The next, white. Its crystal hue shimmers against the gray light of the room.
“Air.”
A blue stone is placed in line, smaller than the others. The gold that shimmers around it makes my stomach clench.
Puffing my cheeks, I let out a long breath.
This is really happening.
“Water.”
She pulls the last stone; a pale, shimmering green. She holds it longer than the others, closing her eyes and tilting her head. As if it’s speaking to her. Smiling, she places the fourth Awakening Stone before me.
“Earth.”
Agnes keeps her hands on my shoulders, and I realize now Tallulah is also close by, her hand resting on my forearm. Elora kneels before me. “Are you ready, Sam?”
“What if she doesn’t answer?” My voice comes out pinched and tight. Like I’ve just gotten in trouble and I’m working my way around a lie.
Elora frowns, her mouth dropping open.
“There has been so much pain the last few years,” I say, my bottom lip trembling. “What if the Mother doesn’t answer?”
Elora smiles and grasps my hands. “She’s never failed us before. You have to believe.”
Her hand slips from mine, and the three of them take hands and form a circle around me and the Stones.
“Place your hands upon the Stones,” Agnes says.
I glance to Elora for approval. She nods, so I place my hands on top of the Stones. At first they don’t seem any different than when I briefly examined them back in Wickersham. But the longer my hands are on them, the more I realize how peculiar they truly are. They’re not just warm to the touch, but they seem to be radiating from within. My fingertips buzz as I trace each Stone, their static energy traveling up my arms.
“This is my first Ceremony,” Elora says, her cheeks flushing, bringing out the freckles across her nose. “But with Agnes and Tallulah’s help, I think we’re ready.”
She takes a large breath, before she begins the Enchantress prayer. “We call upon you, our Mother Gaia, who has given us all. Provided life and magick and healing. To our ever-fruitful country of Teravie.” Elora’s breath hitches, and I know she’s thinking the same thing I am. The blight and the injustices making it less than fruitful the last few years.
“We thank you and we honor you. May our gifts be a reflection of your power. May our kindness be an ode to your heart. May our lives be a dedication to your sacrifice and all you have given to Teravie.”
Chills rake up and down my arms and my fingers begin to tremble.
“Grab the Stones, Sam.”
I listen to Elora and pick up the Stones, palming two in each hand.
“Samaria Trednik sits before you, an Enchantress of the rightful age, ready to be guided into her magick. Ready to do her part in protecting this country, just as King Bastian and Queen Soleil intended.”
My stomach somersaults at the mention of the first king and queen. It was their deal that brought magick to us. It was them who made all of this possible.
“Bless her Mother Gaia with the magick of your choosing just as you have with every Enchantress before her and every Enchantress after.”
Several tense moments pass by, and nothing happens. Nothing but the buzzing from the Stones in my palms and the breathing of the women around me. My heart sinks, the fear I’ve held for so long begins to come true.
I’m too late.
Before I can think another thought, blinding light encompasses my hands, bursting from within my grip, seeping through the cracks between my fingers. I close my eyes and remain as still as possible, though my body immediately goes into flight, my legs twitching to run away.
I pop my eyes open as static energy travels up my arms. It’s the same white light, moving and swirling around me. It’s both hot and cold all at once. When the light reaches my lips, out of instinct, I open my mouth and close my eyes again. Otherworldly energy fills my heart and lungs and I try to gasp for air but there’s no air to be had.
All time is lost.
