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“Yes—I can’t forget it. Charli has been admonishing me for going in the first place. Something about it being too early and I wasn’t ready.”
“Pish posh. It’s your family grove. Of course, you can go.”
“I tried telling her that.”
“Well, I didn’t want to tell you too early, but I made a potion for you that will keep you from fainting.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m eighty percent sure it will work.”
“I’ll take those odds!”
“Great. I’m not far from you. Want to meet me there?”
I didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
Mod hung up, and I felt a surge of excitement. Maybe I’d be able to stay awake long enough this time to feel what it was like to be in my family’s grove.
I looked around for Charli. Not seeing her, which didn’t mean much, I sneaked out the front door and headed to the grove.
Mod was waiting for me when I got there, a vial in her hand.
“Here, take this.”
It was pink and bubbling on the surface, but a sweet, enticing scent wafted from it. I took the vial and downed the whole thing, enjoying the taste of strawberries sliding down my throat. “That was surprisingly delicious.”
“You think I’d make something vile?”
“No, of course not.” I took a deep breath, reminding myself that Mod was just trying to help. “Thank you for making it.”
She nodded. “You should be able to stay in the grove without fainting now.”
Looking up at the tall trees, I said a silent prayer that all would be well. I mean no harm coming here, and if everyone could not barrage my brain at the same time, that would be greatly appreciated.
Walking forward, I set one foot into the grove. Nothing happened, so I walked the rest of the way in. The buzz instantly hit my skin. Closing my eyes, I felt that same surge of warmth travel throughout my body. The sense of power felt exhilarating. This time, when I felt the presence of my ancestors around me, they heeded my thoughts and didn’t come at me all at once.
“I cannot keep them at bay for long,” came a familiar voice.
“Charli?” My eyes popped open, and sure enough, Charli was staring at me.
“You didn’t think I’d let you come here again alone, did you? I told you that you are not ready yet.”
“I am! The girls think I am. Things have changed in the many generations since you’ve been around. I want to help.”
She shook her head. “The spirits here don’t know control. They have had no one living to share their thoughts with for decades, and you have not mastered your own mind to keep them at bay or know how to control them. This is because you have not taken the breathing or meditating exercises seriously.”
Her disappointed tone hit me right in the chest. “Okay! I get it, Charli. I didn’t listen to you or take you seriously. But I’m here now, and I just took a potion from Mod so that I won’t faint.”
“You won’t faint yet. Mod might be good at potions, but you have a direct line to these souls. They have not had a member of the family come and listen to them in generations. They are hungry to be heard. I am the only reason you have not fainted yet.”
I scoffed. “You’re full of yourself.”
“Say what you like. It is the truth,” Charli insisted.
Dread spiked in my core, making me want to sink to my knees. Did I believe Charli? She’d done nothing but be helpful since I came to this place.
She cut through my thoughts. “I can’t keep them at bay much longer. Return to Mod, Lira.”
