The humid warm air clung to my fur as I lit the last of the candles. I tried to calm myself. My heart was beating in my ears. This wasn’t my first summoning, but this would be my first time summoning the dead without my teacher's aid. I did a quick glance around to ensure that I was alone before beginning the ritual. I took one last deep breath in a vain attempt to fight the anticipation.

A shiver ran down my spine as I let my mind reach out to the dead. A familiar feeling began to build up in the back of my neck and between my shoulder blades. I began to carefully weave my charms down to where the dead lay. I tried to keep my breathing calm and steady as I began to manipulate the energies around me. It was difficult as the feeling was intoxicating. I could sense the spirits around me beginning to shift in their tombs.

I began to feel their spirits rising to my call. The warmth in the air was quickly becoming a chill. There! At the edge of my vision I could see one of the spirits beginning to take shape. I couldn’t help but grin as more ghosts began to manifest. Barely audible whispers began to filter into my ears. My breath became more ragged as I fought harder and to maintain the connection. Unfortunately, strain quickly became more than I could handle and my focus broke. The figures around me began to fade.

Drained, I dropped to a kneel. I struggled to catch my breath. Although I was exhausted, I couldn’t help but smile.

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After I saw it I was inspired to write up a short story.

Art by the highly talented  FayV
Havelock is mine.