The Skin Thief

Chapter 11

Kiora

"Kiora," Elisha asks, rushing to catch up to her. Kiora pauses and gulps, knowing the incoming question.

"Yes, Elisha?" Kiora asks softly and tries to put a reassuring smile on her face.

"Are we really going into lockdown?" Elisha asks, her bright silver eyes wide with worry. Kiora's lips pull into a tight line.

"Yes," Kiora whispers. Elisha gasps and opens her mouth to ask another question. Kiora holds up her hand.

"All questions will be answered, Elisha," she assures her. "First, we must complete our prayers to Winter."

Elisha nods her head and steps closer to Kiora. She reaches out and takes Kiora's hand.

"Everything's okay though?" she asks.

"I'm not sure," Kiora replies with a tired sigh. "But trust in Winter, Elisha. She will protect us." Kiora raises her hand and presses it against Elisha's cheek lovingly. Elisha shuts her eyes and nods her head. "Now, let's go and prepare for our prayers."

That has Elisha grinning widely and the two link arms as they make their way through the temple.

***

The rest of the morning is peaceful and full of enchanting singing. Kiora leads her sisters out to a courtyard where a large icy tree sits. Its canopy of branches, adorned with delicate, diamond-like flowers, hangs over their heads.

For the hour they pray to their Winter, Kiora feels at ease. The ache in her stomach fades away as she momentarily forgets everything the High Priestess had discussed with her the previous day.

As the sun rises, illuminating the sky in vibrant golds, pinks and purples, Kiora loses herself in its beauty. She gazes up at the ice tree which now glows as the morning sun hits it. Happy laughs leave her mouth as she gazes around at the hundreds of sparkling shards of light bouncing on the floors and walls around them.

Gentle silence fills the air. Kiora takes in a deep breath and lets it out again, allowing her body to calm. For a few moments, she feels light and free. Her mind is clear. When she speaks, her voice is as soft and gentle as the breeze.

Kiora leads her sisters in their prayers as they thank Winter for her magic and for giving them life. They promise Winter, that though Summer may reign in the rest of the Second Realm, they will ensure that the path back to winter will be smooth and pure. They promise to love Winter and obey her forever.

Once Kiora has finished speaking, she gazes back up at the branches of the tree, smiling widely. Slowly, she walks toward it. Closing her eyes, she leans forward and gently kisses its cold bark. Her sisters follow suit and once they are all done, they fall into complete and utter silence.

She shuts her eyes as a soothing presence surrounds her. Something soft touches her cheek and she leans into it. Kiora shivers and her whole body starts to tingle excitedly. She feels another gentle touch on her forehead. In her mind, Winter is giving her a tender, loving kiss.

"I am yours, forever," Kiora whispers. The breeze picks up, ruffling her hair slightly. The presence disappears with it. As it leaves, she swears she hears a soft, gentle voice.

"My Kiora."

Kiora smiles and opens her eyes. She looks at her sisters. Their expressions are peaceful and relaxed. Kiora's chest warms as she looks at them. Their eyes find hers, waiting for her to speak.

"Come," she says softly, "our morning prayers are over, and winter has given us her blessing. Now we must prepare for our sisters' return."

The priestesses' faces all fall as they remember the High Priestess's order. Kiora smiles reassuringly and gestures for her sisters to re-enter the temple.