Forces Beyond The Grave

13.3

She stepped back in disbelief as her eyes fell on Jay. "You're giving him to Ekaterina. He's a gift for her when the ritual is complete. A peace offering." 

"Not a peace offering, but yes, he is for her." 

"No. No that wasn't the deal, you can't-" 

"This was not discussed in the deal Lennox, we agreed that he would be safe in exchange for your participation, we didn't discuss his fate once the ritual was complete." 

"That's not fair, you can't give him to her what if she kills him?" 

"She won't harm him Lennox." 

"How do you know?!" 

"Because he is meant for her!"

Lennox went quiet as her mother gestured to Jay and then turned back to her with a smile on her face. "Don't you see? He was never yours. Your entire life, every part of it has been a retold story of Ekaterina's existence, they are meant to be together, she is you, and you will be her, he is the perfect gift." 

"No. You said you'd let him go," 

"Lennox I'm sorry, but it is done." 

"Mom please, please don't do this, you can't do this! What about me? I'm the one who loves him, I'm a real person I'm not just some shell waiting to be filled you can't let this happen! He doesn't love Ekaterina, he fell for me and I fell for him, don't you understand that this isn't her life? I'm the one who lived it, not her, you can't be willing to do this, please!" 

"Evelyn, the time is approaching, we must secure the girl." 

One of the ancestors said behind them. Lennox glanced at her as she stepped into the circle. "Secure? What is she talking about? Mom?" 

"Honey everything is going to be fine." 

"Why are they holding rope? What aren't you telling me what is happening?" 

"Lennox relax." She smiled as the ancestors took hold of Lennox's wrists, tying the rope securely around them. The rope was wet, soaked in lavender and white sage infused water from what Lennox could tell from the scent. "The ritual is simple, but it's imperative that the vessel be secure whilst the spirit enters the body and it can be uncomfortable." 

"Lay down child." The ancestors made Lennox down on the bed of wildflowers beside the stone coffin, feeling her heart race in her chest as they outstretched her arms and tied the rope securely to the wooden anchors that had been hammered into the ground either side of the flowers. 

"Mom! Wait, I don't want to do this," Lennox's eyes darted around as she began to panic. "Stop, please stop I can't- mom don't make me do this, don't make me do this please!!" 

Evelyn appeared behind her, kneeling down and placing her hands gently on her daughter's face as she kissed her forehead. "You must calm down sweetheart." 

"Please let me go, I don't want to do this you have to stop it," 

"I know you're scared. But you have no need to be. I'm so proud of you, and it's been an honour to serve the cause." 

"Mommy no, please don't let them do this, I'm your daughter, please," Lennox looked up as Evelyn stood up and stepped back. 

"We need to begin." She walked away, and as Lennox shifted in place she realised that whilst she was begging for her freedom that the ancestors had tied her ankles too, and her emotions began to take hold as she looked up at the darkening sky. 

Outside of the circle she could hear Jay struggling, fighting against whatever was keeping him where he was as the ancestors came to Lennox's side of the coffin. She hadn't noticed it, but there was a wooden bowl underneath the hand of Ekaterina, which was hanging from the side of the coffin and dripping fresh blood into the bowl. The ancestors used it to paint ancient sigils onto Lennox's skin, along the inside of her arms and down her forehead, and once they were finished they took their places in the ring around the circle. Lennox took a few deep breaths, preparing herself as best as she could, but the only thing that calmed her down was thinking of Jay. She closed her eyes, feeling her heart rate begin to slow. 

"Jay," She whispered. "I love you."