Tel' Qualohtarie

Chapter One

Ginny snuggled into her covers gratefully, Hermione and Lavender already snoring. She would be turning sixteen tomorrow and after the family celebration, Fred and George had taken her out to a nightclub in Diagon Alley, so she was exhausted. She would never have imagined that her life would be this way when she turned sixteen. The wizarding world was turned practically upside down. It was July and half of her family and a few of the students were living at Hogwarts because, like Ron and Ginny, their families were working for the Order, or they had no where else to go. She knew Luna wasn't there, but she glanced over at the girl's bed anyway. Her father had disappeared around Easter and was presumed dead. Luna didn't believe it and Ginny didn't blame her. So many things were too hard to believe.

Arthur Weasley had chosen to become the new Muggle Studies teacher after Death Eaters had killed Professor Madrid, but Ginny suspected he had ulterior motives for taking the position. Madam Pomfrey had started a new Healing class for any students that were interested and Molly sometimes came to help her, but could usually be found at Number 12 Grimmauld Place doing whatever it was she did for the Order. Ginny wanted to go back to the safe house and stay with them, but her parents had refused, saying this was the safest place for her and Ron. Though they refused to admit it, they were worried about their children's connections to Harry and Ginny knew they didn't want to worry her. They never gave her any information her parents didn't think was absolutely vital. Harry seemed to be the only one informed of anything that was going on, so therefore Ron and Hermione were told as well. No one seemed to think that anyone else deserved any sort of explanation for anything, despite the fact that Ginny and Luna both had helped the Trio save the kidnapped students last year and at the Ministry the year before.

Professor Lupin was back as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, though Snape had been killed last year when Voldemort had discovered he was a spy and Dumbledore hadn't yet found someone to take his place. The school almost seemed busier than it was the rest of the year. Students, teachers, friends, and members of the Order could be seen coming and going at all hours of the day and night. The newspapers carried reports of new attacks every other day. They weren't just preparing for war, they were living it.

She pushed those thoughts out of her brain and prepared to sleep away her worries and forget about everything for a while. But, that dream was rather short-lived, for just as she closed her eyes she felt a hand clamping tightly over her mouth and someone's hot breath on the back of her neck as they said, "Be quiet. I'm not going to hurt you." It was a man and the voice was strangely familiar. Where had she heard it before? It terrified her, but she found she couldn't even make a sound to wake Hermione.

The man dragged her out of bed and pushed her toward the door, his hand still over her mouth. Her back was to him, so she couldn't see his face, but he was a good head taller than she was and she could feel his hard chest and well-muscled arms through the thin shirt he wore. It would be no use to fight; she would never win, despite the fact that he seemed pretty thin. He didn't seem to be very interested in harming her, at least not right now. He wasn't using very much force and as soon as they were down the stairs and out through the portrait hole, he released his hold on her mouth. His hands remained on her shoulders to prevent her from turning to look at him and he whispered in her ear, "Keep your eyes open and memorise this passage well. You'll be using it a lot in the future."

What was that supposed to mean? And why wouldn't he let her look at him? She decided not to ask questions and just be grateful that she had worn her thick woollen socks to bed, as the stone floor was freezing. She was so scared, she wasn't even sure she had her wand on her, not that she could have used it, but still.

They passed through the main halls of Hogwarts quietly and then through some she didn't know so well, and some she didn't know at all. Ginny kept wishing someone would come. Where are all the people that are supposed to be patrolling the school? She wondered. At this point, she would have been overjoyed to see Filch or even Mrs. Norris. She suddenly realised they were headed toward the dungeons and she could feel herself beginning to panic again. What was he going to do to her? Just before they reached the steps leading to the dungeons, he steered her toward a window with a big velvet seat and grey draperies. Is he going to push me out the window? She was only sixteen; she didn't want to die yet, especially not by being pushed out of a window. Then she realised that they were on the first floor and he would accomplish nothing by doing that. She let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief and the man snickered. "Did you think I was going to push you out the window? Step onto the seat."

