Free Sea's Sorceress by Brynna Curry

years and watch those you love fade and die. Lose the ones you come to cherish to time, while you never age. I’m sorry for you.”
    “It was hard on everyone. You have a kind heart. As Briella did.”
    “I have her memories, but I’m not sure why. Am I her? Is she still trapped?”
    “When each part unravels, another barrier comes down. She reached out to Liv in dreams. Daemon calls to Skye. It’s a stronger link between them because of his empathy and sight. But no. You aren’t a reincarnation of her.”
    “Why do you call me cousin, then?”
    “Curse of magic. Just as I see what was, I know what will be.”
    “So my future is set in stone, then?”
    “No. The future is always changing, evolving with our choices, but yours is tied to Skye’s. The vision of it changes, but that one link is constant, radiating heat. I’ll show you.”
    Devin took a bowl out of the dish drainer and filled it with water. He came back to the table and set it in the center. Reaching into his pocket, he drew a small pouch out of his pocket, pinched up a bit of sea salt, and spread it in a circle around the bowl.
    “The water is a simple looking glass. Place your hands on either side of the bowl.”
    Knowing better than to question Devin, she cupped the bowl and wasn’t surprised when his hands covered hers, but the jolt of power coursing through her was a shock.
    “The vision will be clearer if I add my skill to yours. Repeat after me. Show us those who are bound by three, Earth, Air, and Sea. As is our right, for we are their key. Hide us from their sight so only we may see what destiny has in store for she. As we will, so mote it be .”
    She followed his instruction, first repeating the words to be sure she had them right, and then both chanted the spell a third time. The surface of the water became still and turned blue before slowly fading into an image of a red-haired woman rocking a child in her arms.
    “Wow. Oh, wow. Is that me? Is she mine?”
    “No.”
    The disappointment punched through her gut.
    “That would be your daughter Meara, and your grandchild.”
    The young woman lifted her head and seemed to look out of the water. Her eyes were lightning blue. Skye’s eyes. His child and hers. Oh, hers.
    “She’s beautiful, so lovely.” Reaching out, she touched the face on the surface and the image disappeared. “I wish Da could see her.” She pressed a hand to her flat belly and ached to hold that child who was yet to be. Meara.
    “I’ll make sure he does.”
    “It will mean so much to him. You’ve given me such a gift. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. Don’t be afraid to let your heart lead.”
    Devin gently touched her jaw. She felt heat and then pain lifted away from the bruise left by Maegan’s temper. “No sense in marring a face such as yours.”
    “Thanks.”
    “On to business. Skye mentioned you could use a hand until you can hire permanent help. I’m offering mine.”
    “I appreciate them. I could use help later tonight, if you’ve got the evening free. I’m down two waitresses, but if you can manage the bar, I can cover the floor.”
    “Sure. What time should I be back?”
    “Around four if you can, that will give you a chance to get acquainted with everything.”
    “I’ll be here.” Devin patted her hand. “Don’t worry so much. Things have a way of working out the way they are supposed to.”
     

 
    Chapter 9
     
    “That was an experience to remember,” Devin said as he stretched out like a cat in the corner booth. “I will never take my waitress for granted again, even if the service is awful.”
    “You get used to it after awhile,” Skye said from across the room as he flipped the sign and locked the door after the last customers. Clean-up was almost finished.
    “I’ll be ready to leave in a few minutes. I’ll get packed while you count the deposit, Skye.” The swinging door closed behind Rhiannon and a cold, clammy hand covered her mouth, stifling the scream, jerking