61

GABRIELLA’S POV
“You’re a guardian angel, Margret. I can’t thank you enough for all you do,” I expressed my heartfelt gratitude, feeling a sense of warmth and reassurance in her presence.
Margret smiled warmly at me, her eyes filled with kindness. “You’re welcome, Gabriella. It’s my duty to protect and guide our community. But that’s just one of the reasons I called you,” she said, her tone serious yet comforting as she took a seat.
I nodded, recalling her earlier mention of having two reasons for summoning me. “Yes, I remember you said you called me for two reasons,” I replied, my curiosity piqued.
“Exactly. The second reason is that I want to ask you if you’re scared of the upcoming ritual, the one that will take place tonight,” she asked, her voice gentle and understanding.
My heart skipped a beat as her words resonated within me. The upcoming ritual had been looming over my thoughts, evoking a mixture of anticipation and fear. It was a significant event, carrying immense importance for our community, but it also held unknown elements that stirred unease within me.
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before responding honestly, my voice trembling with emotions. “Yes, Margret, I’m scared,” I admitted, my vulnerability surfacing as I acknowledged my fears.
Margret reached out, placing a comforting hand on mine. “It’s alright to feel scared, Gabriella. Rituals like these can be overwhelming, especially when they hold such significance. Your fears are valid, and it’s important to acknowledge and address them,” she reassured me, her touch offering solace in the face of uncertainty.
I looked into her eyes, finding solace and understanding in their depths. “I worry about the unknown, Margret. What if something goes wrong? What if I’m not prepared enough? What if…” My voice trailed off, the weight of my apprehensions almost suffocating.
Margret’s soothing voice filled the air, her words like a balm for my anxious soul. “Listen and support. The rituals we perform are not solitary endeavors; they are collective efforts where each member contributes their energy and intention. We have prepared extensively for this ritual, and you have been diligently studying and practicing. Trust in the knowledge and skills you have acquired.”
I nodded, absorbing her words, feeling a glimmer of reassurance begin to take hold. “You’re right, Margret. We’ve been preparing for this together, and I have dedicated myself to learning and growing. I should trust in my abilities and the support of our community.”
Margret’s smile widened, pride evident in her gaze. “That’s the spirit, Gabriella. You have come a long way, and I have full faith in your capabilities. However, to further strengthen you for tonight’s ritual, I have something for you.”
Curiosity mingled with a renewed sense of hope as I looked at her questioningly. “What is it, Margret?”
She reached into a small pouch hanging from her belt and retrieved a small vial filled with vibrant green liquid. “This is a concoction I have prepared specifically for you. It contains herbs and essences known for their properties of courage, resilience, and inner strength. It will help fortify you during the ritual.”
Taking the vial in her hand, she passed it to me, her eyes locked with mine. “Drink this before the ritual, and you will feel its empowering effects. Trust in its magic and let it infuse you with the determination and courage needed for tonight’s ceremony.”
Gratitude swelled within me as I held the vial delicately, realizing the significance of this gesture. Margaret had not only offered me words of encouragement but a tangible source of strength. I clasped her hand in mine, overwhelmed by the depth of her support. “Thank you, Margaret. I am truly grateful for your guidance and for this precious gift.”
Her grip tightened, her eyes brimming with unwavering belief. “You are destined for greatness, Gabriella. Embrace your power, for you are capable of extraordinary things. Now, go, prepare yourself for tonight’s ritual. Embrace your fears and let them fuel your determination. The entire community stands with you.”
With renewed conviction and a sense of purpose, I rose from my seat, holding the vial close to my heart. Margaret’s words resonated within me, infusing me with newfound strength. Tonight’s ritual would be a testament to my growth, a stepping stone on my path towards embracing my true potential.
As I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation.
The green liquid in my hand represented more than just a physical elixir-it symbolized the collective support and unwavering belief of our community. With Margaret’s guidance and the potion’s fortifying essence, I was ready to face the unknown and embrace the transformative power of the ritual that awaited me.
It was almost time for tonight’s meeting; time for the ritual, one that would determine a lot of things.
