms around Josephine, squeezing her tightly. “Thank you,” I said. “For everything.” I pulled away. “Will you do something for me? Will you tell them I love them, that I won’t let them down. Can you do that?”

Josephine’s eyes were full of tears and she nodded. “Of course.” She leaned over and kissed my forehead. “Be brave, Lainey,” she whispered. “As you always are.”

She gave my hand one last squeeze and then stepped across the river and through the Veil. I watched her go, and when the swirling vortex of color came for me, I was ready.

With one last look at the shadows, I closed my eyes and waited for the darkness.

It was the sound of birds chirping in the trees that let me know I was back at the campsite. When I opened my eyes, Maggie was sitting up in her cot, yawning and stretching. “Morning,” she chirped.

I sat up slowly. The sun was just beginning to peek through the trees. It was a new day. A fresh start. I smiled to myself.

“Hey, Styles? What’s that on your arm?” Maggie was staring at me with wide eyes.

I looked down to see a small emerald tattoo on my wrist. It was green and the exact shape of Josephine’s emerald amulet. You are the Grimoire.

I ran a finger over the tattoo and smiled. “Magic always leaves a mark,” I said simply. Thank you, Josephine.

I stood up from my cot, ignoring the bewildered look on Maggie’s face, and walked over to where Zia and the Skippers were packing up the camping gear.

“How long till we reach base camp?”

The Skippers looked up in surprise, but Zia didn’t even glance away from the map she was folding. “Couple of days. We’re going to take a few back roads just to make sure no one is following us.” She tucked the map into her back pocket and gave me an indifferent glance. “We need to leave in ten minutes. Are you ready?”

I took a deep breath. My future was uncertain, and there was no telling what new trials and tribulations awaited me, but there was one thing I knew for certain.

I looked Zia in the eye and smiled.

“I’m ready.”





Acknowledgments

I used to think writing a book was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Yet, as I sit here trying to articulate just how thankful I am for all the people who have helped me and encouraged me on this journey, I realize I was very wrong. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. So please bear with me as I try to express my thanks—although, to be honest, there just aren’t words adequate enough to express my gratitude.

First and foremost, thank you to my heavenly father from whom all blessings flow. It is by his grace and his grace alone that I am standing here today.

To my incredible beta readers: Megan Addison, Cheryl Baker, Marlena Bell, Francesca Bartolomey, Brayden Fraser, Bethany Gallahair, Jessica Henderson, Adrienne Johnson, Claerie Kavanaugh, Mindy Kloka, Shannon Lane, Stephanie Mitchell, Kate Pilarsh, Rebekah Rose, Bobbie Stanley, Haley Street, Jamie Young, and Killian Zimmerman. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read my little book. Your enthusiasm meant so much to me, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your kind and constructive criticism. Thank you for treating Lainey, Maggie, and Ty with such care! You guys are the best!

To Summer Spence: Thank you for telling me that I was starting my book off in the wrong place! Your advice led to a complete rewrite and a new beginning that I love! I owe you a lifetime supply of Grey’s Anatomy hot doctor gifs!

To Dea Poirier: Thank you so much for helping me polish this book until it shone! Your excitement, encouragement, and feedback truly meant the world to me, and I cannot thank you enough for choosing me! You deserve every single gel pen and piece of Godzilla memorabilia in the world!

To Stephanie Fowler: Thank you so much for my beautiful author photos! I absolutely adore them and working with you is always so easy and so much fun. Thank you for your art and your friendship! You’re the best!

To Naomi Hughes: You were one of the first people to ever read Keeper, and bless your heart for that! Thank you for reading those early versions and seeing the potential buried underneath all the junk. Your encouragement and feedback not only helped mold Keeper into what it is today but gave me so much more confidence as a writer. Thank you so much, Naomi! I couldn’t have done it without you!

To Kate Angelella: I will forever be grateful to you for pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Without your help and advice, Keeper would likely still be written in third person and still be a hot mess. Thank you for your guidance, overwhelming kindness, support, and encouragement. I think the world of you, Kate!