“Yuh uh huh uhh.” I gasped for air; my eyes sprang open in shock.

“What the fuck is going on? Are you okay, Aster?” Cooper asked me as he jumped from the sudden sound, Savi's head still cradled in his lap.

“I’m not sure what happened. I was in Savi’s dream, then I got ripped from it without my consent. Did she squeeze your hand? Did she wake herself up?”

I studied Savi, still fast asleep. Pain radiated through my chest as if molten lava flowed through my heart.

She burst up, gasping for air in the same violent manner as I had. Gripping her chest tightly with one hand, she attempted to steady her breathing.

“This is bad; this is really, really bad,” I whispered.

“What do you mean you were in her dream? You guys drank the thing, chanted the words, then both went white as ghosts. Savi went limp and you were sitting there like a statue, barely breathing. A minute later you were gasping for air like you were being suffocated! That’s a pretty fast dream!” exclaimed Cooper. “I need some explanation here; that was scary as hell."

I shot him a questioning glance. “What? We were so far deep into her dream, at least thirty minutes or more.” She was still pale, her breathing labored, so I patted her on the shoulder and rubbed the middle of her back. “Breathe, Savi. The first time can be the weirdest, but this was weird even for me.”

Savi focused her gaze on her legs stretched out on the sofa and breathed a few deep, slow breaths. “I’m okay. What happened?”

“I should've never agreed to this; this is some trippy, witchy shit. Maybe Rachel was right; this is too much," Cooper said, running his hands through his hair in distress.

“Calm down, please, you’re not helping. Time works differently than normal in dreamweaving. Hours in there are moments out here. But you’re right, you should go; this was a bad idea.” I stared at Cooper with pain in my eyes as another jolt of heat lumbered through my chest. “I need you to go NOW.”

“Now? What happened to Savi? Look at her; she’s white as a ghost. What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything; it—she woke up. I need you to leave.” I picked up the bowl of water and paused, my mind reeling with what had happened, trying to make sense of it.

“It, what do you mean, it? And why are you rushing? What happened, Aster?” Cooper demanded.

“It’s nothing, I'm just exhausted from working with the coven earlier; I should have known better. I was already tired before we started, but I never imagined..."

I froze, recalling what happened in the dream. Something had ripped my tether to Savi’s body. Something dark, something evil.

“Never imagined what? Hello, Aster? What the fuck you guys?” Cooper sounded more panicked now.

I snapped back to the conversation. “Never imagined I could've been this exhausted. What I did earlier was simple enough and hadn’t required much of me. I was so focused on helping, I didn’t realize I was so spent. I’m not just a witch battery with unlimited power. I apologize. Savi’s fine, I’m fine, everything is fine. We can try again another time if you’re up for it, and I promise then I will be well rested. I’m sorry, guys. I’ll call you later, Cooper.”

"But… okay. Fine. Whatever you say, babe, as long as you guys are okay, that's what matters most. But I’m not sure this will happen again without some further explanation."

Cooper threw his hands up as he walked toward the couch to help Savi up.

“That’s up for me to decide,” Savi said, looking up at him as she stood, a line forming in her brow.

“Are you okay?” Cooper gave her a once-over, trying to hide his frustration as he comforted his friend.

"Yeah, just a little tired. I might've been as tired as Aster. I was up late, worried about how this was gonna go. I’m sorry, Aster, it’s not your fault.”

I stood by the door with it gaping open, frozen again, staring at the floor. The feeling of uneasiness still lingered in my mind.

'That darkness. That hatred. That sorrow.'

Breaking free from my trance as they approached, I struggled to process what they'd just said to me. "Yeah, yeah, it's nothing, Savi, don’t you worry. I’m sorry I couldn’t help more today. I’ll be in touch. Bye, guys, drive safe.”

I hurried them out the door, practically closing it on Cooper’s heel as the last words left my lips. Ragged breaths rattled in my chest as I waited for them to leave, watching through the peephole in my door. Once the doorway to the stairs slammed shut, panic set in.

Every emotion exploded within me as I paced back and forth, thinking about her dream. I'd never dreamweaved before, so I wasn't sure what would happen, but I knew whatever that was, it was wrong.

Pangs of a distant pain crackled through my chest. Unsure of what I expected to find, I lifted my shirt to check my sternum. There was nothing there, despite the intense heat radiating outward. As I placed a finger on my skin, a shock washed over me, and I went cold.

‘I have to call the coven to explain what happened. I’m sure someone felt the pull of magic.’

I lowered my shirt and darted into the living room. Thoughts raced through my mind about how to explain the situation as I collected the spell items and arranged them in their proper places. Cleaning up the place would buy me more time to think of the words to use.

The truth was necessary if I wanted any sort of answer; lying would only lead to more trouble. Using magic in the open already meant punishment, but the seriousness of what happened left no choice. They needed to know. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I picked up my phone and dialed the number.

“Mija, I expected your call ten minutes ago,” said a raspy voice on the other end of the line.

“Lo siento, abuela. ¿Te desperté?"

“You did not wake me; what you did woke me. Explain yourself.”

