Chapter 16

Me-la-ni

I travelled, not knowing where I was going, but letting the Seed guide me. Ever since that time at the fountain, when Se-le-ni found me, I had longed to feel it so strongly in me once again. Time and space disappeared until I landed, feeling the soft ground beneath my feet. I opened my eyes. I was standing in a clearing, a place I recognised, although it had been a long while since I’d last visited.

The faint light, mimicking dawn, made it difficult to see, but I knew what would come, and I braced myself. Moments later, the light emerged in the air some distance away. I walked towards it, forcing myself to keep breathing. The light slowly faded, leaving behind a woman whose outline still seemed to glow from the light she’d left behind. She was more beautiful than I remembered. I halted in front of her and bowed.

“Tell me what to do.”

She smiled at me.

“Thank you for following your calling once again. This will not be easy, but I promise I will be by your side every step of the way.”

I nodded. Her eyes shone, and I could see eternity mirroring her gaze.

“The time has come for the light to once again shine over this world.

I had suspected this was why she had called me. I only wished the others would be by my side, but I knew I did not rule over such things.

“Take heart, my dear. This is not the same as last time. You know more, just like the others.”

I nodded.

“Now, follow the light, and I will guide you.”

She faded, and I knew the time had come. I weaved the centuries-old spell around me, protecting me from the travel that would come. For a moment, my mind strayed to Se-le-ni, but I pushed it away. I had to worry about her later.

I closed my eyes, searching for the light. When I found it, I took a deep breath and left the clearing.