Weaving Moonlight

Melodies and Migraines

7.     Melodies and Migraines

Waking up to music is not particularly out of the ordinary, but Lux immediately knew that something was wrong. No one in her family played the oboe, and it was obviously not the radio. Zelda liked listening to R&B, hip-hop, and pop, that sort of thing. Their mother had a broader taste but she would certainly not have the radio on at this time. The oboe was soothing and calming. The melody was in a minor key, and after a long introduction, it was accompanied by a piano. Lux was far from relaxed. It was happening again. The last time this had happened, Lux had been terrified, fearing for her sanity. At least now she knew what to expect. It was another reminder that one day she was expected to fulfil her purpose and continue the legacy her ancestors had started. But that was another matter.

When Lux knocked on the bathroom door that morning, her sister came out quickly, for a change. The piano in Lux’s head ceased playing and the oboe performed a descending chromatic scale. It extended the last note as an atmosphere of tension took over. Lux and Zelda stared at each other for a drawn out period of time.

“Good morning” Lux muttered. Zelda merely nodded at her, then walked past. The two had hit a rocky spot in their relationship. Lux loved her but there was something she was not telling her. Her little sister had started practicing magic- something they all thought would never be possible. Every time a Terrahgonian married a mortal, the family power was watered down. There had not been enough for Zelda, and she was only the second child. But one did not simply gain magic that was outside of the family without a cost- Lux knew it was possible and she could sense the foreign magic within her sister’s own ka, which was otherwise known as the life force. And it was killing her

Everyone had a melody. Lux could hear everyone’s music, and it was akin to reading their life stories. It was their inner secrets, hopes and dreams, all fused together in unique and hypnotising pieces. Although alluring and beautiful, it was always more than Lux needed to know. As she walked down the school corridor, she tried to tune into only a few melodies.  Listening to everyone was far too overwhelming and it was almost like tuning into a radio broadcast. Cammie was endlessly chatting away about the upcoming winter dance to her. The school had moved the date up, as mock exams would be taking place in December. Lots of people were buzzing about it but everyone in year 11 knew that it would not compare to prom.

“You and I have some serious shopping to do!” Cammie chirped.

“Please don’t kill me in the process” Her friend giggled and continued on about glitter. “Do you think he would be interested?”

“Sorry, who?” Cammie rolled her eyes.

“You weren’t listening. I was talking about Jamie. Do you think he would want to go with me?”

“Oh. Of course he would.”

“But you have to say that, don’t you?”

Cammie was not making things easy, and she was relieved that they would have to part for morning registration. Wanting to listen to a happier melody, Lux tried to tune into Cammie’s. She heard nothing. It should have been impossible, but it was happening. Even when people slept, Lux could still hear their song, endlessly playing. What was different about her best friend.

When break time came, Lux wanted to find her dad. If anyone would know what to do about her sister, he would. She doubted her sister would collapse and die today as her aura- or ka- was still very strong, but Lux did not want to take any chances. Her search was futile and break time was nearly over, so it was as she headed to her locker that she sensed a strange presence. Cold tentacles formed of shadow slithered their way up her legs, leaving her both frightened and exhilarated. Her body tingled and something that felt like a hand stroked her face. She momentarily closed her eyes to savour the feeling.