Mnou was whizzing from place to place. Before she could register where she was, she was already gone. It wasn't a direct flight—it felt like some force was tearing her apart in every direction. Sometimes it truly seemed like she was going to shatter into pieces. She used all her strength just to slow down even a little.
For a few moments, she found herself in front of a funnel-shaped object, into which all the colours of the rainbow lazily seeped—and even some she'd never seen before. A jolt—and the scenery changed. Suddenly, she was in the middle of something like a spiral forest. Shoots and trunks twisted and coiled. Everything was in black and white. Then she was completely submerged in something one could only call a fluid. It filled her to the brim. It had an amber hue. Then something flickered before the witch. A shadow began circling her. Panic started to rise in her chest, but before she could collect herself, she was already atop a mountain. From the sky and the depths below, tiny flecks like ash were falling. They collided and bounced off each other but continued on their journey until they reached the black clouds.
One landscape followed another, each more bizarre and incomprehensible than the last. Mnou realized her course was slipping from her control again. She felt like she was going mad. She could barely recall her own name—why or where she even was. Perhaps she really would have been lost forever in that current, had she not heard the voice again.
Stop!
It was said so sharply that the witch flinched. That one word resonated within her, and she couldn't disobey. She stopped. She stood on an endlessly stretching surface, resembling a still ocean. The skies were veiled in strange gigantic canopies that shimmered like silk. Maybe she only imagined it, but it seemed to her that tiny many-legged creatures ran across that thin grey fabric, weaving. The drapes were pinned at a single point and gracefully arched outward from there. From the heavens hung something like a black rope with three knots, lazily swaying side to side like a pendulum.
She stared at it all, dumbfounded. The place evoked immense awe. She suddenly wondered how deep she had actually gone. Her chaotic flight began to return to her in fragments. She had completely lost track of how far she'd travelled. A hum started in her head, escalating like an approaching hurricane. There was so much around her—so many sensations. They were pressing in from all sides. That's it. My senses have sharpened unimaginably, she realized amid the chaos in her mind.
Mnou! I almost lost you.
The witch had to look around, as the voice echoed only in her head. At first, she couldn't detect any visual presence of her mother's soul. It felt like she was just as alone as moments ago. Then she caught a flicker in the corner of her eye. She had to focus hard to notice a shimmering grey mist hovering a few steps away.
M... mom? She stepped closer.
Something… is wrong. The words only flashed through her head before vanishing. She barely registered them. Suddenly, her vision blurred. She looked at her astral body and was horrified to see her silhouette thinning.
Oh no, she whispered. We've gone too deep. We're starting to merge with the astral world. We must… we have to get out of here, quickly! Her head was still pounding with a torrent of sensations.
Mnou… I can't leave this place anymore.
It felt like someone had kicked her in the gut. W-what are you saying? Come on, we have to go! There's no time!
No, I can't. We're too deep.
Enough! Stop it and just come with me! I know that—
No. I'm sorry. Her words rustled like a gentle breeze.
Don't do this to me, mom, please. Please tell me I haven't failed you again. Tell me I won't regret this decision for the rest of my life.
The wisp timidly drifted toward her. This close, it even vaguely resembled a human silhouette.
Mnou, you have nothing to regret. You haven't failed me. Quite the opposite. You don't even know how happy I am to have a daughter like you. I even cheated death for many years just to see you again, and I couldn't be more grateful. But now… now it's time to let me go, don't you think?
Mnou jumped into the shimmering mist, trying to grasp it. She desperately tried to hug her mother one last time and see her face. Neither succeeded.
Mom, I want us to stay together. All these years, the only thing I could do was curl up beside my staff at night and… I knew you were there. That was enough. I felt the warmth radiating from it. It was like I was blind, and you were guiding me. Without you, I'd have fallen into the abyss long ago. I don't want to let you go. I don't. Please!
