Page 73 of Queen of Vengeance

The pheromones it gave off made local fauna desire to protect it from harm, but what was the name of it?

I shut my eyes tight, transporting myself back to that memory. The pages were clearly in front of me, laid out as if I could reach out and touch the book.

My fingers lined the edge of the page flipping it back once.

The page on the left had a picture of thick vines and a three-leaved herb with small white flowers budding at the top.

Just below the picture, it stated that the plant was found in the mountainous regions of Anterra and was called…

My mind tried to focus on the image, but the words appeared blurry as I struggled to remember.

I hadn’t paid as much attention to the name, but I remembered that it sounded funny.

Something like—A chilly dear. Anchil—Anchillider! That’s it!

My heart leaped into my throat, and my eyes popped open. “I can’t believe I remembered that.”

I looked at the potion’s recipe before me, and something within me told me it was perfect. Adding anything more would cause an imbalance. I had no explanation for why I felt it was fitting since I’d never tried anything like this before, but I often felt a stillness in my chest when I perfected a potion.

A smile spread across my face.

My attention fell on Jason, who was sleeping peacefully in my arms.

Having him close to me gave me back the strength this place had been draining me of. I couldn’t imagine letting him go now, but I would have to. “I swear to love and protect you with all I am. I will return to you one day. So wait for me.”

The Infirmary doors flew open then, and I knew the time had come.

The peace I felt moments ago experienced a quick death.

I wanted another minute or another hour.

No amount of time would ever be sufficient for me.

My fingers quickly folded the potion recipe and tucked it away in Jason’s blanket.

The guards wouldn’t check the baby before leaving.

“The Nadir relative is here for the baby.” The tall, lanky guard came in with his hands tucked behind his back respectfully. He looked at me with a fleeting look of apology in his eyes. He knew that what they were doing was cruel and unusual punishment.

Everything else ceased being important as I saw Mema step out from behind the guard.

Suddenly, I was a little girl again, scared and wanting her hug.

“Lea!” Every ounce of decorum had fled her body the moment she saw me. She was at my side instantly, hugging me so tightly that I could hardly breathe.

I would rather not breathe than tell her to loosen her grip.

Hot tears began rolling down my face.

The reaction was instantaneous.

My heavy heart resonated with hers.

Mema pulled away momentarily, realizing I was holding the baby in my other arm. “And who is this handsome fellow?”

“This is Jason. You’re great-grandson.” I smiled, trying to wipe the tears away before they dripped onto Jason’s face.

“Hello, my love. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.” She tapped his nose gently, making him laugh. Then, her eyes focused on mine. It was as if she could see the weariness building up in my soul.

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