GABRIELLA’S POV
I groaned softly, weariness from the day settling into my bones, causing my body to protest. Rubbing my eyes, I yawned, feeling the heaviness of the evening surrounding me. I realized it was time to meet Margret, and a mix of curiosity and apprehension swirled within me.
As I glanced at the empty space beside me on the bed, I couldn’t help but miss Nicklaus’s comforting presence. We had shared an intimate and passionate moment earlier, but now he was attending to his own tasks, as he had mentioned before we fell asleep. I smiled at the memory of his caring gestures – the way he had bathed me, selected my outfit, and fed me a meal with his own hands. Moments like these made me realize how fortunate I was to have him in my life. His kindness and thoughtfulness touched my heart deeply.
With a determined sigh, I pushed aside the warmth of the bedcovers and rose, forcing myself to face the tasks ahead. I made my way to the bathroom, relieving myself and splashing cold water on my face, hoping it would dispel any lingering drowsiness. Stepping out, I dressed and took a moment to gather my thoughts, mentally preparing for the meeting with Margret.
Walking through the corridors toward Margret’s room, my anxiety resurfaced, causing my mind to race with questions and anticipation. What could she possibly want to discuss with me? The unknown nature of the conversation heightened my curiosity, and a touch of nervousness gnawed at my stomach.
Reaching Margret’s door, I paused for a moment to collect myself. Taking a deep breath, I steadied my nerves and knocked gently. The door swung open, revealing Margret, her eyes filled with warmth and wisdom.
“Come in, my dear,” Margret beckoned, her voice soothing and welcoming. I entered the room, feeling a mixture of respect and awe for the woman who held such influence and guidance in our community.
Margret gestured for me to take a seat, and as I settled into the chair, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. “Thank you for coming to see me,” she began, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue.
“Oh, please, Margret, I should be the one thanking you for everything you’ve done in the past few days. I can’t express how much your support means to me. I appreciate you,” I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. Margret had indeed been a pillar of strength during these trying times.
She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine care. “I’ve told you several times that it’s nothing, and I didn’t do it just for you. I did it for all my members and their safety. Moreover, the United Gatherings have been long overdue, so this is also an opportunity to bring everyone together.”
I nodded in understanding, acknowledging the significance of the gathering. “So, Maria said you asked to see me for an important reason,” I began, eager to delve into the purpose of our conversation.
“Yes, yes. I called you because I wanted to talk about two things,” Margret replied, her tone becoming more serious. I adjusted myself in my seat, focusing my gaze on her with heightened attentiveness, my heart racing in anticipation of what she had to say.
“First, I wanted to ask about your daughter, Estella. Is she showing any unusual reactions? Is she eating less than she used to? Does she exhibit the same behavior as before? Does she talk as much as she used to before the incident occurred? I want to know, Gabriella. I want to know if she’s acting strangely,” Margret asked, her voice heavy with concern and worry.
I sighed, pausing for a moment as I searched my mind for any changes in Estella’s behavior. “No, Margret, not that I can point out,” I finally responded, a hint of relief seeping into my words.
Margret heaved a deep sigh, her concern still apparent. “Gabriella, are you sure about this? Are you absolutely certain that she’s behaving normally?” she asked, her gaze fixed on me intently.
“I can’t say for certain, honestly, because we haven’t been able to spend much time together due to the constant announcement meetings,” I replied with sincerity, regretting the lack of quality time I had been able to share with Estella.
“I see. Please, from now on, take note and pay more attention to her,” Margret instructed, her voice filled with a motherly tone.
“Okay, Margret, I will,” I assured her. “Thank you so much for your concern and for bringing this to my attention. I genuinely appreciate it.”
“It’s nothing, Gabriella. After all, she’s my daughter too. I know you said nothing is wrong, but still, I’d like to give you a protection bead to wear for her. This bead will serve as powerful protection whenever she’s not by your side,” Margaret said, her eyes filled with compassion and love. Her gesture touched me deeply.
“Thank you so much, Margaret. I am truly grateful,” I expressed, my voice laced with emotion.
“You’re very welcome. I’d also like to perform some chants on the bead to infuse it with additional protection,” she said, her voice steady and soothing. With that, she moved to another part of the room, where various intricate beads glistened in shades of deep blue.
As Margaret began her chanting, the air in the room seemed to shift, carrying with it an energy of ancient wisdom and spiritual power:
“Guardians of light, hear my plea,
Envelop this child with love’s decree.
With tender care and vigilant sight,
Protect from darkness, day and night.
Through Earth’s embrace, stable and strong,
Guard with unwavering grace along.
With water’s pure and cleansing flow,
Repel all harm that seeks to sow.
By gentle whispers of the air,
Forge a shield nothing can impair.
By the fierce and protective flame,
Banish fear and keep away blame.
As this chant weaves its mystic thread,
I call on powers to guard this bed.
Secure, protected, and truly free,
Guided by love’s eternal decree.
From this moment till the end,
I ask for protection, my steadfast friend.
With divine energy, these words I infuse,
Protect this child, pure and true.
So be it, this spell is spun,
Protection woven, safety won.
By my will and the universe’s might,
This child is guarded day and night.”
I watched in awe as she meticulously blessed each bead, her words resonating with a profound sense of devotion and love.
In that moment, I felt a deep sense of reassurance. Margaret’s presence and her unwavering support had become a lifeline in my tumultuous journey. I knew that with her guidance and the protective beads, Estella would always be surrounded by love and power.
I sat there, mesmerized by Margaret’s chanting as she gracefully moved through the room, her words floating on the air with a rhythm that seemed to echo through centuries of wisdom.
Though I couldn’t comprehend the precise meaning of the chants, their resonance was undeniable, invoking a sense of ancient power and protection.
As she approached me with the completed beads, her voice took on a soothing and melodic tone. “These words, spoken with intention and love, carry the essence of our ancestors’ guidance,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with reverence. “They will serve as a shield for your daughter, Estella, a tangible symbol of the bond we share as a community.”
Margaret carefully placed the vibrant blue beads into my outstretched hands. They shimmered in the light, their energy palpable. “Repeat these chants whenever you hold the beads close to your heart,” she continued, her voice gentle yet commanding. “Let your love and protective intentions infuse them, creating a powerful shield around Estella.”
With a deep breath, I focused my attention on the intricate patterns and colors of the beads. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment, and began reciting the chants Margaret had shared with me. The words flowed naturally from my lips, as if they were an ancient lullaby embedded deep within my soul.
“May the light of the moon guide and guard,
A shield of love, never to be marred.
With every breath and beat of my heart,
I call upon our ancestors, never to depart.”
As I repeated the chants, I could feel a surge of energy coursing through me. It was as if the words themselves carried a sacred power, connecting me to a lineage of protectors who had come before.
Margaret smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. “You have embraced the strength within you, Gabriella. Trust in the power of these chants and know that Estella is surrounded by love and protection. We are united in safeguarding her.”
Touched by her words, I nodded, a mix of gratitude and determination welling up within me. “Thank you, Margaret, for your guidance and for entrusting me with this precious gift. I will cherish it and honor our shared commitment.”
Margaret reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. “You are not alone, Gabriella. We stand together as a community, supporting one another in times of joy and adversity. We will navigate the complexities of our world with love, resilience, and unwavering dedication.”
As I held the protection beads close to my heart, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With Margaret’s guidance and the power of the chants, I knew that Estella would always be surrounded by a shield of love and power.