third time's a charm

34

"So, it's basically passing the curse from one family to another?" Jaylerr sought confirmation from Thana as they trailed behind Kara through the dense forest.

Thana shot him a look of uncertainty. "Seems that way... If Kara's mother wanted them to stay away, it suggests she feared the curse's negative impact too."

Kara overheard them. "Everything has consequences. But you have to grasp that my ancestor Cassandra was consumed by anger. She never considered how the curse would affect future generations."

"Seems like those monks weren't much help," Thana scoffed.

"Can you blame them?" Kara challenged her skepticism. "Cassandra's curse was so potent that it left them with no choice but to seek the best solution they could to counter it. If they hadn't, your lineage might have perished long ago."

Thana mulled over her words, reluctantly accepting the harsh truth. It was increasingly challenging to navigate the curse's effects in a rapidly evolving world where beliefs shifted, and witchcraft became associated with the occult.

When they finally reached the heart of the forest, Kara placed a dead chicken on the trunk of a fallen tree. "My mother forbade us from using our abilities. But just like your family, where only one person bears the curse on behalf of the whole family, only one of us can inherit my mother's psychic gift. As the eldest, that burden falls to me."

Thana and Jaylerr nodded in understanding as Kara continued, "I need to tap into the shadows to locate my mother. It's the quickest way, as time is running out. If your brother has found his third charm, the prophecy will soon come to pass. After this, you'll have to continue without me."

Thana affirmed, "We understand."

As Kara uttered her prayer, the air around them seemed to thicken with anticipation. Her voice, soft yet commanding, carried through the stillness of the forest, invoking ancient powers long dormant.

"Oh, spirits of the shadows, hear my plea,
Grant me passage through the veil unseen.
Guide me through the darkness, guide me true,
To find the one whose heart is overdue.

With whispered words and silent cries,
I call upon your ancient ties.
Open the portal, reveal the way,
Lead me to where my mother lies.

In the realm where shadows dance,
I seek her out with but a glance.
Guide my steps, illuminate the path,
To find her in the aftermath.

Let the shadows part, let them reveal,
The truth that time cannot conceal.
Bring her back to me, safe and sound,
Within this forest's sacred ground."

As Kara finished her prayer, a shimmering energy enveloped the area, swirling around her in a vortex of darkness and light. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, and a portal began to form before them, a gateway to the realm of shadows.

As the shadows emerged from the portal, enveloping Kara and her companions in an eerie embrace, Thana and Jaylerr couldn't suppress their shock. The darkness seemed to pulse with a life of its own, whispering secrets and mysteries that sent shivers down their spines.

Kara closed her eyes, allowing the whispers of the shadows to wash over her like a dark tide. Their voices, though soft and indistinct, carried the weight of ancient knowledge and hidden truths. Slowly, she began to decipher their cryptic messages, translating their murmurs into words that echoed in the stillness of the forest.

"They say...my mother is nearby," Kara announced, a mix of relief and apprehension in her voice. "She's in the same place as your brother."

Jaylerr couldn't help but interject. "Well, that's not exactly close by..."