Shadow Beings

35. The Letter

Dear Audrey, listen to me carefully.

Look at the life rustling in Sylva Vita, the sounds of Nature and shadows this little place that is such a large part of us in a planet that is so small in the universe. Everything dies. Still we try, we move forward with all that happens to us, good or bad, and I see it with you and the others so much. Understanding the world is an admirable aim, but pushing through and doing your duty when this understanding evades you at every step has inspired me so much, you must know that.

Now pay attention to every word. Death is something we both never wanted, and you can evade it with a truth, dear. I can't afford to say much, but there's something you need to do.

You need to connect your energy to our tree's energy. I know you know what this means, your mother must've told you when you were young. There's someone else who knows a little about it. We know she's knowledgeable, but what we see is a glimpse of her learnings. Do what she tells you to do and think of the time your mother showed you the connection. You will see what you need to see.

Take care of Jack and Iris for me. I love you all, and I know you all can move on. Besides, you need to shift your entire focus onto what's ahead. You know where the ritual will happen, you know when it will happen. Ariana cannot be used, that will break all of us. She is the last of her species, and Vlad is not a ruler.

There's power within you that you have yet to discover. Never underestimate yourself, Audrey. The end is inevitable, but there's time for this existence's end. We can still make it a better place; all of us for everyone.

A soul never dies. Until we meet again.

Holly's neat writing slowly smudged as the letter lay loosely in my hand. I took a deep breath and focused on the gentle black, slightly faded figures.

Listen to me carefully. Pay attention to every word.

You know where the ritual will happen.

My eyes widened with confusion. We'd never discussed that, how would I know?

Unless...

My eyes hastily darted back to the first line. Carefully reading the words, I picked up the little hints.

Alesund. That's where the ritual will take place.

A small smile pressed on my face. Coding letters was a silly game we used to play when we were young - her, me, Ava and Jack.

Silly, but precious enough.

Connect your energy to our tree's energy. You can take her help.

I knew what I had to do now and I wished to get to my task immediately. My eyes, however, kept closing in on themselves, despite my efforts to stay awake.

Perhaps a little rest is okay... why should we need rest, though?

Drowsily, I slid the letter back into the rectangular drawer, curled onto the bed and drifted to a sound sleep.

The last thing I saw was my mother and Holly standing with a smile, as a sweet melody echoed in my mind.

- - - - -

The sunlight lightly glowed through the curtains, fighting their way to come in, the shine waking me up as my eyes slowly opened. My ears perked up at the sound of children going about their day, perhaps deeply troubled about last night's events, perhaps some oblivious to it. Sylva Vita was otherwise silent and the breeze was calming, steady throughout our place.

I lay in the bed for a while, taking in deep breaths. In and out. When the lethargy faded away enough, I stood up.

I squinted as the curtains were drawn to either end, the light illuminating my small room. I glanced at the table sitting in the dark corner, only one streak of light falling on its drawer that held the letter.