The Necromancers

Chapter two

Aunt Morana was here.

I felt better as soon as I let her embrace me. She pulled me into her arms and rubbed my back as I stifled my cries and clutched onto her for dear life, because it felt like my world was ending.

All my life, I've just known my mother. She was my anchor and my sail. But now, with her gone, I realise how truly lonely I am.

With barely any friends of my own and no neighbours to rely on. I just have my aunt.

My dearest aunt who was more affectionate to me than my own mother. Ma hated it when someone would touch her for too long. She'd snap at them, like she did to me countless times. And as a kid, I used to find solace in aunt Morana's arms.

She was always too fond of me and I basked in its glory. Aunt shed a few tears and then with determination shining in her eyes, she told me that we'd find justice for her sister. And I agreed.

"I want to avenge her death baby. And I will help you in every step of your life." She solemnly promised me and I let it rein on me. I let that promise and that determination drive me.

She was going to stay with me.

Ma's past was discussed little in my house. She never talked openly about anything. All I know is that her and aunt were disowned by their parents. Reason? Unknown. But I never pushed her. It did no good when I pushed ma over her limits.

Ma was usually angry and snappy. While aunt on the other hand was very polite and calm. She always loved me.

Aunt went away with her boyfriend two years ago. She moved in with him in another continent and ever since her visits have been rare.

Her boyfriend, I heard, is a nice man. A businessman who looks over the majority of the trades in that continent. They will be married in no time.

I was happy for her. I really was. But the fear of being alone was more prominent.

I felt pathetic about feeling that way. I shouldn't be feeling this way about my aunt's happiness. But the thought of being alone in a world full of witches. Ones who wanted ma dead and the others who want something which I'm not ready to give.

The whole world seemed against me. And I felt like I was drowning and the one piece of log that kept me afloat was also moving away from me.

How was I to be okay?

"Astoria? I made us some food." My aunt said softly as she entered my bedroom. She looked at me sitting with a pile of spells and smiled sadly. "She was so proud of you." She mumbled.

"Was she?" I asked as I lowered my gaze back to the ink on the papers.

"She was. Trust me. Who wouldn't be Astoria? You're every parent's dream child. Polite, humble and strong. And beautiful. Child you're an amazing wonder of nature. Never forget that. And my sister was as proud of you as I am." She cupped my face gently and made me look at her.

I saw nothing but love. And I felt my heart swell in my chest. It felt good to be loved. It's a blissful feeling and I was greedily taking in all of it.

"Thank you." I genuinely smiled at her.

"Now let's eat before it gets cold."

The thought made me shuffle faster than ever. Aunt suggested that we move out of that house after living there for two days with me. I would constantly zone out or have a panic attack. Remembering how I found my mother, I couldn't eat or sleep or do anything at all in that house.

The memory of it all haunted me. Chased me to my doom and before I could spiral completely my aunt jumped in and saved my life. Once again.

After I had my lunch, I retired to my room as aunt Morana went out to get us some groceries. I was fully funded by her and her boyfriend.