In a flicker of a second, Haylia’s appearance changed again, going back to her normal self; placing her hand on her chest, she breathed heavily. Her heart was thumping at an abnormal pace.
"What happened? Are you alright, Vera Haylia?" Cassandra quickly questioned, seeing what Siroos had told her before, that his mother at times revealed prophecies and got divine interventions.
"I am, someone spoke through me but I am not sure who. I think it was directed towards you."
Haylia answered with a heaving chest as Cassandra moved towards her and helped her sit down on the stool she was previously sitting on.
She wondered who that might be. Was a good or goddess trying to send her some message? She was intrigued and curious but held her tongue.
Moving away Cassandra fetched water from the urn and handed the small earthen pot to Haylia. The older woman was out of breath.
"Thank you!" She took small delicate sips and let the cool water calm her down.
"Anything I can do?" Cassandra gently placed her hand on Haylia’s shoulder.
"No, but I need to lie down and ponder. Maybe sleep a bit and hope they will come again and tell me what it is they wish to say. I was informed in a prophecy about you, it could be further guidance," Haylia said, handing the pot back to Cassandra.
The younger woman could only nod, not having any clue as to what great destinies lay ahead of her once she was forged in the scalding sand of this desert.
"Keep this between us for now," the older woman asked with a plea, getting up.
"I will."
Haylia left the room after that, the door closed, plunging Cassandra into a river of deep thoughts.
Did her future hold some unknown ray of hope to end this curse?
She began to pace in her room with her hand on her delicate chin.
Soon Lana arrived with her food and writing material.
"Nissa! Is anything the matter?" She asked concernedly, seeing Cassandra seeming troubled and pacing abruptly.
"No, I was just pondering on what to write. Thank you!" Cassandra turned and saw her place a white feathered quill, black ink pot and a few camel-shaded parchments on the table.
"Eat, the meat is tender and warm. It will do you good and then you can write your letter."
Cassandra, still lost in what she had experienced, settled down to eat. Lana sat down behind her and began to braid her wild hair.
"Did Vera Haylia say something again?" She asked suspiciously, she could sense something had happened.
Cassandra plucked a small piece of meat and plopped it into her mouth before saying.
"She means well, sadly not for me."
Lana left out a small giggle and wrapped Cassandra’s braid around the back of her head and adjusted it with pins.
"I know, mothers-in-laws are not easy. Mine still gives me trouble over not giving Ranon an heir," Lana tried to hide her pain behind a chuckle.
"I have a feeling that will change soon, Lana." Extending her hand backwards she patted Lana’s, making her beam.
After the meal, Lana took her leave so Cassandra could rest and write her letter in peace.
"If you feel the heat coming up again, just sit in the bathtub and add the Hycandria extract. I have left a few vials in there and changed the water. Send me a message through Tara, she is posted right outside and will remain there," Lana said, gathering the empty plates.
"I hope no more heat," she wistfully sighed, making Lana sadly smile. Their Luna had no clue how beautiful this experience was during mating.
After Lana left, Cassandra settled down on the table to write her letter. There was so much to say, but she had to choose her words carefully and not to unnerve her sister with her truths, and yet she wished to confide in Lotus. She was someone who understood her on an emotional level.
Picking up the quill, she dipped its nib in the black ink, dribbled the extra out and began to scribble.
{Dear Lotus!
I apologise for taking so long to write you a letter. So much was happening and a great deal has passed. Knowing you, I can bet how worried you must be for me.
Siroos and I had a marriage, at least it was something like that according to the traditions of his pack. We grew a plant together and I have a cool tattoo on my shoulder now, their pack’s sigil.
I am a Luna now, they call me Nissa. It’s a beautiful term and swells my heart.
If we speak about the weather then it’s enough for you to never step foot here. Considering how much you hate the hot weather. But we have a beautiful oasis and huge palm trees. Their dates are sweet and delicious.
People are kind and loving except a snake shifter, she doesn’t let me miss Stephanie. But then there is my Beta female, Lana, who reminds me of you.
Siroos takes care of me; I am always well-fed and gracefully dressed. His mother approves of me, too, and belongs to a mage family with a certain ability to make prophecies.
Today, my heart was heavy, and I missed you too much so here I am writing you a letter.
Kisses for those strawberries, there is nothing like strawberries here. A bunny visited me and loved them too.
Hope we will meet again sometime.
Love you,
Cassandra}
Cassandra completed the letter and let it dry. Placing the quill down, she sealed the inkpot again and got up. She had wished to tell her about the curse, about the restrictions, but understanding her sister, she abstained.
Lotus will come flying and Siroos’s pack will forget the curse.
She will become their new curse.
The mere thought put a smile on Cassandra’s face, a genuine smile. The kind which she had forgotten in the last few days.