I observe everyone in the room; our departure has affected everyone in one way or another. Every action, no matter how small, has an impact.
Uncle Rayhan, who has blamed himself since his return for Sienna leaving, looks relieved and happy, but that guilt remains. Earlier, he asked Sienna for forgiveness for putting her through all this when he promised to be there for her, and yet he never returned from Puerto Rico. Seeing them reunite makes my heart warm. The bond between a father and daughter is indeed beautiful.
I miss you, Dad.
Aunty Delsanra, who looked us all over with fear and worry the moment she saw us, never wanting anyone to get hurt. She’s as selfless as she has always been. She had a hard childhood, and her compassion for others knows no bounds. Yet at the same time, trying to remain strong while we were gone, despite losing her daughter, and probably me too, knowing how that would affect Mama. If anything happened, she’d have blamed herself.
Jaddati, who already has enough on her plate with the Academy, not to mention the attacks. I saw the remnants of those charred runes, of powerful, ancient magic embedded beneath the blackened soot. And with all of us leaving like that, we put even more strain on her. I hate that. I never wanted to hurt my family, but I still did. Jaddati is a queen. She’s so strong, she tolerates so much and still keeps herself together with a strength I can only wish that I will have one day.
Uncle Leo, who masks his emotions so well behind a wall of steel, looks tired. No doubt knowing his security wasn’t enough, that probably made him feel worse, and maybe no onesaid it, but as he’s the King, he blames himself for everything. Even now, I see the slightest smile on his face as he looks at Sienna, Uncle Rayhan and Aunty Delsanra. How he met Sienna with a one-armed hug the moment we were on Academy grounds. The way he told me ‘well done’ quietly. I saw the impressed smirk on his face as the quints fought, heard the silent ‘impressive’ that he had uttered.
Aunty Kiara, who has been stuck in the middle of what Grandpa Alejandro unintentionally caused, is torn between everyone that she loves. I know that a lycan’s rage is often uncontrollable, and anger takes over. When Aunty Kiara is near, it makes it easier for Grandpa Alejandro.
It happens with Allie, too. She had almost lost control twice during that fight, and I had to hold her back.
When a lycan’s anger consumes a person, their judgment often becomes clouded, and I think it’s something that people forget, since it’s often hidden. Just how Grandpa Alejandro is better in control when Aunty Kiara is close, her physical touch is the only thing that calms his beast. Skyla also struggled a lot, and she went to a very dark place until she met the man she loved, and he was able to help her.
Mama, she’s lost weight again. Her hair is duller without its usual shine, even if she’s trying to keep herself together. I’ve caused her to suffer. I am sorry, Mama. For constantly worrying you, for constantly causing you stress. I wish I could do more for her.
The Westwoods, looking at them, I admire their strength. Even with going through so much, they hold it together well. But Aunty Raven’s washed-out hair dye and the lack of her dark eyeliner are signs of how much this has affected her.
Uncle Liam, he’s amazing, and even when upset and angry, he holds it together. I wonder how he felt when his five sons’ pack-links were torn from him.
Grandad Elijah and Grandma Red, too. They must have felt it, but they also knew that Jayce needed to do this. Everyone has layers to their personalities, just as I do.
Then there’s the Westwood Quints, each one so different, but they care for one another, and their love for their family is their shared interest.
Ahren had snuck off when everyone was meeting each other and returned with a packet of cookies, no doubt from the kitchens, since he wouldn’t be able to teleport out of the Academy due to the barriers. He’s relaxed, not betraying how he feels. I rarely see him show many emotions aside from his playful front, but we all have layers to us.
Just like the quints, just like Theo. I saw the way he stepped back when his mom hesitated over who to hug first. On this journey, there were a few things I picked up from them all.
And Theo, he’s somehow learned more about me than anyone else. I can feel Endora hammering against my walls, and I internally scoff. She’s hammering hard, but to me it feels like a small tap, nothing difficult to completely block out, and I know she doesn’t like that…
She’s mine to command; she’s here for me to use, not the other way around.
I never saw this coming, but when I was faced with it, I was confident I could handle it…
BACK IN THE REALM OF THE GODS WHILE WAITING FOR HELIOS’ REPLY
I just finished setting up the spell, one that I created and amended to fit what I wanted, leaving the rest to hope and prayer. It was a spell for summoning those who are no longer in the world, and I am aiming to create a connection with Hecate herself.
It’s the middle of the night, long after everyone else has fallen asleep. I’m placing a barrier around my room, so no one comes in and disturbs me as I complete the ritual to summon Hecate and pray until she appears.
Yes, it sounds like I’m in a cult, but praying to Hecate is the only way to ask this.
Hours may have passed, but I refuse to move, and I wait.
After what feels like ages, something shifts. The room darkens, all the candles snuff out, and a burning red flame appears within the pentagram on the floor.
Aldona,her sharp yet powerful voice whispers in my mind, and I close my eyes.
Goddess Hecate. Thank you for answering my call.The room changes, and we are suddenly in pitch darkness, and I hear a whisper of a laugh near my ear, followed by dark smoke fluttering past. I turn, spotting the tall, slim woman circling me. A large, dark silver headpiece adorns her black hair, and although it’s extremely dark, every time she looks my way, her fiery orange eyes are vibrant, holding something dangerous and sinister.
“You call on me now? I know you bowed before Hades. Why not come to me? Why go to him?”she asks, scorn and malice in her voice.
Hecate plays both sides, and although Hades does, too, Hecate is worse… but that’s not going to help me right now.
The Tongue of Dawn. You have it, don’t you?I ask without moving my lips, ignoring her question. This is taking place within my mind after all.
