Page 88 of A Time of Witches

“It is already done.” Jacinda pushed the basket forward. “Now hurry.”

There was cold chicken, tender and still juicy and crusty bread with a soft center. She had almost forgotten how fine manchet bread could be and regretted every moment she’d taken it for granted in the past.

The remainder of the food, Jacinda hurriedly helped tie to the inside of Sybil’s knee, hidden from view beneath her chemise.

The wall separating their movements trembled and Jacinda hastily slipped her bracelet back on. The guard blinked as though his vision had blurred.

“Jacinda, know that…” Sybil hesitated, uncertain of what Kat might have said, uncertain of what she could safely share. “Know that I love you. But that you cannot come back.”

Doing so was far too risky.

“I will be back,” Jacinda vowed, stubbornly defiant as ever. “And I will find out who denounced you.”

“Do not,” Sybil cautioned. “Please. What’s done is done. Just stay in the manor and obey Kat.”

Jacinda shook her head, eyes bright with unshed tears. “I will do anything to save you.” She touched her bracelet. “Anything.”

A chill raked over Sybil’s skin. For there were enchantments that might be begged of the earth, powers great enough to save those who were condemned.

But they scraped against the grain of nature, an abomination.

And there were grave consequences indeed for engaging in the forbidden.

Chapter Forty-One

Lilith

Lilith leaned over the grimoire, committing each word to memory.

The more you know yourself, the more guidance you will receive from the earth.

After all, it is not uncertainty which shows a path, but confidence.

The earth’s memory is long, able to recall the abuses suffered by women, and ensures we will once more be strong.

You must welcome that which flows in our veins without restraint, without protest, without question of worth. This is the legacy in our souls.

In order to accomplish great tasks, we must fully accept that legacy. That we will honor the earth by cherishing our gifts and pass our knowledge to our daughters that they might be as strong as we have become.

The flower does not seek permission to grow. The sun does not issue an apology as it rises. The moon does not feel shame when it glows. These are beautiful in their own right.

You, too, are beautiful, my dearest Sybil. You are a daughter of the earth, and someday, I hope you claim your birthright.

There are charms that have been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Those have been scribed into this book, for your knowledge and for you to pass on to future generations.

But I pray you experience your surroundings for strength. Let the sweetness of honeysuckle melt on your tongue, bask in the light of the moon, bathe in the cool water of a spring rain. See where your own gifts guide you. Only you will know what is in your soul.

This simple spell will help you claim your legacy, and honor yourself:

Pink quartz to accept your soul

Blossoms of a fragrant flower to sweeten your life

Moonlight to ease your weary mind and quiet your uncertainty

Be confident in who you are, my daughter, and know you are worthy.

Chapter Forty-Two