GABRIELLA’S POV
“By the power of knowledge, our spirits entwined,
Clarity reigns, uncertainties unwind.
Grant us vision, like a guiding light,
In this moment, darkness takes flight.”
Margaret muttered the ancient chant, her voice dropping to a solemn tone. I held her hands tightly, feeling a surge of anticipation and hope. We had embarked on this ritual together, seeking answers and guidance. Little did I know that the outcome would be far from what I had expected.
As Margaret concluded the chant, she suddenly released my hands, causing me to lose my balance. It was as if a greater force had descended upon us, settling heavily in the air. Then, without warning, Dorcas fell to the ground, writhing in pain, her screams piercing the air, and tears streaming down her face.
Confusion overwhelmed me, and just as I tried to make sense of the situation, the voice from earlier resurfaced in my head. Its words echoed in my mind, “Dorcas isn’t Dorcas. A revelation would be made soon by you. You’re the only one who knows the truth.” The voice seemed to possess knowledge beyond my own, and its previous prediction had come true, leaving me perplexed and wary.
Lost in thought, I tried to comprehend the meaning behind the voice’s message. What was happening to me? Why was this disembodied voice communicating with me? I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease, as if some invisible force was guiding my actions and thoughts.
I hissed in frustration. “What truth? I know nothing about this. Let me be.”
Shit! I had said that out loud. Goodness, this was messed up. Now, how do I explain that I was truly innocent? How do I wash myself clean from this messy mess?
Who’d believe me now? Nobody, absolutely nobody.
Nobody would believe that I didn’t know anything about this.
Before I could delve deeper into these mysteries, Margaret’s gaze fell upon me with an inexplicable expression. Panic surged within me as I realized I had spoken my thoughts aloud. “So, you’re the one,” she said, her voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and an unreadable emotion.
I stumbled over my words, desperately trying to explain myself. Desperately trying to convince them that I was innocent concerning this. “No, Margaret, you have to believe me. I don’t know anything about this. I’m just as confused as every other individual in this room.” The intensity of my emotions threatened to overwhelm me as I pleaded for understanding.
Margaret’s eyes narrowed, studying me intently. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air, and I could sense the growing doubt and skepticism in her gaze.
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut-nobody would believe me. Who would trust my innocence in the face of such inexplicable events?
A frustrated hiss escaped my lips as the voice in my head persisted. “Reveal the truth, speak what you know about this.” Its relentless urging only fueled my growing anxiety. I felt trapped, cornered by circumstances beyond my control.
With a mix of desperation and determination, I met Margaret’s gaze. “Margaret, please. I swear I have no knowledge of what’s happening. This voice in my head… it’s as much a mystery to me as it is to you. I would never wish harm upon Dorcas or anyone else. You have to believe me.”
A tense silence enveloped us as Margaret pondered my words. The weight of her judgment hung heavy in the air, and my heart raced with fear. I desperately hoped that she would see the truth in my eyes, that she would understand the depth of my confusion and innocence.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Margaret’s features softened; it was like she was consulting oracles in her head, and they had given her the kind of news that she liked to hear. “I can see the sincerity in your eyes,” she said softly. Thank goodness she seemed to believe me.
“But you have to try to explain what you know. You’re the only one with the solution to the matter at hand,” Margaret insisted, her words only deepening my confusion.
Solution? What was she talking about? I couldn’t even grasp the nature of the problem, let alone possess any solution. The frustration surged within me, and I groaned, running my hands through my hair in exasperation. This whole situation had spiraled into a chaotic mess, and I was caught in the center, grappling with my own ignorance.
Margaret’s statement echoed in my mind, tormenting me with its enigmatic implications. What was the truth that I supposedly held? And why did it appear that I alone possessed the key to resolving this perplexing dilemma? My thoughts raced, desperately trying to piece together the fragments of information and comprehend the gravity of the situation.
“We’re waiting,” Margaret’s voice broke through my mental turmoil, jolting me back to the present. I glanced around the room, suddenly aware that all eyes were fixed upon me. A surge of anxiety coursed through my veins, making my heart pound in my chest.
I dared not meet Nicklaus’s gaze, afraid of the questions and confusion I would encounter in his eyes. The weight of their expectations bore down on me, intensifying my internal struggle. How could I provide answers when I didn’t even fully understand the questions?
