page_412 < previous page page_412 next page > Page 412 <><><><><><><><><><><><> "Well done, my dear," Aisling said, resting her hands over the hand Laura still held against her shoulder. Laura opened her eyes and stared down at Aisling. Color had returned to her cheeks; the strain of pain had lifted from her beautiful features. "Are you going to be all right?" "Look for yourself." Aisling smiled as she lifted Laura's hand away from her shoulder. Through the bloody tear in the white silk of Aisling's robe, Laura could see the smooth, pale flesh beneathwhole, unscarred. "Oh, my gracious," she whispered, sitting back on her heels. "Did I really . . . did I do that?" "You certainly did." Aisling sat up, frowning as she glanced down at her bloody gown. "But I look terrible." She snapped her fingers. The white gown disappeared in a heartbeat, replaced by a gown of ruby silk, gold threads weaving through the shimmering material. ''That's better." "Laura, is this lady a witch too?" Sophie asked. Laura glanced over her shoulder, smiling when she saw her father and Sophie. "This is Connor's aunt, Aisling. And she prefers to be called a sorceress." Aisling rose from the floor in a swirl of ruby silk. "How very nice to meet you." Connor smiled as he offered Laura his hand, a wide, embracing smile that told her everything would now be as it should be, as it had been destined to be from the beginning of time. His strong fingers closed around her hand as he helped her to her feet. Daniel released his breath in a long sigh. "I guess I'm the only one in the room who doesn't have any magic in his blood." "You and Mr. Thayer," Aisling said, pointing toward the ceiling. Daniel followed her gesture, staring a moment before  < previous page page_412 next page >