Page 68 of Secrets of the Eternal Flame

‘I’m not going anywhere,’ I promised the Flame. ‘I will commit to this, commit to you. You are where I belong – you are my birthright – and you can take from me whichever part of my soul you wish.’

My throat was thick with emotion. ‘I get it,’ I said quietly as cathartic tears trickled down my cheeks. ‘I finally understand what Mum meant. I trust what you will take and I welcome it. Take a part of my soul and I will be a better person for it.’

I wasn’t scared now. I wasn’t scared it would take my love for Yanni, Maddie or Ezra, I wasn’t scared it would take my love for Fraser, because all of those things made mestronger.And the Flame needed me strong to face what was coming.

‘I trust you,’ I breathed to the Flame. ‘I am yours and you are mine. Take what you need. It is freely given with all of my heart.’

I felt a wrench deep within me and instantly the Flame burst into life. A gasp flew from my lips at its sheer beauty. It was stunning, and tears flowed down my cheeks in earnest now.

This was the Flame I had seen my whole life with its rainbow hues dancing in the grate. I would never, ever take it for granted again.

My soul had bonded with the flame. I could feel it in the space between my ribs and my heart. The Flame had taken the part of my soul that it had wanted, and I knew exactly what part that was … my guilt.

For the first time in so long, my heart truly sang.

And then my mother’s voice spoke into my mind:Hello, Bumble Bea.