The chaos of her return to Dalition was something that Dyani would savor for some time. While Headmistress Sommers had known that she was going with Britt to gather potion ingredients and things for the Samhain ritual, the return with the marking was unfavorable to the woman. The moment that she caught sight of Dyani's face marked with the Phoenix life debts, the careful mask had slipped. Anger was very apparent, with disgust very close to the surface. The two had seen it, but the mask returned when other students joined them outside the dining hall. Britt had taken the fall and distracted the Headmistress by discussing their plan of action on selling the supplies that he had gathered. He left out the portion where they would be keeping some for their own ritual.

  Dyani dashed into the hall with her head ducked down and tried to calm her breathing. She could not hide the markings as a part of the life debt deal. Not that she wanted to do so in the first place. It was just that they were unique enough to where she would draw more attention. It must have been a curse or something. It was the only thing that could explain her going through so many different things. Was there such a curse? She would have to do some research just to check. It couldn't hurt.

  The week leading up to Samhain was full of whispers, comments, and questions. Those who had not seen her in the dining hall that night had ambushed her during classes the next day. Dyani was ready to throttle the next person who asked her about what occurred. The first few times were tolerable, but the more the questions came, the more Dyani wished that she could cover them up.

  The foci had not gone unnoticed either. Kira in particular had made a stink about her having to have a focus to be in the school. The only response Dyani had was to call her a petty, jealous child in front of those who were lingering. Walking away from that had made her feel smug in the girl's embarrassment but also horrible that she had to smack down a teenager who acted like a child. Kira had avoided her since and it was just as much of a relief as it was amusing.

  It was the morning of Samhain when Dyani woke with her magic feeling restless and agitated. More than usual at least. Rolling from her bed, it appeared that she was not the only one that was affected. Mari was pacing while trying to braid her hair. Noemi was sprawled across her bed, fast asleep and not seeming inclined to wake any time soon. It was the weekend and no one could blame her.

  "Would you teach me?"

  It wasn't the first time that Dyani had wanted to ask but it felt like today was an excellent day to distract the both of them. Mari paused and looked from the braid in her hand to her and back.

  "You sure? There's more than just braiding."

  "Can you teach me how to take care and braid properly? I'd like to be able to help you out when you need it. I only know the french braid and regular three-strand method."

  Mari brightened up and grabbed the necessary supplies and sat down on the bed with Dyani. That morning was spent going over the proper hair care as well as how to use the products before weaving the braids.

  "Thank you." Was all Mari said while Dyani carefully worked through the braid in her hand.

  "Thank you for taking the time to teach me."

  Mari smiled at her over her shoulder and they continued working with her hair until it was ready for the day. Just before they finished, Noemi sat up with a frazzled bedhead. Dyani snorted and made her way over to the bathroom where she prepared for the rest of the day. The choice of clothing was the normal uniform skirt but Dyani chose a form fitted shirt that scooped a bit lower on both her shoulders and her chest. While the runic scars were not showing, the necklace was shown off across her collarbones. It drew attention to it and at least she did it on her own terms at this point.

  Stepping from the bathroom, Noemi was half-dressed and Mari was waiting at the door.

  "I'm going to the boys to see if they are ready. Join me when you are finished?"

  Noemi grunted and Dyani hid a laugh behind her hand. Waiting for the other girl, Dyani picked up her private PMA to check the messages. One was from Britt, of course. There were a couple of others that she didn't recognize. Clicking them, Dyani grinned at the first message.

  Kieran: Yo! Dyani, this is wicked cool. It can access the internet and do everything like a normal touch phone. Except that now I have access to all this magic! Have you got the same one too? Can you access all the books that have been digitized? Could you send me some of your materials? Is that possible?

  Dyani: I can see that you got a new toy. Did dad take you to the Marketplace?

  Kieran: Oh! You're up. Good. Put my number in and send me all those books you have. I know you have them.

  Dyani: And what would you give me in return?

  Kieran: My love and forever adoration?

