Page 33 of Treasured

“Try me,” Genevieve said.

My wife drew in a breath and raised her eyes, meeting mine. The unsaid question in it was clear. Can we trust her?

We couldn’t trust anyone. Not really. On the other hand, Genevieve and the Second Order of Isvana’s Chosen Ones hadn’t turned us into the queen. It was time for another leap of faith. How many more times could we jump before we fell into an abyss?

At least once more, I hoped.

I nodded.

Luna exhaled. “Isvana came to me in a vision.”

The priestess froze, her hand halfway to the pot. “The goddess?”

My wife nodded slowly. “Yes.”

The air grew thick, and for a long moment, no one spoke. Then Genevieve touched a leaf reverently. “You saw Isvana, and she gave you this?”

Luna chewed on her lip. “She gifted me with a seed.”

“And you planted it,” the priestess said.

“I did.” Luna nodded at the pot. “And now, it’s growing.”

“I see,” Genevieve said, not hiding the awe in her voice. “A gift from the goddess herself.”

“I think it’s a cure for the Wasting Illness,” Luna quickly added, as if she knew the priestess was close to shock.

“A cure?” White brows tented as Genevieve looked up. “We’ve tested hundreds of plants and various medicines to no avail.”

“This is different,” Luna said confidently. “I swear to you, I believe this holds all the answers.”

Genevieve’s gaze bounced between Luna and the plant. “Imagine that,” she breathed.

Luna continued, “We will need to run tests and experiments, but the chances are high that this will work.”

Every second dragged on as the priestess stared at the plant. “This is…. A very big development.” She canted her head. “If this is… we’ve been searching… It will help so many people.”

Somewhere in the abbey, someone yelled.

The priestess jumped, making a religious sign over her chest. “I have to… wait here, please.” Without waiting for a response, she disappeared in a blur.

The moment she was gone, Luna looked up. “Do you think she believed me?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I said. “But I do. I’ll always believe you, darling.”

Seconds later, my shadows tingled, warning me of someone approaching. Genevieve was back, but she wasn’t alone. A priest in a white robe stood next to her, his eyes wide as he stared at the plant.

“My name is Vorious,” he said quietly. “May I see it?”

Luna gnawed on her lip, hugging the pot to her chest.

“I’ll be gentle,” he promised.

She exhaled, extending it slowly. “Please do.”

“Goddess help me, I will.” He stared at it intently. “A gift from Isvana herself.”

Vorious took the plant and raised it high, studying it from all angles. “It certainly looks interesting,” he murmured.

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