Page 79 of Sinister Hearts
Lightning struck with the venom of my words as I spoke them true.
“So shall it be,” Rocky chanted as the candles began to blaze savagely.
The windows burst open with a strong wind. The three of us each sat upon the Triquetra corners. Rocky then took out her dagger from her black knee-high boot, and sliced her palm open without even a wince. I watched as her palm became a pool of crimson. Closing her palm and squeezing it, she held it over the sigil.
“This symbol represents the threefold nature—the earth, sea, and sky. Our magic signifies all divine balance. Mind, body, and spirit. The ever-turning life and death.”
The sky above us roared in earth-shattering thunder.
“Are you ready to die and be reborn again to claim your natural state, prima? The source is waiting for your answer. You either claim your magic, or you walk away from it forever.”
The wind surrounded me in whispers. There was no thinking, there was no doubt, revenge would be mine. My promise to Ma was my only thought. Visions of cradling her in my arms in the catacomb just hours before, her blood still fresh on my clothing, my soul forever marked by her death, my heart forever wounded by grief.
“I am a Robles and forever will be,” I said, the words laced with conviction.“Penny was supposed to be here for this.”
Silence fell between us.
“Buffy is a believer in the occult. Even the smallest seed of belief in magic is like a plant that grows over time. Some are born of it. Some are believers and can learn. While their magic may not be derived directly through the source like our blood, they can do certain incantations with herbs and crystals, drawing the source from the objects,” Rocky elaborated.
“So you're a witch, too?” I glimpsed over to Buffy, quite amazed at how brilliant this was.
“We’re called Mages, but in some ways, yes.” Buffy was gleeful at her truth.
Sudden shame attempted to wash over me at how long I ran away from it all, for so long. Maybe in denial. Tears brimmed my eyes. I wasn’t ashamed anymore. I wasn’t afraid.
We slammed our palms together around the sigil as Rocky declared, “Chant after us.”
I nodded my head in answer and listened to the chanting. On the third go around, I jumped in, “Sacramentum meum aeterno (I give my eternal oath to magic).”
Our chants became vehement, whispers in the background wrapping around me as trickling heat began to sizzle from my feet to my fingertips. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as my consciousness left me. My body seized and my visions splintered my mind like a film reel. Vadon’s spiteful words thumped like a pattered drum against my consciousness.
“You will never be anything but a whore!”
Ma’s words silenced him out. “You can and you will.”
Then, darkness
Then, death.
My heart started slowly beating.Thump, thump… t h u m p.
When I opened my eyes, I was in Ma’s house, the luminous bright sunlight basking in the farm kitchen. It was so bright I could hardly see. The smell of coffee beans and homemade enchiladas infiltrated my senses. Ma stood in the kitchen with her flowy dress and apron.
“Ma!” I ran to her and hugged her so tight. I took in her scent. I’ve missed her so much. “Am I dead?” I asked, content.
Even If I was, I was here with her.
Ma held my hand and smiled. “No, mija, you are in limbo.” Ma rubbed my shoulder like she always did, to comfort me.
“I don’t understand,” I replied, so confused. Why was I here? Why was she here? Ma led me to her small wooden table. “Sit, niña.”
I did as I was told as I began eating her enchiladas. They tasted just like hers, so real. The food melted on my tongue.
“All souls come to limbo when a spell binder takes their initiation. The old you has to die before you’re reborn. But many get stuck here in limbo, that is why I am here, mija.” Ma handed me a hot cup of tea. I missed her tea so much.
“Why would I get stuck here?” I washed down my food with my tea.
“You aren’t like other spell binders, Faye. You are a hybrid. Meaning your initiation is different from ours.” She placed my plate aside and I could see the concern in her expression.
