Forces Beyond The Grave

12.7

Lennox opened her eyes as the early morning breeze brushed her face. She looked out at the sunrise, letting the warmth of the rays wash her clean of the manor as she replayed the memory of her first time with Jay. Everything about that night was fresh in her mind; if she closed her eyes, she could feel the soft touch of Jay's fingertips cascade across her skin, causing a rush of sensations in their wake that rivalled only the real thing. She'd spent the night being interrogated by her ancestors, allowing them their questions as she tried to negotiate Jay's release, but as of yet, she'd had no luck come of her requests. Whilst she was free to bask in the light of what could've been her last day alive on the porch of the manor, Jay was still trapped below ground in the dark, caged like an animal. Evelyn had made it so that Lennox couldn't even visit Jay, saying that it was too much of a distraction this close to the ritual, so to avoid losing her composure after the heated argument had between them for hours of the night, Lennox had retreated to the porch to soak in the much needed silence. Her mother came to join her after a while, deciding that they'd both had enough time to calm down. She exited the house, looking out at the sunrise as she stood by Lennox. 

"All these years, that view never gets old." She began. 

It was a neutral opening, but not one Lennox had any desire to respond to. She remained quiet, although her mother had no intention of doing the same. 

"I'm sorry about Jay. But it has to be this way Lennox. You heard what the ancestors said, they feel it's best if there are no distractions, this ritual has to be perfect." 

Her feeble explanation made Lennox let out a quiet but obviously frustrated laugh. "The ancestors. And you just live to please them, don't you?" 

"Lennox if it were up to me," 

"You would have it the exact same way, I don't need you to pretend mom." 

"Sweetheart, this is important. I know it's not a sacrifice you want to make, but you've come this far, and it is a small sacrifice in comparison to the one you are making for him, is it not?"