“There. Now everyone has their own waiting for them on their beds,” I say, clapping my hands clean from all of the sugar that I used. The casters in my coven stand to exit the room. “See you later, Chica!” Victoria says, blowing me a kiss. The door closes behind them, and I snap my fingers to cast the kitchen clean. There isn't enough time for me to do it the mortal way. And Evan needs me right now. I know how useless he feels knowing that Julian put a cast on me at the cafe. I reach for his hand and begin to lead him up the stairs to our bedroom, when he turns me around and pulls me into his chest. “I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, love. I promise you, I will never let anything like that happen to you again.” He kisses me deeply then transports us both the last few feet onto our quiet and snug bed.
Chapter 39
Divine Ceremonies
Evan and I decided to take the time we had before the ceremonies to be in each other’s arms. Hunter’s knocking on the door brought us back to the present, and we were not entirely happy about having to let go of each other. “Be right out!” I shout at the closed door. “I’ll be in the kitchen!” She shouts back. “I know you're nervous, love. But there really is no need to be. The welcoming ceremony is what every caster has to go through. You’ll feel amazing after. And Hunter was the last of the Elders to have an Elders’ ceremony, so confiding in her is best.” He kisses me softly in between his sentences. “I have to catch up with things in the Village, but I’ll be waiting for you at the ceremonies. I love you,” he whispers in my ear. My eyes roll to the back of my head, as I feel his sweet breath tickle my neck and my earlobe. “It’s our ceremony that I can’t wait for,” I softly respond.
Evan wraps his big hands around my cheeks and pulls me in for another sweet kiss. “Me too, love. More than you’ll ever know,” he says. We both begrudgingly stand up and walk out of the room. “See you in an hour.” He kisses my hand and transports himself out of my sight. I drag my feet as I walk into the kitchen, and Hunter scoffs at me, as she continues to eat the desserts that were left over on the counter. “You two will have plenty of time to be together after this is all over. For now, we need both of you to focus,” she instructs. Not in the mood to argue, I take one of my bacon churro balls, and I throw it at her head. When it bounces off and hits the floor, she looks at me in bewilderment. “What the hell, Scar! Do not waste these precious treats!” She chastises seriously. I go to reach for another dessert ball, when she slaps me on the wrist. “We have exactly 45 minutes to get you dressed for the ceremonies. Let’s go.”
Not wasting any time, she stands and stuffs the last dessert ball into her mouth, as I follow her up the stairs to my bedroom, falling to my bed when we reach the inside. Comet comes to lie by my head, and Hunter walks right into my closet. I hear her swishing around and wonder what she could be picking out. I sit up on my elbows when I hear her walk out. A simple and delicate white dress lays in her hands. “That’s it? Where’s the rest of it?” I ask sarcastically. She rolls her eyes, annoyed with my attitude, and places the delicate dress on the bed next to me. “You have to be barefoot for the ceremonies,” she says, in a matter of fact way as she takes a seat on the bed, taking Comet into her arms. “Go.” She orders, and with a grunt, I grab the dress and walk to the bathroom to change. The first thing I see is the red lingerie that I was wearing, when Evan and I were showering and my cheeks heat up, as I think of our intimate moment. I undress with deep thoughts of my Anima Partem that I don't even look at myself in the mirror before exiting the bathroom.
“Wow, Scar. You look like an angel,” Hunter says, as she looks me up and down. Confused and intrigued, I walk to the floor to ceiling mirror. The moment I see my reflection, I'm at a loss for words. Hunter is right. I look like I don't belong in this realm or in the mortal one. The thin and silky dress drapes all the way down to the floor, hiding my bare feet. The off-shoulder top is tight, as it hugs my chest. Pure white silk rubs along my soft skin, making it feel like butter. The slight shimmer makes my skin glow more than I have ever seen it. I slowly twirl in front of the mirror, and my hand comes up to my mouth when I see the beautiful corset-like back tied up into a delicate bow.