My grandmother was one of the Elders in the coven. Not an Elder for her age, but held a seat due to the strength of her powers. She had raised me after my parents' death and taught me in all the ways of our bloodline’s magic.

I had permission to perform most spells as I was adept from such a young age, but dreamweaving was something that needed approval beforehand. I knew better than to do it alone and without the consent of the council.

“I messed up, abuela. I really messed up.”

“Come now, the coven is waiting. The other Elders have gathered and are ready. We will hear your story. Every detail.”

Click.

‘Rats! Yup, I'm in trouble.’

***

Each step toward the elevator felt like a death knell to my hopes and dreams of someday securing my own Elder seat. Approaching the 'Out of Order' sign, I glanced to either side before waving a hand at the entrance.

"Averital."

The doors disappeared before me, and I stepped onto a small metal landing where the shaft should be. I repeated the spell, waving my hand once more, and the door reappeared, closing me inside.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Satisfied all was normal, I turned to descend the thin spiral staircase. The clank of my shoes on each step sent my stomach into a spin.

'What are they going to do when I tell them everything? Are they going to punish me? How will they do it?'

The questions swirled through my mind. One foot in front of the other, I made my way down several flights, stopping at every metal landing. The deeper I went, the more I hesitated to go further.

‘They won't appreciate me taking so long. Might as well get this over.’

I picked up my pace and exited at the basement level through a wooden door that appeared as I stepped close to the base of the staircase. The coldness of the maintenance room did nothing to help my already quivering limbs.

There was a blank section of wall in the back spelled to give way with the same word as the elevator. It opened with my single whisper, and I followed the low light of the long hallway leading to my coven's Great Room.

The hall spilled out to an enormous round room. Candle-filled lanterns littered its perimeter, casting a dim light over the few pieces of furniture that adorned the large space. A grand circular table carved from oak filled its center. Ornate carvings of magic past were etched along its sides, and six Elders occupied their seats around it.

‘Thankfully it’s only six Elders and not all twelve that I need to answer to. Maybe my punishment will be more subtle.’

“Have a seat, child,” said a voice, low and feeble yet laden with power.

A chair materialized before me as I took a few steps further into the room. I did as she ordered and sat.

Another voice from the back of the room spoke. “We have all sensed the pull of power tonight, which is why we have gathered here now. We demand answers, and you will tell us all that you know, little one.”

In the low light, I could barely make out the woman who walked from the shadows, but I knew exactly who she was. She was small, her pale skin balanced by the black streaks that ran through her white hair. The current leader of our coven, High Elder Mora Flores, was not only older but vastly stronger than all the rest.

“Let me begin by stating that I truly apologize for my actions. There was a woman in need, and I thought I had the skills to help her. I had pity for her situation, and once I've explained myself and all that happened, you too will want to meet her. There is something that happened tonight that I cannot explain, but I'll try my best, dear Elders.”

My eyes peeked at my grandmother. It hurt my heart to see her angry with me.

"Proceed. Explain yourself," Mora commanded.

“This girl has no memories of who she is and lives each day not knowing what she holds inside. She's been having a recurring dream, so I offered to help. I know it's against the rules, and I should've asked first. I’m sorry, but what I found goes beyond that now."

I paused, searching for the correct words to express what I had experienced.

"When I entered her dream, it was more like a memory. I observed her daily life and interactions, clearly set in the past. An overwhelming feeling struck me, and a malevolent presence took over. It disrupted the dreamweaving, and threatening voices urged me to stop. Something broke my connection to her, causing intense pain in my chest, head, and soul, as if it sought to control me. There's something hidden within her, and I think she might be one of us. You must believe me.”

Once I'd explained everything I had witnessed, I waited.

No response.

A few of the Elders glanced at each other and whispered before one of them spoke.

“You dare defy our rules? Waking us from our own dreams and trying to spin this tale, child?” spoke the first woman.

“I believe her. I too sensed something sinister when I awoke. Test her before you judge her. I beg that of you,” my grandmother asked, her eyes soft as she glanced at me.

“You have done well in both raising and training her, Sister Elena, but this is a defiance I will not stand for,” said another Elder at the table.

"I agree Aster’s actions were wrong, but they came from a good place. She was trying to help someone in need, as we always strive to do. I agree with Sister Elena; we should test her to see if her vision shows tonight, as she claims,” said Elder Luciana, my grandmother’s best friend.

“Vote now,” stated another woman.

Flames began to rise from the table in front of each of the six women who had gathered. In an Elder vote, summoning an azure flame meant yes, and summoning a crimson flame meant no. Currently, two blue and two red flames danced atop the round oak slab. After a moment, another blue flame rose.

"Please," I begged from my chest, waiting on the edge of my chair.

My soul felt like it was going to rip from my body. Anxiety thundered through me over how long it took for the last vote to be cast. Another blue flame rose, and I relaxed slightly, but this was only the beginning.

“It is decided. We shall test her. Come, child,” stated High Elder Mora, motioning me toward her.

My heart raced as I approached the High Elder, and a small footstool appeared before me. I took a deep breath before removing my shirt and climbing onto the table. This was a test of the soul and would reveal the truth to the Elders. There were horror stories about the harsh punishments for liars.