  Dyani rolled her eyes and huffed out a laugh at her brother. Being the youngest had him driving to many lengths to prove himself, even though the entire family agreed that he had the brains between all of them. Getting into college at fifteen would do that. Being nineteen, he was well on his way to receiving his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology. His thirst for knowledge beat out every one of them.

  Dyani: Fine. I'll send you the basic materials that some of the teachers have given me. What are you going to do with all of this?

  Kieran: Well...

  Dyani: Kieran, what have you done?

  Kieran: I spoke with the techs at the store where we got them. They were shocked to hear about some of the features that we have on our phones. I showed them and they are interested in speaking more. I don't think they know that I am not magical. I wanted to not fuck it up, you know? I can't do magic but I sure can help them come up with more tech. What do you think?

  Dyani: It's dangerous being a nonmagical in this society, Kieran. Please be careful and don't sign anything. Have Dad look it over or send it to Britt. I'm forwarding his PMA address. You use that if you need it. Promise me?

  Kieran: Fine. I will.

  Dyani: Thank you. Want me to send those books now?

  Kieran: Please? I'm bored.

  Dyani: Goddess forbid.

  Kieran: ...

  Kieran: You're really starting to take to this new world, haven't you? Goddess.. that's a new one.

  Dyani: Sorry. I'll be careful if it bothers you.

  Kieran: No! Please don't. I miss you being happy with things and really finding something that you belong to.

  Dyani: Kieran...

  Kieran: I mean it! You haven't been yourself up until you got dragged into this new world. I am happy for you and am glad that you found your place.

  Dyani: Thank you, Kieran. Really. I couldn't do it without the family supporting me too.

  Kieran: We know. We love you.

  Dyani: Love you too, asshat.

  Kieran: Bitch. Get used to it now. Dad and mom both got the phones and the laptop. I had to convince them to let me get the laptop. Ferran and Dylan only got the phones.

  There was a ping as Kieran dropped in their contact information.

  Kieran: Don't be a stranger, okay? We miss you. Send pics of things and places. And send me more books!

  Dyani: Of course!

  "Ready?"

  Dyani looked up at Noemi's interruption to see her standing there at the door. Dyani chuffed a laugh and stood up, grabbing her bag with her laptop. At least she could send the material to Kieran when she got to breakfast. There was a ding and Dyani pulled out the school PMA. It was a generic notice about the Hallowe'en feast that would be taking place that evening—mandatory attendance and the fact that they are reminded that after sundown, there will be a lockdown. Dyani winced. That screamed control and bias against those who practiced a more traditional Samhain. Even in the halls, Samhain was not uttered and they all taught according to All Hallow's Eve. It was watered down and made Dyani cringe each time she heard it referenced that way.

  The two girls made their way to the boy's dorm where Mari was lounging with them. With greeting each other, they made their way down to the hall. It was the usual morning except for the buzz of excitement over the evening. There was an undertone that Dyani felt within the magic. Very few noticed but Dyani could see that Britt responded with his own magic to the mix. It was brief but enough that some form of communication through magic was occurring. It fascinated Dyani and she wanted to learn how they were doing it.

  Breakfast was quick to pass and the group made their way to the library. Even if it was the weekend, they still had their assignments due the next week. Dyani felt the impending pressure that the winter brought. It would be the halfway mark of her being stuck within this school. She knew her time was growing short but she was determined to find a way to surge ahead. The dueling qualifiers would begin just before the winter holiday.

  Ping!

  Dyani stopped her writing to look at the PMA. The school one remained quiet most of the time. Most preferring to reach her through the newer one. This time it was not Kieran or Britt.

  Unknown Number: Be prepared for later tonight. Britt will come to get you. See you then. Delete this.

  Dyani stared at the message and then deleted it before sending a quick message to Britt.

  Dyani: Received.

  Britt: Oh good. How's studying?

  Dyani: Boring. As per usual. What're you doing?

  Britt: Prep. There's a lot that needs to be done.

  Dyani: Need any help?

  Britt: Only you.

  Dyani. Understood.

