Sarah led Jack through the overgrown foliage to her cottage at the back of the property. The cozy dwelling was almost hidden by the dense greenery, giving it a sense of seclusion and privacy. As they stepped inside, the earthy scent of aged wood and faint traces of incense enveloped them. Jack settled into a chair while she perused the bookshelf, her fingers lightly caressing the spines of countless volumes. The distant sounds of music from the town hall drifted through the air.

After a long silence, Jack finally spoke up. "How is it possible that you can see what you seem to see?"

Sarah responded in a calm tone, "First, let's learn about you and then I will try to explain about me."

She found what she was searching for - an old, tattered tome with worn leather covers. She handled it delicately as she opened it, the pages whispering softly as she turned them.

Finally, she stopped at an elaborate line drawing. The illustration depicted a clandestine meeting with figures cloaked in robes, and at the center stood a devilish figure pressing his lips against someone's mouth. The style was unmistakably druidic, conveying centuries-old knowledge and taboo rituals.

She gazed up at him, searching his face for any reaction. "Does this look familiar?" she asked quietly, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire in the hearth.

As he studied the image, a flood of memories surged within him, memories that felt like shards of glass cutting through the fabric of his being. Jack's hand trembled slightly as he reached out to touch the page, tracing the lines of the devil's twisted smile and the haunting stare that seemed to follow him.

Sarah watched him intently, her gaze filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She had sensed the shadows that lingered within Jack, but this tangible connection to ancient rites sent a shiver through her as well. The air in the room grew heavy with unspoken truths and uncharted territories they were about to cross.

"Jack," she spoke softly, her voice a gentle melody.

Jack's gaze met hers, his eyes searching for answers. "How could you possibly know?" he asked in disbelief, not even attempting to deny it in his state of shock.

"Today, when you thought you were protecting me, the changes were clear. It was scarier, even though it was not directed at me."

Jack tried to wrap his head around what she was saying. "How could you see this? Normal humans are not supposed to have any knowledge about the Creatures; it's all kept hidden, blurred by enchantment."

She cleared her throat. He braced himself for the next bombshell she was about to drop. "You haven’t guessed?—I am not a 'normal human'."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"What?!" Jack’s eyes wide with shock.

"Well, I am mostly normal, but there is more. My great-great-grandmother was entwined with a druid. This is her book."

She placed the ancient tome in his hands, the weight of it pressing into his palms. The leather cover was cracked and worn, adorned with cryptic symbols and intricate designs. She carefully turned the pages as he held the book, revealing drawings and notes written in an archaic script. The image of the devil's kiss was just one among many, each page detailing rituals, spells, and the lore of druidic magic.

"My mother and father... they were of the same lineage. The magic in our family is old, deeply rooted in druidic traditions. And my great-great-great-grandmother paired with a magical being. You might call it an angel."

Jack leaned back, astonished. "You mean like Michael?"

"No, not exactly. More like in the druid line," she clarified.

Jack said, "So you are a Syzygie?"

"Yes, well, descended from that line. You know about us then?"

Jack nodded. "I do. The paired powers of the druids. When they paired, their fates were entwined. Both the powers and the curses have passed down.”

“True,” she said, a bit surprised by his familiarity with the topic. “But each generation it is a little less. To make a long story short—I can 'see' more clearly than normal humans."

She gave a little laugh. It sounded edgy and uncomfortable.

Jack didn't fancy the laughter. "So... You've known I am a Creature all this while and said nothing?"

Sarah sighed and turned another page in the book, revealing more about her family's magical heritage. "My mother possessed the ability to manipulate natural elements—wind, earth, water. She was deeply connected to the land. My father, on the other hand, could commune with spirits, guiding them and seeking their wisdom. My grandmother had the gift of foresight, visions of possible futures that often guided our family in times of need."

"And you?" Jack asked, his voice a mix of fascination and wariness.

"I have a touch of all their gifts, but my primary ability is seeing through enchantments and illusions. It’s why I could see your true nature. The magic in me is diluted compared to my ancestors, but it’s still there, and it has always helped me understand things others can’t."

Jack looked at her, a myriad of emotions playing across his face. "So... all this time, you've been able to see me for what I really am?"

"Yes," she admitted. "But I needed to understand it myself before I could say anything. I needed to be sure."

Jack's mind raced, trying to piece together the implications of this revelation. The image of the devil's kiss seemed to taunt him from the page, a grim reminder of his own dark encounters.

"There's more in this book," Sarah continued. "More about the rituals and the beings like you. Maybe it can help us understand what you're going through."

Sarah stood up, stretching. "I’m going to get us some tea. This conversation is thirsty work." She smiled softly at Jack. "Take your time with the book. I'll be back in a few minutes."