Ritual Awakening – Chapter 2, part 1
Trinity Erickson felt her way through the darkened corridors of the abandoned building, apprehensive. It was many years since she was last summoned by the most exalted member of the Daughters of Isis. Things hadn’t gone well then; probably wouldn’t go well now.
Beside her, Aaron squeezed her hand and she could hear his voice inside her head. It’s okay, sweetheart. She only has power over you if you let her.
She nodded. He was right. But still…Her separation from the Daughters should have been complete a long time ago. What could they possibly want of her now?
The large central room was void of all furniture. The room was lit by three tall candelabras holding seven candles apiece. Viveka stood with her back to the entrance, regarding the waning moon from a broken window with jagged shards. Smooth raven-black hair fell past her waist, its length a sharp contrast to her short stature. “You’re late.
“We wanted to wait until after we had dinner with our son.”
Viveka turned and regarded him with black eyes wizened with age. “Your presence is tolerated, not required. Remember you place.” She moved into the area lit by the candles. “And how is the boy…Nick? I wonder, have you discovered why you had a male child when all other Daughters of Isis since the beginning of time have produced female offspring?”
They remained silent, even their thoughts were blank. Just because they knew bits and pieces of Nick’s purpose didn’t mean they needed to share it. Even if they hadn’t lost faith in the Daughters years before, Nick’s destiny was his own.
“Hmm…I see you have not. Pity your bloodline had to come to an end with that one, Trinity. We once had such high hopes for you.”
“Why have you summoned me?”
“Ah, I see your ego continues to be in front of you.” She reached into the soft velvet folds of her crimson robe and tossed the contents to the cement floor, studying the runes for a moment before she spoke. “You are not yet ready to hear what I am to tell you. I have no choice in the matter. Pity it is not your sister standing here instead of you.”
Aaron’s fingers interlocked with hers, calming her before her emotions could get the best of her. “Trust me, no one wishes my sister were still alive more than I do.”
“I doubt that, child.” The words were incongruous coming from that youthful mask. Had she not already known, she would never believe the woman mocking her was nearly sixty. “The last of the Daughters…the Light…they are in grave danger.” She reached down to give the runes another toss. “Darkness is now coming for them.”
Trinity shook off Aaron’s hand. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you for years!”
“Remember your place, child. We have not forgotten your failure.”
“My…failure?” Her body shook with rage. “I have done everything ever asked of me. I…”
“Hush now. How is it that every last member of your sect was lost to us yet you remain?”
Her eyes darted to her husband and back before speaking. “I married well.”
“Really? You still insist you had nothing to do with your sect being infested from the inside out even after all the measures we took to keep you hidden, safe?
“I lost my sister and every friend I ever had.” She bit the words out with contempt. “How dare you accuse me of…”
Viveka waved her hand for silence. “We have no time for this. The prophecy has been translated. The attack on the Light will begin shortly. We have little time to prepare”
“No, the attack started years ago with Celeste. Where were the rest of the Daughters then!”
“We were all very sorry to hear about what happened to your niece, but rapes are not uncommon and they are not the way in which dark forces move against us.”
“Rape…” She took in a few breaths. “The act may not be uncommon, but the fact he was speaking in Gaelic while doing it sure was.”
“Celeste has had no guidance from the Daughters other than yours – such as it is – so we are certain she was mistaken about that. Gaelic is a language of…nuances.”
“Gaelic is also the language her father spoke on his deathbed. She was not confused and she would not make that up, you condescending…”
“Careful. You forget to whom you speak.”
“No, I think you forget, Viveka. You may channel Isis, but that does not make you special or better than anyone.” She tugged on her husband’s hand as the signal it was time to leave. “I needed your help protecting the Light years ago and you abandoned me. I’ve made other arrangements to protect the Light. We don’t need the Daughters anymore.”
Her voice floated down the corridor behind them as they retraced their steps. “Monica, Celeste, Pandora and Anya must be protected. Do not think your husband and his silly group of friends can help you. The Daughters of Isis will not let the Light be destroyed because of your arrogant pride.
Aaron’s voice was in her head again. And I won’t let anything happen to those girls because of hers. We’ve already seen what the future holds if we fail, Trin.
Trinity responded telepathically once she was sure enough space was between them that Viveka wouldn’t be able to hear her. I know, Aaron. At least she hasn’t figured out Nick’s part in it all.
Very interesting!
Thanks!