Chapter 244 The Trail Marker

Chapter 244: Chapter 244 The Trail Marker

Talia’s POV

The symbols were worn by time, but I could still make them out, and I recognized them now, that they were Silvertongue symbols.

My fingers traced the lines, and I felt another wave of fear and shiver, run down my spine. These symbols were old, even older than me, and older than my mother. They had been here for decades, waiting for someone to find them.

"Talia," Kaelen said. "What is it?"

I could not speak. I traced the symbols with my fingers, and I felt a pulse beneath them.

It was faint, like a heartbeat, but it was there. It pulsed against my fingertips, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. It was like the tree was alive, and like it was reaching out to me.

"These are Silvertongue symbols," I said. "From my mother’s people, or maybe from my mother herself."

Jax dismounted and walked closer. "Your mother was here?"

I nodded slowly. "I think so, because I can feel her. Her energy is still here."

Jax looked at the tree. "How is that possible? She was here years ago."

"Some things always linger," I said. "Some things do not fade."

I pressed my hand against the symbols, and I felt the warmth spread through my chest. It was like a hand reaching out to me, pulling me closer.

I closed my eyes, and I let the warmth wash over me. It was like being wrapped in a blanket, and like being held by someone who loved me. For a moment, I felt safe.

"They are glowing," Piper whispered.

I looked down, and I saw the symbols glowing beneath my palm. Soft and golden, like a heartbeat.

I gasped and pulled my hand back. The light faded, but the symbols remained.

I stared at my hand, half expecting to see burns or marks, but there was nothing. Just the lingering warmth of the magic.

"Talia," Kaelen said. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, but my hands were shaking. "I felt her. I felt my mother."

Piper’s eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

I looked at the tree, and I felt the tears prick at my eyes.

I could feel her presence, like a whisper in the wind. She had stood here, touched this tree, and she had left her mark on this place. And now, I was standing in the same spot, connected to her across the years.

"She was here, Piper. She touched this tree, and I can feel her." I said. "I have spent so many years feeling like I was alone, like I had no family left in this world, and like I was the last of my line," I said, with my voice cracking with emotion. "But standing here, and touching this tree, and feeling her energy still lingering in this place, I realize that she has been with me all along. She has been waiting for me, and hoping for me, and I am finally here, finally on the right path, and I am not going to let her down again."

I pressed my hand against the symbols again, and I closed my eyes. The warmth spread through my chest, and I saw a flash of her face. She was in a dark place, surrounded by shadows, but she was alive.

I saw her hands reaching out to me, and her lips moving, forming my name. I could not hear her voice, but I could see her. She was fading, but she was there. She was still there.

I opened my eyes, and the tears were streaming down my face.

"Talia," Kaelen said. "What did you see?"

I looked at him, and I felt the hope rising in my chest.

“She is alive.” I whispered. “My mother is still alive."

The words came out in a rush, and I felt the tears streaming down my face. I had been so afraid that she was gone, that I had come all this way for nothing. But she was alive. I had now confirmed that she was still alive, and that she was holding on.

Piper reached out and took my hand. "Are you sure, Talia?"

I nodded. "I am sure, Piper."

Jax looked at the tree. "So, your mother was here. That means we are going the right way."

I stepped back from the tree, and I looked at the group.

I felt the certainty settle in my chest, that was solid and unshakable. I had been doubting myself, questioning if I was strong enough, if I was brave enough, or if I was doing the right thing. But now, I knew that I made the right decision, and I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

"We are going the right way." I said, taking in a deep breath.

Kaelen walked to me and took my hand. "We will find her."

I squeezed his hand. "I know."

Piper smiled. "This is good. This is really good."

Silas nodded. "It is a good sign that we are on the right path."

Jax grinned. "Finally, some good news."

I looked back at the tree one last time, and I gripped my pendant. I am coming, Mother. I am coming.

We mounted our horses and continued forward. The road stretched out before us, and I felt the hope burning in my chest. My mother was out there, and she was waiting for me.

And I was going to find her, no matter what it took.