She did so and turned around to look at him, but he had pulled the hood of his robes up, so she still couldn't see his face. She stared at his robes in amazement. They were grey and the fabric had been enchanted somehow to look like smoke or mist. Varying shades of grey swirled about and she felt that he could have easily blended into the stone walls with those robes. Without thinking, she reached out a hand to touch them and he snickered again as he joined her on the bench. She snatched her hand back and stood next to him nervously. He grabbed the pulls to the curtains and closed them, saying, "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo!" The language was not Latin, but she didn't recognise it. The words flowed beautifully and she was caught by it. The small enclosure filled with smoky mist and she felt a pulling behind her navel, similar to that of a Portkey.

They landed on a small, round rooftop and she decided they must be on top of one of the towers. The half-moon shone brightly and the cool wind swept her fluffy auburn hair around her face. There were none of the usual sounds from the castle or the Forbidden Forest; the only thing stirring was the wind. There were figures in a circle around her; all wearing the same robes as the man who had brought her here. He left her to take his place in the circle and she stood alone in the middle, so frightened she could hardly move. The pride, mystery, and raw power emanating from this group were almost tangible and set Ginny's heart racing and her head spinning with questions. A small shiver ran down her spine, in spite of her warm pyjamas, and she couldn't help shifting from foot to foot rather nervously. Somewhere in her, she found the courage to speak, "Are- are you the Death Eaters?"

A small chuckle rippled through the unusually still night as a single figure left its place and came to stand directly in front of her. The laughter seemed ominous to her and she unconsciously took a step back. "No. We won't hurt you. You are one of us."

She knew that voice, had listened to it making jokes at the dinner table and whispering secretly to her mother. She tried to peer underneath the hood without being too obvious, "Tonks?"

She smiled and removed her hood, revealing her sweet heart-shaped face surrounded by silvery-grey hair that fluffed out at the ends and reminded Ginny of a picture she had once seen of a fairie. "Yes, Ginny, it's me."

"What's going on?"

"You are being invited to join one of the oldest, most secret, most powerful societies in existence. We are the Grey Knights. And we wish you to be our newest member," she said, her face growing very grave and serious as she looked into Ginny's eyes. She felt the older woman was searching for something. She was measuring her and Ginny stood a little straighter, wanting the acceptance of this favoured acquaintance.

"What? I've never heard of them. And why do you want me? Why not Harry or Hermione? I'm no one special," she said, confused, yet very much wanting to be a part of this mysterious group, though she knew nothing about it. She was so tired and mixed up, she must be dreaming.

"The Grey Knights are a secret order of the Grey Elves of the Mist, an ancient race of elves. If you choose to join us, all will be explained in good time. And you, Ginny Aileen Weasley, are more special than you realise. You were chosen because the stars were right when you were born. You, like everyone here, were born in the seventh month, on the seventh day, in the seventh hour. There is only one Grey Knight born each year and in the year of your birth, it was you. You are connected to the magic of the universe in a way no other human being is. If you choose to accept our offer, you will be trained to wield that power responsibly. You will be trained in the ways of the scholar and the warrior. You will be a Grey Knight. Do you accept?"

"I- I'm confused," she said, placing her hand on her chest as though she could stop her quickening heart. "I just...I mean- ME..." Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight and there were pinks spots dotting her cheeks. Her blood was coursing through her veins faster and faster and somewhere deep inside her she felt a longing to be a part of this. She was so thrown off balance, but she felt as though everything would be all right. She grinned widely and breathlessly replied, "Yes. I accept, though I don't understand a thing about it."

"Wonderful! Let me introduce you to the Grey Knights," Tonks took her hand and led her to one side of the circle and the others all removed their hoods. "Hilda Mackerel, John Davies, Geoffrey Martin, Charles Croaker, Jonathan Avery." She led Ginny to each and every knight, there had to be at least a hundred of them and she couldn't remember all of their names. They greeted her warmly with words of welcome and encouragement, some shaking her hands, some kissing her cheeks. She felt so small and silly in her pyjamas with her hair all messy. Their faces swam dizzily in front of her eyes she was so tired. Young, old, brown hair, blond hair, all in those same robes and she found they were all wearing matching silver pendants of a seven-pointed star, though she thought it was strange that she should notice this. She didn't know what it was supposed to mean and she wasn't sure she would ever be able to keep them all straight if they wore these same things every time she saw them. It surprised and confused her to recognise a couple of Death Eaters standing side by side with some members of the Order.

Finally, she came to some of the younger Knights and more familiar faces, Maria Castanello from her brother Percy's class, there was Roger Davies, he had been Head Boy last year. "And last, but certainly not least, Draco Malfoy. He was the one who brought you here."