The intricate design is too gorgeous to be hidden. I close my eyes and find my power, willing it to my fingers and casting a beautiful and wispy up do. “Wait until Evan sees you,” Hunter says, with awe and amusement in her eyes. I get red in the cheeks and turn to my Sister to throw a pillow at her. We laugh then lie down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Okay. So what can I expect out there?” I pry for any last-minute advice. It has been such a busy week that no one has really had the chance to explain to me what I should be preparing for.
“Well, for one, you can stop being so nervous. It’s something to look forward to. You get to feel the Elders’ power for a moment. You get to feel a changeover and enhancement of yourself physically, mentally, and magically. And the best part is that you get to keep your power out fully the entire ceremony,” she says, as I stare at her astonished. She nods her head to confirm my thoughts. “And we're lucky, too. We’re doing the Casters’ Council ceremony, as well. So not only do you get to feel our power, we get to feel yours. I am SO excited,” she squeals. I sit up, relieved of some of my worries and amused by her silly antics to help calm my nerves. Then subconsciously I twiddle my fingers. Hunter, aware of the sudden silence, sits up and nudges my arm to encourage me to speak what is on my mind. Knowing that she is the Sister which I have become closest to, I decide now is the best time to ask someone what I have been wondering since it was mentioned to me.
“What happens at the Anima Partem ceremony? Is it like a mortal wedding?” I stare at my fingers and wait for her to reply. Hunter takes a deep breath and dramatically falls back onto the bed. “Those are my favorite ceremonies. You literally feel the couple’s connection and their love for each other during the entire ceremony, kind of like when you casted your power to show Evan how you felt about him. Only, at the ceremony it emits out of you guys like pulsing electrical waves touching all who are present. In ways, I guess it is like a mortal wedding because the woman caster gets to choose the initial decorations and dress. They share eternal vows to each other and, as soon as the ceremony is over, they leave to a mystery romantic location where they seal their bond for all of eternity. The only difference is the part where we watch you two bind your auras.” She sits up and looks at me with an encouraging smile.
Wow. Bind auras? Mystery location? Vows? I'm only 18. How am I supposed to know how to do any of those things? Hunter notices my inner turmoil and puts Comet down to take my hands in hers. “Listen, I know your life is in a complete spiral right now. I get it. But you have to embrace it. Embrace the fact that you have found someone that will go through hell and back just to tell you how much he loves you. Embrace the fact that you gained an entire set of women that you get to call your sisters. And embrace the fact that you are one badass caster. Look at what you did at the Caster Matches, Scar. Believe me when I say there is not a single doubt in my mind that you are the perfect person for the job.” She brings me in for a side hug, completely lifting my spirits.
“Thanks, Hunter, for always being there for me. Even if my desserts are always involved.” I tease her. She stands and hooks her arm in mine as we walk out into the dark forest of Eden. I look up to see the biggest full moon I have ever seen in my life. It’s so close, I feel like I can just reach out and touch it. The millions of stars glow in bright diamonds all around the dark night sky. I feel myself get lost in the closeness of the galactic scene above me. Hunter pulls me faster as we walk deeper into the forest. Finally, I see glowing lights in the distance. As we get closer, an enormous circular courtyard is hidden in the middle of Eden’s forest. There are lanterns scattered all over the verdant courtyard, and I can see my family, my coven, and last, my Anima Partem seated around the circular center. There are floating balls of light sporadically hovering throughout the entire courtyard and along the walkway to the center. It looks inc
redibly rustic, and I'm instantly awestruck. I look around to the people invited and notice they're all wearing white.
Hunter stops me before we continue down the narrow path and moves to stand in front of me. With a flick of her wrist, her once black clothing is now completely white. “Here we go. I'm going to transport myself to stand next to the other Elders. Then, when you hear your name, transport yourself to the middle of that circle in the center of the courtyard. After that, follow all of the instructions given to you by Ava. That easy, okay?” She asks. I nod my head with wide eyes, as she disappears with a wink and a smile on her face. I stand back and watch the Sisters join hands and begin a chant, and I feel the air around me move in response. Closing my eyes, I conform to the feel of the wind as it picks up in speed. I hear the rustle of the colorful leaves that are dancing in the breeze with me, as we move to the rhythm of the night. I smile when I feel the forest responding to my connection with it. “Scarlet Winter,” I hear Ava say. I stop moving and stand still, as I see everyone’s eyes are turned towards me, watching me getting lost and dancing under the full moon. Quickly I close my eyes and find my power, focusing on the center of the courtyard. I flick my wrist to complete the cast and feel myself disappear into midair. Thankfully I end up where I want to be. But clearly, I still need to work on transporting because I end up touching knees and facing Evan.
