Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series

The next morning felt like a mad scramble. I woke up with a splitting headache, grumbling and moaning as I took my shower. Elizabeth was right; this was going to be a long day. I barely had enough time to throw my hamper into my suitcase before we had to leave for the airport.

As she gathered up everyone to head down the lobby, I again took another check of my room. I held up my hand, using magic to summon anything that I might’ve missed. When nothing came, I nodded and left the room.

This was the final morning of my trip and I was ready to go home. I missed seeing my mother and everyone on the Estate.

The group all gathered in the lobby, with the sight of the caravan of vans ready to drive us away. Everyone looked tired and haggard. The youngest of the group complained to their parents, wanting to go back to bed. No one could blame them. The sun hadn’t even begun to rise as we shuffle outside into the chilled morning air.

Our belongings were hauled into the back ends of each van. The group then climbed on in. I took my seat at the back, pulling my phone to take one last picture of our hotel. I smiled softly, having truly enjoyed this trip and was glad I went on it.

The doors all then slam shut, shaking the van. I stashed my phone away, checking my charger, enough for the full trip home. The caravan then roared to life, feeling the van pulling away from the hotel.

The drive to the airport was short, around fifteen minutes. Traffic was light, granted it was still very early in the morning. The group piled out of the vans and headed inside to check in. While the streets were relatively quiet, the airport was abuzz with people.

Like I’ve said before, been to one major airport you’ve been to them all. As we passed through customs, I felt the overwhelming urge to just find a seat and sleep. Thankfully when it came to be my turn, I passed through quickly.

Finding a seat, I pulled out my book and began to read. My headphones sat upon my head as music poured into my ears. London awaited us and from there back to Dulles.

I chuckled softly; the final leg of my trip would be my private flight home. As much as I had enjoyed being with members from the Coven, a little alone time was sounding amazing.

Susie curled up into me, clinging tightly to my jacket. I wrapped an arm around her, holding her tightly to me. Smiling, I continued to read my book. An hour later, the call rang out for us to board.

The group shuffled softly onto the plane, quickly finding their seats. I buckled myself in and again had Susie sit next to me. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep.

I leaned back into my seat, staring out the window. Rome lit up like a thousand jewels as its light flickered off in the distance.

We waited patiently for the crew to complete their preflight checks. I lowered the shade of my window and returned to my music. Letting it carry me away.

The plane shook as we landed in London. We had an eight hour layover before we headed back to America. The news wasn’t exactly something that everyone was happy about. We mostly stuck close to our gate. The five hours we spent flying from Rome really was a massive drain on everyone.

One thing I thought was funny was that we had returned to the very same gate when exited from when we arrived here two weeks ago. Gotta love symmetry in life.

I texted Rachel, letting her know that we had landed. Again, knowing that with the time difference she more than likely was still asleep.

Some of the group convinced our leaders to let us go and explore the city. Reluctantly they agreed, with the stipulation to be back three hours before the plane was to take off. I happily joined them, partially due to me visited the city before and also because I had ran through all of the books that I brought with me.

We took a shuttle around London and toured the streets. My mind instantly went back to when Rachel brought me here. I even eyed the very same hotel she and I stayed at.

That was the very first trip she and I took together, which still surprises me that she did right after meeting each other. Nearly every step we took was like I was reliving every moment of that trip.

The weather was chilled, even more so than it was in Rome. Everyone kept a watchful eye on their phones; wanting to make sure we didn’t miss the deadline we had been given. When we came upon Trafalgar square, the girls and I all stood under the statue and had our picture taken.

Our little group then piled into a tiny café and sat down for a late lunch. Everyone teased me upon ordering a pot of tea. I blushed deeply, sinking into my seat, but it was all in good fun.

I did keep my guard up however. My senses were stretched far and wide, wondering if Titania could be here. Part of me was a bit nervous, but the other part almost wished she was there.

After a few moments of searching…nothing. I felt relieved and yet a teensy bit sad. I really hoped to see her again. I shook the concern of the fae queen out of my mind, I returned to having a good time with everyone.

All of our phones then went off; telling us it was time to head back. We quickly returned to the airport, only have been delayed due to a minor hang up when we reentered the airport.

We retook our seats with the rest of the group and relaxed. It was a good diversion from the boredom we might’ve had to endure if we didn’t. I pulled my headphones up and started my music.