"Thought I was going to push her out the window," he smirked as he shook her hand. His face was pointy and pale and his long blond ponytail was a bit rumpled from having his hood up. He looked completely different than Ginny had ever seen him before. He looked almost amiable in a dangerous sort of way, though the trademark smirk was still in place. There was just something about his steely grey eyes and the way they were reflecting the moonlight. It gave her an eerie feeling. Tonks smiled at his comment as Ginny protested.

"Well, I didn't know he wasn't going to. And I certainly wouldn't put it past him."

"Tel'Qualohtarie creoso lle. The Grey Knights welcome you." Tonks said and Ginny heard the others chorus this in the strange language, realising that they were all leaving now and wondering why.

"Your official initiation will take place in just a few hours. We wish to give you time to prepare yourself and make sure you fully understand what you are getting yourself into," she said as the others silently turned to return to where they had come from, leaving only the three of them. Ginny thought she must be dreaming and she would soon wake up in her warm bed in Gryffindor Tower.

"We are all getting chilly. Dumbledore has given us permission to use his library for tonight. Shall we go inside?" Tonks asked brightly. Draco consented and Ginny followed them through a trapdoor in the roof dumbly, still in a kind of trance, though she had the presence of mind to jump away from Tonks who had fallen through the trapdoor and was now trying to remove her leg from the floor. The trapdoor opened into a small circular attic and once Tonks was free, they went down a very long flight of stairs with all sorts of landings in odd places and ended up in Dumbledore's library, off one of the strange landings. The Headmaster's library was warm and comfortable and she was glad to sit down in one of the large armchairs in front of the fire. A cup of tea woke her considerably and finally, Tonks began to explain things to her. Draco sat quietly, staring into the fire. She supposed she should be more surprised, but living with her family and then Harry and the Order had left her quite immune to this sort of thing. And if it was a dream, it wasn't real, so she really wasn't as worried as she thought she ought to be.

"First, understand this Ginny. The Grey Knights are exactly that. Grey. We do not belong to either side, Light or Dark. Sometimes we will work with one side if it benefits us, but we usually prefer to stand alone," Tonks said, gazing at her to make sure she understood. "I know this may run contrary to things you have been taught, but we are a secret organisation and as such, we take care of our own and don't concern ourselves with others' affairs. Very few outside of our circle even know that we exist. Do you understand?"

"A little bit," she said the confusion evident on her face. "But, how is it that you are working for the Order of the Phoenix if you're a Grey Knight?"

"I am free to do as I please as long as I harm no other Grey, and as you probably recognised, others have chosen to align themselves with the Dark Lord, and they are free to do that as long as they harm no other Grey," she explained patiently. Ginny nodded to show Tonks she understood, and she continued. "The Grey Knights have their own code which you will learn and know by heart in time. Two afternoons a week and any other time we feel is necessary will be devoted to your training until school starts again. I have many other responsibilities, and it has always been the tradition for the previous year's inductee to train this year's. Therefore, Draco will be conducting most of your training."

"Wait-," she interrupted, sitting up straight. "This Draco. Draco Malfoy." She pointed at him in disbelief. "I can't believe you'd even let him join, much less let him train me. This is a joke right? Some bad dream?"

"I told you this was a bad idea," Draco spoke up from his chair.

"You told them this was a bad idea?" Ginny asked sarcastically. She couldn't believe this was happening. It had to be a dream, or maybe everyone in the castle had been put under a spell to make them mad. "I thought at first that I was dreaming, but sweet Merlin! This is insane, crazy. He's completely untrustworthy and he's an evil prat! Hell, he's practically in line to be the next Voldemort." At that, Draco leaned forward in his chair, laughing hysterically. Ginny just glared at him.

"Ginny, I don't think you're getting this," said Tonks, trying to control her own laughter. "Draco is as free to become a Death Eater as I am to help the Order. The only loyalty that truly binds us is our loyalty to each other. We are the Grey. We are not black or white. We share the same heritage and are chosen by the stars. It was not a matter of letting him join. He was chosen, just like you and I, centuries ago by the Grey Elves of the Mist. The same energy flows through us all."

