Chapter 81
Ann leaned back on the cushion. “That had to do something.”
Kat flopped down on her cushion. “Something did. I don’t think I’ve ever focused so hard before.”
Teegan wiped her hand over her brow. “Same.”
Ann got up, went over to her back, and got out her water bottle. “Let’s catch our breath and then try to reach out to those other women.”
“Can we do that? Without the link to our ancestors?”
She looked over at Teegan. Why did they keep asking her? “I have no idea, but we have to try.”
Kat nodded enthusiastically and then jumped up and ran over to her pack. She pulled out a bottle and held it toward Teegan. When she nodded, Kat grabbed a second one and went back over to the cushions.
Teegan took a sip, made a face, then drank some more. “Any thoughts on how we start this?”
Ann went back over and sat down. “Sage. We’re definitely cleaning with some sage.”
“You said you talked to Celia in your head.” Kat looked at Teegan.
“I think that was more Alana than myself.” Teegan put the lid back on her drink and then shifted to sit cross-legged.
Ann pulled the box closer and got out the dish and sage. “We’ll just do a psychic phone call.”
“That’s a thing?” Kat took the dish and set it in the middle.
Ann smiled. “I have no idea. I’m making this up as I go.”
Teegan smiled. “So far, it’s working.”
Ann put the sage in the bowl and lit it. Waving her hand over it, she put the flames out, and the smoke started rising.
“I love that smell,” Kat whispered.
“It brings me a feeling of peace.” Ann waved her hand over it, sending the smoke in all directions. She sat back and watched the smoke rise. “All right. We’ll each say a name out loud and see if it reaches them.” She looked at Kat, who nodded. Teegan did as well.
“You lead.” Kat settled on the cushion and then held her hands out.
“Where and when do we want to do this?” Ann took Kat’s hand and then Teegan’s.
“Sunday at dusk.” Kat nodded.
“At the lake.” Teegan blew out a breath and then closed her eyes.
“All right.” Ann inhaled a deep breath. The scent of the sage grounded her immediately. Closing her eyes, she paused for a second to think of the words. “We, the three from three, call to the others bound by our ancestors. Liset Winslow.”
“Bonnie Uxbridge,” Kat said in a loud voice.
“Celia Barnes,” Teegan added.
“Here us now.” Ann didn’t know what else to say. She was about to open her eyes when a shiver moved down her spine.
“Sisters.” A voice hissed inside her head. There was no mistaking Celia Barnes. “It took you long enough to reach out.”
Ann sneered. “You wanted our attention. Now you have it. It’s time to end the games.” She spoke out loud because having a full-fledged conversation in her head was weird.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Celia laughed. “It’s long overdue.