Page 7 of Witch's Exile
3
DEJA
All the energy of the earth seemed to wrap around me like a safety blanket as Ash and I walked outside. Everything seemed to pulse with its own life force, lending me calmness and strength toward my current situation.
I swore I could even feel the tiny life of my daughter growing inside me, despite being so early in the pregnancy.
Makes sense,I thought as I ran a hand across my belly again. Earth magic was consistent with the creation of life. My surroundings strengthened me and also made me sensitive to feel life that was part of, yet separate from me.
"So how are we doing this?" I turned to Ash.
My golden-haired, blue-eyed demon took both of my hands and brought our nature walk to a stop. I couldn't see the house anymore through the dense trees but knew we were still close.
"How do you usually do it?" he asked. "Do you use your Earth to anchor you?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "I think of it like a rope leading me through a cave so I don't lost."
"That's perfect." One corner of his mouth ticked up. "I want you to do that again, but this time incorporate fire and water as well."
I lifted an eyebrow skeptically. "How am I supposed to do that?"
"I know it's a lot to keep track of, but trust me." He squeezed my hands. "Use earth to guide you and fire to light your way."
"Okay," I said hesitantly. "What about water?"
His eyes flashed with amusement. "You'll figure it out. Call on it when you need it. I'll be here with you."
My skepticism remained but I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I prepared to journey inward. Like I had done before, I rooted myself to the Earth magic coming up through my feet. Through Ash's hands, I bound the Earth magic to him too.
It hesitated at first, like the tendril of energy didn't want to touch something that had never truly died, but with gentle coaxing it wrapped around him as I willed.
Ready, angel?
Ready, love.
Together we sank into the darkness of my subconscious.
Your hold on the Earth magic is strong,Ash told me.Now whenever you're ready, imagine a flame.
A warmth in my chest ignited as I did as he instructed. But no light came.
I need a spark,I thought. Fire consumes earth.
Mentally I put aside a bundle of earth energy and struck it with the warmth in my chest.
Holy shit! I can see everything.
Great job, love.I swelled at the pride in Ash's voice.Now be careful. Keep your hold on Earth and the flame. Don't get distracted.
Shining a light on my subconscious was like finding myself in a crowded market. There was so much frantic movement and everything was so loud. I walked through, trying to keep my focus steady but pieces of information still came through the fringes of my vision.
I saw my adopted parents looking stern and disappointed. I never bothered contacting them since I moved away over a year ago but as they were the only parents I knew, these dark parts of me still felt guilty for disappointing them.
More memories with my lovers flickered like movie reels. Sal walked into a marble palace covered in blood and looking thirsty for more. I led him to a massive bathhouse and washed it all away before settling into his lap. I looked on proudly under a glittering night sky as Ash pointed out stars and constellations to an elderly bearded man. At some point, Raum cut his hair and I made him promise never to do it again.
Focus, love. We can reminisce another time,Ash gently reminded me.Look for where the light doesn't reach.
I pulled my attention away from the memories and continued forward, heading into the shadows within the shadows.There.
