Forces Beyond The Grave

13.2

The moon rose at two forty-two that afternoon. Nobody could feel the pull more than Lennox, who was struggling to keep her energy in line when the full moon hit its highest peak that evening. She was instructed by the ancestors to stay inside during the ritual preparations to avoid any...magical mishaps, and it wasn't until sunset that Lennox herself was prepared for the ritual. She was given a white cloak to put on after bathing in a milky and fragrant concoction of rosemary, white sage, cedar, and other herbs that symbolised cleansing and purification. Small collections of the same herbs tied together were hung on sticks that had been strategically positioned in a large circle outside the manor, and as the last light of the day began to fade, it was time for the ritual to begin. Lennox was escorted outside by two of her ancestors, seeing the rest of the ancestors, along with her mother, situated evenly around the circle. Within the circle, Lennox was stunned to see herself laying atop of a large stone coffin; Ekaterina's body, perfectly preserved from the 15th Century, lit up by the small flame torches that she had mistaken for simple sticks. There were bunches of wildflowers, presumably gifts for Ekaterina, and if it weren't a sacrificial ritual, Lennox would've thought the setting was beautiful. The beauty of the presentation quickly faded, though, after she saw Jay to the left of the circle, bound at the wrists and ankles with rope and gagged with cloth. Her hesitation to continue after seeing him was anticipated by the ancestors, who were quick to tighten their grip as she tried to resist. 

"Hold on," 

"He is fine dear girl, you must take your place." 

"Wait, what did you do to him?" 

She was practically forced into the circle before being released. When she tried to go to his side she was restricted at the edge of the circle by an invisible wall, another glamour, which made her step back as Evelyn went over to her. 

"Lennox," 

"What is this?" 

"Everything is fine, it is just a precaution." 

"Untie him. Why is he out here?" 

"I can't, the rope is bound and it is to stay that way until the ritual is complete, but he is unharmed." 

"I don't want him to see this." 

"It's not your choice." 

"You said he'd be safe." 

"I said he was useful. But he is safe, as promised. His purpose is yet to be unveiled, it is nothing for you to worry about." 

"His purpose?" 

She looked Evelyn up and down, rerunning the words over in her head before the penny dropped. In that moment, Jay's purpose became overwhelmingly clear to Lennox.