Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Vasilisa took her time cleansing the cards, determined to give Benedek as good of a reading as possible. Benedek was a big man, larger even than any of the other ancients. He was intimidating just being outdoors. Inside, up close, Benedek was the one ancient she was fascinated by. He had thick black hair streaked with silver. Afanasiv had told her at one time the hair was to his ankles, but he had cut it to his waist and wore it pulled back at the nape of his neck with a leather cord. His eyes were mesmerizing, a midnight black, so at times, there was a dark blue shimmering behind that black. His shoulders were wide, and where some Carpathians appeared sinewy but lithe, his muscles were very defined.
Afanasiv had told her Benedek was a fierce fighter yet an incredible artist. He had a very dark aura. Petru and Benedek often stayed together to ensure the other didn’t succumb to the demon in a weak moment. She couldn’t imagine either man having a weak moment, but Afanasiv said it was easy enough to happen, so she wanted to give him hope.
He took the cards, and instantly there was a struggle for power. An eruption of fire, the flames burning out from his palms. Almost immediately, the flames took on various hues. An explosion of colors burst from the fire and then quickly died down. Through it all, Benedek never changed expression or stopped shuffling the cards. When the cards had grown silent, he split the deck and set one half aside before choosing his cards.
“Knight of pentacles, this card represents bravery.” She shot him a smile, knowing he wouldn’t even consider himself brave. “It also means putting someone else’s interest before your own. The moon. There is a warning here. Something is hidden and you need to pay attention, look deeper. Not all are being truthful. There could be deceit involved.”
Vasilisa didn’t stumble over the reading. To her, the warning was clear. Benedek didn’t change expressions, so she went on. “The three of pentacles. You must be able to rely on others. You will succeed with the support of allies. The lovers. At the heart of the matter, there is an intimate connection with another who will have a significant impact on your life. Four of swords. Needing to figure things out. Going to a mental space of neutral observation to get clarity. Chariot. This is action, moving forward, travel.” Vasilisa looked up at him. He didn’t so much as blink, but then she wasn’t certain he ever did.
Benedek rose and gave her a small courtly bow. “Thank you, Vasilisa. I, too, regard you as a little sister.”
That admission had tears burning behind her eyes. To cover her emotions, she stood up and stretched before, once again, cleansing the cards. Each reading had to be true. She glanced at Afanasiv, who sat in the shadows, but she could feel his eyes on her. I love you. She needed to tell him. Reading for the ancients was stressful, but somehow, he managed to make her feel she wasn’t alone, and she could lean on him any time she needed to.
I love you, Vasilisa. What you are doing for my family is a gift. Thank you.
Emboldened by her lifemate, Vasilisa faced Nicu. He was different. A little wild, but like the wolves and other untamed large predators, he was also unbelievably gentle. There were shadows surrounding him, and her heart went out to him. When he took the cards and began to shuffle, animals burst out, raptors flew at him. He didn’t flinch away but kept shuffling, his soft voice mesmerizing as he calmed his ferocious adversaries. He chose his cards and laid them out as she directed, then sat back, looking at her with his calm gaze.
“The tower. This is a warning. Danger. Potential for destruction. Endings to lead to new beginnings. Judgment. Being careful not to judge others or jump to conclusions about them. Also, this is about learning to trust yourself and your own instincts. In other words, you can trust yourself and others, and you must do so. The fool. If you’re not careful and don’t proceed with caution, you could stumble and fall. Don’t lose sight of your priorities. Nine of swords.” Vasilisa lifted her gaze to Nicu’s. “Worrying and fretting about something. Guilt. Is there something in your past you need to resolve that keeps you from trusting anyone?”
Nicu didn’t so much as flinch. She continued. “Page of cups. This is not surprising. This signals a being connected to animals. Usually starts from a young age, in childhood. Pay attention to the signs from the animal kingdom. Queen of cups. A romantic partner. A woman who is loving, nurturing and supportive. This is very positive.”
Vasilisa sat back in her chair, suddenly feeling exhausted. Nicu rose and, like the others, bowed to her. “Little sister, I cannot thank you enough. Hope can sustain one for centuries.”