“Now, Emma, you have been purified for your future. The past has been washed from you. Rise out of the water and begin the path to your destiny.” Sheehan spoke to me as the gown I had seen on the mannequin seemed to drift towards me.
I knew I was awake, but I could easily hear the logical side of me screaming to wake the devil up. I stepped out of the antique bath and the room temperature felt pleasant against my skin. I had a feeling that this was part of the women's doing. Standing nude before these powerful women, made me blush with modesty.
“Aw, Child, don't be ashamed in front of us, we've seen much, and although these bodies are mere manifestations- we, too, have all had moments much like this one.” Quinn said as she pulled a 19th century whale boned crème corset around my middle.
“Is this necessary?” I asked as my bottom ribs felt like they were going to be broken and the wind crushed from my lungs.
“Yes. Now deep breath, and exhale.” She pulled hard through my exhale. “Good. Let me lace you up, and then on with the dress.”
I turned to see my reflection- my waist seems to be that of a Barbie doll. Hmm. I'm not too sure about this.
Duffy took the white garment and slid it over my head, even with the corset on, the dress was snug- but it fit. The small beads on the bodice shimmered in the warm light. My body was covered from high neck down to the floor.
A chair was pushed up against the backs of my legs.
“Sit.” Duffy said with her hand on a brush.
I bent carefully to make sure I didn't tear the delicate fabric. The chair looked to be hard, but as soon as I sat upon it, I realized it was quite comfortable.
The bristles of the brush stroked my hair in smooth patterns across my back. Duffy and Quinn stood behind me, Sheehan in front- conducting the affair from there. I felt my hair being braided and pulled tight. Pins were stuck in and the braids were piled on my head.
The room filled with the smell of flowers. Daisies? I wasn't sure what they were doing or why there was the sudden aroma of flora. I closed my eyes and tried not to worry about everything that was about to happen.
“Child, I need you to keep still now.” Quinn's cool voice was like a soothing balm to my nerves.
I felt the gentle brushstrokes as eye shadow and blush was applied to my face. A slick brush moved across my lips. Then there was a sudden wetness as delicate brushstrokes were applied all over my face. I wanted to open my eyes to see what was going on, but I couldn't.
“Aw. Quite perfect, Quinn. She is the loveliest one we've had the pleasure of doing, yet.” Sheehan's voice penetrated the darkness of my mind.
“You can now open your eyes, Emma.” Duffy's words were like gentle laughter on the spring wind.
I cracked open one eye. A hand mirror was being held out for me to take. I took it, inhaled deeply, and brought it in front of me.
I gasped. Oh my God, it's so beautiful. I touched the reflection.
My fingers traced the Celtic knot design that was drawn on my forehead. The fine black lines danced down my cheeks in elaborate spirals and knots. Whatever Quinn had done for makeup, had made my eyes luminescent, my lips glowed a warm welcoming blood red, and put the slightest amount of color to my pale complexion. I looked the part of the blushing bride.
“Thank you! What do the designs mean?” I looked to Sheehan.
“Ancient symbols to bring luck, fortune, love, happiness, and well-being to the wearer. And, of course, we added in a little protection as well.” Her beautiful bronze fingers followed the complicated artwork.
“Thank you, thank all of you.” My eyes teared up; I quickly blinked away the moisture.
“Now we leave you. When you hear a gentle gong sound, you'll leave this room and walk back into the main one- down the aisle and to your beloved.” Sheehan gave me my instructions as her sisters came to her side.
“Goodbye, Emma Hutchinson, may the path you walk never be so dark that you lose faith.” Quinn kissed my cheek and left through a small entry on the right.
“Goodbye, Emma Hutchinson, may you come to realize that all isn't always what it seems.” Duffy kissed my other cheek and retreated through the same door.
“Goodbye, Emma Hutchinson, know that the path you walk will not be an easy one, however, when all seems lost, know that you're never alone.” Sheehan's words echoed in my mind as she kissed both my cheeks and departed from the room.
“Goodbye, Fates.” I didn't know what else to say.
Their words etched themselves into my mind. I realized then that I would never forget them and when my moment of need came, these words would be the thing that got me through. I would have faith.
I sat in silence, waiting for the sound that meant I was to take my steps toward my destiny.
It turned out that I didn't have to wait long. Booonnnngggg. The sound was gentle but somehow out of place in this barn.
I rose and went to the door. The handle turned without even a hitch. I slowly followed my path to the entrance. To my left was the outside world, still with night; to my right was the aisle my destiny told me to follow.
I stood there a minute before I walked toward Mike. He was wearing old-fashioned groom wear. His face was covered in the same markings as mine. He looked like a Celtic warrior or god or something. How do I even compare to that?
My steps slowed as I began to doubt myself. Would I be good enough for Mike, especially when I couldn't be with him? My heart felt like it was going to drop out of my stomach as it bounced back and forth between my tummy and throat. I watched Mike's face for any sign of doubt, but I couldn't find any. I decided that if he had any before they were long gone by now. I steadied myself once more and walked with my head held high.