The noise drowned out the hustle and bustle of people moving about the terminal. My eyes trained onto the group, watching them all “resting” in their seats. I use the term loosely, as one really can never truly relax in airport seats. But it was only for a short while longer.

We finally boarded our plane, much to the praise and relief of everyone. Taking our seats, we all settled in for another six to seven hour flight to Dulles. Now I really can appreciate how my birth parents felt after their mission trip, exhausted from all of the traveling. And I still had yet one more leg of my trip before I could say I was home.

I nestled into my seat, just hoping for this leg to be over with quickly. Sleep and music both were going to key to this part. I felt a hand resting on my shoulder.

Looking up I saw Elizabeth smiling to me. She was looking to see if I was all right. I nodded to her. She smiled more, nodding and moved on to check on the rest of the group.

My gaze shifted forward, letting my mind wander about. Home…just a bit longer. Closing my eyes, I didn’t even wait for the plane to take off before falling asleep.

I awoke with yet another shuddering of the plane. My eyes opened to see that the sky outside was clear and the sun shining brightly. We had finally returned to the States. The realization and joy was palatable.

I groaned and leaned forward, feeling groggy. My tailbone whined with pain, causing me to wince.

My headphones had long since died from lack of power. Pulling them off of my neck, I pulled out the cord to my charger and plugged it in. I took a look at my phone. Not quite dead, but just enough to where it needed to be plugged in.

I watched as the plane slowly was taxied into the gate. I let out a long hard yawn, rubbing my eyes.

When we came to a stop, the pilot gave us his thanks for flying and wished us safe travels. The group quickly and eagerly disembarked from the plane. We stood in the gate, everyone hugging each other, telling how much they were going to miss one another.

I too got caught up in the sad and happy chain of goodbyes. I giggled, hugging everyone from my team. I was going to miss being with them. It had been a good long and fun-filled two weeks and part of me was sad that it now was coming to an end.

“See you soon kiddo,” said Alexis, giving me a deep bear hug.

I giggled, hugging her back, “Take care Alexis. Don’t work too hard in your classes.”

She nodded to me, smiling. She then tightened her embrace, before letting me go, “Where’s your flight?”

“G terminal.”

She nodded, “Well hope to see you soon. Tell your mom I said hi.”

“I will.”

Alexis smiled, disappearing off down the terminal.

Henry then came up to me, “I’m off too. But have a short layover here.”

I looked to him, “Geez, can’t catch a break can you?”

His shoulders shrugged, “Can’t win them all,” a smirk then formed on his face, “I’m looking forward to our rematch squirt. Not gonna go easy on you.”

I laughed, “Like you did the last time?” He smirked and then turned down the opposite way.

Sarah rested her hand onto my shoulder, “Thank you again so much for coming with, Aria. Think you’ll be okay going the rest of the way on your own?”

I nodded to her, “I will. But it’s just more flying and then a short car ride to the Estate. Nothing I can’t handle.”

She nodded, wrapping her arms around me, “Take care sweetie, we’ll see each other again soon.”

Sarah then looked up to see Elizabeth walking over, both Robbie and Susie looked as though they were about to collapse. I giggled looking to them.

My team leader leaned over and smiled to me, “I wish I could take you to your terminal, but I have to quickly get these two onto a plane. Your luggage is being transferred to your plane correct?”

I nodded, “It should be. It was great seeing you again.”

My team leader smiled, pulling me into a hug, “You take care, Aria. Be safe on your way home.” I hugged her tightly, nearly burying my face into her. Elizabeth slowly let me go, smiling to me.

I knelt down to the dreary-eyed Susie, smiling to her, “Be good to your momma.”

She nodded, rubbing her eyes, “Love you sissy.”

I smiled to her, “Love you too.” I turned to her brother, who fought hard not fall asleep. I smiled to him, ruffling his hair. The little boy’s face blushed.

Their mother smiled, “You should go ahead and get going.”

I stood back up and nodded, “Hope to see you again soon.”

She smiled and turned, pulling her children with her. They disappeared into the crowd. I chuckled; I was actually going to miss the little troublemaker and his sister.

Sarah then smiled, giving me one last hug before walking away from me. I smiled and headed for my terminal, and my ride home.

The walk to my terminal was a quiet and lonely one. I had so gotten used to being with everyone so quickly that the idea of not being around them felt slightly foreign. Thankfully the feeling, while lingering, faded the closer I approached where my plane was.

