I knew these were ones I grew in the garden after I learned that Mother made herself this brew every month. While I didn’t think she was in relations with anyone, it’s said that this concoction also eliminates the monthly cycle.
I wish I had known about this sooner!
I snuck outside, the summer sun still providing enough light despite it nearly being set. I clipped away at what I needed, then quietly returned.
I got to work, mashing the herbs in a mortar and pestle and adding them to a small pot of boiling water, allowing it to infuse. Once I removed it from the heat, I poured it into a bowl and stared.
Slowly, I reached my hands over and focused on the burning that had begun in my palms.
I can do this.
My palms began to glow, and I concentrated on what the text said: to visualize the magic stemming from your lower palms.
Suddenly, the glow went out, and I cursed under my breath. I tried repeatedly. Eventually, I thought it may have worked, but like hell I’d risk it.
I sighed and tossed my mixture out in the back. So much for that.
I felt tense…and that now familiar sensation began to take hold. I was paralyzed once more. I wanted to thrash out, to fumble out of bed, hell, even scream. But any effort proved futile.
“Do not be scared, child.” The woman's voice was clear and soft … almost gentle.
Whose voice is that?
“You will know in time. I am just testing our connection for when destiny takes hold.”
What…? Can she read my thoughts?
I could swear I heard a chuckle. “I can in this state, yes.”
Why can’t I move?
“Our connection is too faint; I can only reach you when you are in deep sleep. Eventually, I should be able to speak to you when you are wide awake.”
I wanted so badly to move my body. The woman’s tone was kind. But could I trust her?
Who are you?
She hesitated. “My name is Kayin.”
What do you want from me?
“Even I don’t know that yet. Just that our connection must be stronger. Drift back to sleep, Lena.”
And for once, I didn’t wake up in a cold sweat. Instead, I peacefully slumbered once more.
I never mentioned my dream to Mother. It was too strange and probably not real. Those with sleep paralysis see hallucinations. Perhaps I was just hearing them. Though Kayin…I am surprised I remembered her name.
Mother was dusting blush on my cheeks after finishing my eye makeup and hair on the evening of the Summer Solstice Festival. It was twisted up in a high ponytail, pieces in the front pulled loose to curl around my face.
“I wish I had jewelry,” I murmured as Mother put on my lip gloss. Though both of my ears were adorned with two steel hoops, I wished for something more glamorous to pair with the stunning gown Quill gifted me.
“This dress would steal the attention of it, anyway,” she grinned, then pulled the makeup brush away from my face. “There!”
After, she helped me into my dress. The stunning floral decals still caught my breath, and when I glanced into my mirror again, now fully dolled up, I felt my eyes burning.
“Don’t ruin my masterpiece!” Mother squealed, then lightly dabbed around her eyes to avoid smudging her makeup. “Or this one,” she laughed.
I wished she had a fancy gown, too, but she wore a green satin dress she had worn the past few years, and it fit her beautifully. Her hair was pulled into a low pony, her bangs laying softly on her forehead.