I stopped next to him. He took my hand, I could feel the sweats mix and stick our hands together.
A robed figure stepped forward. I couldn't tell the gender until he spoke. “On this night, the night of the new moon, we come together to bind two souls as one. The ritual of blood fasting isn't taken in light, and once it is performed there is no going back. You'll be bound together through the spirit itself. Your very souls will mix and forever will some of you remain with each other. If you have doubts at all then this isn't the ritual for you. Only a truly certain heart can proceed. Once you're certain please step forward and we will begin the ritual.” His voice was worn with age, but held the vitality of youth.
My breath caught as I instantly stepped forward. I realized that Mike had done the same. We were both on this path now and no longer had any doubts. I knew I was doing the right thing.
“Good. We can proceed now.” He gestured for me to step to his left and Mike to his right.
Once in position, the man turned and began to pull a table in front of him. On it laid a wickedly sharp looking dagger, two goblets, a bowl with several herbs mixed up in it, a small chalice of water, and an incense burner- which smelled like it was burning Nag Champa. I breathed in deeply.
The robe man turned back to us. “In life we choose to take one path over another, you two, of different worlds, have chosen a path that binds you forever to each other. Michael O'Shanold, please place the rings into the water.” Mike obeyed the command quickly and I watched the Claddagh rings drop to the bottom. “These rings will be the physical reminders of the oaths you have sworn to each other. In moments of doubt, they will help to guide you on this path you have chosen.”
The man took hold of the chalice and turned. He poured the rings out onto a burn plate behind him. Around the outside he sprinkled herbs and said some words I couldn't hear or understand. A match was struck and slowly lowered down to the plate. Instantly the herbs caught fire and burned a ring around the jewelry. The flames changed and licked a rainbow of colors at the now glowing rings. Once the fire had burned itself out, the man placed the rings on a black satin pillow and moved it back to the table.
“With the fire of the gods and goddesses, and the knowledge of the Fates, these rings have been blessed and this ritual has been
accepted as the destined path for you to tread upon. Although your worlds will force you apart from each other, and you have vows of marriage to others in these worlds, there will be nothing that can change or alter this binding. You will not appear different to those around you, nor will you feel different, but you'll be marked by the way your blood will tastes, and a mark will be placed above each of your hearts. As time tests your faith in each other, the marks will darken- until one day they will be black and there will be no further tests. Please step in towards each other now.” The man gestured with his hands as if to bring us together.
Mike and I stood facing each other, less than a foot away from each other. “Now, Emma Hutchinson, take this dagger in your right hand.” He handed me the tool and I did as I was told.
“Place the blade against your palm; then slowly slide it down. As you do this, say 'In light there is darkness, just as in life there is death.'” He motioned for me to do it.
The edge caught the light and shone in a frightening manner. I didn't even blink. I took it and slid it across my palm, “in light there is darkness, just as in life there is death.”
The man reached forward and caught my blood as it flowed freely from my hand. “Now, pass the dagger to Michael O'Shanold and he'll do the same, only he'll say, 'just as the Earth must have rain, I must have your heart and love, as you will have mine.'”
Mike took hold of the small object and sliced open his palm, “just as the Earth must have rain, I must have your heart and love, as you'll have mine.”
Again the robed man caught the blood- mixing the two in a large bowl. “Please bring your palms together and recite, 'I've made this path for myself, but I choose to walk the rest of this road with you. For you're the one that shall shelter me when I need it, console me when necessary, love me, hate me, endure me at my best and worst; you shall be the one who corrects me when I'm wrong, and listens when I need an ear; for you are my bonded mate, and no matter what else happens, I shall always do the same for you.'”
Mike and I looked at each other. My eyes locked on his. We both took a breath together and began to recite in unison, “I've made this path for myself, but I choose to walk the rest of this road with you. For you're the one that shall shelter me when I need it, console me when necessary, love me, hate me, endure me at my best and worst; you shall be the one who corrects me when I'm wrong, and listens when I need an ear; for you are my bonded mate, and no matter what else happens, I shall always do the same for you.”
I could feel my blood flowing from my hand and into his, just as his blood did the same to me. My hand warmed from the contact and the passing of our life forces. Everything was suddenly open to me about Mike and I could only assume that it was the same for him.
“Now you'll each take a goblet and have the other drink from it. No words this time. Merely concentrate on the growing bond between you two.” He handed each of us a goblet- now filled with our mixed blood.
I lifted my glass to his lips as he held his to mine. As soon as the blood hit my tongue, it was like an explosion. My senses were suddenly more alert than before. I could feel the power of the spell weave us closer together and I instantly knew that nothing could separate us- for even in death our spirits would be linked. I focused on our connection as it grew. My thoughts began to shift and take on his voice in my mind. The world began to look as though I was seeing it from another's eyes. I was certain that Mike was experiencing this as well, because when he looked at me it was as though he was seeing for the first time.
“The spell is strong with you two. Your glow is amazing to partake. Now for the rings. Emma Hutchinson, you take the ring for Michael O'Shanold in your left hand, and Michael O'Shanold, you take the one for Emma Hutchinson in yours as well.” He held up the pillow for us.