My legs felt weak beneath me as I knelt on the ground, but Clarissa’s sharp voice shattered any remnants of hesitation.
“Your slowness is delaying the process,” she admonished, frustration evident in her tone. “Get up from your knees and answer her questions. And for goodness’ sake, stop zoning out!”
Her words struck me like a lash, stinging with a mix of reproach and urgency. I swallowed hard, mustering the courage to push through my fear and confusion. Slowly, I untangled my legs, rising to my feet, my thoughts racing to find a coherent response.
I was going to go with the flow and state my mind. There was no need to be scared. I’d just let them know what’s going on in my head.
Taking a deep breath, I mustered the little ounce of confidence I had left. “Margaret, Clarissa, everyone,” I began, my voice trembling slightly, “I want to assure you that I am just as bewildered as all of you. I have no prior knowledge or understanding of what is happening here. The only strange thing I know that’s happening to me is that there’s a voice in my head, and before an action happens, it informs me about it. It’s foreign and scary at the same time. As soon as Margaret finished chanting, it whispered to me, saying, ‘Dorcas isn’t Dorcas. A revelation will be made soon by you. You’re the only one who knows the truth.’ I was confused and frustrated that I knew nothing about all this, and that’s why I made that comment in my mind. To my surprise, I had actually said my thoughts out loud.”
“Margaret believes me; these strange occurrences-they are as much a mystery to me as they are to everyone,” I added, hoping they’d believe me at least.
A mixture of doubt and curiosity flickered in their eyes, fueling my determination to make them comprehend my innocence. “I know it is hard to believe, and I wish I had concrete answers to provide, but I don’t even understand what you mean.”
“But I am willing to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth, to delve into the depths of this enigma alongside all of you. We must support one another, united in our search for clarity. I’m willing to do anything to make this work,” I added, opening up.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I nodded in response to Margaret’s request. “Yes, of course. Please, go ahead. I will do my best to answer your questions,” I replied, grateful for her willingness to give me a chance to explain myself further.
Margaret’s gaze held a mix of concern and curiosity as she began, “Firstly, tell us more about this voice in your head. How did it come to be? Has it provided any other information or guidance?”
“It started just today, and the first time it happened was earlier, but I didn’t take it seriously because I felt it was simply impossible… but now I have seen it wasn’t a hallucination; there’s actually a voice in my head, and what it warned me against came to reality.”
“I see. I don’t know why, but the oracles said you’re the only one who has the solution.”
“What? But I don’t know anything about this thing. I’m so confused. Saying that I have the solution aches my heart because I’m clear of any opinion. I literally don’t know how it’d turn out to be. I don’t know, Margaret. I don’t know.” I mumbled under my breath. My eyes pleaded with Margaret’s own to understand me.
She rubbed my hands in hers, gazing at me with pity in her eyes.
She could see how innocent I was, but the Oracle never lied, so the case was complex.
“Delilah,” Margaret called, pointing at one of the young witches.
The lady, round and plump with tanned skin, came forth, her demeanor shy and calm.
“You’re the one blessed with the gift of seeing things clearly. Look into this and tell me what the matter is.”
“Okay, okay,” she whispered, staring at me with a new focus.
She shifted her hands in the air, closing her eyes. She remained mute for a while, and soon she began to chant to see things behind the veil, to see clearly; her voice echoed through the room.
Delilah took a deep breath, her voice steady and strong as she delved even deeper into the realms of magic and mystery.
She raised her hands higher, palms facing upward, and began to incorporate elements of an ancient language, infusing the chant with a profound sense of ancient wisdom:
“To unlock the path towards the truth, we must delve deeper into the hidden realms and seek guidance from the higher forces,” she explained, her voice steady and resolute.
Ancient forces, hear our plea,
Across the realms, let our voices be.
Astral echoes resonate within,
Unveil the truth, where secrets begin.
Oh, Zephyros, spirit of the breeze,
Carry our intentions through lands and seas.
Whisper in the ears of ethereal guides,
Bring forth knowledge from the celestial tides.
…
As the words echoed through the chamber, a palpable energy filled the air, swirling and intertwining with the chant’s potency.