Free The Silver Rose by Rowena May O'Sullivan Page B

interrupted.
    Rosa leaned forward and gripped Beth’s forearm. “Tell me everything.”
    Beth smoothed Rosa’s hand with her palm. “I’ve dreamed of a couple having to face the Fates. There will be sacrifice, acceptance, and redemption. The past will drop away, and new paths will be forged.”
    â€œClear as mud!” Alanna declared, her voice dripping sarcasm as thick as the jam on her toast.
    â€œAcceptance of what?” Equally exasperated, Rosa dug for more information. “What in the name of the Goddess does redemption have to do with my future? I’ve lived in this small town my entire life. I don’t need redeeming or acceptance. The sacrifice part doesn’t sound so wonderful, either.”
    â€œI don’t try to understand the dreams. I allow the Fates to direct my tapestries. If your fate is met, and I know it will be, the future will be a joyous one. Embrace the bells and let them be your guide. I’ll begin your wedding tapestry immediately. With time, the meaning will become clear.”
    â€œI don’t have time! I don’t want to embrace anything. I want to live a happy, peaceful life with my family.”
    Alanna, ever the not-so-tactful sister, went straight to the heart of the matter. “I thought your greatest wish was to become an Ascended Master and serve Marylebone Coven.”
    Since her parents had been so cruelly taken to the Otherworld, Rosa’s sole focus had been to study hard and develop her full talent as a witch. She should have been prepared to hear the bells. “It was a childhood dream.”
    Their heritage was that of Witchery. Marylebone had recognized Rosa’s growing power by ringing the bells. If the Fates were not met, being stripped of magic was as good as having her soul wrenched from her body. There would be no realization of her dream.
    It had taken years of self-denial and sheer, single-minded determination to achieve every grade of magical status in the World Covens. She was the youngest ever, mortal witch to have done so. Now it looked as if it was make or break time.
    â€œI’m happy with the way things are,” Rosa stated unequivocally, natural fear dampening any previous wishes and dreams.
    â€œLife has changed for you, and that means for us as well,” Alanna stated bluntly. “You were worried about Aden entering our circle? What about having no circle at all? You want to bury your head in the sand and pretend nothing has happened?”
    â€œI’m not doing anything so childish!”
    â€œWell, what would you call it, then?”
    â€œFear,” said Beth softly. “If she doesn’t find her mate within the month, then she will never wield magic again. You will not give up your magic, Rosa.” The reality had apparently hit Beth, and her voice shook when she stated, “I don’t know how I know, but you will not give up your magic.”
    Distress twisted Alanna’s features into a fierce determination. “There must be a way.”
    Silence descended around the table. Rosa fiddled with her cup. Alanna ate more toast with jam. Beth played with her cold eggshell.
    â€œI will not fail,” Rosa insisted. She banged her fist on the table and her sisters jumped. “It’s taken a long time to recover from Mom and Dad crossing over.” Alanna had been fourteen and difficult. Beth, twelve, lost and heartbroken. All three, grief-stricken. The responsibility had fallen on Rosa’s young shoulders to hold her family together. She did not want to leave them behind to cope with her early passing as their parents had done.
    Beth cupped Rosa’s bunched fists in both her hands. “Don’t go there. The only thing you need to do is work out which man to marry.”
    â€œWithout any available men, I’m not sure how.”
    â€œWe’ll find you one.” A light sparked in Alanna’s eyes, and she rubbed her palms together.