  Packing her things up went relatively fast but it was the questions that slowed her down. Explaining in quiet tones that she needed help with an assignment, Dyani made the excuses before heading off to the staff offices. It was a quiet walk, most of the students taking advantage of one of the last warm days of the year. Soon the winter snow would be upon them. The door was cracked when she got to the office. Knocking, Dyani opened it the rest of the way to see that Britt was alone. He was sitting on the floor with most of the plants and materials splayed out around him. There was a soft blanket underneath him to make sure that they were not touching the ground directly. Dyani set her bag down onto a chair and plopped down in front of him. A wave of her hand and the door snapped closed with a soft snick.

  "Are you going to teach me about these now? I'd like to know the process before I get to the ritual."

  Britt gave a low chuckle, "Of course. We were in a bit of a rush that night to properly explain."

  There were multiple plants and small pieces of silk ribbon laid out. There were a few things that she recognized, that being rosemary and bay laurel. The rosemary was still in sprig form with the bay laurel leaf wrapped delicately around it. Dyani watched as Britt gathered the two and wrapped them gently with the silk ribbon.

  "The rosemary is the main part of the ritual. It's a nonmagical plant, but the area from which we harvested all of the herbs, plants, and flowers are considered magical variants. This is due to their growth within the magical saturated area. The second plan a part of this bundle is the bay laurel. These two work in tandem with one another. These bundles will be offered in the main ceremony with smaller bundles being burned individually."

  There was a lot more than just those two and Dyani helped him to wrap up the small bundles. A shift in magic rippled from the door and Britt looked up in alarm. With a wave of his arms, things moved around. Some were hidden away and others were brought out of a basket into the middle of the room. Dyani felt her body lift up and into a corner of the room that was not visible from the door. With a finger to the lips, Britt waved his hand to the door.

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  "There you are, Britt. Where did you wander off to? I have a few buyers of the supplies. Do you have them ready?"

  Britt gave her a genial smile, "I just finished wrapping the last of them."

  "Oh, good. Come on in."

  Dyani watched as the Headmistress stepped to the side to reveal a few regal people. They wore the richest finery that she had ever seen. They had a different feel to them but it was the stiffening of Britt's shoulders that had her on edge. Dyani held her breath in the hope that she would not get caught. She trusted him and his magic but there was still the fear. It was just as confusing for her as her first time dealing with magic users. Only some of the things made sense and Britt was being treated with stiff conversation. The Headmistress was hovering near where she was standing, and Dyani shifted nervously. The woman was too much for her at times and she worried over her chaotic magic surging.

  Thankfully, that was something that did not happen and Dyani let out a breath of relief when the door snapped closed. The magic surrounding her squeezed as if it was a hug before dropping. There was a moment where they stared at each other and then Britt gave a loud laugh. They continued to laugh with each other before Dyani wheezed out a cough.

  "The amount of trouble that you attract. She was not supposed to come until a few hours later."

  Dyani sighed and flopped onto the blanket that had been draped over the small settee. "I think that I have a curse on me. Any kind of curse that makes sure that I live in interesting times? That's the only way that I can think of me being a magnet for close calls."

  "Not likely," Britt snorted. "I think that you're not only favored by the Goddess but some of the others. Particularly Luck and Fate."

  Dyani sat up in surprise, "Wait. Are there others beside the Goddess? I know that the Earth Mother is one that is referred to but I had not found any reference books about there being a pantheon."

  Britt hummed for a moment as if he were debating on telling her. When he moved from his spot to a place beside her, he waved his hand to return the materials back to where they had been when she first arrived. Laying out the sprigs of rosemary and bay laurel leaves, he got to work wrapping them with ribbon.

  "Much like what I have taught you before, this is something that you must never speak of. Only those in the magical rich areas, such as the homes of the Goddess' Blessed, can you speak about this. Much of our culture is hidden away as you've learned. There are many aspects that can be slipped up but this is one that you will be locked away for."

