Page 77 of Blood Match
“I’m sorry,” I choke out, tears welling in my eyes. “I thought I could do it. I thought I was strong enough this time.”
The weight of failure crashes down on me. Once again, I’ve let everyone down. We were so close to reaching Mia, and I ruined it. I sink to my knees, overwhelmed by guilt and heartbreak.
I look up at my family through tear-filled eyes, expecting to see disappointment. Instead, I’m met with expressions of awe and concern.
“Rowan, honey, that was incredible,” Mom says, kneeling beside me and wrapping an arm around me.
Dad nods in agreement. “I’ve never felt our circle so strong. The power was…extraordinary.”
“But it failed,” I choke out. “I couldn’t hold it. It’s my fault we can’t find Mia.”
Kara crouches down on my other side, her voice gentle. “Ro, you did amazing. We’ve never gotten that close before. This isn’t on you.”
I shake my head, unable to accept their kindness. “If I were stronger, if I could just—”
“Stop right there, young lady,” Gran interrupts, her tone firm but loving. She steps forward, her eyes locked on mine. “This is not your fault. Not one bit.”
“But Gran—”
She holds up a hand, silencing me. “Rowan, listen to me. What we just experienced was the strongest magical working our family has ever achieved. The fact that we couldn’t reach Mia… Well, that tells us something important.”
I wipe my eyes, confused. “What do you mean?”
Gran sighs, her expression softening. “It means that either Mia isn’t out there to be found, or her aura is so weak that even the most powerful circle might not be able to reach her.”
The implications of her words settle over us like a heavy blanket. I feel relief that it’s not entirely my fault, and a renewed sense of worry for my sister.
“So, what do we do now?” I ask, determined to pull myself together.
Wallowing in self-pity, Rowan. No more of that!
“We keep trying,” Kara says firmly.
Mom and Dad exchange looks, something silent passing between them.
“I’d like to do that, darling,” Mom says to him. “I know we said we’d set a timeline, but…
“Shhh…” Dad slides an arm around her waist and bends down to rest his forehead against hers. They stand there for a second, so regal and beautiful that I wonder how they ever made me. “We try as many times as you need to, my love.”
Mom gives a little nod, her eyes drifting shut.
What do I do? I can’t let them suffer this way. Maybe if Gran is right, and Mia’s aura is very weak, we’d be able to reach her if we used a really big burst of power. Unless she’s—
Stop.
I refuse to think about the alternative.
“Let’s take a break,” Dad is saying. “I think we could all use something to eat. A tall, cool drink, too. I know I could.” He keeps his tone light.
“Fabulous idea, darling.” Mom’s voice is upbeat, too. She links her arm through his as they leave the circle, finding the path that leads back home. Kara nods and falls in behind them.
How do they do that?
I know they’re hurting. I guess they’ve spent so much time putting a brave face on for us that it’s become second nature.
Well, I’m going to give them a reason to be happy. I’ll make sure of it!
“Rowan? Are you alright, sweetheart?” Gran has fallen in step beside me.