He looks so handsome that I feel my breath hitch. He graces me with his knee-weakening smile and leans forward to place a gentle and respectful kiss on my lips. It is then that I feel his power crashing into my soul. I feel his strength and his courage. I feel his loyalty and devotion. And I feel his love for me. My blushing comes in full force as I stand to walk to the center. I raise my head to look around, and I feel my heart skip a beat when I sense that everyone has their power out. Ava addresses me. “Welcome, Scarlet. We are beyond honored to be here with you. Tonight, when the clock strikes 12:00, we will begin your ceremony. With the few minutes that we have to spare, I will ask you to complete these tasks.” She pauses. With a nod of my head Ava continues. “Begin by freeing your power. This location is sacred and remains hidden, only visible to those invited. Do not fear, Scarlet. Set it free,” she encourages, when she sees my hesitation. I trust in her and follow her instructions. I take a deep breath and will my power to be unrestricted and free to its full potential.
I hear almost every caster sigh in wonder as they feel my power when it escapes my body. With a small smile, I look to Ava to continue. “Next, please summon your wand and your Book of Shadows.”
With my power out, the casts that I do are immediate. The objects appear at my feet on the ground as Ava continues, “And last, please bring forth an object that is close to your heart. Something special and irreplaceable,” she finishes. Momentarily I'm stumped. Then I smile when I think of the perfect object. With a quick side look at Evan, I lift my hand up to remove the ring that he gifted me. He looks proud and taken aback. Ava steps forward and flicks her wrist, and I look down to watch my Book of Shadows, my wand, and my ring float in the air. The three floating objects make a triangle around me, and I slowly turn back towards Ava, eager to see what comes next. She smiles at me and joins hands with her Sisters. They each close their eyes and turn their faces up to the bright and full moon.
Ava begins to hum a beautiful melody, and the other Elders follow suit. Their melodic sound is mesmerizing. I wish I could capture their harmonized sound, so I can replay it whenever I'm troubled. My eyes fall to my floating objects around me, as they begin to spin at a rapid pace in their places. They're spinning so fast that it makes me dizzy, so dizzy that I have to close my eyes. And with my eyes closed, the song that the Sisters are humming sounds even more entrancing. I begin to sway along to their ballad until I feel my feet lift off the ground. I feel numb but powerful. I feel awake but asleep. I feel here but also there. Everything feels scattered but organized.
I try to open my eyes, but they stay glued shut. But instead of panicking, I stay calm. Whatever it is that is happening to me, I know I'm safe with the people around me. The humming abruptly stops, and my eyes shoot open. I am lying completely flat in the air, as if I'm on an invisible bed, and my three objects are now above my body. My ring is floating above the center of my forehead. My book of Shadows is floating by my heart, and the wand is horizontally floating above my folded hands. With wide eyes I slowly bring my head back down, afraid any movement will interrupt the ritual. “Goddess of the moon, send us your power. Join us in welcoming caster Scarlet Winter into our infinite world. Join us in welcoming her into the Council of the Casters. And join us in welcoming her as the chosen caster of Hazel’s prophecy,” Ava says loudly to the listening moon.
I feel the wind pick up and watch the leaves rise up to spin in a tornado-like motion in the air high above me. A transparent beam of light envelops my body, and I feel electricity envelop every cell. I arch my back as I relish in the invigorating sensation. I audibly suck in a breath, when I feel my power expand in strength and my mind in knowledge. A single tear escapes my eye, as I revel in the infinite sense of fortitude that now fills my soul. The humming from the Sisters begins again, and my soul instantly responds to the beautiful melody as the transparent light begins to fade away. I get a rush of dread as it slowly disappears back to whence it came. Only, the way I'm feeling stays with me, even as the light completely dissipates. A smile graces my face as I appreciate the lingering sensation. Once again, the harmonious humming stops, and I feel my body begin to slowly descend back to the ground.