  Britt turned his head to give her a stare, "I'm very seriously about this, Dyani. Up until now, the subjects I've taught you flirt that border of taboo. This is a deep taboo to talk about outside of certain circles. In fact, there was a student here that did utter it. She disappeared not long after and has yet to return. I casually asked about her in some circles. The body was found mangled and tortured. When I say you do not think or speak of this, you will never bring this up again. Am I clear?"

  Dyani's breath hitched and she felt the fear of panic grip her. Her voice left her and so she could only nod in response.

  "Good." He picked up a few springs and leaves, dumping them into her lap, "Help me with this."

  Dyani's hands moved slowly but followed along with Britt's. It was quiet for some time and Dyani knew that her place in the world was being etched deeper the more she learned. Each aspect was growing more dangerous for her to speak of, even if it had just been a question. Dyani wondered how much she could learn before she would slip up without knowing. That was something that she had to be wary of. There was no sense in doing a magical oath to help keep her tongue because she could break it unknowingly. Tempting Fate with that one was not a good idea with her string of luck.

  "There are many within our Pantheon. In fact, each race has their own that they follow and that flows into a larger pantheon that most are within."

  Dyani's eyebrows furrowed, "You mean like how the Ancient Greeks were with their pantheons? Some areas followed their version of the deities and those roles they played, while others followed a different aspect?"

  "Not quite," Britt hummed. "Think of there being a main pantheon that everyone follows but there are other pantheons just a part of it yet separate."

  "So that would be like having a major religion that also has their own religion a part of it? The best that I can think of is when Christianity conquered new places and the religion merged with the religion of that region."

  "You're getting closer. Except that there is not a single all power, but instead multiple. You have many cultures that have their own deities that have become a part of the main. For example we all follow the Goddess of Magic, being her Blessed. If you were to return to my home, you would find that in addition to the Goddess, there would be other deities that belong to just the Elvish culture. Some are those that have ascended into those places and others were there much like the Goddess was there. You'll find other than the Goddess, most are referred to by their name."

  One more bundle was finished before Dyani rubbed at her temples. It was a bit more complex than she first thought. It was as if Ancient Greece had taken over and adopted all the other pantheons of that time into their system but kept them individual. When she voiced this idea, Britt gave a hesitant nod.

  "A bit closer. Forgive me, this is not my area of expertise, so I am less adept at explaining. That understanding will do for now."

  "Would I be able to know more about the different deities that each culture knows?"

  Britt's eyebrows raised before he looked at her. There was something searching in his gaze when he shook his head.

  "Not here. Wait until you are able to leave, then we can talk more. You knowing about pantheons is one thing, but to know them more intimately is a risk I don't want to take. We've been delving more and more into areas you have yet to learn quite. Let's focus on getting you up to speed with the current material. Then, I will teach you all that I can about whatever you can think of. Will that work?"

  The bundle in her hands felt as cold as she did. He had a point but it still hurt to hear.

  "Dyani," his voice was quiet. "You know that I want you to always ask questions. I would just rather them be the ones that won't get you killed for knowing."

  She sighed, "I know. It's just frustrating."

  "Believe me. I know how you feel, too."

  There was an amiable silence after that, working on the bundles. Dyani paused with the last one in her bunch before letting out a small laugh, "You never did teach me about the bundles and the ritual itself."

  "Dear Goddess, you're right. I swear, you and I get distracted with everything."

  "I can't fault you there."

  Britt picked up a bundle, "This is rosemary. Rosemary is known as the plant that guides for purification. Even more interesting is that one of it's properties is that it helps guide spirits of ancestors and others to the places that it burns. We wrap it in bay laurel because that is the plant that is known for opening communication. Burning these two establishes a connection through the Veil."

  Dyani picked up the bundle and took in a deep breath, the strong musk combined with the slight floral scent filled her senses. The bay laurel was more subtle and has a deeper tone to it. Her body relaxed with the smell and her magic soothed a bit the more she inhaled. It was cleansing her magic and her body through just the smell, though it was minute.

  "We use a few other things as a part of the ritual. For example, we burn fresh frankincense resin along with mugwort to bring a spiritual transformation and open our magical senses. This allows us to connect with the spiritual side of the Veil and see through it with ease."

