Eliana POV
In the sanctuary there was a faint fragrance of lavender and burnt sage. It was to reassure the senses, to cool down your heart, to- quiet the panic thought. I had been used to fearing the high arches and the carvings of stone on top of great domes--now they were no longer so.
I was sitting cross-legged with my palms on my knees and with my eyes closed in the middle of the ceremonial ring. Softly ever was the ripple of the water-basin on the farther side, and the throb of simple sancuary-stones under my feet.
Nothing could stop the beating of my heart.
You’re just still unfolding, Astrid had said. I clung to her words like a raft in a storm. She didn’t understand how badly I wanted to believe them. How terrified I was that I might unfold into something I didn’t recognize.
O
