Stellar

Chapter 10

"Petra." A woman whispered, revealing herself. Her smiling eyes looked down at Petra as she adjusted the tasselled shawl around her shoulders. She had a sense of familiarity around her, but Petra was sure she had never seen her before. Her short stature stood firm and in place even though their floor was absent, just the night sky surrounding them both. Her wispy pale lilac hair floated around the midnight blue background. It was only then Petra noticed she was also floating amongst the stars. Petra waved her arms and legs around as she struggled to control her limbs.

The only other thing that occupied the space was a sun and moon stood like bodyguards on either side of the woman. Rays from the golden sun twinkled but somehow the crescent moon felt brighter. Petra squinted away from them both, eyes landing on the woman before her.

The woman held out her wrinkled hand and lightly touched Petra's forehead with her index finger. Purple light poured into Petra's head. The deep purple light glittered as it filled her mind and rained down over her body. A tingling sensation spread throughout her body. Petra shuddered. The feeling she often felt in Silva Hollow intensified, the entangled energies of the stars, moon and sun penetrated deep within her. A warmth spread throughout her body, and she felt light and at ease.

Then the woman snapped her fingers and Petra was forced into the waking world.

Her eyes flitted around, trying to figure out her surroundings but she was unable to move a muscle. From what she could gather she was laying on a sofa. Shelves stacked with books and plants surrounded a fireplace full of ash from last night's fire. A table sat in front of her with a cup of water and various bandages strewn all over it.

She could hear some familiar voices outside. A distinct loud laughter that belonged to Kai rang through her ears. A wave of relief ran over her when she realised where she was. It was Hendry's lodge. She slowly wiggling her toes and fingers before sitting up, gradually beginning to take control of her own body again.

"Careful." Hendry's monotone voice made Petra jump. He stood in front of the stove in the kitchen behind her as he prepared a pot of tea. He popped his head around the wall blocking his sight so that he could see her clearer. "You gave everyone quite a fright. They are all waiting for you outside."

Petra swung her legs off and got up quickly. A little too quickly. A stabbing pain in the exact spot where the woman had touched her caused her to pause and clutch her head. "Go steady, you must have hit your head quite badly. I'll be out with the tea in a second." Petra winced as she nodded at Hendry's instruction.

Petra took a few unsteady steps. How long had she been out for? She felt wobbly. Everything ached and all she wanted to do was fall into a crumpled pile on the floor. But decided she should at least let the others know she was okay.

She opened the door out of Hendry's cabin. The dim light that often fell over Silva Hollow felt strangely bright. Squinting her eyes, she tried to locate her sister.

"Petra!" Kai shouted as soon as the door had creaked open, and he had realised it wasn't Hendry. Ruby let out a huge breath, a relieved smile teasing her lips. Three sent her a sleepy smile while clutching a towel to the back of her head.

"Are you okay?" Ruby asked, worry laced in her voice.

"I think so. I've got a killer headache and I'm a little sore but ok." Ruby helped her walk down the few steps and Kai made her sit on what he called the most comfortable chair he had ever sat on.

"You were incredible!" Kai said earning a confused look from Petra. "I thought I was going to be thrown in the dungeon but you were all like..." Kai threw his arms around trying to imitate Petra using her powers. "And Blu flew across the river and that rock monster just crumbled."