But before blows could be thrown by dragons or witches, a bright light shone between the two families. Its brilliance blinding all in the room, it morphed and formed into an angelic being of such beauty all were stunned. Massive black feathered wings spread wide showing their greatness and within the arms of the angel was an egg so beautiful it seemed to have its own luminosity. Daniel offered the egg to the dragon who had been hypnotized by its presence. The egg floated towards the dragon, high in the air.
Yvonne and Juliette screamed, “No” in stereo and sent the formed fireballs in their hands towards the egg in an attempt to stop it, but the air around it formed an impenetrable cocoon of safety as it slowly fell into the reach of the dragon. She delicately braced the egg in her teeth. Yvonne and Juliette sent wave after wave of magical horrors towards the mother and her egg when Hunter spit a line of fire in front of them that was so tall and thick they could not see what they were firing at. The mother dragon burst upwards breaking the roof with her body flying off into the night sky while the others climbed upon Hunter’s back. When all were aboard, he too took off in pursuit through the unblocked ceiling with all the rescuers and prisoners.
Summer saw Tori and Nick on the ground and she waved to her friend as they soared through the brisk night air. Though flying had been something she had experience with on the tricycle, there was nothing quite like holding on to dragon, hearing its wings flap and soar effortlessly. All too soon, they found themselves over the Midnight estate and dropping elevation quickly upon their descent to safety. There on the ground they were greeted by Sully’s excitement and licks.
* * *
Climbing off the back of Hunter and feeling the ground once again beneath her, Summer realized just what an amazing night it had been. Her sister and father had come to her rescue despite their doubts. Morti and Myrtle took them in and helped them even with their misgivings. Even with Nick’s reservations about Summer, he stepped up and had a hand in the rescue.
Summer recognized how truly lucky she was. She had been an orphan most of her life and always wondered what having a family would be like, but the reality of it is she’d always had a family whether it was Sister Mary Louise and the nuns at Holy Cross, Tori, Nick, and Dr. Stuart at Paws and Whiskers, or her biological family of Myrtle, Morti, Marcus and Autumn.
It wasn’t your conventional family by far, but what family is considered normal. She knew her family was everyone who just climbed off Hunter’s back and a few others. She even felt Daniel was her family now. Maybe it was an inclination or some kind of magical intuition, but she was sure he’d be a very big part of her future as would Marcus and Autumn.
Even Hunter seemed to finally have a possible future where he had been so depressed in the past about thinking he was the last of his kind. Now that he’d found it not to be true, even if they weren’t to be romantically involved, they would be a family of sorts and a means of support for their species and the baby dragon that would soon arrive.
Just a year ago when all seemed so doomed to war and death, now the future seemed to have unfolded in a different direction. One that Summer was happy didn’t involve her having to kill her sister. After all, she was sure that Tori and Autumn would be great friends. Even Morti might have a happy future if he could show that the Macabres had a hand in his deeds. Wouldn’t that be something, an uncrabby Morti? It was almost unfathomable.
Though today had started out not so great, the future looked pretty damn good for Summer and her extended family. It was time to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead and be grateful to those who helped them get there. Summer smiled at the thought and Sully greeted her with unconditional love as all hounds do. He was taking full advantage of everyone’s willingness for pets and licks alike.
While observing all this, Summer found herself fondling the necklace she’d taken to wearing—the one that was locked in the little Japanese puzzle box. As a gift from loving parents, the sun imaged trinket made her feel like her mother was with her when she wore it.
From across the yard, Autumn noted her standing alone and went toward her. “What are you doing here all by yourself?”
“Nothing. Just taking it all in.”
“I see,” Autumn said directing her gaze to the necklace Summer was stroking. “You’re wearing yours too,” she said pulling its match out from under her shirt. “I’ve been wearing mine since we had our little cave adventure.”
Summer laughed. Autumn reached under her hair and unclasped the moon charm from her neck. At seeing this, Summer did the same. Without speaking a word, they combined the two pendants, forming one lovely charm of a sun and moon embracing. Summer and Autumn found themselves embracing soon afterward. Witnessing this, Marcus came over, pulled his girls to him and held them tightly in his arms. After all the horrendous folly between the Midnights and the Macabres, their little family had survived and ascended into one large mosh-posh of friends and kin alike. Life was good.
The end.
About the Author
T. Lynne Tolles can be found most days, juggling one of two cat muses and a laptop, tripping over an ancient Newfoundland dog and washing a never-ending pile of laundry. When life doesn’t get in the way, she writes paranormal romances for new adults.
Her passion for witches, ghosts, and vampires together with a light-hearted wit are reflected in her loveable characters and the adventures of mystery they unravel to find their happily ever after.
Website:
http://tlynnetolles.me
Other books by T. Lynne Tolles
Somber Island
Mirror of Shadows
Hade’s Revenge: Pirate to Patriot
Dead Sleep
Blood Series Books
The Hunted
Blood of a Werewolf
Blood Moon
Blood Lust
Bloodstone Heart
Deadman’s Blood
Sisters in Blood
Hellhound Tails Books
Finding Midnight
Autumn Calling
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