Lilly's happiness did not last long, however. Basilea was suddenly stricken ill with pneumonia shortly after her 18th birthday. One night, while Basilea was sleeping, Lilly approached Galdwin with her concerns.
"Grandpa?" Lilly put a hand on his shoulder. He was reading a book at the kitchen table.
"Lilly, I thought you'd be asleep by now." He looked concerned for her.
"I can't. I'm…worried about Grandma." Lilly shook her head, trying to fight back the tears. "I can't bear to lose someone else I care about."
"Lilly…." Galdwin's eyes were full of empathy for her granddaughter. He stood up and hugged her. "Whatever happens, we'll get through it together, just like we did before."
A few weeks later, Lilly was sitting beside her grandmother's bed talking to her. Her grandfather was out collecting wood. Basilea was getting weaker, and Lilly was trying to prepare herself for what she knew would eventually come. They all told themselves they would focus on enjoying the last days they had together.
"Lillian, promise me you won't change when I'm gone." Basilea looked deep into her granddaughter's eyes. "Please. I couldn't bear the thought of you going back to how you were when you first lost your parents. I don't want you to lose your happiness because of me."
Lilly felt the tears sting her eyes. How could she promise such a thing? She loved her parents, but they died when she was young, she barely remembered them. Her grandparents, on the other hand, had been there for her for the past 16 years. They were all she had left. Still, Lillian couldn't stand the look in her grandmother's eye.
Lilly sighed. "I'll try not to, Grandma. I can't imagine Mercia without you, though." Lilly squeezed her grandmother's hand.
"You're a strong person, Lillian, just like your grandfather. Both of you will be fine. I know you will. You have to move on." Basilea smiled. There was a short pause. "There is one more thing I need you to promise me, though."
Lilly waited for her grandmother to continue. She wasn't sure she could make any more promises that she wasn't sure she'd even be able to keep.
"I need you to promise me that you'll continue to grow in your magic. Don't let fear stop you, Lillian. You have so much potential. Don't waste your talent. I know you'll find a way to use your magic to help others…just be patient. Finding your purpose is sometimes not an easy task."
"What was your purpose?"
Basilea smiled with pride. "Teaching you. You're destined for more than you realize, Lillian."
Lillian wasn't sure her grandmother was right or not.
One month later, Basilea was gone. Lilly found it easier to let go now than it was when her parents died. Maybe it was because she knew it was coming or because she had time to talk it out with Basilea. They had the time to enjoy what little they had left.
Galdwin put up a strong front, but Lilly knew he was taking it hard. He loved Basilea more than life itself. Still, like Galdwin promised and Basilea predicted: they got through it together. They both were strong.
After the initial pain of the loss subsided, their life went on much like it did before. The atmosphere at the Martel home became full laughter and love like it had always been. However, there always seemed to be something that was missing. There was always a vacant chair at the kitchen table, always an extra spot by the fireplace. There was always an empty place in their hearts – a place that only Basilea could fill, a place that would never be filled again.