Mnou, I'm happy I could hold your hand and guide you on your path but… you don't need that anymore. And deep down, you know it. Because you're not blind anymore. Maybe you still squint sometimes, but you're not blind. And even if you stumble again, you have friends who will catch you. And they're waiting for you.
The witch dropped to her knees, mist still buzzing around her head. She wanted to cry but couldn't shed a single tear. She stayed there a while, watching the celestial pendulum sway above her.
Alright, she whispered and rose to her feet. You're right. You're always right. If I'd listened to your advice more, maybe we'd still be living together in Virsel.
And you'd never have met Esme. Is that what you'd want?
Mnou had to smile bitterly. See, you're right again.
Sweetheart, there's no point in grieving over what could have been. All we can do is be thankful for what life gave us—however little that may be. It's time for you to move forward. Her mother's voice was soothing and gentle, like she was speaking to a small child, not a grown woman. But Mnou truly felt like a helpless child. At that moment, she realized—she had to grow up now. Now she had to care for those who relied on her. She straightened with resolve and finally emerged from the mist that had encircled her all that time.
So… I have to go now. As the witch said those words, she felt incredibly foolish. It sounded like a dull farewell to friends she'd see again tomorrow. But this was goodbye.
Go, child. Gismonda's voice was brave, but behind that fragile facade, it trembled with sorrow. It stabbed at Mnou's heart, but she had no other choice but to step forward. If she didn't, she'd likely never find the strength to leave and would remain trapped in that strange limbo forever.
She calmed her storming mind and began weaving her way through the jungle of astral threads and lines. Despite her heightened perception, it was somehow easier to navigate than before. It felt like a new eye had opened at the top of her head. She no longer looked just forward—she could see in all directions at once, and even beyond. It was an almost ecstatic feeling. Then she felt it. She brushed against some celestial string, and it resonated in her mind. She had found him. His presence was within reach.
It's Azra. I've found him! she said, still in a deep state of concentration. Mom, I found him. I found Azra!
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, like a distant echo, came: I believe you'll live many happy years with him and Esme.I mean it with all my heart. Go to him, go child. This is farewell, but… I want you to know I love you more than anything in the world.
Her final words dissolved into the void, leaving nothing behind. Only a fleeting memory in Mnou's mind—and even that already felt like a dream.
Goodbye, mom.I love you. The girl spoke the words only to herself. There, in the depths of the astral world, there was no one left to hear them. She lingered just a moment longer. But as the silence grew unbearable, she finally let go and shot upward—back toward the world of the living.
Ethereal currents pushed her forward relentlessly. It felt like the descent—but this time, navigation became easier with each passing moment. It was like emerging from a dense forest. She was slowly growing accustomed to it. She could shift directions and currents smoothly now. Still, from time to time, she had to stop to recalibrate. At each stop, strange new visions would appear, so she fled them as quickly as she could.
Luckily, she recognized the exact moment she needed to break free of the current. Suddenly, she was hovering just above a narrow bridge stretching into infinity. All around her was emptiness. Despite everything she'd seen in the astral world so far, the sight still chilled her. But there was no time to dwell on it.
Azra! she sent the thought into the void, looking in every direction. At first, it seemed like there was only the void and the fragile-looking bridge, as if it could crumble to dust at any second—though such a thing was impossible in this dimension. Then, in the corner of her eye, she noticed a faint light on the bridge in the distance. She headed toward it. Even though she could have hovered above the abyss, she preferred walking on the bridge—it felt like a solid object. Just an illusion in her mind, but as long as it felt real enough, she clung to it.
She sped up when she recognized a human silhouette in the glowing patch. She called again: Azra! But there was no response. Still, she knew it had to be him. His aura gave him away.
The boy's soul stood leaning over the abyss. His features were sharp enough for Mnou to recognize his gentle face and messy hair. But his expression was vacant, hollow, staring into the endless chasm beneath him.
Azra! the witch cried out a third time. Still nothing. I came for you! I'm here, please, answer me!
Her only response was the unnatural silence that pervaded the astral dimension.
