Page 49 of Cursed
As they step inside, Nori looks around to find a small but cozy living area with a few pieces of well-worn furniture and a fire blazing in the stone fireplace. An equally small kitchen and dining area take up the remaining space.
Nori whispers to Aylin. “It only smells of ginger in here; why can’t I smell what you smell?”
Aylin barks at her. “I don’t know, but you need to hurry!”
Lyra directs them to sit at the small dining table. “I had heard the rumors that the Prince had been graced with a Mate. Why haven’t you accepted the Mate Bond yet, Norina Valcrest?”
Nori flinches at the use of her full name and replies, “The Mate Bond flared only a few days ago, and we are getting to know one another. And call me Norina again, and I’ll—” Nori’s eyes widen, and her hand flies to her mouth.
“Whoa, sorry! My wolf’s emotions seem to be bleeding into mine.” Nori laughs and says, “What I meant to say was, please, call me Nori.”
“It’s fine. What can I do for you, Nori?”
Last night, Nori and Aylin discussed how to talk to this Seer without giving away too much information. “I am aware that I possess some sort of power, but I don’t understand what it is. Based on what I’ve read, you have the ability to tell me what this power is and how to use it. Is this true? Are you able to sense my power?”
Lyra places both hands on the table, her palms facing up. “I need to hold both of your hands in order to read your power, Nori.”
When Nori moves her hands toward Lyra, Aylin freezes her again, screaming in her head. “Do not touch her!”
Nori winces and uses her most gentle voice with her angry wolf. “It will be alright…and hopefully brief.”
“Shit! Fine.”
Nori exhales loudly and places her hands in Lyra’s, while Aylin growls and howls in her head.
Lyra closes her eyes and holds Nori’s hands. Breathing deeply, she concentrates for several minutes. Nori is about to have to take her hands back when Lyra finally releases her.
“You are a healer, Nori. Very rare. Very powerful. Now, if you shift, I can tell you what your wolf’s power is. They are generally complementary.”
“Yeah, that is not going to happen. How do I access this healing power? How do I use it? How does it work?” Nori asks excitedly.
“To access the power, you will need to calm your thoughts and search inside yourself. Most people describe their power as a warm, bright light. With practice, accessing it will be as natural as breathing.”
Aylin breaks into Nori’s thoughts. “She’s trembling. Is she afraid of you? How powerful are we?”
“I’m sorry, Lyra, could you repeat that? My wolf is quite loud in my head today,” Nori says, shaking her head.
“I said, healing typically manifests in the hands. Why don’t you try to look for your power now?”
“Oh, no, thank you.” Nori doesn’t want to spend any more time with the Seer than necessary, but she’s also leery of showing Lyra her power. “How does the healing work?”
“I’ve only known one other healer. He had to touch the injured person with his hands. Most powers just sort of work when you use them. If you pay attention while attempting to heal someone, you will know what to do,” Lyra says. “In theory.”
When Nori stands to leave, Adele jumps up and practically runs out the door without even saying goodbye. “Thank you for your time, Lyra. Why does my wolf keep calling you a witch?”
Lyra smiles sadly and stands with Nori to follow her out. “I am, in fact, a she-wolf, but I do have a smidge of witch blood from a full-blooded witch in my family tree. I know. Most wolves don’t like being near me.”
Nori frowns, thinking how lonely Lyra must be if no one can stand to be around her. “I see. Thanks again for your help today.”
Nori turns to leave, but stops short, turning back to look at Lyra. “I have the urge to ask you not to mention this visit to anyone, but I am not sure why.”
Lyra’s eyebrows raise. “You carry a tremendous power, Nori. It is quite frightening. I will not tell anyone what we discussed here today.”
Nori nods and swiftly leaves the cottage.
As soon as they are back in the castle, Adele breaks out into a frantic laugh. “Shit! My wolf was howling at me the whole time we were there. I am glad Lyra could tell you something about your power, though.”
Nori nods her head, following Adele through the maze of the castle. “There was a lot of snarling and howling when Lyra was gripping my hands.” Then Nori frowns. “It must be awful for her to be in a Pack, but not really be part of the Pack. Does she have any friends?”
