Chapter 190

The night air is still and quiet, and for once, I can’t even hear the owls in the trees or the leaves rustling in the wind outside my window. There are no other noises around us, not even the ones of the house creaking or the Munro’s coughing in their sleep, which is a little odd, but maybe I usually sleep through the night and don’t know the world sometimes falls silent. “My story may not make sense, sweet child, but one day it will, and when you remember it, remember this night and this moment, and all will fall into place. You’ll know why I came.” Sierra Santo brushes a hand across my forehead gently, an affectionate yet straightforward touch of a mother, and I nod, not willing to interrupt her anymore, so eager for this story to begin even if I don’t grasp what she means. I love tales about witches, magic, and brave heroes, and I hope this will be a good one. I can already tell as she’s playing with my hair like we’ve started a great adventure. I feel her sag against my thigh and s