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“But why do you want to keep people out of Zolmara?” I asked.

Willow scowled. “Because terrible, terrible things happened there, girl. And it’s best the world forgets.”

I crossed my arms. “Why is that for you to decide?”

She shook her head and waved me off, then began handing Elias the vials. “It was decided centuries ago, and that is the way it will remain.”

“How did you know we were heading to Zolmara? And how do you know about Sarai?” Elias interrupted, suddenly seeming wary.

Her mouth turned up in a smile. “I’ve been around a long time, dear. Much longer than you and most other immortals that are still living today.”

That must explain how she looked somuch older than Elias or Trybe. Maybe they did age, just extremely slowly.

“You’re a prophet,” Elias said, almost breathlessly. Willow nodded as her smile faded. I gave them both a confused look.

“A prophet?”

“A rare type of witch with the gift of foresight,” Elias answered. “New witches stopped being born with that ability centuries before even I was born. Prophets can see bits and pieces of the future and put it together to create prophecies – predictions – that always come true.” Elias looked up at Willow. “You saw us coming, didn’t you?”

“I saw enough,” she answered, crossing her arms again. As the witch looked at me, her gaze softened. “My visions showed me quite a bit about you, Aurelia.”

“Me?” I took a step towards where she and Elias stood. “Why me?”

She shook her head. “There is other magic at play here I can’t quite get past. It seems you were meant to find out on your own.”

“What do you mean?” My heart began pounding heavily under my chest. “What magic?”

Elias, likely sensing my distress, closed the gap between us and took my hand in his, calming me.

Willow closed her eyes and shook her head again slowly. “Get to Zolmara in one piece, and you’ll see.”

Zolmara will have the answers you seek. The words of my uncle began swirling through my mind.

“Please—”

“Hush,” Willow interrupted. “We have company.”

Within a split second, someone knocked on the door. “Aura? May we come in?” Magda’s voice rang out from the other side.

“We brought you some more food! You didn’t eat your breakfast!” Nadia added.

“Come in darlings, I’m just finishing up,” Willow responded.

The door creaked open and the red-haired sisters stepped in, theolder carrying a dish filled with fresh food.

“Elias!” Nadia squealed. She immediately sprinted into the room and threw herself at him. He caught her in an embrace, and I swore I felt a sense of joy through our bond.

“Hello, little one,” Elias laughed.

Nadia pulled herself away. “I’m so glad you’re awake! Isn’t Willow the best?”

The witch snickered. “Nothing a little tender love and patience can’t fix.” She looked up and winked at me. I assumed this was her subtly confirming that they didn’t know she was an immortal. “I’ll leave you all alone to enjoy your reunion.”

“Thank you, Willow. We owe you everything,” I replied.

“You’ll repay me one day.” As she walked past me to exit, she whispered quietly to me, “I’m sure of it.” She continued on and patted Magda on the shoulder as she passed her and walked out the door.

Magda stepped further into the room and placed the dish onto the dresser. “Hi, Elias. Glad to see you’re looking better.”