Page 121 of The Mating Quest

“What are we doing?” shewhispered.

“Waiting for Danu,” he murmured. “All will bewell.”

A brilliant green glow materialized and the goddess stood by the table. All the wizards stood and bowed low. Ilana wasn’t sure of protocol, so she bowed. Andcurtsied.

Danu drifted over, her long curly hair spilling down her back. So breathtaking, Ilana found it hard to look ather.

The goddess kissed her cheek. “Rise, my daughter. You have done exceptionally well and I am quite pleased.” She glanced at Xavier. “I see you have reunited with your twin atlast.”

Confused, Ilana regarded her. “Why couldn’t I have known? My memories of him were all gone, until now. Does it have to do with why I couldn’t die, untilnow?”

Danu laid a gentle hand over hers. “You recall when you experienced that tremendous pain and anguish when you were much, muchyounger?”

At her nod, the goddess continued. “You experienced a psychic link to Xavier while he was being tortured and killed. After he became the Crystal Wizard, I knew you had to be protected from dying, for Xavier would have suffered greatly. Oh he would not have died, but his heart would have been hardened and broken to the point where I would have been forced to destroy him before he could use his wizard powers to wreak havoc on the world. So each time you came close to death, you fell into a deep rejuvenating sleep in the Fae world until you were fully healed. Until now, when it came time for you to comehere.”

Ilana put a hand over her heart. “That makessense.”

“The bonds between twins are unbreakable. I could dampen the connection, but not break it.” The goddess had an inscrutablelook.

She licked her lips. “Why am I herenow?”

“I called you here so my Brehon could vote on admitting a new wizard to the council. The Starlight Wizard.” Danu smiled gently. “Because, my daughter, you always saw the light shining through the darkestnight.”

Breath fled her. “You want me to be a wizard of theBrehon?”

“If my wizards agree,” Danu saidserenely.

They voted yes. Xavier beamed. “Welcome to the council,sis.”

“If she agrees.” Danu searched her face. “I sense doubts in your heart, mydaughter.”

“I am honored,” she said cautiously. “I only wanted power to help others and I want to keep helping. ButEthan…”

“Has to remain in his pack. He’s a good alpha,” Tristansaid.

She looked at the goddess. “I love him. I can’t bear to be parted fromhim.”

The goddess looked thoughtful. “Immortality may be bestowed on the mate of a wizard of the Brehon, if both are willing. The mated couple lives here, in Tir na-Nog.However…”

She waved a hand and a globe appeared, circling. Theearth.

“You have such compassion, and understanding of all races of OtherWorlders. I see no problem with dividing your duties amongst the Brehon, if they are willing to accept yourhelp.”

The wizards votedyes.

“Because Ilana has spent so much time on earth, she also has great compassion for Skins. She understands them, and has lived among them and has fondness for them. Therefore, it is my will that Ilana will make her home onearth.”

Ilana didn’t dare breathe as the goddess made the globevanish.

“You will have to return for council meetings, and when I call upon you. And of course…” her eyes twinkled, “for family visits. Does this agree withyou?”

Overwhelmed with emotion, she couldn’t speak for a moment. She glanced at her beloved twin, whonodded.

Lost for so long, and now found. “Yes,” she cried out. “Ohyes.”

Impulsively she hugged the goddess, realized she probably shouldn’t do that and went to release her. “I’msorry.”

Danu laughed and hugged her back. “I must leave now. Talk with the Brehon until I call for you to formally induct you as the StarlightWizard.”