Victoria chewed dry lips. It was worse than she'd imagined—vampires and witches had hated each other since the dawn of time. No wonder Christian had been so troubled. She'd had no idea what he had meant, until now. Truce or not, years of deep evolutionary hatred and mistrust would be hard to avoid ... or surmount. She thumbed through the last few pages. Brigid's story couldn't possibly end like that. There had to be more ... for her own sake!
There was only one remaining entry, three months later that same year. Victoria noticed immediately that the writing and the entire tone of the entry were different. They seemed lighter somehow, as if Brigid had found some sort of impossible absolution.
Her body trembled ... she needed something ... she needed hope.
Lancaster, England. I have come back home—to end it where it began. Something truly wondrous has happened! Marcus came to me today. I heard his beautiful voice for the first time in twenty years. I see the forgiveness in his heart, the same unconditional love as his father’s. He could not contact me for fear of King James. It was the only way he knew to protect his family and me until James’ death four years ago. His family, he says! He tells me I have two beautiful granddaughters, one named Brigid and the other Elizabeth. And I am undone. I can see them in his eyes, beautiful and perfect. Angels!
I weep, but it is far too late for me, I feel the blood consuming me, struggling to take what little hope is left in me and with it, my only chance for peace. The cost has been so great but I will not let it take me. Although I embody it, I will die before I become it! My Elizabeth, wait for me. I am coming to you.
Victoria wept as she finished reading the final chapter of Brigid's life. There were no more entries. She closed the journal, and a small sheet of paper fell out. It was yellowed with age and she picked it up gingerly. It read:
My darling Marcus, I leave this journal to you. I beg you, do not think too harshly of me. I bore my curse as best I could. If I had known then what I know now—Marcus, the price of the blood’s magic had always been mine to set! In my weakness I let it consume me and in the end I lost everything. I lost sight of the one thing that could have saved me … love.
Victoria's heart careened into her rib cage. She read the words again—the price of the blood's magic had always been mine to set—and for the first time appreciated the precarious edge on which her choices balanced. Ultimately, she was in control of what the consequences were. The knowledge was freeing, and terrifying.
Reading the rest of the letter, Victoria saw that Brigid had also come to the same realization of choice and consequence.
You have brought me hope, Marcus. And so, I cannot suffer this curse to live, even though every part of me begs to survive now that I have so much to live for. If I die, then my blood shall also die, for I am the only one who can conquer it. My son, it has been so long since I have thought of the meaning of true sacrifice. This will be my last gift to them, your beautiful daughters, and their children, and their children’s children!
I leave this amulet to you. This is everything that was best of me. It is my legacy, and your inheritance. It will always protect you and yours. Always know that it was your love that saved me.
I love you now and forever, my son.
Your Mother,
Brigid Anne Warrick Kensington.
And so Brigid chose. She chose to die so those she loved could live.
"GOD, I AM never going to get this assignment done!" Victoria said to Leto as she paced, frustrated in her apartment. "And what is with this hideous weather!"
She peered out the window at the three feet of snow already on the ground and the billowing wind that made it nearly impossible to see more than a few inches. The world was a sea of white that covered everything, a big white nothing!
Well, it is December in Maine, Tori, Leto said patronizingly. And if you are so worried about the assignment, just use magic.
Victoria was horrified at Leto's nonchalant suggestion. "But that would be cheating!" Then when she gave it real consideration. "Could I do that?" Leto smiled his strange little cat smile and blinked his large, green eyes.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you some of the things you could do.
"Like what?" Despite being completely appalled at the mere thought of cheating, Victoria was intrigued.
You could not only create that whole paper in an instant, you could predispose your professor to give you an A. You could even see what he plans to set for finals and give yourself a premeditated grade.
"You are a devious little cat, has anyone ever told you that, Leto?" Victoria shook her head in amazement. "But seriously, what would be the point of me even finishing high school, if I didn't do it properly? Normally, you know, like everyone else."
Well, you're not exactly like everyone else are you? he replied smugly.