The sky was bleeding gold and red, a strange color that only came once a year—the same color I saw in my dreams when the voice first told me to find my mother. Now, standing at the edge of Thornridge's sacred circle, I was here again. Only this time, I wasn't the child being led by fate. I was the one doing the leading.
The leaves rustled like whispers. The air felt thick. My heart beat fast as I stood between my mother and Kiani. Both of them wore long white robes given by the Elders. Both of them looked nervous. But only one of them knew what was about to happen.
Aira's hand reached for mine. "Are you sure this will work?"
I nodded, even though I wasn't sure at all. "I believe it will. I've seen it done before."
She tried to smile but her eyes were filled with doubt. "Luciana… I'm scared."
I squeezed her fingers gently. "You don't have to be. You're not alone this time."
Kiani, small and silent, looked around. "Is this where magic lives?"
