Chapter 305

“No.” Hanna shook her head, but then went back to the bowl. “But I didn’t expect that.” She waved her hand in the air, causing all of us to laugh.

“That was…” Micca trailed off as she stared at my bowl.

Wendy chuckled again. “Intense.”

I nodded. “Magic can be.”

Toya grabbed her bundle of herbs. “My turn.” She turned to me, wiggling her eyebrows.

I leaned over. “Why are you so excited?”

Toya bounced in her chair. “I know who I come from, but I have never seen her as you have, and that…” She sighed. “That was amazing. Seeing the moon goddess claim you was amazing.” She looked at the other girls. “I want that feeling for myself.”

I nodded. “This will be interesting.” I scooted closer to her and held the knife out to her. “Light your candle. Give your sacrifice.” I looked over at everyone. “When you light the herbs, I’ll grab your hand, and together we will recite the words.”

Wendy paled. “I don’t remember the words.”

I waved her off. “It’s okay. The words are easy. Ano septa clu dine.”

“Wait.” Wendy stood to grab a pen.

I laughed. “Sit down, Wendy.” She plopped back into the chair. “Listen and repeat.” I looked around, and they nodded. “Ano.”

“Anu,” Hanna called, but I shook my head.

“Ah-no.” They nodded and repeated the word. “Septa. Clu. Di-neh.” I waited for each to repeat the word until they had it. “Ano septa clu dine.” Once they were sure of their pronunciation, they settled. “Now.” I turned to Toya. “Are you ready?”

She nodded. “I am.” She grabbed the knife and pricked her finger.

“The candle.” I laughed.

“Shit.” She scrambled to get her tea light lit and placed it into the bowl. Then she had to prick herself again because her wolf had already healed the first one. “Okay.” She looked to me, and I smiled as I nodded to her finger.

“Three drops.” She nodded as she sprinkled the three drops into the bowl, then grabbed her herbs. I slid my hand into hers. “Now ignite the herbs and say the words.” I pushed power into her and watched as she twirled the bundle over the tea light. She looked at me, and together we said the words. “Ano septa clu dine.”

The smoke billowed, but Toya’s smoke was a soft grey. Sand blew in the distance as a goddess appeared. Her black hair was in braids that wrapped around her head, her skin was the dark blue-black of the night sky. Stars scattered her entire body, but it was the galaxies that twirled, the comets that shot, the nebulas that decorated her skin that caught my breath. She was beautiful. Her eyes briefly met mine, and she nodded once, acknowledging me when she didn’t have to.

“We acknowledge Selene’s most beloved creation as homage to Selene.” Her words were soft, but they vibrated the room. The goddess turned to Toya. “I, Nut, claim you.” Her eyes glowed softly as Toya connected with her goddess, and then she disappeared.

Chapter 305

“Holy shit.” Micca looked at Wendy. “Did you see her sky? That was amazing.”

Toya stayed looking in the smoke for a few more moments, and then she turned to me with tears in her eyes. “Thank you.”

I smiled and leaned in to hug her. “You are most welcome.” I pulled back from her and turned to the others. “I think today should mark a change. Once I have more time, I will dig more into each of your goddesses.”

“Why?” Wendy, ever questioning, leaned back into her chair.

“Because I feel like we have all been lacking.” I watched her face fall. “I haven’t done things either, but after tonight, we really have no excuse.”

“Lacking in what?”

“Honoring our ancestors and worshipping our goddesses.” I stood, walking around the table to Hanna. “You’re next, Hanna.”

She sighed and then nodded. “I obviously want to see Tsukiyomi. I just don’t think it’s going to make a difference.” Toya stood and moved to my old chair, giving up hers so I could sit next to Hanna.

“And it might not, but this will bring you closer to her, and hopefully, we can bring more opportunities to your family.” She looked thoughtful for a moment before she grabbed the lighter. She did the first few steps and then slid her hand into mine. I pushed power through her as she lit her herbs, and then we whispered the words together. The smoke billowed into glowing white smoke. A woman in long, flowy, ornamental robes appeared. Hanna’s brow furrowed as the goddess smiled down at her. Her long black hair was free, falling straight down her back. Her pale skin was almost glowing, and she flicked a fan open as she turned to me. She gave a deep bow before straightening back up and focusing on Hanna. “You are surprised to see me, child?” Her voice was heavily accented but soft.

Hanna froze but then nodded. “You are not Tsukiyomi,” Hanna said softly.

The goddess smiled and then leaned closer. “And you… are not from Japan.” Hanna reeled back. “I, Chang’e, claim you.”

Chapter 306