When my feet touch the grass, I have the sudden urge to stretch. I lift my hands high above my head and moan as the joints in my bones crack here and there, as my body begins to familiarize itself to the new things going on inside of me. As my hands fall back down, my body feels weightless, and I look down to make sure my feet are still on the ground. And when I see that they are, I look up at Ava for further guidance to this ceremony that has infused me with such wonder.
“We thank you for your blessing,” she says, while facing the moon. Her silhouette looks angelic. The remaining Sisters repeat after her and move to stand in a line behind our head Elder. Ava walks forward and takes my hands in hers. “I, Ava, Head Elder of the Casters Council, welcome you to our everlasting life of the caster realm. I wish for you to always see the light when there is dark.” She closes her eyes, and I instantly feel some of her power enter my body. It gives me pleasure and makes me shiver as I feel highly spirited valiance in her power. Ava lets go of me and moves to stand on the inner edge of the circular center. Belle walks forward and takes my hands in hers. “I, Sister Belle, welcome you to our everlasting life of the caster realm. I wish for you to have all of the courage in the journey that awaits you and beyond.” She closes her eyes, and I feel her power enter my soul. Her power feels flourishing and safe in every way. I take a deep breath as she lets go to stand a few feet away from Ava.
Jade walks forward with proud tears in her eyes. “I, Sister Jade, welcome you to our everlasting life of the caster realm. I wish for you to be protected in every way possible, now and in the future.” She closes her eyes and quickly sends her power my way. I gasp when I feel the intelligence clear in her power. She walks away smiling and stands a few feet away from Belle. Nova walks forward and gracefully takes my hands in hers and repeats after her Sisters. “I, Sister Nova, welcome you to our everlasting life of the caster realm. For you, I wish nothing but peace, peace of the mind, peace of the heart, and peace of the soul.” She closes her eyes, and I smile when I feel the optimism and glee in her power. She nods her head and moves to stand a few feet away from Jade.
Hunter skips forward and pulls me in for a hug. She lets go and takes my hands in hers. “I, Sister Hunter, welcome you to our everlasting life of the caster realm. My wish for you is love, to always feel how boundlessly loved you are by the people around you, to always give the love that you have in your heart to the world, and to always continue putting love into your baking,” she finis
hes with a giggle. She closes her eyes and sends me a piece of her power. I return her giggle as I feel the vivacious spirit in it. She lets go and completes the circle around me, as she stands next to her Sisters.
“At this time, we usually complete the ceremony. But since we are also having your Elders ceremony, the only difference is for you to share some of your power with those that now surround you, your Sisters.” Ava says privately in my mind. “The same way you cast a piece of your love to Evan is the same way to gift us a portion of your power, “she finishes. I nod my head and walk to stand in front of Ava. I place my hands on her shoulders and close my eyes, instantly finding my power and quickly permitting some of it to break off to reside in Ava. I hear her loudly gasp as my power enters her body, and I repeat the cast to all Sisters and return to my spot in the center. They join hands and close me in. “Welcome, Scarlet Winter, to our everlasting life of the caster realm,” they say at the same time. A spark ignites in my heart, and I cry tears of joy as I feel the cast conclude. Suddenly I feel a hard force hit my chest. The impact is so strong that it knocks me to the ground, and all I could do is just lay there.
I hear everyone around me begin to panic. “What’s happening?” Evan shouts from outside of the circle. “I don't know! Our hands are stuck together. We are unable to let go!” Belle says, as she struggles to let go of Ava and Jade. “The cast was complete. She should have just felt the spark of life, and that’s it,” Ava says, growing concerned. A throbbing begins in my temples and explodes into excruciating pain. I scream as the pain expands to every fiber of my being. “Scarlet!” I hear dad and Demi shout. “Why can’t we reach her?” Dad says, frightened. “Is that the Mark of the angel?” I hear Victoria ask in a high tone. But I don’t hear the answer because what happens next leaves me and everyone around me speechless.
Winter's Awakening (Light Coven Chronicles Book 1) Page 39
