Conjuring Fire and Whispers of Air

Vampires

I told my mom about the pouch and the astral plane that morning. I purposely omitted specific details... We were both now staring at the necklace, sitting innocently on the kitchen table.

"Hmm, looks like this necklace is causing problems," she said, "Let me see."

Holding her hand out, I opened the pouch and emptied it into her hand.

My eyebrows knitted together, "It looks different," I stated.

Emitting from the pendant was grey smoke. It rolled outwards erratically... I pointed this out.

"Seem's it's cursed. It needs locking up and blessing... Preferably by goddess Earth, you won't be able to have this back for a while. But there will be signs when it's purified. Keeping it in this pouch isn't helping, only aiding," she said, her voice full of wisdom.

I gave her a questioning look.

"Come, we will do it now."

We fled to the garden and kneeled in front of the herb garden.

"As it is almost the spring equinox. It's better to place it near growing herbs; their roots should help remove the dark energy. But the plants must be bathed in light and water daily. Or it will affect them more horribly."

I nodded at her instruction. She made a hole for the necklace and laid it bare against the earth. She covered it with dirt and traced symbols I had yet to learn of on top of each inch of soil.

"What are those?" I asked.

"Wards, to help the process and keep the energy at bay. We are still determining what it's for. So, to be safe, if someone practising Dark magic stumbles upon it, they cannot reach it while these are here."

With the final layer, she concealed it with a glamour that should make sure it was covered.

Washing away the dirt, Mum asked me, "So, what are you wearing on Sunday?"

"What do you mean?" I had not yet told her about my date.

She giggled, "Nothing gets past me, you know."

"Seri told you, didn't she?"

Mum laughed. Sometimes, they were as bad as each other.

"Oh, come on! I hope you are going to wear something nice! I don't think Leo will appreciate all doom and gloom," she teased.

"Mom, I'm not all 'doom and gloom'... I'm badass," I whined out.

I heard laughter from the living room, Alex.

"HAHA! In your dreams, sis! She's a nerd with her nose stuck in a book!" he joked, walking into the kitchen clutching his stomach.

I gave him a deathly look and said, "Come here, dear brother." With a sinister grin.

He bolted around the kitchen. I chased him around, only to catch him within minutes.

My mother shook her head, "Kids! Behave," she reprimanded, just as I was giving him a nuggie.

"I'm going to get ready for work," I said.

I let my brother out of his hold and left the kitchen.

"Have a good day, honey!" my mother shouted as I gathered my things.

Taking a deep breath, I wondered what today had in store.