"Marie, my darling, what is happening to you?"
"I am not sure mother. I need you. I can't do this alone."
"Come here." Her mother instructed with open arms.
Marie walked into her arms and embraced her mother tightly. Her mother gently leaned back and looked at Marie.
"I love this face and you have let that wench harm it." She said as she raised her hand and gently brushed it past the scratches on Marie's face.
"You are stronger than you think, Marie. You are stronger than I am. You are stronger than Sybil too. You have always been. You need to believe in who you are. You cannot fight Sybil if you are not confident.
"I am trying Mother."
"Are you really, dear? You have never truly accepted who you are."
Marie took a step back and looked at the floor. She knew her mother was right.
"You are not ready now and Sybil knows this. She is toying with you, and you are falling right into her hands."
"What should I do?"
"Well, now she knows you are aware of her plans so you must be careful. You must not speak of what you are doing out loud. She can hear you. She may also have others nearby so beware. Use your power. That is what it is there for. Wear my talisman in addition to yours until you are ready to face her. It will offer some protection. It contains a dual blessing, one for me and one for you."
"Why does everything have to be so difficult, mother?"
"My darling, it is difficult because you have a big heart. You want to be normal, but you are not normal. Your life will never be normal. I am sorry. Once you accept that part, it will get easier. You can still make your life amazing in a different way. I promise. You have the power to make it so and you will be happy." She said softly as she gently touched Marie's cheek with the back of her fingers.
Marie looked at her mother as she held back tears. She was completely exhausted and frustrated.
Her mother took Marie's hand in hers and began walking through a floral pathway that led to an enormous waterfall.
There were extremely large butterflies that glowed with each flutter of their wings. Beautiful fish swam through the crystal-clear waters.
Everything seemed lovely and tranquil. Marie was in awe at the sights. It was a moment of peace that she desperately needed.
"At some point you must accept your power, Marie. Only then will you be able to put a stop to the hate and evil."
"What if Sybil comes for me before I am ready?"
"Then you know exactly what to do. You must do everything you can to protect yourself. If you are eliminated, then that leaves her to wreak havoc. Everyone will be in danger."
"I guess you are right, mother. I am just afraid. I don't ever want to hurt people. How are you sure I would be able to control my power?"
"Marie, you cannot be afraid of who you are. This is what you were born to do. I don't think you realize how many depend on you. Do not let them down. Don't let yourself down."
Marie's head hurt from thinking so much.
"Mother, why did you banish me from the Coven before you left?"
"You were in danger, Marie. I couldn't let what happened to me be your fate as well."
Marie's face was covered in tears as she listened to her mother. She wrapped her arms around Marie and held her tightly.
"Cry now my love. Cry as much as you need to. Let me take away your hurt. When the day comes to show your enemies who you really are, there will be no room for tears."
"What happened to you, Mother? Is it true what they say? Was it witches?"
"My dear, Sybil needed my power. She didn't get it all, but she was able to get some. That is why she is so strong. She used my most trusted witches against me in order to hurt me. Be careful. Things are not always what they seem. You must go now. Time is running out."
"When can I see you again?"
"Whenever you want. I will visit you again soon." She said as she hugged Marie tightly. She still smelled of roses and lilies, like she always did.
Marie inhaled her deeply as though it was her last.
"See you soon mom, thank you so much."
Marie opened her eyes feeling refreshed, yet emotional. Seeing her mother for the first time in so long was bittersweet. For so long, nothing made sense about her being missing. She missed her so much, especially now after she explained so many things.
She rubbed her hands along the strong arm wrapped around her.
"Are you awake?" She whispered without getting a response from Sargon.
He must have still been resting. They were both extremely tired after all that had happened. She shifted her body around to face him. He looked so peaceful.
She took her finger and traced the side of his face, down his neck and arm as he stirred.
"Did you get some rest?" He asked groggily.
"I did. I had a pleasant dream about my mother."
"That's good." He said as he rubbed his eyes.
He had a confused look on his face.
"What's wrong?"
"Your face, the scratches are gone." He said in disbelief.
Marie threw the sheets back and jumped out of bed to find a mirror. She stopped at Sargon's dressing area and looked at his floor length mirror.
"Oh my gosh. My mother, she took the scars away!"
"Wait, what?" Sargon was so confused. He was sure she had scars on her face before she fell asleep.
"It was my mother. We spoke in my dream, and she touched my face. She was upset to see the scars. Wait, this means she's not dead! She can't be. Dead witches don't cast spells."
"So, your mother is alive?" Sargon asked even more confused.
Marie put her fingers on her temples and closed her eyes tightly.
"Uh, yes! I mean, I am not sure. I think she is." Marie said, trying to make sense of it.
"What are you going to do?" Sargon asked.
"I can't tell you. I have a few things to do before I tell you anything else. I have to go to my room. I will come back in a little while." She said as she climbed on top of him and lay her head on his chest. His heartbeat was a calming rhythm to her ears.
Sargon wrapped his arms around her and took a deep breath. "I swear you will send me mad when all is said and done." He said groggily.
"What is love without a little crazy?" She teased as she lifted herself up off his chest and gave him a soft kiss on his lips then rolled off of him to leave.
Sargon pulled her back into the bed with her back against his chest. He snuggled his face into her neck and began kissing her.
Marie moaned, enjoying every moment of Sargon's touch.
"I have to go your majesty." She teased.
Sargon groaned and released her.
"I will return shortly." She said as she climbed off the bed and left the room.