I was embarrassed to say that I had passed out and had no idea what time he’d gone.
“Not really,” Bella said. “Just that he had to go back to the magic realm and that he would contact you when he knew anything more.”
I sighed and nodded, wrapping my arms around myself. I hated being left behind, but at least I had people working in the background for me. At least I was here with my sisters.
“If only Mother was here,” Bella said suddenly, shaking her head.
My eyes flew open. “Oh my God! You guys don’t know!”
“Don’t know what?” Bella asked.
I pushed my chair back and jumped to my feet, my heart pounding wild with excitement. “Wait here.”
I raced to the bedroom to grab the locket where our mother’s essence was stored.
They were going to have a fit when they found out they could talk to her again!
Chapter 8.
I grabbed up the locket and raced back to the kitchen, holding it out in front of me.
I must have been smiling hysterically, because both of my sisters were looking at me like I was crazy.
“Here.” I pushed the locket at Bella and she took it. “Put it on.”
Bella glanced at Courtney for help, but instead of doing anything useful, our youngest sister shrugged. I had to stifle a giggle. I loved Court, but she never seemed concerned about things. Not the way Bella was, especially when it came to things Bella wasn’t already informed about.
Bella reluctantly took the locket from my hand, though she eyed it warily.
“Put it on,” I urged her, flicking my wrists for emphasis. “Mother was always strict but she’s not going to bite you.”
She heaved a sigh the same way Courtney would have and put the locket on around her neck. For a moment, she did nothing but sit there, waiting.
Bella stared at me. “Okay,” she said. “What happens now?”
I looked back at her, a sinking feeling starting in my chest and dropping into my stomach. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Mother’s voice was supposed to fill her head and ask all the questions and tell her all the things.
“Can’t you hear her?” I asked tentatively. I cleared my throat. I thought for sure they’d be able to hear her just the way I did.
“Hear who?” Bella blinked.
I shook my head, not wanting to explain it out loud.
“Can I have it back for a sec?” I asked, frowning. This didn’t make sense. How could she not hear Mother’s voice? Did it only work for me?
Bella pulled the locket back over her head and handed it to me. I put it on and waited for the characteristic heating of the metal.
It didn’t come.
So, I put my hand around it and said, “Mother?”
Nothing.
My mouth went dry. What was going on here? Why wasn’t she responding?
I blew a stray strand out of my face and tried again. “M-mother?”
Bella’s eyes went wide. “Mother?” she asked, standing up from her seat and taking a step towards her. “What are you talking about?”