My body spread to match the lines of the massive pentagram burned into the wood. My head pointed north at Mora, with each of my limbs aligning with the other four points. The High Elder rose from her chair and slipped away to an antique cabinet. I glanced as she spoke under her breath, the doors opening at her words.

Mora moved to my head, and I caught sight of her Scryer's stone amulet that she had retrieved. The hazy white gemstone nestled into an intricately woven bronze setting. A lump formed in my throat as she placed it over my sternum. As it touched my body, the torches along the room lessened. Mora motioned to the others, and they stood in unison.

“Complete the circle, and we shall begin.”

Each Elder stretched their hands to join another. When the last pair intertwined, the scryer’s stone faintly glowed. Completing the circle had opened its gateway, and it was now ready to accept the spell, one only Mora could cast. High Elder Mora was the last Seer bloodline in our coven, and therefore the only one who could use the amulet.

Her presence grew as she lifted her arms into the air, forcing the rest to follow suit. When all hands were raised, her voice dripped with magic as she began her spell. Scryer’s stones had three locks upon it and would require her to use the spell three times to gain access.

“Nayim olgeth rayuul. Grant me the sight which I seek; show me the past as thy seer once more. Reveal the truth hidden within. This I ask of thee.”

The air thickened, becoming palpable and much colder. Its coolness settled into my bones, which warred with the heat rising in my chest. The stone's glow increased to a brighter white light that flooded the table around me. Its first lock was now open.

“Nayim olgeth rayuul," Mora spoke once more. “Release the past sight of this soul before me. Wisdom granted, sight be seen.”

The stone’s light narrowed into a beam straight above itself, no longer diffused around the table like a soft lantern's glow. It was brighter now, and it pained my eyes to look at it. The second lock was now open.

“Nayim olgeth rayuul. Unseen eye of three shall see. Bare the visions. Truth I seek.”

As soon as Mora unlocked the third seal, the beam fractured into multiple streams, each one targeting the Elders' faces. It struck their foreheads, and with it, a blue eye materialized in their skin, permitting the light to seep into its pupil.

Their natural eyes turned white, and their gazes lifted toward the ceiling, the beams remaining steady. My own vision turned as the light enveloped my entire body, causing me to glow from within.

We were all connected to the Scryer’s stone, now fully unsealed. The visions I had witnessed would soon unfold for everyone to see, projected like a movie reel bathed in a soft, warm haze. It began with the scene of me placing my hands on Savi’s head and chest, followed by the dreamweaving’s initiation.

They watched Savi perform her daily chores, gazing out from a small cottage window at a family in the distance. The warmth and joy she felt flowed within us. Then, without warning, everything shifted. Black shadows surged in from all sides, quickly engulfing the vision just as they had overwhelmed me.

Snap!

The noise was deafening; then silence fell, leaving only darkness.

They felt the overwhelming emotions I had earlier—pain, sorrow, and fear. Then came low whispers in the dark, indecipherable yet still overwhelming. As the suffocating presence grew, the spell abruptly vanished. Light beams shot to the gem, and everyone woke up, gasping for air, just as Savi and I had.

Tears streamed down my face as I lay motionless on the table. A small trail of blood trickled from my sternum, and it soaked into the amulet. A deafening crack echoed through the room, followed by a faint whisper.

"Yessssssssssss, feed me, I hunger."

High Elder Mora jerked the amulet off, and the whisper ceased, retreating to nothingness as if it had never been. She inspected the gemstone above my head. It had cracked on the back, and the glass had pierced my skin.

Helping me to an upright position and handing me my shirt, she held me as I wept. I glanced up at her, and I saw nothing but fear reflected back at me. Mora scanned the room, and her initial shock gave way to concern.

“What we have witnessed here is truth. Aster tells the truth of her visions, but those visions have been corrupted by a dark and ancient power. Dark magic we do not dare to toil with. This maiden, Savi, claims she is mortal?” High Elder Mora gazed down at me.

I froze, staring at her, not completely understanding the question. I went to speak, but it was like I hadn't drunk in days. My throat was dry, and all I could muster was a small nod.

Mora addressed everyone once more. “We’ve all sensed the magic within her this night. She must be brought before us so we can understand her power. She has immense power, whether she knows it or not. I need to assess and research in the scrolls. Bring her to us as soon as possible, and your rule-breaking will be forgiven. Go now, Aster. The rest stay with me as we consult the ancient texts for guidance.”

She waved a hand of dismissal at the room. Whispers circulated from every direction as I gathered the strength to slide on my top and leave the table. Even as I climbed the stairs, I could still feel the Elders' eyes on my back and hear their judgments.

I made it to the fourth floor, and once all the illusion spells were back in place, I ran to my door and rushed inside, locking it behind me.

Grabbing my phone, I opened it to Cooper’s name and let out a heavy breath. It was the first time all night my lungs felt they had formed a full breath. Anger and confusion knocked into me, and I returned my phone to my pocket. I turned my back to the door and slid to the floor, sobbing.