Epilogue
Spring was just beginning to break through the harsh chill of winter. All along the park’s edge, snowdrops drooped their heavy heads in pretty cheer, and here and there the shoots of daffodils were beginning to peek up through the softening ground.
In the distance, I could hear the calls and yells of a group of kids playing football, their voices too indistinct to make out beyond the odd whoop or curse, whilst in front of me the air shimmered, flickers of purple and green. Before too long, Solus appeared with Mrs. Alcoon on his arm, blinking confusedly around her.
“The mages kept their word,” he said, barely able to look me in the eye. “As you can see she’s awake and fit as a fiddle.”
I smiled at the old lady who was still looking around her surroundings in utter confusion.
“Thank you, Solus.”
“Dragonlette, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. You did what you thought you had to do. I’d probably have done the same.”
He stared at me. “Who are you and what you have done with Mackenzie Smith?”
I smiled again, softly. “Oh, I’m sure she’ll make a return one of these days.”
The Fae took a step forward, then changed his mind and shuffled back. “Have you…have you tried to do it again?”
I didn’t bother to insult both our intelligences by asking what he was referring to. I just shook my head and reached out for Mrs. Alcoon.
“Mackenzie, dear, I’m really feeling very confused. One minute we were in the bookstore, and now somehow I’m here.” She looked about herself yet again. “And it appears to be spring.” She frowned and turned her eyes to me. “And you seem to have no hair.”
Solus moved back, giving me a quick glance and mock salute, before disappearing back from wherever he’d appeared from.
I focused on my old friend. “Mrs. Alcoon, it’s a very long story.”
“Well, if you’re prepared to tell it then let’s get settled somewhere over a lovely cup of tea.” Her eyes twinkled up at me.
Damn. I had a horrible feeling I knew exactly what kind of tea she wanted. Well, just this once, as it was a special occasion…
“Okay. I think there’s a little tea shop just around the corner from here.”
“And where is here, dear?”
“Er, London, actually.”
“And are we going to stay here?”
I cast a glance over at her and thought about it for a moment before answering. There wasn’t really anyone to hide from anymore and there wasn’t really any reason to go anywhere else. I still wanted to find out what Solus had read in the book that I’d given him, and I definitely had some unfinished business to take care of with the vampires. The heartache I felt at the deaths of Brock and Jeremy would take a long time to heal. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a heartbeat, then made a decision.
“We just might, Mrs. Alcoon, we just might.”