"So, what you're saying is..." she began thoughtfully, not sure she really understood. She was exhausted. "If there was a war between the Order and the Death Eaters and the Grey Knights, Malfoy and you would fight against your other groups for the Grey Knights."

"To put it rather generically, yes," she replied.

"I think I'm beginning to understand."

"Good, I'm sure it will all be made clearer when you begin your training," Tonks said, pointing up at the clock that read four a.m. "Please make an effort to get along, Ginny. I know that there has always been a feud of sorts between the Weasleys and the Malfoys, but now the two of you are on the same team. Draco has assured me that he is quite capable of accomplishing this task without bloodshed."

"Bloodshed," she said, panicking and wringing her hands. "What about Ron? He's going to have a conniption!"

"No one may know of the Grey Knights or your involvement. We are a secret society. It is your duty to safeguard this ancient secret," Tonks replied sternly, in a way that Ginny had never heard her sound like before.

"But what am I going to tell him when he asks where I go in the afternoon? I can't lie to him because he's a nosy git and will just follow me and then he'll see Malfoy and beat him to a bloody pulp! Not that I would really care, but you did say we have to work together and it's going to be terrible!" she rushed out, the panic not subsiding. She clutched at the arms of her chair in horror at Ron's many reactions.

"Not likely." Draco stood, unfolding his long legs gracefully, sleepiness showing on his pale features. "Unless it is absolutely necessary that she stay at Hogwarts, she can come to the Manor for her training. No one will be able to follow her there. I'm going to get some rest before the initiation ceremony."

"That's an excellent plan, Draco. I think I'll do that myself," Tonks smiled at him. Draco nodded his head toward her in farewell and left. Ginny still sat, a million thoughts whirling around inside her head. After a few moments, Tonks turned to her and said, "I know it's a lot to take in and I know you're tired. Don't worry, everything will be fine, you'll see. I know it's a bit of a shock at first, but you felt the stirring in your blood in the presence of the others, didn't you?"

"I did," she acknowledged, rubbing her hands together nervously. "I just wanted to be a part of it so badly, even though I didn't know anything about any of it. I still think I may be dreaming. And what was that strange language? That makes me think so more than anything else." She glanced up rather worriedly.

The older woman placed a hand on her shoulder and reassured, "It's not a dream, Ginny. You're a part of it all and you will always have that. They are your brothers and sisters, though I doubt you need many more. And the language was Elven, you will know it soon." She stared into the fire contemplatively, a small smile dancing across her face.

"Thank you, Tonks," Ginny replied gratefully.

There was a knock on the door and Draco popped his head in, "Tonks?"

He looked a little wary, but came in and took the chair next to Ginny's, laying a journal on the desk. "I came to copy the Book. I forgot that had to be done before the initiation."

"Oh, right!" Tonks stood, pulling from her pocket a grey, leather-bound book with a seven-pointed star on the cover, just like the one Draco was carrying. She carried the Book over to the desk and Draco laid his next to it. "This is an Elven star on the cover, just like our pendants."

Ginny noticed that the books were identical and she hadn't known what an Elven star was, but now she did. Draco pulled a small silver dagger out of his boot, pierced his finger with it, and handed it to Tonks who did the same. This action surprised Ginny and she stared at the two of them wide-eyed, but they didn't seem to notice.

They opened the books and she could see that the pages were blank. She leaned over the desk to get a closer look trying to figure out why a blank book was so important and feeling vaguely reminiscent of her first year. She gasped softly and could feel her heart leap to her throat when their blood spilled onto the pages and words began to appear. "Don't worry, Ginny. The Books will only reveal their secrets to one of the Grey, and that requires blood," Tonks smiled, seemingly unaffected by any of this. Draco stood quietly, radiating calm arrogance, watching the writing.

"There's something I don't understand. If I'm a descendant of the Grey Elves, why is no one else in my family? Why aren't they knights? We all share the same blood and I'm sure our blood is more alike than mine and Malfoy's," she wondered, trying to force her heart back into her chest and cease her hands from their shaking. The anxiety in her eyes shone through, but she was trying to mask it. She succeeded- almost.

"That we share the same energy is not the same as sharing the same blood. The Knights worked this magic long ago to ensure that only those who are worthy will be able to carry on their legacy," Tonks explained. "You were chosen because of when you were born and who you are, not because of who your family is."

