Page 174 of Scars Like Wings

An opaque green copper carbonate mineral with a sometimes patterned surface

Malachite inspires verdant, lush images of nature. With its name taken from the Greek word for “soft,” this stone is a heart-opener. Historically, Egyptians found thousands of uses for the stone and healers in the Middle Ages used it to protect against negative energies. To this day, it is used in this way. Found in all corners of the globe, the crystal is pulled from the ground in the most earthy, abundant, and spiritual locations. Malachite helps in times of transformation. For anyone ready to embrace change or clinging to the edge of something, the crystal strengthens. It encourages you to let go of old traumas and patterns, flush all toxic emotions, clear away unwanted energies, and step outsideyour comfort zone. It also diminishes fears, not just emotionally, but also by helping the body deal with the pounding heart that comes with resisting change. The crystal wants you to embrace change and gives you courage. It reminds you to leave things behind to move forward in life. A true companion stone, Malachite allows you to approach decisions with ease and grace.

Healing Crystals

“Ihaven’t seen this kid this tuckered out since she pulled that back-to-back all-nighter while getting her masters. Are you sure she’s okay, Talli?”

“Full manifestation takes a lot out of dragon-shifters, especially when one experiences the change so quickly. It takes a lot of energy.”

“It’s been days, Talli.”

“It’s only been two days, Everett. She’s breathing, she’s safe, so let her rest. After everything she’s been through, she’s earned some sleep.”

When I woke up, it took me a moment or five to remember where I was. My whole body felt heavy, and I tried to stretch the last remnants of exhaustion from my bones. The movement wasenough to spook Dinah, who yowled at me before jumping from the bed.

Mybed with its assortment of pillows and Stella in the crook of my arm.

I was in my room.

The sun beamed in from the always-open windows, lighting my bedroom in a sunny blaze that bounced off my crystals throughout the room. My dragon stirred underneath my skin, stretching herself and lingering there just beneath the surface. It was surreal having her there, out and proud, but it was also extraordinarily comforting.

The house was quiet. I reached for my phone on the nightstand, noticing the date and time. It was morning?—

Three days later?!

I sat up in bed with a sudden jolt. I had slept forthree days?! The last thing I remembered was falling asleep on the couch after coming home from the trip. I was still in the same robe from that night. How the fuck had I slept forthree days?!

I opened my phone. There were numerous notifications. Simone and Maisie had texted to make sure I was okay and sent some memes in our chat. Rhois and the rest of the Archive’s Throuple had wished me a fun Friendsgiving Trip, none the wiser to its premature ending. Uncle Everett and Teddy had sent that they would be at work today and wouldn’t be home until late.

The most messages and missed calls by far were from Quinn.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

Hello, love. Simone texted that y’all made it home, and you’re asleep. I love you so much. Dream of me, sweetness. ??

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

I know you are still asleep. We are headed home now. A witch here was kind enough to teleport us back. The cousins are FURIOUS. I had to hold Natassa back from killing her on the spot.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

Made it home! You should have seen my Mama’s face when I told her. I think that if I don’t take care of Zaria, she absolutely would. I guess there’s a line. She loves you so much. It makes me so happy.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

I miss you so much already. I hate dealing with my family’s bullshit. It’s so stupid.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

I just can’t wait to see you again. I miss you so much it hurts. I wish we didn’t have to cut things so short. I just want to be with you.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

I hope you are okay. It’s been two days, and I’m kinda worried. I love you.

QUEEN OF MY HEART ♥?

I’m so sorry, Bee. About Zaria. About the vamp on your birthday. Everything. You deserve better. You shouldn’t have your life put in danger with someone you spend time with. You are so sweet, and I… I never want to see you hurt. Zaria is so lucky that I’m my mother’s daughter as well as my father’s. As much as I want revenge, I want to make sure that whoever sent her is taken out, too. No one will harm you and get away with it. I’m so sorry for the rant. I’m just worried about you.

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