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I reminded myself that it would be nothing compared to the upset it would cause if my family really knew the truth abouthow I actually felt. Beyond just the party. With every fucking thing.Orwhat I planned to do to make it better once this last year of the Academy was over and done with.

It was the only thing Icoulddo.

They just wouldn’t accept that.

And they would fight me every step of the way.

That was the last thing that I wanted.

I didn’t want to hurt them. In any way.

They’d tried so hard to give me a good life.

The brutal truth was that there just wasn’t a place for me in this world.

Everyone else knew it, but they’d never believe it.

They were blinded by me being their daughter, their granddaughter. By the fact that they viewed my existence as a miracle.

It wasn’t true beyond the confines of our family, though.

It justwasn’t.

I took my mom’s hands and told her, “I love all this effort you’ve gone to for this celebration, how much you all put into it. It means so much to me. Thank you, Mom.”

She still looked skeptical, even though I knew she couldn’t actually feel anything negative from me because of my spell. “I just want you to be happy. You know that, yes?”

“Of course. I feel it from you all the time. From the entire family.”

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me, holding her tightly.

She hugged me back just as tightly, giving me so much care and love as she always had for every single day of my life.

When we finally pulled back, she told me, “I’m so sorry your grandfather couldn’t be here tonight. He had a prior engagement that he just couldn’t miss. He absolutely hates that he couldn’t attend. We thought he might be able to make it here by the endof the night, but he’s just reached out and informed me that it won’t be possible. I know he’ll make it up to you. He loves you so much.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I know he does. He’s always doted on me. He’s the sweetest.”

A chuckle broke through her worry. “Until you were born, I could never have imagined him being referred to asthe sweetest.You really changed him, Ariana. You really softened him and brought out his loving, familial side.”

I beamed out at her.

“I have a little extra gift for you, before you open your mountain of presents later.”

I watched curiously as she twirled her hand and a spark of her gold magic with the blue flecks erupted, a moment before a piece of jewelry materialized, levitating in the air.

I choked as I took in a beautiful and intricate pendant hanging by a golden chain. It had a glittering heart in the center, my name engraved within it, and it was surrounded by gold angel wings.Myangel wings, the specific markings reflected exactly in the jewelry design.

I ran my fingers over it reverently. “This is unbelievable. So beautiful.” I looked out at her. “I can’t believe you did this.”

She smiled and opened the clasp. “Wear it with pride, my darling girl. Because that’s all you should be feeling. You’ve come into your full power now, that’s something to be proud of. It’s amazing, in fact. Don’t let anyone or anything take that from you.” I lifted my hair out of the way and she clasped the necklace for me. I ran my fingers over it as it rested above the bust of my dress so perfectly. “You are incredible, my beautiful daughter.”

My voice came out as a strained rasp as I said, “Thank you so much, Mom.”

I hugged her to me again and my heart broke a little as she gazed down at me with so much love and care.

“What do you say we finish up this party now and then you can take a ride on that new motorcycle of yours? Pops may want to race you. He bought one a couple of months ago and he’s been on it during any little bit of downtime that he has from the Guardian Movement.”

“That actually sounds like fun.”