"I'm not sure I understand," she replied, wringing her hands in frustration.

"You will. It's done. Hold your hands out flat, Weasley," Draco interrupted, taking off his pendant. Tonks did the same and they laid the pendants on top of the open books. Ginny held out her hands as Draco had instructed.

The others each laid their hands on the Book in front of them and said simultaneously, "Karn Aduaminont!"

Ginny could feel her palms tingling and she drew in a long shallow breath as she stared at her hands. Suddenly, sitting in her hands was another book and another pendant, identical to the others. She felt the soft leather and opened it to view the pages full of writing in several hands. She carefully closed the book and studied the pendant. There was a strange word engraved upon the middle arm, and she let the chain slip through her fingers as she grasped it, feeling the points push into her palm. She was in awe; she had never owned anything so beautiful or unusual in her life. "What does Tel'Qualohtarie mean? Is it on everyone's?" she asked, still enamoured with her new treasures.

Tonks took in her shining eyes and pink cheeks and laughed, "Tel'Qualohtarie means the Grey Knights. You may think yourself insignificant, Ginny, but the heavens know where you belong, even if you don't yet. And that's something to be proud of. Keep that star safe, and don't let anyone else touch it."

Draco, who had been mostly silent up until now, said, "Since we have some time, I'll give you your first task. Read the Book and write down any questions you have. Get them to me by Wednesday and I'll answer them and we can set up your first lesson." She nodded in acknowledgement, not really caring at the moment. Draco picked up his things and left with a curt nod.

Ginny watched him go and sighed in relief. "I'm glad that's done and I don't have to see him tomorrow."

"You know, you really should try to get along with him," Tonks reproved, giving Ginny a stern look as she slipped her own pendant back over her head, tucking it into her shirt.

"I've gotten along pretty well with him so far, haven't I?" she asked indignantly, sitting down in the chair she had occupied before.

"Oh yes, you've gotten along, so far, a whole two hours," Tonks retorted, raising her eyebrows sarcastically. "But he's not as bad as you seem to believe. He may still be a Malfoy and his middle name may be Lucius, but his first name is Draco. Try to remember that."

Her tone changed and she came to sit down on the arm of Ginny's chair. "Listen, I know that he's been a complete prat his entire life and he probably always will be. I just want you to at least give him a chance. Let him right his wrongs before you pass judgement."

Ginny smiled up at Tonks and nodded ruefully, "I'll give him a chance, but I don't think he'll give me one."

"Be that as it may, it's almost time for your initiation ceremony," she said, pointing once again to the clock that now read a quarter to six and falling off the arm of the chair. She picked herself up and continued, "Now, I am not allowed to tell you anything specific, only that you must be prepared for anything. Go back to your dormitory and you will find a set of clothes there for you. I will be in the common room to collect you at six forty-five."

Ginny nodded, beginning to feel a little scared and nervous. "Alright."

"It's nice to finally welcome you back into our circle," Tonks smiled prettily as Ginny walked past her.

The light from the fire showed Ginny's round cheeks flushed with happiness and wonder at all that had happened to her in the space of one night. Unexpectedly, she threw her arms around Tonks in a shy, awkward hug. "Thank you."

With that, she slipped out the door silently making her way to her dormitory without any trouble. The fat lady was upset at being awoken at nearly six in the morning, but she let her in with only minimal scolding. Ginny nearly skipped up the stairs in her joy. She couldn't believe this was happening, she still wasn't sure it wasn't a dream. It was so strange and so right all at once.

She decided to take a shower and grabbed the bundle of clothes that were already sitting on her bed. She showered quickly, got out and dried and dressed herself quickly to avoid the morning chill. In the pile, she found a white cotton peasant tunic, grey trousers and boots, and a robe. The robe was really spectacular, like the one the others had worn. She studied it for a moment, watching the various shades of grey swirling around. When she was finally dressed, she surveyed herself in the mirror. Ginny thought she looked like someone from medieval times. She brushed her teeth at one of the double sinks and opened the door to let out some of the steam that had accumulated on the mirror that ran the length of the counter.

She dried her hair and made her way down to the common room to wait. Nervously, she sat, not knowing what to expect. For about the billionth time, she thought about how weird all of this was. Finally, Tonks appeared in the portrait hole. "It's time," was all she said and she led Ginny down the stairs, past the Great Hall, and out into the warm July morning.

