Magic runs strong in me, but power isn’t enough.
I’ve traveled a long road since the Coven kicked me out. It’s only been a matter of weeks, but it may as well be years. I’ve learned a lot, and nothing at all. One thing’s for certain: my life up until now has been a sham.
My wolf, beloved familiar, knew far more than he disclosed. Hard to fault him since he was trying to keep me safe. Mother, the one witch who could have shed light on my origins, is dead.
Try as I might, I couldn’t save her.
Along the way, a Fae took me under his wing, but it’s confusing. Damien says he loves me. I have no idea what I feel beyond sorrow and anger. All I want is to torch the Coven guild house, avenge Mother’s death, and locate Hecate, goddess of witches.
Secrets of my origins lie within her. Secrets forged centuries ago. At one time, I was important to her, critical enough to bend rules.
She’s abandoned me too, except she doesn’t get to walk away.
I will find her and demand answers.
Answers to shape the rest of my existence.
I'm basically a mountaineer at heart. I remember many hours at my desk where my body may have been stuck inside four walls, but my soul was planning yet one more trip to the backcountry. There's a timeless element to the mountains. They feel like old friends as I visit them, and visit them again. There's nothing like standing on a remote pass where I've been before and seeing that the vista is unchanged. Or on an equally remote peak. Mountains are the bones of the world. They'll prevail long after all of us are dust. It feels honest and humbling to share space with them. I hope I'm blessed with many more years to wander the local landscape. The memories are incomparable. They warm me and help me believe there will be something left for our children and their children after them.