I hopped onto a cart and rode out from the terminal, easily noticing the apparent drop-off of people the further out I rode. A tired grin crossed my face the moment my plane came into view, resting on the tarmac.

The pilot was standing by the stairs, clean pressed and ready. He bowed to me, “It is good to see you, Young Miss. I hope your travels were without incident.”

I nodded to him, “It was, but I think I’m ready to go home.”

He smiled, “Her Ladyship is eager to have you home.”

I blushed, I couldn’t wait to see Rachel and just be home. “Then I guess we should get this show on the road.” He bowed softly, motioning me upwards.

I hopped up the stairs, turning and taking one last look at the airport, watching as planes took off. I knew some were carrying my friends and people I had grown close to over the course of the trip. I smiled, wishing them all safe flights.

I then turned and slipped into the cabin, quickly finding my seat. The door closed with the pilot climbing into the cockpit. I pulled out my phone and texted my mother, telling her I was just a flight from home. She replied, expressing her eagerness for my return. I smiled, putting away my phone. My head leaned against the backrest, letting my eyes slowly close once more.

For the third and final time I was awakened to a plane as it landed. It had become an all-too familiar feeling, and one I wouldn’t have to experience for a fourth time. My body burned and popped with my stretching of it.

I pulled out my phone and looked at it. Just past 4:00 in the afternoon. I sighed. With all of the time zones I crossed, I kept forgetting that I was moving back on the clock. I gathered up my satchel and rose from my seat.

The pilot smiled as he stood by the open door, “Have a good rest, Young Miss and welcome home.”

I smiled to him, “Thank you captain.” He nodded, letting me pass him.

The airfield was quiet and empty. A chilled wind rushed passed me, catching my skirt. I blushed, holding onto it. I looked up to see a car sitting a short distance from plane. I smiled, hopping down the stairs, and walked towards it. The sound of my suitcase being rolled over to me caught my ear.

As I neared the car, the driver opened the door. I half-expected Fenris or Rachel to step out, but neither did. I slipped into the cab of the car and took my seat, resting against the backrest. Just little more and I’d be home.

“Shall we head for the Estate, Young Miss?” asked the driver.

I nodded to him, “Yes please.” He rolled up the screen and started the car, pulling us away from the airfield.

I lied down onto my seat, tuning out the world. The leather was soft yet cool as it pressed against my cheek, a small comfort, a taste of home. I didn’t pull out my headphones or turn the radio on. The only sounds I wanted to hear were those of the road.

I felt the soft bumps of the road, letting them soothe a tired mind and body. The sky outside was grey and cloudy with patches of white. Typical fall weather. Trees rushed passed the window, feeling every turn and swerve the car made.

Fatigue and exhaustion from all of the flights began to rear themselves once more. It was a struggle to stay awake, a struggle that was slowly becoming a lost cause. My eyes grew heavy as my body sank into the soft leather. Finally they closed. Everything around me faded away into nothingness.

“We are about to turn into the Estate Young Miss.”

I groaned, hearing the driver’s voice over the intercom, rousing me from my nap. My body rose up from the seat, cheek still feeling the leather.

Tiredly, I looked out and saw the familiar and welcoming sight of the Estate as we rounded the western portion of my home. The clouds were still grey but had steadying grown darker, appearing to threaten rain.

Even from how far out I was, one could easily see the falling leaves from the trees. The grass was now a pale yellow with patches of green. The lake rippled dark blue water.

A bright smile stretched across my face, seeing the Manor. My home. It stood as an island in the middle of a vast ocean of grassy fields. I looked upon it as though it had been a lifetime since I had gone on my trip.

Nearly there, I thought.

The car turned onto the long and winding driveway. Rows of trees flanked each side of the road. My heart began to beat within my chest, rousing me even further from my nap. I was itching to get out and run inside to my mother, leaping headlong into her waiting arms.

My stomach turned into knots when the car rounded the garage, crawling to a stop in front of the staircase leading to the main double doors. The driver then hopped out and rushed to open my door. A hand then extended into the cab. I happily took it, stepping out onto the paving stone driveway.

“Welcome home dear traveler.”

My heart fluttered, turning to see Rachel and Fenris standing at the top of the stairs, hands resting on the stone banister. Without hesitation, I ran up the stairs to her, throwing myself into her arms, hugging her tightly, and burying my face into her chest.

