Iᴍᴘᴇʀɪᴜᴍ (Bᴏᴏᴋ 1) (editing)

Chapter 3- If You Play With Fire...

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The girls got ready for bed as the yawns came quicker; Rayna braided Jewel's hair for her like her mother used to do to hers. Jewel felt like a princess herself as Rayna brushed her hair gently. Rayna said she didn't want to ruin such perfect curls, but she needed to get the knots out to put her hair in a braid.

As Rayna tucked herself into bed, she tried to remember what her aunt said to do when dreaming. Hopefully, she would be seeing her mother soon. The little princesses eyes fluttered shut as she went into a peaceful sleep.

For now at least.

Chapter 3- If You Play With Fire...

Dear Theo,

It has been a year now since I have seen you, my friend. I feel as though it has been a lifetime. So much has changed in our world; I still cannot quite believe it. Aunt Catherina still is on her fix of not teaching us magic yet. She feels that we are not ready, however. Jewel is quite impatient to learn, as am I. I have been going against her wishes and reading books on spells that mother and she learned when they were a little older than I was. I have been practicing casting spells such as protection spells like a shield and learning to move objects at my will. For a protection spell, I would say, "Protegas meis viribus. Cum scuto scutum cordis mei. Quis prohibere qui enim non est pura cogitationes." Which means Protect with my strength. Shield with my heart. Stop anyone who does not have pure thoughts. This spell is intended for a large shield to protect a large area. I want to one day cast it over our kingdom so that no one who wants to harm us may enter.

I have been reading about a smaller shield to cast when I am in battle, though no one will teach me about that either. Uncle has not been back for some time. He writes when he can, but he only comes back once every four months. A shield for one person would cast a spell saying "integumentum" which just means shield from what I can understand from the spellbook. Then I have been practicing a small spell that mama had been teaching me. I think she wanted me to be a fire witch from what I read that each witch is attuned to an element of the earth though it takes time for a witch to develop into her powers. "Ignis" it creates a small ball of light to shine in the room. Jewel hasn't yet been able to master casting a spell. According to the books, it takes time, but usually, a witch is able to cast a spell when put in a dangerous situation. It's like the pressure and adrenaline helps to bring the magic out.

I still keep having those disturbing dreams. First, it was just mother in the woods, then in the darkroom. But as of late, there has been another person there with her, but I can't make out who it is. I try to save them trying to help them, but they can't hear me. As soon as the screams start, I wake. I have been reading more and more on the matter of communicating through one's dreams. Aunt Catherina told me about it once, but she hasn't wanted to talk of it again.

I wish you were here with me, my friend. I wish you were able to keep the promises you had made for my birthday. You said once that every year on my birthday you would have a surprise for me. I think for my twelfth birthday, I would have loved waking up late, have pancakes for breakfast with that cherry sauce my father loved so much. Then you would take me to town, and we would go to see the performers dance. Then for lunch, you would take me for a picnic, and we would have those sandwiches you love so.

One day we will be together again. I miss you so very much. Writing these letters to you for the last year has helped me to feel like you were there with me through it all, but I miss the real thing. I love you, my dear friend.

Love,
Rayna

Rayna woke up once again, panicked, sweat all over her. She looked around the darkroom and felt her heart pounding in her chest as she recalled her dream.