Azra, do you hear me? Do you remember me? It's me—Mnou. Your master. Don't you… don't you hear me?! Panic set in. It never occurred to her that after everything she'd done to save him, she might stop at the final step. At the finish line. After all I've sacrificed. I can't let my mother's sacrifice be in vain.
Suddenly, she sensed someone else nearby. She turned in alarm, ready for the worst. She expected the headless, naked figure that chilled her to the bone. A blurred soul silhouette was indeed floating nearby—but it wasn't the one she'd feared. At first, she couldn't believe her eyes—but it was true.
I finally found you, came a jubilant voice in her head that warmed her soul.
Ruth!
I thought I'd never find you! You scared me so much when you vanished like that, Ruth lamented, but Mnou knew she was bursting with joy. She wanted to explain everything quickly, but her friend beat her to it.
Azra's here, isn't he?! I couldn't find him myself, but the closer I got to you, the more I felt his aura. Where is he?
The witch floated aside to give Ruth a clear view of her son. He still stood there, unmoving. He didn't respond to his mother's call either.
What… what happened to him?
I don't know, Mnou admitted grimly. Maybe he's too tied to the astral world now. Maybe he doesn't want to return anymore.
Silence settled over them like grief. Mnou felt utterly powerless and useless. Then Ruth silently floated past her and stopped beside Azra. She embraced him with her misty arms. It wasn't a real hug. He couldn't feel it. It meant nothing. And yet… the gesture radiated strength—and love. Ruth began to whisper something. Gentle, beautiful words only a mother could say. Words of motherly love. The world's greatest poets could try for centuries to replicate them—but they never would.
Mom? came a dreamy murmur.
I'm here. Don't be afraid. I'm here, and I'll never leave you again.
You came for me, he said, surprisingly calm. His words were filled with soothing warmth. The boy turned away from the chasm's darkness and returned the embrace—even if only in spirit.
Azra, I'm so sorry for everything that happened. It hurts so much that I left you alone. It's not fair, it really isn't. I would do anything to be able to stay with you. I want to see you grow up and become a man. You'll surely be tall like your father. And then… find love and start your own family. I'd love to hold your children in my arms. There's so much I want.
Mum… but we will be together, won't we? We'll always be together, like you promised me.
"I… I…" Ruth gave a sad little laugh, "… yes, we'll always be together now."
Mnou looked at them and felt like an intruder, seeing and hearing something she shouldn't. It wasn't just that she felt out of place – she truly didn't want to hear it. She had the overwhelming urge to run away, because… because it hurt so terribly much.
The journey to the first layer went without trouble. Navigation in such shallow levels was simple, so it didn't take long before they were standing at the foot of the blurred peaks of the Kalkha Mountains. They only had to reach the rift now. Mnou was on edge, desperately trying to convince herself that everything would go smoothly from here. Just a few more moments separated them from their goal. But something told her she was wrong. Her intuition, unfortunately, did not fail her.
After carefully weaving through gorges and ravines, they finally reached a summit that overlooked a small hollow. From even a distance, the rift glimmered in rainbow colours. In the greyish light, it shone like gems under the summer sun. The glitter was occasionally dimmed by the shadows of souls still drifting nearby or sitting atop the hill.
Cautiously, they started moving again. There was no other option.
Mnou's mind was overwhelmed by the ceaseless hum of the souls. They were like persistent mosquitoes. But that wasn't what unsettled her. The real problem was that she couldn't sense her. That could mean one of three things. Either she was already freely roaming the world in Mnou's body, or she had given up and retreated into the depths of the astral realm, or she was lying in wait. Stalking them like a devious predator. The worst part was, Mnou had no idea what she would do even if she did know the being was there. Attacking or defending in this dimension was barely possible. Her train of thought was suddenly cut off by cold, quiet words, sharp as razors.
So, you've finally arrived. My little adventurers.
She hadn't even needed to ambush them. Or perhaps she hadn't bothered trying. Her graceful, naked body appeared to be lounging casually across the rift itself. One slender leg was thrown lazily over the other. Her hands rested in her lap, her head still shrouded in mist.
