125

Bellamy

After seeing Maryanne's marking system in action, I'm even more wary about the people around us. Yes, it works in real-time to show as people's loyalties change, but the fact that people are being possessed by whatever monsters we're working against within our own walls has me more worried than I was even when Esme was abducted.

How do I deal with not knowing if the person next to me is themself or another creature using their body as a meat shield.

Garash, ever helpful, chuckles in my mind.

*You know, you could help me instead of just floating around in my mind.*

*How do you propose I help? I don't have any control of my abilities, or of your body.*

*You could tell me what the fuck it was that took control of those men.*

*If I knew, I would, Young One.*

I roll my eyes and stalk up to the room, intent on occupying myself with something other than worries about those invading our walls. Alistair and Maryanne will deal with it, I need to focus on channeling these visions.

*At least help me to channel the sight.*

*I've given you all the tips I had. The ability changed when it took up residence within your natural magic.*

*What natural magic?*

He snorts, and I get the distinct impression that, if he had a body, he'd be rolling his eyes.

*You were already faster and stronger than most humans, did you think that was normal?*

I shrug as I make my way to the small space off the main room that I've been sharing with the circle. Maryanne and Pierre helped me to set the space up to help channel my visions.

I toe my shoes off and sink down onto the mat in the center of the room, flicking my fingers towards the fire and smiling when it lights with nothing more than a slight mental push. A breeze picks up around me as I settle my breathing, creating a slight barrier between me and any negative energy that would seek to interfere with my meditation.

*You have a natural affinity with air magic, young one. I chose you because your latent abilities meant you could handle my magic even if the circle wasn't sealed in a timely manner... good thing, too, since it wasn't.*

*Why do I have latent magic?*

*You're likely decended from one of the old mage tribes. Humans who could channel magic in ways similar to witches through the use of talismans and forging connections to nature... Many mages had spirit animals and guides that would offer power in their times of need.*

*Are you saying that I have a spirit guide who I need to connect with to properly channel your divine powers?*

*Probably.*

*How?*

*Meditate as you have been, but instead of seeking a vision, just relax and open yourself up, invite your guardians to guide you.*

*Is that safe, given the... spirits... inhabiting the men downstairs?*

*Not really, but there's not much choice. I've been getting flashes of something coming concerning the females in your circle... connecting with your guide can bring clarity to those visions.*

*Why are you getting the flashes?*

*I don't know for certain, but my theory is that you need to merge with your guide, or open yourself to them... they're probably protecting you from the full force of the visions.*

*Can I handle the full force, if they're filtering them?*

*Now that the circle is sealed, yes. Before, probably not.*

Sighing, I systematically relax each muscle, my eyes fluttering shut as I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth.

The swirling of musky incense around me stimulates my senses, making my breaths deeper and deeper until I slip into a trance.

One last deep breath, and I stand, the motion smooth. I glance down to find my body sitting there, still in its trance.

This is the first time I've managed to spirit walk.

"It's astral projection," Garash says, appearing beside me.

"But we're in the spirit realm, right?"

"Yes, but spirit walking is an innate talent, usually that can't be controlled. Astral projection is a skill that can be practiced."

"So what do I do? Can others see me?"

"Those with their third eye open can likely sense you."

"I could see what those spirits that inhabited those men are..."

"You shouldn't leave this room until you've connected with your guide. They can help snap you back to your body if there's a psychic attack."

"Ok. How do I connect with them?"

"Look deeper."

"What's deeper than the spirit realm?"

He smirks and sits beside my body, folding his legs so that his left knee touches my own. He pats the space to his right. I sit in the same position, my left knee touching his, and my right touching my corporeal knee.

He closes his eyes, and I follow along, matching my breathing to his own. My mind seems to float after a while, startling me into opening my eyes.

Once again, I'm floating above my body, but this time, my spirit and my physical form are below me along with Garash. Everything is glowing with an ethereal light.

I frown and trail my fingers along my spirit, watching as it shudders.

"What the hell?"

My voice is a whispering echo.

*At last.* the wind around me whispers, reminding me of the sound of tinkling bells.

"Who goes there?"

"I have waited long for you, Keeper."

I twirl around, trying to find the source of the voice, but there's only that glowing light and a gentle, playful breeze.

I blink repeatedly, trying to clear my eyes. When I open them again, the breeze is swirling before me, coalescing into the form of a large, fierce looking bird. It appears to be a raptor of some sort. As I watch, the wind settles, sparks of light flitting through the beast's feathers, reminding me almost of crackling lightning.

"Who are you?"

"I am Thekwane."

"What do you want?"

"You are my kin, young one. We were supposed to merge when you came of age, but there were... complications."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, that I am part of your soul. You are a skinwalker, and I am your kin. We should have been one, but when Garash had to bestow his power upon you to save your life, I was unable to come to you as I should have."

"Why?"

"Because our merging, without the backing of your chain, would have pushed his power out of you, ripping you apart."

"So... what now?"

"You accept me, and we become one. Your abilities will stabilize, and you will become the warrior you were meant to be."

"Will the visions stabilize?"

"Yes."

"What do I need to do?"

I get the feeling that the bird smiles, but his avian features don't reveal any physical change as he steps forward. My hand lifts of its own accord, stroking his strong beak. After a moment, he darts towards me, startling me as he rams himself into my chest, a loud crackling racing out from the point where we connected.

Instead of creating a hole in my chest, it's like the bird, Thekwane, is absorbed into me, leaving an ahcing place behind. I rub the spot, lifting my shirt to find the mark of a thunderbird in the center of my chest. Lightning crackles around me as my eyes flutter shut.

I fall backwards, into my spirit body, the feel of the power in the air from whereever the hell I just went fading as my limbs are weighed down, my spirit snapping back into my physical form and my consciousness fading.