Alone in my suite, I sat on the blue coverlet on top of the four-poster bed. I could hear the sounds of the schola rustling outside in the hallway. I no longer needed to attend class everyday like the students so I had a few hours to myself before daily sparring practice with Christophe. My new attendee, Osa, was still in class on the main level. She and three other wulfen girls were enrolled at the Prima.

My phone chimed as a text came in. It was Dibs. "Sushi or Italian tonight? Benjamin and Shanks are coming too."

"You guys choose. I'm open."

I pulled a silver charm on a chain from my pocket and held it in my hands. It was no bigger than the size of a quarter. The stag on the shield stood proudly as it looked to the left. Three crosses adorned the lower part of the coat of arms. I brushed my fingers across it and felt the details on the piece.

I started to utter the incantation to reveal the object's temporal setting, just as Leander taught me. Before I could read the object I had to know if it would show me the past, the present or the future.

Before I could complete the first line, the touch pulled me in. The world around me turned watery. The blue colors of my room blurred into another scene, which was filled with color. I found myself sitting inside a café and I wasn't alone.

Two others sat with me at the table. One I didn't recognize very much.

"Dru, sweetie? You didn't say what movie you wanted to see tonight." The woman was older than when I last saw her. She was holding a device that projected a small screen that we all could read. The older woman was Nadira.

"That's because she doesn't agree with any of my suggestions, so she's avoiding answering. That's what Mom does when she disagrees." The girl looked directly at Nadira. "Did she always do that before, Auntie?"

Nadira laughed. "Actually Maggie, she was much worse before. She's calmed down over time, believe it or not. Maybe having a kid does that to you or something."

That was when I realized… this girl was mine. She had shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes, icy ones, just like Dad's. She was athletically built and looked a little shorter than me. She resembled Mom.

The touch pulled me away from the café scene before I had a chance to see any more. It blurred into swirly colors and faded into another scene. I found myself walking down a street in a city that looked like somewhere in the Northwest. I could tell by the dampness in the air, it was almost spring. Probably March. A few of the buildings on the street were old and ornate, while others were very modern with lots of tall windows to their insides.

I was wearing slim fitted pants that were tucked into tall riding boots. I had on a short wool coat and noticed my hands were covered in gloves.

"Hello, Dru."

I looked up and saw a familiar wulfen. He was wearing a white sweater, jeans and a plaid scarf around his neck. His loose fitted trench hung around him casually. His hair was neatly trimmed with the bangs pushed upwards. He still wore one diamond stud in his ear. He looked nearly the same age as the last time I saw him. However he seemed slightly different. Maybe more content.

"Hi." I was startled and unprepared to see him.

"What are you doing in this part of the world?"

"Oh. I'm here for a meeting with the Order. We have our annual a few blocks over."

"Sure." He paused a bit awkwardly. "Dru, I've been meaning to look you up since I learned about Reynard… How long has it been since…?"

"About a year and a half."

The loup was silent for a moment. He seemed to be in thought before changing the subject. "And how's Maggie doing?"

"She's okay… considering... The svetocha has a 'tude. Go figure."

"Hmm. Shocker." He flashed a wry smile.

My aspect fluttered. I hoped no one noticed there on the busy city pavement.

"So, how long you here for?" Graves inquired.

"A week… maybe two before I have to go back to Europe."

"Well… I'm happy to show you around town if you'd like. I don't have any obligations..." His voice trailed off in an intriguing manner.

"Oh. Okay."

"Good. How about I meet you in your hotel lobby at ten? I know a dive that makes a killer burger. And a few blocks down, there's a great place to get a strawberry milkshake. My treat."

I smiled at his suggestion. "Sure. First one's free?"

"Well, that depends…"

"On what?"

"On… you." Graves dug his hands into his pockets and looked downward at the sidewalk before glancing back up at me. His green eyes seemed to be waiting.

The touch pulled me back and out of the scene. Once again I found myself sitting on the blue comforter in my suite, the same room that my mother lived in decades ago.

I looked around the room. Mom's essence was still in the room, in the furniture and in the building. However I sensed there was something else. I felt the presence of Dad, of Gran and even of Nat and August. They were all there… always, just like Dad said.

I touched my fingers to my lips as I lovingly studied the LeFevre symbol in my palm. I was safe, and I was happy.

And I smiled.

Well, this is the end of my story about the Strange Angels series. I sincerely hope it brought you some closure, whether you're a Graves or a Christophe fan. Honestly, I love them both. If you read the original series again, I hope you'll revisit me here.

-Michelle