When I got back from Margaret’s place, I placed the beads on Estella’s wrist. She loved them because I had presented them to her as a gift.
I had also made sure to tell Nicklaus about what had happened, and I also took the concoction Margaret had given to me.
My hands trembled as tears streamed down my cheeks, the weight of my emotions threatening to consume me. I couldn’t understand why this sudden wave of fear had washed over me, unraveling the confidence I had tried so hard to muster. The hall, where the ritual would take place, loomed before us, filled with an air of anticipation and mystery.
Sensing my distress, Nicklaus, my steadfast partner, reached out to comfort me. His voice was gentle yet filled with concern as he pleaded for me to regain control. “Baby, you’re trembling. Please, breathe,” he whispered, his eyes searching mine for a glimpse of understanding.
I halted in my tracks, turning to face him, my tear-stained face betraying my inner turmoil. “I… I don’t know what’s happening,” I confessed, my voice trembling in sync with my racing heartbeat. “I didn’t mean to feel this way. I thought I was feeling better. I didn’t expect this to happen. I… I…”
My words faltered, lost in the overwhelming surge of emotions that threatened to drown me. Fear gripped me tightly, its claws digging into my chest, as I struggled to make sense of the anxiety that had washed over me.
Nicklaus’s expression shifted from shock to deep concern as he saw the tears streaming down my face. “Shit! My goodness, Gabriella, you’re crying,” he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and worry. He pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me close as if to shield me from the world’s uncertainties.
Through my tears, I continued to voice my confusion, my voice trembling with vulnerability. “I don’t know why I’m crying. I don’t know why I’m suddenly afraid. I don’t know why this is happening. I thought I was ready. I don’t know why I’m this scared.”
Nicklaus held me tighter, his arms becoming my anchor in the storm of emotions. “It’s okay to cry, Gabriella; it’s perfectly fine. If you want to scream, let it out. If you want to run, I will leave the earth and abscond with you if it would bring a smile to your face and take away these tears,” he whispered, his voice filled with empathy. “Fear is a natural response, especially when facing the unknown. We all have moments of doubt and vulnerability. You’re not alone in this.”
His words resonated deep within me, slowly offering solace amidst the chaos. In his embrace, I found a safe haven where my fears could be acknowledged and understood.
“You’re right,” I murmured, my voice quivering but growing steadier. “I’m not alone. We’re in this together, aren’t we?”
Nicklaus nodded, his eyes filled with unwavering support. “Absolutely. I’ll be by your side every step of the way. We’ll face this ritual together, hand in hand.”
As I leaned into his embrace, taking solace in his presence, I realized that it was okay to feel afraid. It was a testament to my humanity, a reminder of the importance of the journey I was about to embark upon. With Nicklaus’s unwavering support, I knew I could gather the strength to face my fears and embrace the transformative power of the ritual.
The tears slowly subsided, leaving behind a newfound resolve. As our gazes intertwined, he leaned in, his lips gently brushing against mine.
In that tender kiss, I tasted love, support, and an unspoken promise. He whispered against my lips, his words a gentle affirmation of his unwavering presence. “I’ll always be here for you, Gabriella. Together, we can overcome anything.”
In that embrace, time seemed to stand still as we held each other in a cocoon of love and understanding. His kiss, like a healing touch, swept away my doubts and fears, leaving behind a sense of serenity and determination.
With his arms still wrapped around me, we took a collective breath, ready to face the unknown together. The hall beckoned, its mysteries awaiting our arrival. But as long as I had Nicklaus by my side, I knew I could weather any storm, navigate any uncertainty.
Linked together by a love that knew no bounds, we stepped forward, hand in hand, ready to embrace the transformative power of the ritual and emerge stronger on the other side.
In that moment, I understood that fear was not a sign of weakness but a testament to my willingness to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the extraordinary.
And with Nicklaus’s love and support, I was reminded that no matter the challenges we faced, we were stronger together.
Hand in hand, we walked in, and as usual, Morgana asked that we hand over Estella. This time, we did so with more reassurance that she’d be fine, and she smiled in gratitude.