Malin – Meant to Be #6
Malin poured the contents into her palm.
A flat grey stone tumbled out, cool against her skin, about the size of a thumbprint.
The Ancient rune looked jagged and flowed like frozen lightning.
They were etched deep on both sides, and their edges were smooth.
The stone hung from a thick silver chain that gleamed in the sun, pouring through the window.
When the pendant settled against her chest, its solid weight immediately surprised her.
A sudden pulse of energy surged from the stone, radiating straight from her chest to her fingertips.
A soft glow emanated from the stone. Instantly, the steady hum of the ancient language of magic that had lived within her for weeks cut off.
Silence crashed over her like a suffocating wave, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
She had grown so accustomed to their constant presence, like a soft hum woven directly into her every breath.
The absolute emptiness left her hollow inside.
Instinctively, she ripped the amulet away. “It won’t hurt my magic, will it?”
The instant the stone lifted from her skin, the familiar hum flooded back with a gentle wave, but the feeling was unmistakable.
In the same way she could feel Will’s emotions, it felt as though she could feel the emotions of the magic within her.
It seemed to ripple with something like contentment, as if pleased she had been concerned about its absence.
She had.
The powers have made her into so much more than she could have hoped for. She couldn’t and wouldn’t risk them.
“Lambs no. Your magic returns the moment it’s removed. It merely puts the magic to sleep when it hears the pulse. The energy in the stone only works for so long. Much depends on the strength of the magic. This one was nearly new when I took it off.”
Malin blinked in disbelief. “That’s incredible. Why would Media inject deadly technology if something like this works?”
Bratha’s smile turned wry. “The stones are scarce, and they only work if they are touching the skin. Even then, it only puts the magic to sleep, not hurts it. You will need to ensure that it is secured on you at night. Each person is different. We don’t know how long they’ll last. It might last weeks or months.
I wouldn’t be able to find another, but I hope it will last you through your pregnancy. ”
Hot tears pricked Malin’s eyes. She clasped Bratha’s hand so fiercely that the other woman nervously fidgeted under the grip.
“I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” Malin whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
“I was terrified I’d have to isolate myself from my children during the pregnancy.
Will and Aeladar simply couldn’t be there to suppress my magic every second of the day.
I didn’t know how I’d get through it. This…
this gives me hope. Can the magic be refilled? ”
“Gracious. I don’t know if anyone has tried. You would have to find someone who makes them to know for sure,” her aunt said.
Tears spilled freely down her cheeks. Bratha hadn’t just given her an amulet; she had given Malin her family back.
She’ll need to find more stones, but she wouldn’t have to fear hurting anyone else. Since her wild magic was only an issue at night or under high stress, she would wait to use it only when needed.
Bratha squeezed her hand. “You are more than welcome. It is the least I could do. You said “children”? I thought it was only Ellie.”
The bell above the door chimed as several women in embroidered woolen dresses entered the shop. Malin stood, her wooden chair scraping the floor. “I should go check on Jacien,” she said, gathering her bag.
Bratha’s eyes crinkled. She leaned forward, her silver bracelets clinking against the worn oak table.
“Before you rush off, perhaps you should meet my husband. He might have some answers for you.” She patted Malin’s hand.
“You are welcome to stay with us tonight. Our cottage is not grand, and we only have the one spare bedroom.” She paused, arching an eyebrow.
“Though I am not sure what arrangements you would prefer for your... friend.” Bratha’s lips pursed into a knowing half-smile.
A flush of heat warmed Malin’s cheeks. “I will discuss it with Jacien. He can take the couch, if you do not mind, or find a room at the inn.”
Satisfied, Bratha padded over to greet the new arrivals, escorting them to a corner table.
Malin slipped out the door and headed for the tavern. The cool evening air felt incredibly refreshing. She played the events of the day over in her mind, marveling at her luck. She had found blood family, secured an amulet to bind her magic, and gained a real chance at saving her mother.
A bright, unfamiliar elation bloomed in her chest. She wanted to hold onto this feeling forever.
Yet, beneath the overwhelming happiness, a tiny, quiet fear fluttered in her stomach.
It all felt like a beautiful dream.
She was terrified to find she had simply hoped for too much.