Mnou instinctively leapt protectively in front of Ruth and Azra, though she was terrified. At the same time, a strange calm came over her. It was better to have the enemy in plain sight—and more importantly, she was relieved that her body hadn't been possessed. That meant Esme must be safe too. The thought gave her courage.
The fact that you're here means you failed, doesn't it? the witch tried to sound as brave as she could. Otherwise, you'd be long gone.
A venomous hiss echoed in Mnou's mind. Your apprentice is stronger than I expected, I'll admit. She has earned my respect. But that changes nothing. You will be mine, witch.
Why hasn't she pulled us back into her realm? thought suddenly shot through Mnou's head. She had done it easily before—so why hesitate now? Maybe the journey to the material world had drained her. Clinging to that hope, Mnou blurted out without thinking:
And how do you plan to do that? You look rather tired. Are you sure you can even hold us here?
In a fraction of a second, the woman was standing right in front of her. Her index finger almost touching Mnou's skin. When Mnou tried to move, she realized she was like a fly trapped in honey. An immense weight fell upon the body she no longer possessed. Her two companions froze in place as well.
Don't provoke me, witch. Her voice was icy and threatening. The crushing weight lifted after a moment. I will have your body. That, I swear.
Mnou slowly began to understand that if she wanted to get out of this, she'd have to start thinking differently.
Why… why are you doing this? she asked suddenly.
What kind of foolish question is that? I thought you were smarter than this… Mnou!
I understand in theory, but… it still doesn't quite make sense. What you're trying to do is… human. A human need to be recognized, not to be alone.
For a long time, Mnou stared into the mist flowing around the divine face that remained silent. Then, finally, the voice returned.
You probably expect me to say something like – how could a mortal ever understand a deity? But the truth is, you humans understand us far too well. Tell me, witch, what else are gods but powerful…
…humans, Ruth whispered. Quiet and afraid, yet in that word was a strange strength.
Yes, exactly. The human mind is incapable of imagining anything beyond itself. Powerful, but not omnipotent. We can never transcend what you see in us. And you… you can't see in us anything more than glorified wretchedness, the kind you turn to for comfort like a child to its mother. You never realize what you truly want or believe.
A deep shame bloomed in Mnou's heart. Not for herself, but for herself as a human. She realized that humans will always cause others pain. It's an inevitable fact. They never learn, never change—it's like a curse, a stain that can never be washed away. Whether they harm intentionally or not, a little or a lot, whether people, animals, or gods—the worst part is how ignorant and hypocritical they are. And even if one in a thousand realizes it, the herd will never stop.
In a sudden impulse, Mnou didn't hesitate. She stretched her hand out toward the figure before her. Come with us. Come and leave this place behind.
Don't be ridiculous. I already told you…
My staff, the witch cried out desperately. My staff is empty. My mother's soul is gone, but her imprint is still there. It's ready to accept another soul. I… I want to help you.
The goddess turned away from her in fury. You pity me?!
Yes! Yes, I pity you. It must have been terrible. To live for eons, half alive and half dead. I'm sure you didn't even want to exist anymore, right? You felt like disappearing from this world would be for the best. You felt so, so terribly lonely. Am I right?
Vapor began to rise in thin wisps from the mist surrounding the goddess's face. It was like foggy rain falling upward, dissolving into the sky. The naked woman turned to face the three travellers. Her face was… breathtaking. Hair the colour of ripe wheat cascaded in waves over her milky-white skin, covering her full, maternal breasts. Her face looked carved from marble. Not a trace of imperfection. A small nose, lips full and red like raspberries. Her eyes… her eyes were black as night. The darkness of ancient moonless nights, when only the glow of fires kept the people from being swallowed by the void.
No human could possibly imagine such beauty, a strange thought crossed the witch's mind. The goddess smiled at her.
Quite the opposite, only you humans can imagine something like this. And that… that is what I admire about you.