Dark Corner

Epilogue

Construction had begun on the new Leaf & Page. Only one wall remained from the original building built in 1890. Now Mrs. Twiggs stood back and watched as the bones came together. Carpenters were busy at work, framing out the interior. She walked around inspecting their work, nodding her head. “Looking good, Terra, don’t you think?”

I shook my head. She sat on the bench across the street most of the day, watching the old building come to life. As the construction crew finished for the day, we went inside. Albert stood in the corner by the original wall, looking confused and nervous. Mrs. Twiggs reached her hand out. “It’ll be as it should be, my love.”

“Yes, my love,” he replied.

I could see her longing to embrace her beloved, to feel his warmth, to taste his kiss. I struggled but knew what I had to do. After centuries in this body I wanted that moment for myself. Agatha Hollows had gifted me that magic, knowing I would use it at the river to stop the lieutenant, knowing that whatever was left of that magic would give me a moment in my old body. I removed the sliver from my paw. I slowly walked up to Albert and stuck it into his foot. He shook. Mrs. Twiggs stood back. “Terra what have you done?”

She watched as the flesh crawled up from his toes to his legs. He stared at his hands as they became flesh once again, not believing it. He touched his chest, feeling his heartbeat and the warmth of his skin. Before us stood Albert Twiggs, the living. I whispered to Mrs. Twiggs, “It’s only for a short time, my dear friend.” She grabbed Albert and pulled him close, kissing him passionately. She wrapped her arms around him.

Pixel bounced into the room. He saw them kissing and covered his eyes with his paws. “Terra, we go now.”

“Yes, Pixel,” I said as we walked into the night. I saw a new twinkle in Pixel’s eyes. The fairy dust had turned Pixel. I looked at him. “Pixel, do you want to learn magic?”

“Me magic, Terra?”

“Yes, you.”

“Me Terra familiar.”

“Not anymore Pixel. You are now a witch’s apprentice.”

Coming soon: Book 3:

THE WITCHES’ APPRENTICE