“But this is just connecting to nature.” I opened one eye, and she laughed.
“It’s a part of your very being. You have two wolves. Their nature is your nature.”
“So, what do I have to do?”
“Open yourself to the possibility. I have a feeling that you haven’t let yourself believe in actually having magic. But your line was blessed for a very specific reason.”
“You gave us magic?” I felt myself center again, listening to the goddess’s voice.
“The blessing came from your human side, your father’s grandmother, but I allowed it to flourish in you. Every pup, instead of growing weaker, I nurtured the seed so that you would have the gift.”
“The seed?”
“Think of it as a seed. It is a small kernel of power, passed down from your father. But you have to plant it, nurture it, grow your power. Like you would a flower. Stop chasing after nature, as it is fickle. Find the seed and plant it, allow it to flourish inside of you.” Her words faded, and I focused on my center.
“I thought no one could help me.” I dug deep and finally I found the kernel she was talking about. It was a soft pulsing green, and just like when I chased after the power, it made my heart race. I wrapped my hand around it, and I could feel the pounding vibration of my heartbeat. “I thought I had to find this on my own.”
But when I opened my eyes, the Goddess was gone, and in her place was a white pot. There was a folded piece of paper beside it and I picked it up, opening my hand to look at the seed of power.
Sometimes, even a Goddess has to intervene. Plant your seed, nurture your power, watch out for the darkness.
The note made me shiver as I dropped it back to the ground and pushed a finger into the soil in the pot. I felt the world slow as I pushed the seed deep into the hole I had made.
I covered the seed with dirt and then I looked up to the moon, but it was once again a sun, and a soft rain fell. I still didn’t understand how I connected with nature. But anytime I touched the white pot, I could feel something trembling across my skin.
Power.Nix’s voice jolted me from the pot. I had focused solely on the seed that she and Megan had faded.
“How did I connect with nature?”
I think when we were chasing it; it was playful and stayed away, making you work harder. But the Goddess gave you this outlet. One your mind would comprehend.Megan stepped forward and nudged the pot.
“Why?”
Because she has need of us.Nix’s answer was swift and terrifying.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“A
my…” a voice called out, but it sounded like it was far away. I looked around the clearing and all I could see were Megan and Nix, patiently waiting for me. “Amy!” The voice was more insistent, closer, but still there was no one other than the three of us.
“Who is that?” I looked at my wolves and they seemed to shrug.
“AMY!” I jumped, my eyes snapping open and there was my father at the edge of the clearing, frantically pacing. “Wake up!” He called out again and my eyes finally focused on his face. He was pale and sweating. What’s wrong?
“Dad?” I called out, wiping my eyes.
He whirled around and pounded on a barrier that wasn’t there this morning. “Amy!” He forced his hands flat against the invisible shield. “Thank the goddess.”
“Dad?” I was still confused. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Amy, you have been unconscious for over two hours.” He rubbed his eyes. “I’ve been calling you since I got here, and this is the first time you answered.”
I stood and dusted the grass from my legs. “Why are you here?” I was still so confused.
“It’s time for lunch. I was coming to get you.” My dad knelt down and shook himself. “I never want to see you like that again.”
“I’m okay.” I stood on shaky legs and walked over to where he was waiting. I expected the shield in place, so I raised my hand to touch the invisible barrier, but I passed right through and my father grabbed me. He buried his face in my hair and breathed.