They walked past Hagrid's hut and into the Forbidden Forest. The sun was almost fully risen and it cast an odd light through the trees that grew darker and greener the further they went into the forest. After what seemed like a long time, they came to a large clearing with a bonfire burning brightly in the centre. Tonks led her to stand on one side of the fire. Ginny could hear the soft popping of people Apparating and figures began to emerge from the forest. They came to stand on the edges of the clearing, surrounding them. Everyone wore exactly the same thing she did and it now gave Ginny a vague understanding of their unity and uniqueness all at the same time. Tonks smiled and whispered, "It's alright," before stepping back to join the others.

Another, much older man, walked over to stand in front of her. She had not met him with the others on top of the tower and she wondered why not. The man walked with a staff and his hair hung down his back in a long, white plait. His beard hung nearly to his middle and brilliant green eyes twinkled out of his rather craggy face. He smiled and said, "I am Morick, the Master of the Grey. Oldest living member and Head of the Council of the order of the Grey Knights. There are two poles in the universe, the Light and the Dark, both governed by the laws of the High Magic, both with their own laws and limitations. All things in the universe may be bound to either side by choice or by birth. Or they may be Grey, bound only by the laws of the High Magic. We are the protectors of the Grey; we are members of the Grey. Pledged neither to the Light nor Dark, the descendants of the Elves are not chosen by lineage or by blood. They are chosen by the stars. You are the one they have chosen to be a part of our heritage, but always remember it was done by choice. We share the same energy; the same spirit runs through our veins. The universe interconnects us all with these bonds and some of those bonds are stronger than others. Some depending on how strong we wish them to be. And now you will be bonded strongly to the order of the Grey Knights and their privileges and responsibilities. The commitment you are making is not to be taken lightly."

The old man's speech embellished upon what Tonks had said to her just a few hours earlier. Ginny felt something stir inside her. She was completely certain this was what she wanted. After a brief moment of silence, Morick continued quietly, "This is the moment of power. The seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month. The moment of first birth and now the moment of true birth. Please kneel and remove your star." Realising the solemnity of the occasion, she knelt in front of the fire, doing as the old man had asked."Take it from its chains and throw it into the fire," he commanded. She did so and Ginny looked up at Morick questioningly. He gave her a look that implied silence, but was also reassuring. He motioned for her to come to him and she stood. He turned and silently presented her to the mass of grey clothed people. Their faces swam in front of her eyes and she thought she might be ill. Morick calmly reached into the fire pulling out her star pendant and though the silver bands were glowing hot, it didn't seem to bother him.

He came to stand before her and slightly loosened the strings of her shirt just over her heart. "Please repeat after me. I, Ginny Aileen Weasley, do hereby pledge my unswerving loyalty to the order of the Grey Knights. I accept the responsibilities and code of the Grey and promise to protect the honour and secrecy of the Grey Knights. I will live as one with my brothers and sisters of the Grey, never harming another Grey, nor breaking the laws of the High Magic of the universe. I do swear upon my heart that I will forever be, first and foremost, a Grey Knight."

She started out shaky, but her voice rang true and clear as she progressed. Her eyes shone in the filtered sunlight and she stood proud and solemn when she finished. Morick then reached out and placed the glowing hot metal to the skin above her heart. The sudden burning of her flesh was like nothing she had ever felt before, but she did not cry out- only threw her head back and whimpered once to the morning sky as she dropped to her knees. As her hand instinctively covered Morick's, she could feel the magical energy flowing into her, good and evil, painful and pleasurable, crushing her lungs and making it difficult to breathe. It was mingling with the blood in her veins, thickening it and strengthening it. Memories that were and were not her own flitted through her head. There was a longing for peace and a lust for blood filling her heart. Love, lust, rage, jealousy, joy, patience, uncertainty, all were conflicting and fighting for a place in her and each emotion finally found where it belonged. Her head was spinning and Ginny wasn't sure how much longer she could hold onto her consciousness. And as suddenly as it had begun, it ended. The metal was cool to the touch and Morick slowly removed his hand, leaving her clutching the small silver star and gasping for breath. She looked down at the fresh mark over her heart. It ran, she knew, all the way through her heart into her very soul. A mark that could never be erased. She reached up with her other hand, placing it over the area, and blacked out.