She chuckled softly, stroking my hair, embracing me tightly to her body. “Still forever a child I see,” looking down at me, “you cannot imagine how much I have missed you, my beloved girl.”

I giggled looking up, “I’ve missed you as well. Missed being home.”

A warm tongue then lapped over my cheek. I giggled, looking over to Fenris, who stared at me, “It has been lonely without you, Little One. Your bed has felt cold while you have been gone.”

I pulled from my mother and wrapped my arms around the massive wolf’s neck, hugging tightly, “It’s been weird without having you with me, Papa Wolf.” Both tails wagged furiously behind his body, swishing along the stone steps.

Rachel placed a hand onto my shoulder, “Why don’t we go inside to the parlor? There should be a fresh pot of tea waiting for the both us.” I grinned and nodded, walking into the house.

“Welcome returns, Young Miss,” greeted Sebastian, who was joined by several of the maids.

I smiled to him, “Thank you Sebastian. It’s great to be home.”

The old lycan smiled warmly to me, bowing his head. The maids all greeted me the same as we headed for the parlor.

I saw Bianca standing by the door. The glacie was still and unmoving as I neared her, who then bowed to me, “Welcome home, Young Miss.”

I smiled to her, “It’s good to see you Bianca. Missed you.” Her cheeks turned a soft pink, trying to look away from me. I peered into her crystal blue eyes, smiling, “Thank you.”

She looked to me, nodding and smiling, “You are very welcome Young Miss.” I grinned and then walked into the parlor.

I sat my satchel into a chair and plopped onto the couch. Its soft cushions molded perfectly to my body. Fenris quickly sat in front of me, his eyes staring into mine. I leaned over and began stroking his fur. The wolf then inclined forward, resting his head into my lap. I grinned, scratching him behind the ear.

Rachel walked over and handed me a freshly poured cup of tea, sitting next to me. I leaned back into the chair and held the warm cup with both hands, taking a sip. The heat stung deeply into my palms, but it felt good.

A hand then stroked the back of my long hair, turning to look at Rachel. She smiled tenderly to me, “I heard you had a wonderful time my love. Elizabeth and Sarah have been saying nothing but praises for how you conducted yourself while abroad.” I blushed, fumbling with the cup.

“Elizabeth wanted me to tell you how thankful she was for watching her daughter. It would appear that you have found yet another little child who calls you their ‘big sister’.”

I giggled, “She’s not that bad after you really get to know her.” My mother smiled.

I looked to her, “Kerrigan said that you had company while I was away.”

She nodded, “Yes I did. They all visited me a few days ago. It was then that Sabine hatched the crazy idea to have her daughter take you out for a short time.”

I blushed, still remembering going out with the woman. “She…she was nice. I kinda felt like I was with Marron.”

My mother smiled to me, “That is good. Though in hindsight, it might have been construed as she was taking you out on date.”

My face burned brightly, “Yeah that…that was the same feeling I had. It was nice and I really liked it.”

She smiled, “I’m glad. Sabine and Tobias are very good people, and it would appear that their children take after their parents.” I nodded and then blushed, remembering Kerrigan’s “offer”.

Rachel then placed her cup onto the coffee table, “Sweetheart, a couple days ago I received a phone call from the authorities in Mercedes.”

I looked up at her, head tilted in confusion, “Why?”

She looked to me, taking a long deep breath, “They informed me that your birthmother’s grave has been exhumed recently. With her remains having been stolen.”

My body shifted on the couch to face her, my face dropped in shock, “What? Why? Why would someone dig up her grave?”

Rachel shook her head, “I don’t know my love. Nor do the authorities. They informed me that the town has never had an incident such as this in its entire history. And it was also only your mother’s grave had been robbed.”

My breath grew harder as I tried to rationalize this. Who could’ve done this? Why for what possible reason would someone want to dig up my birthmother’s grave? None of this made any sense.

Rachel, seeing how distressed I was becoming, pulled me into her chest, wrapping her arms around my tiny frame. I felt her hand rubbing up and down my back, her face pressed against the top of my head. Her scent filled my nose, a scent that has always possessed the strange power to calm and comfort me.

I buried my face into her chest, reaching for her top as though I were a child. She held me there on the couch, continuing to stroke my back. Fenris pushed his muzzle against me, nuzzling my sides. I smiled to him, running my fingers over his muzzle. But the questions still lingered in my mind. Just what the hell is going on?