Free The Moonstone (Enchantment Book 1) by Evelyne Contant Page A

and the rain that refreshes us, Apollo grants you his power.”
    He then grabs another jar and opens it, releasing a cool, refreshing breeze through my hair. I am too hypnotized by this to worry about where these winds could be coming from.
    “That by the wind that rocks us, by the tornadoes and the storms that rule us, and the air that gives us life, Aeolus grants you his power.”
    Charles then takes one of the candles and I can’t help but recoil slightly. He motions for me to relax and lights the small candle he then places on a small pewter dish and onto my stomach.
    “That by the fire that warms us, by the flames that erupt from the volcano, by the fire that creates and burns, Hades grants you his power.”
    He then takes a piece of clear crystal and passes it into the beam of light coming from the moon. The crystal refracts the light in every direction, sending shards of light throughout the room.
    “That by the Ether, the matter that is between all things, by the light that unites us, by space, by the universe and by time, Æther grants you his power.”
    At that very moment, the clock begins to strike midnight and my body starts to writhe and then elevate, gently floating above the table. I feel a sensation not unlike floating in water. My necklace leaves Charles’ fingers and floats above me. It begins to glow like a thousand fires and then suddenly, nothing. I slowly lower to the table once more. The candle goes out and Charles helps me get up. He takes my necklace and gently hands in back to me.
    “Take care of this. It now represents who you are. It has become your sign: Ether.”
    The stone is incredibly beautiful; it is deep black with colored circles that remind me of a photo of a distant galaxy.
    “What is this stone?”
    “Fantastic, a rainbow obsidian. It’s stunning on you, darling, this stone has the power to control energy and time, and that’s why your stone changed into it.”
    “We’re done, you’re officially an enchanter, my dear,” says Gertrude, while planting a wet kiss on my cheek, followed by a group hug with Charles who joins us.
    “We did it, Gertrude. Anne would be so proud of us! I would have loved for her to see her daughter at this moment.”
    Anne, I realize that this must be my mother’s name. I would have loved to have shared this moment with her, but I feel lucky I have these two here with me, assuming they know what they’re doing. I don’t feel any different from a few minutes earlier, other than a few shivers still running through my body.
    “Do all enchanters perform this ritual?”
    “Oh no, only Moonchildren, as they have some of each of the gifts. It’s done to finalize everything and to conceal the moonstone,” reassures Gertrude, twirling a wisp of my hair in her fingers.
    “Don’t worry about it, Lou. I know you’ve been through a lot for one day, but tomorrow I’ll give you a quick lesson and bring you up to speed and my niece will come and spend the day with us. She’ll be a great ally for you over there and she’ll be doing the same training as you.”
    “Ok, dear, it’s late! Charles, where will she sleep? I know she’s exhausted and you too, from the looks of it.”
    “Yes, I’m completely wiped. Follow me, Lou. I’ll show you to your room.”
    I follow him back across the house and there we climb a black iron spiral staircase. Once on the second floor, we enter a room that seems to be an office and is lined with floor to ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of the landscape and the lake. The windows are on pivots and fresh air blows in, playing gently through my hair. Charles opens a sofa that transforms instantly into a bed.
    “So sorry, but I don’t have many overnight guests. My niece loves sleeping in this room the few times she gets to spend the night here, so I hope you have a good night’s sleep. Good night, darling.”
    I love the way that he pronounces each syllable with his British accent and although he seems young,