  Dyani gave him a grin, "So we're getting high, is what I am hearing."

  Britt cuffed her on the back of the head. "No, but funny. We are opening our magic and our bodies to resonate on a different plane. Think of it as akin to astral projection but your body goes with you. That's the beauty of having magic, you are able to travel through different planes and realms of existence without having to leave your body. All it takes is attuning to them. For the Otherside, they are able to move as they will but the burning of the plants and resin helps ease that transition."

  "What about leaving things on the altars. You have the altars, correct?"

  "Correct. Each person will be bringing their own small altar to add to the larger. On that, you will have your own items that are needed."

  Dyani frowned but before she could ask anything, Britt interjected.

  "I've already spoken with your parents. They have little in the way of the truly needed materials, but I have some things they were able to give. I'll be picking those up tonight before coming to get you. Don't worry, I'll take care of getting your altar things this time. Next year, I hope that you will have these prepared as well."

  "Next year?" Dyani smiled slightly, "I hope I won't be here next year."

  Britt laughed, "I hope for your sake that you will not be here either."

  There was a pain in her chest at the thought of leaving and not having Britt go with her. Leaving him behind and going out into a world that was so new to her. A hand gripped hers and she looked at him.

  "You worry about things too much. It'll work out, Dyani."

  It was not what she had been thinking of but she was too embarrassed to correct him. Dyani cleared her throat, "What else is a part of the ritual?"

  "Well, you have the offerings on the main altar and then the individual. Everyone will take care of the main offerings. You're only expected to do your altar as this is your first time. Usually the main altar consists of foods, plants, and other offerings. It depends on the culture that they are coming from. Most of those who will be there tonight are a part of the Blessed cultures in some form but not entirely. Usually those that are from magical being lines, also known as half breeds."

  Britt winced. Dyani patted his hand that still held hers before he let go. There was a slight cold feeling from the lack of touch. Dyani ignored it.

  "That's not the best term but you understand what I mean. Most of the people there will be at least part human."

  The bundles of rosemary and bay laurel were set into a larger basket and set to the side. Britt picked up a batch of dark honey colored rocks and some softer material. The softer material was one that she was familiar with, it being the mugwort that they had gathered. Britt held up the rocks.

  "I had this brought to me last evening. This is frankincense resin. We will need to grind it down in these mortar and pestles before adding in the mugwort. It'll create this odd mixture that we will burn on the main altar."

  Britt's wrist twisted as he used the pestle to grind the resin into a powder. After the first small piece was done, he handed a second mortar to her and some small pieces. They worked in tandem while Britt continued teaching her about the ritual that was later in the evening.

  "We will have to leave just after dusk. You will be taken to a friend of mine who will take over the first part of the pre-ritual ceremony."

  Dyani paused in grinding to look at him, "I didn't know there was a pre-ritual aspect. Why didn't you say anything?"

  "There's a lot to this. I'm guiding you as we go. This is one of the larger rituals that take place during the year so we didn't have much time to teach you in advance."

  Britt pulled out a few more pieces of resin and dropped them into the mortar after dumping out the powder into a smaller box. He continued grinding.

  "Males and females are sectioned off, though we do have a third option for those who are neither. Each section goes to a ritual bathing area where you will be in a communal bathing house that has potions and cleansers. Cypress is used in the water to cleanse and prepare while sandalwood is burned to help purify. This bathing ritual will help cleanse your body and your soul of impurities. Your glamour will be taken down before you attend. Most foci will be removed but remind whoever is helping you that you are under a Life Debt and cannot remove yours out of honor. They will work around it."

  "That's all? A bath?"

  Britt chuckled, "No. You will also be drinking a tea mixture that is traditional. It's chervil, thyme, and mugwort."

  "Chervil? Isn't that parsley?"

  "It is of the same family. I need to get you into the potions aspect of your learning.

  "Not my fault," Dyani protested. "You decided that it was not as needed as the other main areas."

  "I know. We had to pick and choose and the main classes you are in now are important to helping you with control and navigating our society. Well—" Britt paused. "It'll help navigating human magical society. Not the Blessed."

