I did as she ordered, holding it above my laceration. “Now what?”
“Now close your eyes and picture your flesh as it was before the attack. Whole and healthy.”
My eyes slid closed, and an image of my mended skin flashed in my mind. Warmth pulsed from the stone in my palm, climbing my arm, trickling into my chest, then spilling through my limbs. My torn flesh burned, and I winced at the discomfort.
“That’s it. Breathe deeply, and reach out with your senses,” Yaga urged. “Feel the world around you. The energy that connects all of us, animal, plant, and mankind. Draw on that power.”
I deepened my breathing, letting the tension in my shoulders ease. Static prickled my skin, and a strange buzzing hummed in my ears. Deep in my core, something stirred, stretching out its arms, reaching, then embracing. The odd sensation stole my breath. I tensed, ready to bolt.
“Don’t,” Yaga barked. “Stay right there.”
I swallowed, delving back into that oddly welcoming place.
“Now, envision that power flowing through your body. From your center, down your shoulder, into your forearm.”
Heat flared in the wound, searing and insistent. I grunted, gripping the stone tighter. Just as I was about to wrench away, a cool wave swept over my skin, soothing the burn.
“It…it feels better,” I whispered.
“That’s not all. Open your eyes.”
Where the bloody laceration had been was now only a pale pink line.
“You healed me?”
“Oh no. Not me.” Yaga’s voice swelled with pride. “Youhealed yourself. That stone is only a conduit. It amplifies and focuses what’s already inside you.”
“I… I have magic.” I cast a wild glance about the room, relieved to discover we were alone. “How?”
“You’ve been blessed by Goddess Hathor. You are one of her handmaidens. The mark on your neck is proof.”
Shock jumbled my thoughts. For a long moment, I gaped at Yaga, mouth hanging open, catching flies. Finally, my brain lurched into motion. I wanted to deny it, but deep inside I knew.
“You’ve known all along, haven’t you?” When she claimed she couldn’tseeanything.
Yaga nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She shrugged. “It was too soon. You wouldn’t have believed me until you saw it for yourself.” She cast a pointed look at the stone I still clasped in my hand. Even this small symbol I’d rejected.
“Good point,” I admitted, untangling the chain and slipping it over my head. Where the pendant rested against my skin, a pleasant tingle spread across my chest. I shuddered at the sensation.
“B–but the herbs and tinctures? Was everything you taught me a lie?”
“Absolutely not.” Yaga stiffened, puffing out her bosom. “Everything I taught you was real. Medicine is vital for healing.” She scrunched her nose, deflating a bit. “And also serves as a decoy when working with imbeciles who loath magic.”
“Yaga,” I groaned, scrubbing a hand over my face.
“Remember, girl. You didn’t come into your magic until a few months ago. If the Puritans had discovered any kernel of magic inside of you, dormant or not, they would have executed you.”
“I suppose that’s fair.” I sighed. “But how did I become one of Hathor’s handmaidens when I’ve no memory of my past?”
Yaga grew somber, deep lines setting into her weathered face. “Your parents were devout followers. They sacrificed their only child in her name.”
My throat tightened, my heart twisting.My nightmares.“My parents sacrificed me?”
“The goddess wiped your memories as a kindness.”
