Chapter 58

"What took you so long?" My mother questioned me after greeting me the moment I arrived at Astra's compound, heading straight for the backyard.

"I have duties, mom." I snapped, earning a raised and questioning brow from my grandma, who sat down on the ground. Her eyes were directed at mine, scrutinizing me and reading me like she always did.

"Trouble in paradise?" She asked. I shifted my eye contact and shook my head. "No." I pocketed my hands, looking at a medium container filled with soil, four red strings, and charcoal. "What are these?" I asked, looking at the items again.

"These are the materials that we use when performing a protection spell." Astra explained, pointing at an empty spot for me to take. I copied their cross-legged sitting posture, but my mom instructed me to kneel instead. She then handed the charcoal to me.

"What do I do?" I waited for an answer, excitement taking the better part of me. It would be the first time I would summon the magic within me without dependi