When I reach the outskirts of the massive walls, I see black. Not just darkness, but utter blackness.
“I can’t see anything—it’s too dark,” I say. “It feels like there’s something down there.”
“Something? Like the artifact?” Liana asks.
I wait in the ebbing darkness. The longer I stare into it, it almost feels like it’s staring back at me.
“No, just…something. Something vast and unknowable.”
“Are you all right?”
I nod.
“Good. Then maybe it’s best if you release your hold. Just do it carefully.”
I nod and then begin to peel my hands away.
The vision fades, and I press a hand to cover the new blinding light that burns my eyes.
“Did I do it right?” I ask.
She smiles and steps forward to put her hand on my shoulder.
“You did it exactly right. Well done.” Then she squints. “Gods, why is it so bright?”
I laugh. “The witches—Brujas, as slave legend says—called me the Daughter of the Light Weaver.”
The wise woman cocks her head to the side and bites her lip piercing. “What does that mean? Is it a title among your people?”
I frown, a little deflated. “No, it isn’t. I’ve never heard of it before. I had hoped you would know.”
She looks thoughtful. “We shall study it after we bring your brother home.”
A weak smile spreads across my lips, eager to change the subject.
“How do you give ahlums’dorblessing?” My gaze travels around the room, and I take a moment to practice pinpointing each crystal’s song. My mind clears as the citrine sweeps through my mind, clearing all the thoughts that have been compounding. Beryl seeks to heal the aches in my joints, while amethyst gives me a light feeling.
It is easy to understand why Liana would want to be herewhen every inch of the room loves whatever sparks of magic we carry.
“Ah. Excellent question. Is this about the one called Melisa again?”
“Yes,” I say.
She smiles. “A blessing isn’t nearly so formal as a rite. Tell her what you hope she will find on her journey—safety, peace, rest. Then let your Fuegorra speak to hers. You felt the connection we have with the others during the ceremony.”
“She doesn’t have one,” I say sadly.
“Hmm. You are correct. Thenyou will need to listen to your Fuegorra to see into her soul.”
My eyes grow wide. “How do I do that?”
She looks back at me. “You know how to do it with Teo.”
“Yes, but he is my mate,” I respond.
She smiles. “Part of being a wise woman is being a seer. There’s a good chance that your mother had this gift—perhaps that is what the witches meant when they said she was a light weaver—it’s possible she saw that which many simply ignored. Your gifts will let you look into someone’s soul, sealing whatever hopes you have upon them. It helps to touch their head.”
It doesn’t sound exactly right, but my curiosity is piqued, so I turn toward her.
