Lilah almost tripped over her own feet. ‘Smoke?’
‘Shh,’ Safiya said. ‘What do you expect? The man’s a sectarian. Burning women is 50 percent of his job.’
By the time Aisha reached her chamber, her heartbeat had steadied, but her thoughts continued to race. The feel of Jamil’s hand clung to her skin, cold and heavy. Her sisters settled her on the bed while Maryam went to fetch some tea, sensing something had happened. Or maybe she had seen it for herself.
Aisha made the decision to learn everything she could from Maryam when she returned. If anyone could help her understand the Sight, it was her.
Aisha was done being a passive vessel for her gift. It was time to take control of it.
Chapter 20
Maryam was perched comfortably on the edge of Aisha’s bed, with Mira curled at her feet. Aisha sat opposite her, hands resting in her lap. The closeness felt natural now, a kind of sisterhood forged in secrecy.
‘I don’t even know what gifts my mother had,’ Aisha said. ‘I think she was too frightened to share things with us. She worked with herbs mostly. She always smelled of them. Dried petals, roots, tinctures.’
Maryam was listening intently. ‘That sounds like the gift of the Bloom.’
‘The Bloom?’
‘Herbal weaving.’
Aisha sat with that information for a moment. ‘She always told us she was a healer.’
‘She was. A very powerful healer.’ Maryam offered her a warm smile. ‘I am certain she would have taught you everything once you started showing signs. That is often when education begins.’
That was both comforting and painful—a reminder of the things they had missed out on. ‘Will you teach me about the Sight?’
‘It will take more than a single conversation. What are your pressing questions?’
Aisha leaned forwards. ‘Why does it happen sometimes and not others? Nothing when I hold my sister’s hand, but immediately when the sectarian touches me?’
Maryam nodded thoughtfully. ‘It is complicated because there is not only one reason.’
‘Then tell me all the reasons.’
Maryam smoothed a crease in her plain gown. ‘The first is conflict. The Sight responds most fiercely when there is tension, danger, or contradiction. For example, if you share a kiss with the prince, you feel safe, yes?’
Aisha blinked. ‘How do you know we…?’ Then it dawned on her. ‘Never mind.’
Suppressing a smile, Maryam continued. ‘The Sight has no reason to stir during such times. But with Jamil…’ She selected her words carefully. ‘His choices and his path clash with yours. That friction tears the veil open.’
Aisha thought she understood. ‘So, danger is the trigger?’
‘One of them.’ Maryam drew a breath. ‘There is also resonance. The Sight is drawn to those whose fates will tangle with yours. The greater the overlap, the stronger the pull.’
‘But Tariq’s fate and mine is entirely entangled, and I’ve only had two visions of him since our meeting.’
‘That’s because the prince is already bound to you. You do not need visions to know your paths entwine. Though that may change in the future.’
‘You mean, if the relationship fails?’
She hesitated. ‘Again, it is more complicated than that.’
Aisha fell silent, twisting her fingers together.
‘The balance between mind and body is also a factor,’ Maryam continued. ‘When you are deeply anchored in your body, through closeness, touch, or desire, the Sight quiets. It is grounded. But when your mind floats free, a vision can seize you.’
Aisha’s brows pinched. ‘So I have no real control.’