We both took the rings in our left hands. My blood covered his ring instantly, but I could feel some of my natural power shift into the ring as well. I hope it protects you, Mike.
“On the right hand these must go, for truth and the spirit shall guide you on your future journeys. It is only through your open minds, spirits, hearts, and lives that you two will flourish under this fasting. For where there is darkness there must be light, life as in death, and vampire to werewolf.” The man gestured for us to place the rings.
Mike took hold of my hand first. His warm wet fingers held my hand firmly as he slid the ring on my right ring finger. I then reached for his hand and did the same thing. The rings glowed briefly before settling down to their silver hues.
“There is no true end for things such as this. Only the beginnings. This is the start of your new path woven together. May it be met with the things you desire most and happiness for you both. A kiss to seal the spell and then you must take your first steps together to symbolize this new beginning.” The man's voice boomed around us.
I linked my hands around his neck, careful not to let my cut touch his attire, and then I kissed him for all I was worth. His lips felt hot and urgent against mine. We broke away from each other, only to step out on this new road together.
I instantly knew that we had made the right choice- it was like a small hand guided us to this moment and we've emerged triumphant.
Chapter seven
The problem with ancient rituals that no one really practiced anymore was that no one knew the side effects of such things. Mike and I had no idea about what would happen to us after the ritual. No one warned us about anything.
We both changed back into our street clothes. We had decided earlier that we would spend the night together at his place in the city. The ride home was not a joyous occasion. Silence fell on us like a thick fog.
I really hope we did the right thing. Mike's thought broke through my empty mind, I looked over at him.
Mike? I continued to stare out the window in hopes that I was just making things up in my mind.
Em? I turned to see his confused expression.
I didn't start this one. I think it's a result of the ritual. My mind hummed with questions.
“Well, crap. I wonder what else will happen to us. When are you leaving for Italy?” I listened to his words and tried to ignore his internal dialogue that was also escaping.
“Um, in a couple of days. It's all I can spare. I'm supposed to start teaching and screening the school as soon as I get back. I think that you'll need lessons in shielding now, Mike.” I tried not to sound like a parent to him about this.
“You're probably right. We don't have a need to shield our thoughts, but I don't think that it'll work between us. Remember, nothing is a secret anymore. Things are about to change seriously. I guess whatever I know about you then the other wolves will learn too, unless I learn how to protect my thoughts. Same with you too, huh?” He was trying to figure out everything.
“Actually, I've not met a vampire who can break through one of my shields. I'm unique in the vampire world, not just with my ability to transform into a wolf. But you'll learn it all soon enough I'm sure.” I knew his secrets would be safe with me, but I wasn't sure if mine would be with him.
“So, any idea as to where I might learn how to do that?” Mike was giving me the chance to say no to him.
“Well, if you can be taught like a vampire I could try... I could also see inside you, to see if you have any other form of magic at your use. If you'd like that?” I shrugged to make it seem like nothing.
“Can you really see what people are made of, I mean potentially? Isn't that kinda weird? Is it like the touching thing?” Mike hadn't realized exactly what my touching thing was, but he knew it was one of my special things.
“Yes, I really can. I'll show you later... maybe because of our bond you'll be able to experience what I do. It isn't weird to me, it's just part of me. It's sorta like that touching thing.” I smiled at him.
“Kay, sounds cool, I guess.” His uncertainty was present in his thoughts, but I could feel it rolling off him like waves of chilly water.
The drive back turned into complete silen
ce after that.
His apartment was tinted with early morning gray as we walked in. The world seemed so very different from before, now that Mike and I had bonded. I felt a bubble of panic rising in my body. I tried to stop it but it was circulating through my system quickly.
“Emma, what's wrong?” Mike's voice was concerned.
“Nothing. My mind is merely trying to adjust. It's good to know that you feel my emotions as well. What else will be affected by all of this?” I threw out my arms, trying to encompass everything that was happening to us.
“Don't fret so much. We'll figure it out together. And then, well, we'll see once we get to that point.” His smile was relaxed but his emotions weren't- they were as confused and worried as mine.
“Maybe we should get some rest before I try to figure you out more.” I smiled at him.
“Sounds like a brilliant idea. Do you want anything to eat first, because I'm gonna grab something?” He walked toward his small little kitchen.
“Nah. I'll eat later. I'm just gonna lie down.” I went to the futon and laid down, sleep took me instantly.
When consciousness found me again, Mike was sitting next to me absently stroking my hair. I wasn't sure how long I had been asleep, but I could tell he hadn't gone to sleep and was thinking things over- serious things by the look on his face.
“What's cookin' good lookin'?” I smiled up at him.
He blinked a few times, as though my voice had brought him back to this place and time, “sleep well?”
“Yep, but you obviously didn't, so spill.” I knew if I tried I could read all of his thoughts.
“Just thinking is all. Worrying after the fact.” He looked away from me.
I knew my face showed my hurt. Was I a mistake? I couldn't put the words out into the world, making them more real.
Bella Vita Page 21
