Page 251 of Sigils & Spells

I turned and ventured back through the wall into the temple, only to be met with darkness.

CHAPTER10

To my surprise,the view that greeted me when I opened my eyes the next time was my own room. Unable to explain how I got from Maya's stall back into my own bed, I mentally replayed the dream before I even considered throwing back the covers and getting up for the day.

My own two fingers ran across the place on my forehead that she touched in the dream, and that curiosity drove me out of bed to stand before the mirror, looking for a physical manifestation of that touch. None existed.

Grounding myself, I reached deep inside, looking for the power she wanted to awaken in me. Coiled there in my center hovered a warm, silver glow, unlike anything I'd ever felt within me before. Whatever it turned out to be, I would have to experiment to find out. It hadn't been clear whether new abilities would surface or she just turned up the volume on the things I could already do. Time would tell.

Today lessons with the Priestess Francesca would begin after breakfast, so I dressed and headed for the dining hall. Diana greeted me as I entered, collected a tray of breakfast.

“How are you? Did you have a good night?”

“It was very interesting and I have a lot to share with you when we get a minute to sit down and have a chat. Once I'm done eating, I am heading to study with Priestess Francesca.”

“That's excellent. I think this will be good for you.”

With a wave, I moved to a table to eat. Others entered and left as I had breakfast and nobody acknowledged my presence. Even Sienna and Carrie walked right by as if the table were empty. Invisibility is rated only slightly above derision and maltreatment.

Daisy and I crossed paths as I exited and she became the first person besides Diana toseeme.

“Hi Annarah! How are you today?”

“Good thanks. Want to meet for lunch later?” Knowing I had a rough road ahead of me, I wanted to know that there were people on my side, even if only a few. I wanted to bridge gaps and build friendships where I could.

A look of surprise flitted across her face, but a smile rose upright on its heels. “Definitely! Meet you here about one?”

“Sounds good. See you then!” With a wave, I headed toward the Priestess Francesca's office.

Entering the building, I stopped just inside the doorway, staring down the hall to her office door, which looked to be closed. Nerves bubbled up and threatened to bring my breakfast with them. Swallowing, I did my best to force them back down.

I'd neglected to ask whether the information the goddess imparted to me should be kept a secret. The High Priestess knew, but she'd not mentioned anybody else. Although, if I worked with Priestess Francesca to master my magic, she must know something. Or maybe she didn't. Maybe she just knew I had powers that needed taming. From then on, I promised to keep a journal going with all the questions that I needed answers.

Steeling my nerves, I strode down the hallway and knocked on the door. Her voice bade me enter, and I stepped over the threshold.

“Close the door behind you, please. “

“Yes, ma'am.”

Pushing the door until it latched, I moved to stand before her desk and waited. My toes wiggled in my shoes, trying to release the nervous energy building in me without being obviously fidgety. Her shrewd brown eyes studied me in silence, ratcheting up my anxiety.

“It appears we will be working together every day. My job is to ensure that you are not a danger to yourself or others. Magic is not a toy. It is not meant to be fun or amusing. Nor is it to be used in frivolity. Do you understand?”

“Yes ma'am, I do.”

“Good. I have warded my office for safety. Show me what you can do.”

Seconds passed while I gaped at her, mouth hanging open. My mind drew an utter blank. She could have followed that command with one to tell her my very own name, and I would have been unable to comply.

“Okay then. Let's try something a little less complicated then. Can you at leasttell meabout what you have been able to do thus far?”

After a few blinks to clear my thoughts, I nodded. “Um. I'm not entirely sure, since I was forbidden from using them. Most of the things I discovered by accident. I can somewhat control water. I can move things with my mind. With effort, I can also make light dimmer or brighter. I was also able to somewhat heal myself, although not completely.”

Her gaze bored into me as I spoke. As my voice trailed off, she gave me a moment to continue, and when I didn't, she let out a huff.

“To begin with, move something for me. Anything you can. Feel free to start small and we can work our way up.”

Eyeing the items on top of her desk, I settled on a pen. Light, easy and not breakable if I should lose control and drop it. Also not likely to cause an injury should something go haywire. Once it reached about head height, I lowered it back to her desk, managing to set it down gently and not drop it.

---