SWNOVELS Chapter CHAPTER 19
Raegan informed me that to pull Alina’s spirit from the spirit realm we will need to be near her body. I handle this information respectfully well, I must say, especially since this means we will have to do the ritual inside the mausoleum where all the High Priestess’ who’ve passed away are laid to rest. Ali has the privilege of being put to rest in there because of what she was able to achieve while she was alive.
I nod that I understand but the turmoil rolling around inside me has me questioning myself as to whether or not I’ll actually be able to walk into the place. I haven’t seen her body since the day I walked away. I wasn’t here when they did her ceremonial burial and placed her within the crypt to rest for eternity.
You would think with knowing what we are about to do, I wouldn’t have any qualms with entering the cement grey building but how many people like being around lifeless bodies?
Having only twenty-four hours until the hibernal solstice, Grandma Jean thought it wise that we prep beforehand so that everything could take place at the exact time it was supposed to. She is currently standing in front of the heavy wood door of the tomb, waiting patiently for me as I deal with my emotions before walking in and up to where she is standing. Once she sees the determination set in my eyes, she turns to the door and with a brass, heavy looking key, unlocks the door to allow us entry.
All hands are needed for preparing the circle, securing it from anything that may be hanging on to the outskirts of the spirit realm, thinking they will be able to hurt or attack us while we do the incantation.
So, everyone is currently waiting for grandma to give us directions as to what she wishes to be done. Looking around I spot Ali’s body and immediately turn away from it, taking several deep breaths to ease my racing heart a bit. I will find the courage to lay my eyes upon her eventually, but not right at this moment.
Grandma Jean shuffles throughout the room scanning her eyes the damp somewhat open space around us. Finding herself in the center of the crypt, she immediately begins to delegate tasks to each one of us.
We have brought some flowers that exude magical properties of protection that once the initial outlay of our circle is made, we will place around the outer area. These are the last items to be placed tonight. The finishing touches will be applied right before we unite our circle.
“Alright everyone, I want you all to go home and rest as much as possible. We all need to be as focused and clear headed as possible for tomorrow night. Drink some Chamomile tea for harmony and peace of mind. Also, just a reminder that everyone needs to be here at the crypt no later than 11:50 p.m. tomorrow night. Promptness is most important for making sure the extraction of Alina’s soul from the spirit realm goes off without a hitch.
Dom, dear. Are you going to be able to get the item I asked for or should I send someone else to Alina’s apartment?”
“No, grandma. I’ll be fine.” I’m not sure if I said that for her benefit or for mine. Trying to give her a smile that can only be considered weak at best, I ran a hand through my hair unintentionally tousling it a bit. I haven’t been inside Ali’s apartment since before her departure from earth. Grandma places a hand on my bicep, patting it a couple of times, giving me a knowing look but she doesn’t press the topic and I am thankful for that.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and then leave Jean behind as I walk out to my Jeep, jumping inside so I can drive over to Alina’s place.
~
My heart rate feels as though it has tripled its speed and is about to burst from my chest while I stare at Alina’s closed apartment door. I take several deep breaths before I allow myself to place my hand upon the silver-plated doorknob. Pushing the door open, I stand frozen; I can’t bring myself to step over the threshold. Why is it so hard for me to enter her room? I have to do this. It’s so I can bring her back, I try to tell myself, but I would rather run away than let the memories flood my mind.
Closing my eyes, I visualize that I am already standing inside her place and then my body finally starts to move, and I am stepping through the doorway. I look around for just a brief moment, it feels weird, like she should be walking out of her bathroom or coming in through the doorway at any second. Not wanting to be here any longer than necessary, I hurriedly made my way to her bathroom and grabbed her hairbrush.
Gripping the brush tight in my hand, I nearly ran as I made my way back through her door, shutting it behind me. Slumping against the outside of her door, I sigh in relief that my ‘mission’ is done, and I didn’t experience an onslaught of emotional memories. With one more deep breath in and slow exhale, I walk out of her building as quickly as I possibly can and get back in my Jeep.
*
“Hey Riley!” Raegan shouted as she stepped out of the Salvino house. Riley turned around to face Raegan with a huge smile on his face. “I was curious as to if Nic ever mentioned that he and Alina are soul mates?”
