in, I poured in the cinnamon oil. The air was immediately filled with the scent of cinnamon and I sighed. I loved that smell.
I grabbed the lighter and took a deep breath. To open a circle in black magic I had to go counterclockwise from the west, so I started with the blue candle. As I brought the flame to the wick I chanted, “I call on water, dark and deadly. Enrich my soul with waves so mighty that it blinds mine enemies.”
Cold energy rolled over my fingers like a river passing over.
I moved to light the red candle in the south. “I call on fire, great and wrathful. Forge my mind, like iron as a weapon against those who would harm me.”
The ground warmed under me like it’d been baking in the summer sun.
Next was the yellow candle on the east. “I call on air, fierce and lashing. Fortify my body with the strength of 1,000 gales.”
Cool air rustled through my hair, making it fly all around me.
“I call on Earth, mighty and enduring.” The wooden floor vibrated, making the flames dance. “Harden my heart, like the shores that break even the mightiest of waves.”
Lastly, I moved to the black candle in the middle. “I call on shadow and darkness, still and menacing, envelope me in the darkest of nights, shield me from prying eyes that wish to hinder my journey.”
I lowered the lighter to the wick and a bright orange flame shot up.
The air crackled and pulsed. The ground rumbled.
Black flames erupted from within the black salt border, enclosing me in a ring of black fire.
I grinned. This meant I’d been deemed worthy to cast this spell.
Hang on, Safferella. I’m coming.
The last step before reciting the spell…lighting the cauldron. I lowered my lighter into the cauldron and waited for a flame to catch. White light flashed so I yanked my hand back. Small blue flames danced within the black cauldron. I leaned forward and sucked in a deep breath. That cinnamon scent was much, much stronger now.
Okay, spell time.
I licked my lips and took a deep breath.
“Ancient silver mirror I call to thee, hear my cry, show me who I wish to see,” I said softly then dipped my fingers into the cauldron. The blue flames swayed out of my way. The herb-filled oil was warm to the touch but it didn’t hurt. That was the benefit of the sacrificial henbane crown, it provided me with protection. “Lost and wandering, hidden from my eyes, I ask of your reflection to bind the ancient ties.”
The moon water in my moonstone bowl shimmered like golden glitter and then Saffie’s face appeared on the surface. Her lavender eyes were wide and her lips parted. Gold lines streaked across her face.
I pulled my hands out of the oil then with my still wet finger, I drew two dots about an inch apart on the palm of my left hand to represent me and Saffie. Between the dots I drew a circle for the moon. Then I drew a straight vertical line down the middle representing the space separating us. Lastly, I drew an X in the middle of the circle and through the line as a symbol of the spell reaching across the line of separation to bind us.
“My sacrifice is willing, knowing of the price. I accept the terms, trials and strife.”
Next I drew this same rune over my heart.
“I offer my soul for binding, come what may.”
I picked up my onyx athame and sliced along the vertical line on my palm. Dark red blood bubbled to the surface. I held my hand over the moon water, letting my blood drip inside and mix.
“To be released only when the moon rises on the Morrow of founders day.”
The black flames on my black salt circle immediately began to dance and sway. For a moment, I just sat there watching the way they moved like shadows in the wind. But it was time to try and find Saffie, which meant I had to close the circle. This was one of my favorite parts because I got to use the blood dripping from my hand to put out the flames. It was gory and I was here for it.
“Shadow and Darkness, I release you now to heed my call until the Morrow of founders day.” I held my bleeding hand over the black candle in the center and let the drops of blood extinguish the flame.