Chapter 23

"I'm Nora Warner, thank you for rescuing me" I tell him. "Why of course! Your energy is magnetizing" he replies with a smile. We stand there embraced, our faces mere inches away from each other. Time is irrelevant, our cause is irrelevant. It was like we were completely unaware of the rest of the world, or that it even existed. I can't explain why I felt so drawn to Cade. He was handsome sure, but there was something else. Something within our hearts pulling us towards one another. 

"Freddie.." I think to myself. I blush deeply, and pull away from the hug. "Yes, well, thank you again. We should get back to the others" I say walking off towards where we had left them. He grins and follows me. Remembering something I turn on my heel and stop. "Cade...you know Jax don't you?" I ask. The grin falls from Cade's face, and he stands there expressionless. He scoffs under his breath and replies, "Correction, I knew Jax. That was before he got our best friend killed and took off into hiding."

"Yes, Jax mentioned that. He did say it was an accident. He didn't know Nox couldn't fly" I tell him. "You're friends with Jax? Of course Nox couldn't fly, how could Jax not know that?" Cade asks me. "I'm sorry Cade I don't know all of the details. Jax is with the others, we can talk to him when reach them" I suggest. "Well let's hurry, I have some things to discuss with Mr. Jax Debois" Cade grumbles.

When we reach the rest of the group, Emily runs up to hug Cade and they begin talking about what happened to Emily and the rest of us. Jax and Bonnie are gathered near a large tree, and I approach them. "Good to see someone has come to" I say. "I'm so sorry Nora, I did my best, but I'm out of practice" Jax apologizes. I shake my head and tell him that he doesn't need to worry about that. "What you might want to worry about is Cade, he seems pretty upset" I explain. 

Cade and Emily join us and begin talking with Jax about the night Nox died. "I just don't understand how you could forgive him Emily. You said since you found him, he has basically been acting like he doesn't even know you" Cade says in an irritated manner. "Look man, I'm sorry. I'm sorry to you too Emily, and for acting standoffish. I didn't want Bonnie to find out about my magic, and I just didn't know what to say. I thought you hated me. Which, clearly I'm not incorrect in thinking" Jax replies.

"How could you not have known?" Cade asks. Emily interrupts and says, "I don't think anyone knew until after Nox was gone. That's why I wasn't upset with Jax, it was an accident Cade" Emily says soothingly. "No one knew? Nox told me ages ago, really thought everyone knew by now" Cade says calming down. Jax shakes his head, "We didn't." "Jax, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have assumed anything, do you think you can forgive me? I'm just glad I found you all" Cade says apologetically. 

"Of course Cade! All is forgotten, I just really miss Nox. Thank you for your help with Philip by the way! I can't believe he did this to Emily! When her parents find out...it's gonna end badly for him. He also took advantage of our new friend Nora" Jax tells Cade. "Emily told me about what he did to her, but I didn't know about Nora...he's going to pay for this. What is with this girl" Cade says pointing at Bonnie.

"She's kind of my girlfriend" Jax says hesitantly. Cade stares at him for a moment then comments, "Um..Aren't you and Tulip still together? I'm guessing she doesn't know about this?" Cade replies uncertainly. "No, she doesn't. I'd like to leave it that way, at least until I can explain things to her" Jax says. Cade shrugs and I interrupt, "Excuse me, I know I'm new here, but Bonnie is my daughter. I would appreciate you being honest with her if there is something going on." "Wait, Bonnie is your daughter?" Cade asks confused. 

We spend the next hour filling Cade in on my life and what has been happening since I came to the future. "I think Bonnie and I should talk. I'm going to lift the spell and tell her the whole story" Jax tells us. Emily offers to go with him, and he agrees, "Maybe she won't totally flip if there is someone else there with me." Once the spell is removed, Jax, Emily, and a very grouchy, very confused Bonnie lead on to Brendlewood. 

Cade and I hang back a little and after a few moments of not speaking I blurt out, "I bet you think I'm crazy, huh?" Cade smiles that gorgeous smile of his and gives a little chuckle. "Nah, I don't think you're crazy Nora. I do think you're beautiful though. I know, I know, you're married. I'm sorry, there's just something about you. Your energy pulls me to you" he says. "I feel it too. We have to control it though. I love Freddie, I'm trying to get back to him. Once we reach Brendlewood I am going to find out if Emily's parents can help me" I tell him.

Cade and I continue talking until we reach Emily, Jax and Bonnie. "Nice of you to join us" Emily teases. Just as the sun is rising Jax announces, "Well we made it! Nora, Bonnie...welcome to Brendlewood." 

Standing on a hilltop overlooking Brendlewood, we pause for a moment taking it all in. A small village of quaint cottages surround a beautiful castle, and I look on in awe. The sun peaks up over the horizon onto Brendlewood Village, giving it a truly magical feeling. 

Making our way down the hill, we shortly find ourselves at the village entrance to Brendlewood. We pass small cottages, and shops along the way to Emily's parents house. The villagers gasp and bow as we walk down the street, and I whisper to Cade, "Why are they bowing?" He smiles and nods towards Emily whispering back, "Because she's the Princess of Brendlewood." My mouth drops open and I repeat, "She's a princess!?" "Plus they are probably nervous because she is of her spirit form. That's not a common happening" Cade mentions.

"Jax?" a girl calls out as she approaches quickly. Beautiful golden hair hangs in two large braids down her back. A small slightly upturned nose adorned with freckles is centered on her perfectly smooth skin, and dazzling amber eyes match her glittering wings. Our group comes to a halt upon her arrival, and Jax nervously whispers, "Tulip.."

Before another word is spoken, Cade speaks up, "I'm sure you two have lots to talk about, but we need to get Emily to her parents. Meet you there later?" Jax shakes his head, "I'm coming with you. Tulip, Bonnie, you can come with me if you want. We can talk once we get Emily to her parents." Tulip looks down but nods in agreement. "I don't really have much to say to either of you, I am only here to find out the truth about my past" Bonnie snaps and folds her arms. "Now, now everyone. We've made it this far, let's just get to the castle in one piece please" Emily says calmly.

Once we reach the castle, the guards escort us in. Brendlewood Castle is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Placed atop a hill, a large stone castle is surrounded with beautiful gardens. My heart races with excitement as we approach it, and when we reach the base of the castle hill I realize it's even bigger than I thought. I stand gazing at its' splendor until Emily giggles, "C'mon!"

One of the guards announce us and we enter two large wooden doors. I had been expecting a very formal setting, but instead found the King and Queen laughing as the Queen painted and the King sat flipping through a book. "Mom and Dad, I have made it home thanks to Cade, Jax and my new friends Nora, and Bonnie" Emily states. The King and Queen gasp with joy but quickly become concerned with Emily's form.

 The Queen takes a moment to greet us, "Very well to meet you, and welcome back to the rest of you. Emily dear I would like for you to explain what has happened, but don't worry we'll get you fixed up good as new. Nora, Bonnie, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Yes! Welcome to you all! To you newcomers, I am King Novus, and here is my lovely spouse, Queen Cirrus. Please make yourselves at home. The maids will see to your needs while we get our daughter put back together" he chuckles slightly as he Emily and Queen Cirrus exit the room.