  Dyani huffed and then let out a groan at the thought, "You realize that it's not one but three cultures that I am being jerked around between?"

  "I realize this. I apologize, Dyani. I truly am sorry that you are not given time to adjust before everything is dumped onto you."

  The woman shrugged and leaned back, taking a small break from grinding.

  "You're not the one at fault, you're just mitigating as much as possible."

  "That does not make me feel much better?"

  Dyani smirked and leaned closer to Britt, "And what would make you feel better?"

  Britt's hand slipped and the pestle cracked against the marble of the mortar. His face morphed into one of surprise and shock.

  "Dammit, Dyani. You have to stop doing that to me."

  She smirked and made a mental tally in her favor. At least it had gotten him out of the saddened funk he was diving into. Picking up the pestle, she finished off the grinding of the resin. It was dumped into the box with the rest of the powder.

  "We have gotten off topic. What is the tea for?"

  "Chervil is a type of parsley. You are not wrong, but it is related rather than a variety. This particular plant when used within teas or a drink is best for communication with the dead. The same goes for both mugwort and thyme. Each adding their own properties to the tea, thyme is also a purifier and will help flush toxins from your body. This includes those who are under the influence of potions. This time of the year is one of the best times to rid your body of potions or learning that you have been."

  "That's terrifying."

  "It's an unfortunate but good thing at least. Purification is a very important part of rituals, as it means that your body is cleansed and prepared for the magics that you will be undertaking or channeling. This tea will help you with communication and cleansing the inside of your body while the bath will help with the outer part."

  "What about those marigolds we picked?"

  Britt smiled at her, "Marigolds are the flower of the dead. I'm sure that you are familiar with Dia de Los Muertos? They use them to guide their ancestors to the altars and the homes. We use them in the same manner, except the flowers are spread around the outside of the ritual site."

  Dyani's eyes lit up at the mention of the lovely Mexican holiday, "Was this something that was borrowed from that celebration?"

  Britt shook his head, "Back when there was no separation between the magical and nonmagical, this was a part of both the rituals. It's one of the shared aspects that have remained. We keep the tradition to honor the times when there was no division between our culture and the nonmagical."

  There was silence for some time while they finished up the preparation. Dyani did not know what else to ask about or if it was appropriate to continue talking about certain topics. On the occasion her phone would ding with a message but she ignored it in favor of keeping their companionable presence. It was rudely interrupted with the ringing of a bell that signaled that it was just past midday.

  "We should stop. I have a few places that I have to go to gather things. You should be seen with your friends for a while to throw off suspicion."

  She wanted to go with him, to get away from the stifling school but her absence with his would be noted if it continued. Dyani sighed and gathered her bag, taking out her PMA to check the missed messages. Most were from the group, though her mother had sent a small message.

  Mother: Love you, sweetie. Britt told us about tonight and I cannot wait to hear what you experience. You'll tell me about it, right?

  Dyani: Of course I will. Love you too, Ma.

  She scrolled through the rest of the messages to find that it was Kavan's she needed to address first.

  Kavan: You need to get together with us for lunch. The lack of you is being noticed.

  Dyani: I'm on my way. Thanks.

  Kavan; Good. I would hate to have tracked your ass down.

  Dyani: That would have been too easy.

  Kavan: I know and I would have been mad that it wouldn't have been a challenge.

  Dyani: Oh go off. I'll be there in a bit.

  Kavan: You better.

  She shook her head and turned to Britt

  "I'm going to head to lunch to meet the others. Anything else that you need?"

  Britt waved her off, "Go join them and show your pretty face. Don't want the Headmistress getting cranky."

  Dyani just rolled her eyes and blushed at the compliment before she felt Britt's magic pushing her through the door. The hallway was clear but she could hear that there were a bunch of students moving through the hallways a little bit down the way. Shouldering her bag a bit higher, Dyani took off with the hope that she could meld right into the crowd. It would be easier to write off her studying in her room or outside if she joined those students as they came inside.