It had been raining non-stop for three days. The heavens relentlessly drenched the inhabitants of Kalkha, ignoring their curses and anger. The sea, too, was raging, roaring with geysers of salty water, so no one dared to set sail. A gloomy mood prevailed.
Mnou sat at the round table, staring out the window at the lashing raindrops tapping on the windowpanes like an impatient visitor. The room was shrouded in a stifling twilight. She sighed, but the sound was drowned out by a peal of thunder. She sipped a bit of black tea, but it was completely cold. Irritated, she pushed the cup away.
I had hoped it would stay limited to animals, but what I feared happened. The souls of the dead are capable of possessing the empty shells of dead bodies. This has nothing to do with necromancy, I'm sure of that. I've never heard of anything like this. It's as if the souls are doing whatever they please. They're forcing their way back into the world, looking for vessels. It seems they're doing it mindlessly. After all, what sense does it make to inhabit a decaying dog's corpse?
She stood up and began pacing nervously around the room. A moment later, a bright flash of lightning lit her up. Soon after, she collapsed wearily into the armchair in front of the extinguished fireplace. Only then did she realize how cold she was. But she couldn't bring herself to go out into that disgusting downpour for firewood. She simply sank deeper into the chair until it creaked beneath her. She was worried about Coris. She had visited him again yesterday and found that his condition had worsened considerably. His voice had weakened, and he told her he had been bedridden for several days. He looked extremely frail. Mnou felt like crying when she looked at the old man. Just a few years ago, he had still been quite lively. Deep inside, she knew his time was coming, and there was nothing she could do about it, even if she refused to admit it to herself. She had asked him about the voices in his dreams. He had weakly tried to convince her that they were gone, but she knew immediately that he was lying. She understood he just didn't want to worry her, but it pained her to remember how he had once told her to share her troubles with others. She was hurt that he didn't want to tell her, but at the same time, she didn't want to pressure him. She knew he meant well. She thought hard about how she could help him, and even considered moving in with him—at least until he got better. She suspected Esme might not be entirely thrilled by that, but since she got along with the old man reasonably well, she could probably be persuaded.
Mnou suddenly stood up and lay down on the dusty ruby-red carpet with an orange pattern of some animal long worn down by boot soles. Perhaps it had once been a deer. The act was entirely spontaneous. She did it without even knowing why. She closed her eyes and wondered how it was possible that this old rug felt more comforting than her fluffy bed. Her thoughts drifted into dark corners she tried to keep at bay, but the more she resisted, the more insistent and intrusive they became. Something is happening on this island that I don't understand. Something that could harm the people here—people I… care about? She frowned so deeply her forehead wrinkled. It was a strange realization. When did I start caring about others? It's such a strange feeling. It's something entirely new to me. The last time I cared this much about someone, it was you, Mom. Without realizing it, she reached for her staff, which had been resting against the armchair, and it slid effortlessly into her palm. She held it tightly, as if afraid someone might try to tear it from her arms. Maybe it was just her imagination, but she felt a pleasant warmth emanating from the wooden staff. Mom, if only I could see you one more time. I have so much I want to tell you. So many questions I want to ask. Mom, Mom! What should I do?
In that instant, she ceased to feel any physical sensations. She couldn't feel the warm shaggy rug tickling the nape of her neck, nor the chill that had surrounded her moments before, nor the headache that had plagued her, nor the booming thunder and insistent rain and flashing lightning. She saw nothing—not darkness, but an all-encompassing nothing. It was as if she had ceased to exist. Only when light slowly began to spread before her eyes did she scream. She felt as if the air had been knocked from her lungs, and she couldn't breathe—because there was nothing to breathe. Air didn't exist here. She realized her body had no weight. She was lighter than a speck of dust. She felt utterly disoriented, confused, and frightened, but her sight gradually returned.
She was back in her home, but everything appeared oddly blurred and pale. Nothing around her had any physical form. Everything was hollow… astral.
Again, she tried to gasp for air that didn't exist in this realm. I'm in the astral world! What the hell happened? Her mind spiralled into panic. Then a voice echoed in her head:
Mnou? Is that you, child?
The girl turned around in fear, though it took a great effort. She felt as if she were moving through a jar of syrup. In the middle of the small room stood an elderly woman. She was made only of swirling grey-white mist, yet her face was distinct enough for her features to be recognized.
The witch could do nothing but stare at her in disbelief. Her mind tried to tell her this couldn't be real, but she couldn't mistake that face. She had seen it so many times in her harrowing dreams. The glossy hair tied in an elegant bun, the kind face lined with worry, the piercing eyes that had once been grey blue. It had to be her.
Mom? The word didn't travel through space to reach the other woman's ears, yet it was spoken and felt. It was more a thought than a sound. Sound didn't exist here. But within the thought was all the fearful, disbelieving tenderness.
Yes, it's me, little one, she replied and opened her arms.
Mnou didn't hesitate for a second. She dropped to her knees in front of her and tried to embrace her. Though her hands felt nothing, she still sensed her mother's soul near her. That was enough. Somewhere in another realm, in a small stone house secluded in the mountains, in a dim room lit only by the occasional flash of lightning, a girl cried on an old carpet, soaking it with her tears as rain soaked the land outside the windows.
M… mom, mom, was all Mnou could manage. Her mother knelt beside her and wrapped her in her misty glow.
I missed you so much, Mnou, said a gentle voice.
