Page 72 of Death Card

When I do pull back, I stare up at her, reorienting myself with her features. I feared I would forget the details of her face with time, but she’s exactly as I remember her. Pictures don’t do my grandmother justice. She’s beautiful, age and all.

“I can’t believe I’m here, Gran,” I say with shaky laughter. “I’ve never had a dream that felt this…real.”

When Gran speaks, her voice soothes me like a lullaby. “Just because it’s a dream doesn’t make it any less real.” She gestures to the bench. “Come, let’s sit. We don’t have long.”

As soon as we’re seated, Gran takes hold of my hands in hers and squeezes tight. Her entire body seems to glow as she drinks in the sight of me. “I am so proud of you.” Her words sink deep into the innermost parts of my soul, filling me with joy and light. “I could feel you reaching for me, but I knew you could push yourself further than you’ve ever been before.”

“I’ve come really far since you’ve been gone.”

“I know,” Gran says, beaming at me. “You’ve always been a strong, courageous young woman. It just took a little while for you to see what’s been so clear to everyone else.”

Gran’s pride in me begins to be slowly eaten away by my own shame and fear. “Everything’s a mess. So many people have died. We think the Hightowers are behind it all. I’ve got a way to banish the demon they’ve summoned, but I’m not sure what will happen afterward. Oh, and I’m meant to die today.” I can’t help the whimper that escapes me. “I’m not going to live long enough to do anything that truly matters.”

Gran rubs circles into my back but doesn’t speak.

“I wasted so much time with Joelle, Gran. I’ve been too spellbound by my crush on her.”

Gran purses her lips. “Nothing is ever a waste. I thought I taught you better than that. Our visions are more complicated than they may seem on the surface.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. In Gran’s presence, the weight of all my failures threatens to crush me. The urge to spill all my insecurities is too great to resist.

“Orion and I haven’t done anything with our lives since you’ve been gone. We’re a waste of space.”

“You know that isn’t true.” Her tone is measured. “I’ve watched you come into your own these past couple of weeks, Mikaela. I know you can feel your own strength building. Look at where you are. Do you think you could’ve reached out to me a few months ago, or even a few weeks ago?” She brushes a braid out of my face. “You’ve always carried this strength within, but you’re only beginning to unlock the confidence necessary to wield it. You have so much more time to build a life you’ll be proud of.”

The truth crawls up my throat. “I didn’t apply to college, Gran.”

“I know.” She squeezes my knee. “Everyone doesn’t walk the same path, baby. You’re forging your own.”

“And Orion?” I ask. “I worry about him.”

“Your brother has his own journey. He’s always taken after his mother. Strong-willed and bullheaded. He acts before he thinks, but you’ve always been there to steady him.” Her smile grows wider. “Just as he does for you.”

“Gran,” I begin.

“No, let me speak. We don’t have much time left.” Gran’s smile slips, and her eyes narrow in determination. “You’ve come here for answers about how to stop your vision and how todefeat the Hightowers, but you should know by now that the hands of fate do not waver. Your destiny is set. Now, as for defeating the demon that’s been plaguing you, that solution has been staring you in the face the entire time. They are one and the same, baby girl.”

A grimace crosses my expression. “What?”

“A Death card can signal new beginnings and transformation.”

I can’t help the frustrated sigh that escapes me. “I know what it means, Gran, but my vision clearly meant capital-DDeath. And besides, what does that have to do with Gaz—the demon?”

Gran sits back and folds her arms over her lap. “Death can be its own sort of transformation.”

Oh my God, I don’t have time to unravel a cryptic message. “Please tell me what to do. Are we doing the right thing? How is Joelle connected to the Hightowers?”

“Remember the gift that Sabine gave you.” She takes on a thoughtful expression, staring at a point past my head. “I shouldn’t have banished her so hastily. You taught me that lesson. I wasn’t a perfect leader by any means, and you won’t be either, but you’ll learn from both of our mistakes.” Gran leans in to press a kiss to my cheek. “You’ll be the leader this coven needs.”

She pulls me into another hug. “You can’t lead if you don’t put up a fight,” she whispers. “Don’t let anyone, including your grandfather, walk all over you.” She kisses my cheek. “Tell him I love him. I’ll never stop.”

“Oh, Gran.” I squeeze my eyes shut and commit this moment to memory.

“I love you too, my dear. I promise I’ll see you again someday.” She gives me one last squeeze before releasing me.

“Gran.” When I open my eyes, I’m back in my bedroom, and Gran is lost to me once more.

Except that isn’t entirely true. Her kiss still lingers warm on my cheek. When I peer in the mirror, a small beauty mark graces my skin. A permanent reminder of her love. I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life, no matter how long or short that may be.