Page 38 of Scars and Burns

Goddess this is harder than I thought it was going to be. “Mother had the ability to make life flourish and adjust one’s appearance.” Idon’t go into detail of how I know she can adjust appearances. She kept her true self hidden away until the moment she died. “I believe she made the complete Goddess mark appear on your arm. That way she and you were protected from the King.”

I see her eyes darting back and forth. Her mind is attempting to process what I am presenting to her. She still is only two and ten.

“Since Mother has died, everything she flourished with her magic has begun to fade. Her garden. Your mark.” Shaking my head. “Your magic never developed even though you had a Goddess mark because you never had any.”

Confusion and frustration evident on her face. “So, why do I have a Goddess mark now? A mark that is no longer complete or light gray. But a single moon, dark and vibrant.”

I stare at her. Knowing it is blood for blood.

She’s looking back at me with the same look I used to give our Mother. Her face filled with curiosity and fear.

Knowing what I must say. What I must do.

It’s time to try and be as composed and knowledgeable as my Mother once was.

“Have you ever heard of the term ‘blood for blood’?”

She shakes her head, “No, what does it mean?” Sorrow fills my heart. It’s almost an exact reflection of the interaction I had years ago.

“It means the magic the Goddess blesses us with is tied to blood loss.”

“Blood loss? I don’t understand.”

I look onto the balcony. Out past where all the realms meet. Not sure what to say. Goddess I wish Mother was here. She’s so much better at this stuff than I am.

“I’m not completely sure what it means either. And it could be different for you. But my magic rose to the surface after I killedsomeone.” Her eyes widened.

Most people don’t know that. The only other person who knows would have been my Mother.

She looks at me in shock.

I give her a weary smile at her, “Yes, my magic was unleashed because I brought someone release. This is how Mother explained it to me. Because magic is life inside of us.”

“But… but I didn’t kill anyone?” She questions.

“I think it’s different for everyone. Just like everyone’s magical abilities and Goddess marks are different. A life was released, so your magic could be unleashed. That is the only way I can make sense of it. Whose death, I cannot be sure.”

I have my suspicions though.

My Mother’s.

23

Aeron

Ihad to leave, had to get out.

I head to the billet where I find Aemond, with a woman.

Not very surprising.

She’s perched on his lap. Whispering things to him. As he nibbles on her ear. His eyes catch mine, sensing the turmoil inside of me. With a single glance we understand that there is much we need to discuss.

We meet in one of the apartments above the billet. Many reside here until they are able to find more permanent and stable arrangements. Aemond stays here full time. Assisting old and new dwellers that come to pass. We provide them with food, clothing, and protection for the time being.

I have a private room here for myself. Often needing to get out of the castle.

“So, what is troubling you?”

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