I… I missed you too. I thought… I thought I'd never see you again. Never talk to you again. Never get to say I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry. You only ever wanted the best for me. I understand that now. Why? Why didn't I see it before? Why was I so foolish!?
It's all right, child. I don't blame you. If anything, I should be the one to apologize. Maybe I really did want the best for you, but I shouldn't have forced you into anything. I should have realized you're not like me. You were always like an eagle, and an eagle cannot be caged. It must fly freely in the sky, without anyone commanding it.
If I could choose, I'd lock myself in a cage a hundred times over just to stay with you! Why did I leave you?! I hurt you so much! I can't imagine how you must have felt. If only I'd accepted it then and stayed, everything would be different!
Mnou, her mother said, pulling back to look into her face. She smiled. It may sound strange, but I'm glad it ended the way it did. If you had stayed, you might have died too. I thank the heavens you left and survived. I know you truly suffered, I felt your sorrow and fear—but also your joy. Everything that happened did so for a reason, and I believe it's for the best.
No, no, I don't want that. It was only after I lost you that I realized how much you meant to me. I have so much to tell you! I want to make up for all the time we lost! I want… I want to stay here with you!
But Mnou, that's not possible. This world isn't real. And most importantly, you've already found people you care about—and who care about you. I can feel her presence, and your love for her. Who is she? I want to know more. I can sense your emotions and the souls around you, but I cannot hear your words.
She's my apprentice. Mnou had calmed down a little, but still nestled against her mother, even if she couldn't feel her touch. Her name is Esme.
Esme… what a beautiful name. What's she like?
She's so… kind, warm-hearted, playful, curious. But also, very smart. I think she'll be a powerful witch one day.
I wish I could meet her, her mother sighed. But I guess that's not my fate. It doesn't matter. Just the fact that we've met is a miracle.
Yes. I don't even know how I did it. I just wanted to see you so badly, I felt so lonely and sad, and suddenly I woke up here. This is the astral world, right? I've been here a few times before, but never like this—and never met you.
It's my first time here, but I assume this is the astral realm.
Really? Your first time?
Yes. I exist only as a link between the astral and physical worlds, but I don't enter either. Lately though, I've felt as if the barriers between realms are weakening. I think that's why we met.
Yes, something strange really is happening in our world lately. That's the main reason I wanted to enter the astral world again. I think there might be a rift somewhere.
A rift? Her mother closed her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. Yes, I can feel something like a draft. I think I might be able to guide you there.
Really? That's wonderful. But most importantly, we can be together! You won't just disappear back into the staff, will you? Mnou asked timidly.
Her mother smiled and tried to caress her cheek. I can't promise anything. I don't fully understand it myself, but we can stay together a little while longer.
The witch's soul nodded joyfully. She relaxed and lifted off. Unlike magical levitation in the real world, this took no effort. A single thought was enough to rise. She passed effortlessly through the cottage wall, and her mother followed.
Mnou felt incredibly happy. She soared gracefully between trees, over meadows and ocean. She felt free. The freedom filled her with joy. It scared her a little that she felt she had never been happier.
She chatted with her mother as they flew. Most of their conversation was trivial, but Mnou liked it that way. She didn't want to worry about anything. Yet her mother often asked about Esme. Every time Mnou mentioned her, her heart sank with worry and guilt. She tried to convince herself otherwise, but realized she truly wished to stay in this strange world—forever. The real world was such an awful place. Every happy moment was balanced by at least ten hardships. Why stay there?
For Esme. Didn't you promise you'd never leave her? her inner voice replied swiftly. She realized she hated herself for these selfish thoughts. How could she even consider leaving Esme? But this world was so tempting.
Something is troubling you, child. I can feel it, her mother's voice said as they hovered over a cliff battered waves.
Mnou drifted gloomily over a sea of mist. She didn't reply.
We can't stay here together. It's just not possible, her mother said sadly, smiling at her.
I… I know that, but I still wish we could. I don't want to lose you again, now that I've found you. What if we never meet again?
If that's the case, then it was meant to be. Let's be grateful for the moments we had. And most importantly, I'll always be with you. Until the end. I'll help you as much as I can. If you have no one else to turn to, hug me, cry, scream—whatever you need. I might not hear your words, but I'll feel your heart. Never forget that.
At first, Mnou wanted to argue and try to convince her mother, but then she realized she didn't want to do that. Yes, it hurt her heart. It hurt unbearably, but at the same time, she knew this was the right thing to do. She knew she had to move on. T... thank you, Mom. She swam to her mother and gently embraced her. In that radiant moment, they lingered for a while. Suddenly, however, her mother pulled away sharply as if burned.
Mnou! Something's wrong! Someone is trying to control your body!
It was so sudden that the witch was momentarily paralyzed and didn't know what to do or say. Who? What's happening? I don't feel anything.
I don't have time to explain, you must get back quickly!
O... okay, but how do I do that? I've never returned this fast.
You just need to calm down, and I'll guide you back. But be careful, you have an intruder in your head. Together, we might be able to drive it out!
Mnou forced herself to calm down with all her might. Suddenly, she felt as if someone had tugged on an invisible umbilical cord, and the world began to blur before her eyes.
One last thing. Her mother's voice echoed. I didn't manage to figure out exactly where, but the rift is deep in the mountains. You have to find it!
Mnou's soul was already slipping into empty oblivion, but she still faintly heard her mother calling after her: I love you more than anything, Mnou! The girl wanted to reply, but in that moment, her mouth and body ceased to exist in the void.