Riley shook his head, “no but Jess said something about them being bonded the other day. Why do you ask?” Tipping his head to one side, he looked at her with curious eyes.
Raegan suddenly became shy which was very unlike her and began to squirm slightly under his gaze. She was never one to hesitate when voicing her thoughts and opinions, especially when talking amongst her peers. “Do you remember the strange occurrence that took place between us a few nights ago?”
“Hmm. Do you mean that golden thread-like chord that sprang up between us when we touched each other?”
“Yes, exactly!” Raegan smiled widely, excitement in her voice. “You don’t know what was happening then, do you?” Riley shook his head no, curiosity once again flashing across his eyes. “Well, apparently Dominic and Alina aren’t the only ones being soul bonded…”
“Wha…” Riley trailed off, shock taking the place from the curiosity of moments before. “Are you saying we are soul mates too?”
Raegan smiled and nodded her head yes, just as excitedly. “What!” Riley exclaimed and then before he realized what he was doing, he scooped Raegan up around the waist drawing her to him as he kissed her deeply. His jubilation rolling off of him in waves.
Placing her back on the ground, he looked into her eyes before offering an apology. “Geesh, I’m sorry. Excitement took hold of me, and I didn’t realize what I was doing until it was happening.” He smiled sheepishly at her, unable to keep the dumb grin from his lips. “Honestly, I have never felt this way about anyone before. I have never been that guy who believes in love at first sight and all that mumbo jumbo. However, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since we first met a few days ago!” Riley felt like such a dork for having confessed his thoughts and feelings to her, but at the same time, wanted to climb the highest rooftop and declare his love for her so all could hear and know.
“Don’t apologize. Believe me, I didn’t mind that in the slightest.” The stupid grin took hold of Raegan as well as she looked into his eyes, slightly out of breath. Her blue eyes shimmered as she continued to talk; “and I don’t think it’s just us, either. I’m pretty sure Jessica and Vince are experiencing it too. If my suspicions are correct, Devon and Chris will meet their soul mates very soon too. Well, if Devon hasn’t already met his that is.”
“Wow, that’s unbelievable.” Riley said stunned. “Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that this is happening to all of us?” He began to ponder her claim as he asked his question. “I mean, don’t get me wrong I’m happy as hell that it has happened to us, I just have never heard of so many witches finding their bonded mate in one lifetime before.”
“Yeah, I’ve been wondering about this strange occurrence since the moment I realized what was beginning to happen between you and me. So, I decided to have a chat with Jean about it. She was going to visit with High Priestess to see if they could find any answers as to why it is happening to all of us now.”
“Have you had a chance to chat with her since her visit with the High Priestess?” Riley moved his arms and crossed them over his chest as he rocked on his heels for a second while he waited for Raegan to answer him.
~
Vince pulled Jessica close so he could run his hand through her silky jet-black hair. “I can’t believe that we have only known each other a few days,” he stated with awe in his voice. “I feel like we’ve known each other a lifetime,” he added as he leaned in and kissed her on her silky-soft lips.
“I know,” she said as she pulled away from him so she could look into his eyes. “And it’s crazy to think, but if Alina hadn’t died, none of us would have ever met!” Jessica shook her head at the wild thought. They were lounging on Jessica’s black leather couch trying to watch a movie that was on the television. Somehow though, they kept managing to find themselves distracted, their soul bond having wrapped around them, engulfing them and making it hard to focus on anything more than each other. “Do you really think we’ll be able to pull Alina back from the spirit realm for Nic?”
She gazed into Vince’s eyes, trying to ascertain his facial expressions. Jessica was truly nervous just then that everything could go wrong for Nic. One thing she didn’t want, was for Dom to get his hopes up and then to have his hopes crushed because they were unsuccessful with the incantation to bring her back. She was afraid that should it not work, that Dominic would completely break down and they would lose him for good this time. “My sister knows what she’s doing. So, if she is confident that we have the ability to bring Alina back, then I would say yes, we will be able to do so.” Satisfied with his answer, Jessica settled herself once more against his chest, trying with all her might to focus on the movie.