The Voice of the Dead

Withered flowers

Lea POV

I heard a small commotion behind the doors. After a few seconds of anticipation, doors opened.

When I realized who was looking at me, I gasped.

“What?” The young witch asked, her eyes squinted at me with slight disgust.

“A witch.” I mumbled, completely taken aback.

“What sunshine, you want a medal for recognizing someone other than your kind?” She scoffed and tried to close the doors.

*Stubborn girl.* I heard a sigh.

The spirit's voice woke me up from my shock. Oh no, my own prejudice won't stop me from helping her.

I think.

I never met a witch before, I only heard about them. My parents were adamant about shielding me from them.

I put my feet between the door and frame.

“No! Wait, I'm sorry. I was just surprised. I really need to talk to you.”

“What about? I don't think we have anything in common, sorceress.”

*I tried to raise you away from the hate we felt towards them, Elaina. I failed even in that.* The woman's voice said and I could feel the immense sadness this spirit held in her.

I sighed, so it's her mom.

“Please, I won't take much of your time, but there is something you have to know.” I pleaded, looking at the young witch deep into her black eyes.

“Fine, come in. But don't try anything funny,” Elaina sighed and rolled her eyes, stepping inside to let me in.

As I walked inside I immediately spotted the spirit. A middle- aged woman sat in the large chair next to bed. Elaina's clothes were scattered all over the room. I looked around, trying not to let the spirit know that I could see her.

“My name is Lea.” I smiled warmly at the young witch, she rolled her eyes and sat on the bed.

“And?” Elaina took off her shoes, not even glancing back at me.

I sighed again. This one is going to be tough.

“You know, it's polite to introduce yourself back.” I smiled, standing next to the chair where her mother sat. Still trying not to let her know that I see her.

“It is not polite to come to people's rooms uninvited in the middle of the night.” Elaina said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

“Yes, about that. I'm sorry. Trust me, I'm really tired. I was driving the whole day and I can see you are tired as well and it's complicated but I had to come now. I couldn't risk that you disappear in the morning. I have a feeling I would sleep in.” I said really fast, shaking my hands in front of me.

Elaina looked at me, unamused.

“What can be so important for a bright and righteous sorceress to spoil her eyes with the sight of a filthy witch?” She scoffed, getting up.

“I have a feeling you don't like my kind too much.” I fidgeted my fingers nervously.

*Oh Elaina, it's not all of them.* The spirit sighed, wiping her non material tears. *They believe we all are bad, but we aren't. And our kind is told that the sorcerers are the reason for how we are seen now. That is not true either. I just hoped you would understand, but that boy…, he destroyed everything I taught you.*

“Like? You're right, I don't like your kind, just like you don't like us.” The young witch looked me straight in the eyes, her gaze determined. But I also saw something else, pain.

“I agree that the mutual hatred is too much. From a young age we, in the covens, are taught that you are basically pure evil, I'm sure the same thing happens in witch covens.”

“You think?” She scoffed, not breaking eye contact with me. The spirit cried a little louder.

The pain of the soul engulfed me, choking me a little. I almost lost my balance and had to grab the windowsill, putting my other hand on my chest.

Gods, those emotions are intense.

“Hey, are you okay? Don't die here and blame it on me.” Elaina came closer, under her rough facade I could sense real worry.

I smiled, trying to regain my posture. The spirit stood from the chair, also worried.

*Oh my, I hope you are okay.*

“I'm fine, still learning how to fully mute the feelings.” I stood up and looked straight at the spirit. She covered her mouth with her hand, crying a little louder.

“Eh?” Elaina followed my gaze, confused.

“But there was someone who tried to teach you that we are not all bad, right? That the differences between sorcerers and witches are not that deep, that there is a chance for us all to live in peace. Right, Elaina?” I smiled looking this young witch straight in the eyes.

“What? How do you know my name?” She took a few steps back. Afraid. “Did he… did Martin send you here?”

*No, sweetheart! Please just listen!* Her mom wailed, taking a few steps towards her daughter. *She's scared, she's been through a lot, please…*

“It's okay.” I smiled towards her mom and turned back to Elaina. “I don't know any Martin, no one sent me. I came to talk to you because of your mother.”

Elaina's eyes got big and teary. Her arms slumped and she lowered her gaze, turning around.

“Impossible. My mom is dead. For years now.”

“I know.” I smiled softly towards her mom.

*Tell her: The withered flower is a reminder of how beautiful things can die if neglected. She'll believe.* The soul smiled and came closer to her daughter.

“Your mom was very smart.”

“Right. You wouldn't know.” Elaina scoffed, still facing away from me.

“The withered flower is a reminder of how beautiful things can die if neglected.” I said softly, almost whispering.

The witch turned abruptly to face me. Her eyes huge.

“H…how?”

“I'm a soul speaker, Elaina. I'm here because while in my room I could feel your mother's soul. I followed her aura and found you. I'm here to help.”

“My mom? She is here? But…” Elaina looked around, tears streaming down her face. “ But she died a year ago, she should be in the Underworld. Also, I thought that soul speakers are only a legend?”

I came closer to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the bed. As we sat down, I caressed her hand in my palm. Her mother's souls sat on her other side.

*I couldn't leave her, I wanted to see my baby getting her mate. I thought this person would support her, help her overcome her grief, but…* She sighed, shaking her head. *I never expected that she would experience someone so… bad.*

“Soul speakers are very rare. One of us is born every couple hundred years. Persephone decided to grace people with her messenger rarely. Her goal was to make sure our kind is celebrated and respected. As my history shows, that's not always the case.” I sighed.

“What do you mean?”

“Not important now, maybe I'll tell you later. Your mom stayed behind to make sure you'll find your mate, so you wouldn't have to be alone in your grief.”

“Well, she was wrong. I didn't get any help. Mates… What a joke.” Elaina laughed bitterly.

I winced, I don't like to hear bad things being said about mates.

I'm sorry grandma, I'll make sure to change her mind.