Noir

I choked, a bubble of laughter spilling forth before I could stop it as I found myself totally captivated by the tiny being, for the words it uttered were the last thing I had expected to pass its celestial lips, maybe some type of prophecy or biblical phrase yes, but not that!

Then as if it found no need to draw a breath it continued "I was beginning to think you were never going to get here!"

Suddenly feeling ashamed and contrite, for exactly what I didn't know, I nonetheless found myself whispering, "I'm sorry if you were kept waiting..." Then I hesitated to say more as I didn't know how to address him or her. Another cackle reached my ears as if ithe being knew of my inner struggle, and leaning forward, as though it thought I was deaf, it shouted, "You, my child, are to call me, Gran!"

I stared, for I couldn't help myself as I squeaked "...Gran?"

With a quick nod in affirmation, it then turned its gaze on Noir, Eton, and Thorin for several seconds, before asking, "You are well, boys?"

With the acknowledgment they were, Gran gave another quick nod and turned, then began to shuffle away, calling out, "You comin girl, or you gonna stand there all day," trailing out behind it.

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Within minutes, I stared down at what had been placed within my hands. I had no idea of just what exactly I was supposed to do with it, for I really had no clue of even what it was. Though Gran had reverently given it to me, and now stood back, waiting, as though having no doubt either it, or I, was going to do something spectacular.

It appeared for all the world as a board that was approximately thirteen inches wide and maybe a few inches in thick, and supported strange symbols from its top to its bottom; yet each and every symbol was meaningless to me. My eyes shot open wide though, as the symbols began to shift, the strange drawings changing shapes, shortening, lengthening, some going flat while others rounded or squared, and glancing up, I saw Gran nod, almost in a manner of affirmation.

My gaze returning to the odd object, I inquired, "What is it?"

Gran murmured, "Proof." Then its aged mouth cackled out, "It appears we better get busy." Afterward, the tiny being breathed, "Much to teach and much to learn! Come, girl."

A short time later, I found myself in a tiny, dusty, cluttered room as Gran puttered about, the sound of mumbling filling the air. "Now, where has it got to?"

I watched as Gran poked and sorted through row after row, and jumble after jumble of books, papers, and an assortment of other items. Finally, Gran's triumphant crow echoed through the room, signaling success in finding the item being searched for.

With an energy and nimbleness that defied its advanced age, Gran whipped around, its hand outstretched towards me. "This is for you, child," it declared. I took the bag from the aged hand, feeling its weight and texture in my palm. With a shrug, I pulled at the drawstrings, allowing the bag's contents to spill onto my open hand. As the sunlight streamed in through a window, the glinting silver chain and gem caught my eye. Its exquisite craftsmanship was undeniable, but I couldn't help but feel conflicted.

I glanced up at Gran, a frown forming on my forehead, as I lifted my own gem from where it nestled between my breasts. I held it up, murmuring my gratitude. "Thank you, Gran. It's gorgeous, but I already have one my mother gave me." Gran peered at my necklace and inquired, "May I see it?"

I nodded, removing the chain and gem from around my neck and offering it to Gran, who took the chain from me and placed it on the surface of a desk.

Before I could react, Gran picked up a heavy object, its weight palpable in the air, then with a swift motion, brought it down on the gem, shattering it into pieces.

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I gasped, "Gran! You broke it!"

I reached out, but Gran held me back, saying, "No, child, you must not touch it now, and that woman was not your mother."

My heart felt like it was being crushed and anger shot through me. "How dare you! How dare you say she was not my mother!" I shouted.

Gran's eyes held mine, unyielding. "Because she was not. She was your protector. There was an uprising when you were an infant and your mother, your real mother, was killed. Mckayla, was your mother's best friend, more like a sister, and she promised your mother she would protect you."

I felt as if the world had been pulled out from under me. I tried to process what she was saying, but my mind was a whirlwind of confusion and anger. "Why would I need to be hidden?" I managed to choke out.

"Because you are rare. Very rare, Lyra. You are the second female to ever be born into the Eton bloodline, and as such, you had to be hidden until you could come into your magic and defend yourself. The gem Mckayla gave you was to keep you hidden from every coven until it was time. However, Mckayla hid you too well, and we lost track of you until Noir found you," Gran replied.

"Why should I believe any of this is the truth? I don't even know you," I stated.

Gran nodded. "Let's remedy that, shall we? My name is Noir Thorin Eton, and I am your great grandfather, 16 generations removed. Now, shall we introduce you to the rest of your family and coven?"

I was still trying to process the information when Gran gestured for me to follow it out of the study. As we walked through the grand halls, I caught glimpses of people with features similar to my own, their eyes locking on me before quickly looking away. It was as if they were trying to decide whether or not I belonged.

We eventually reached a massive room, the largest I had ever seen, filled with hundreds of people, both male and female.

As I hesitantly stepped into the room, everyone went silent, staring at me.

Gran, taking my hand, stepped forward, as voice strong and assured, he stated, "Everyone, Sharla's daughter has come home to us."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, part excitement, part disbelief. I felt the weight of their stares and the questions in their eyes, but I couldn't meet anyone's gaze. Not yet.

Gran led me through the sea of people, introducing me to family members and coven members alike. Everyone spoke to me in hushed tones, as if I were some sort of delicate flower. They told me about the Eton bloodline and the power that coursed through my veins. They told me about the responsibility that came with it.

As the introductions continued, I felt a strange sense of belonging wash over me. Despite the shock of the revelations, I found myself wanting to be a part of this world. I wanted to learn about my magic and my heritage. But at the same time, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still not quite right.

Gran led me to a quiet corner of the room, away from the bustle of the crowd. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Lyra, I know this all must be overwhelming for you. You have every right to be angry and confused. But I need you to understand that Mckayla only did what she thought was best to protect you. She was your mother, in all but blood."

I nodded, trying to process his words. "I understand that she wanted to protect me, but she should have told me the truth," I said softly.

Gran sighed. "Lyra, the world is not kind to those like us. There are those who would use your power for their own gain, or worse, try to eliminate you entirely. The Eton bloodline is ancient and powerful, and she was trying to protect you. That is why she made the choices she did."

I considered his words, feeling a mix of understanding and frustration. "But why didn't she tell me? Why did I have to find out like this?"

Gran took my hand in his. "Mckayla loved you deeply, Lyra. She wanted what was best for you. And she believed that keeping you hidden was the way to do that. She hoped one day to tell you, but she never got the chance."