Chapter 23:

Pythia POV:
I couldn't find it within me to read anything out loud for a moment. Will my skin turn black? I could decay from the inside out? Rotting teeth? Oh my goddess, I can't read this. This is making me sick to even think about. I felt a hand over mine and I looked up to see Alley staring right at me, her eyes darted to the paper and back to me, she saw it, she knew. I started feeling a little overwhelmed until pure warmth spread throughout my body and when I looked back at Alley white was swirling around. Tye sat down next to me and pulled me in his lap. "Whatever it is we will prevent it." He whispered. "I can't read that out loud. It is making me sick thinking about it." I said in a shaky breath. Alley took the book from me and looked to Tye for approval. He gave her a slight nod and I curled myself further into Tye. I needed him badly at this moment for what I was about to hear, I was horrified at the thoughts running through my head. Alley cleared her throat and spoke clearly of the words that were written on the paper.
"Even though the blessed have the ability to tap in the magic of light it does not come without repercussions, should he or she use to much the following will happen:
-Skin discoloration such as black blotches or rotted flesh.
-Loss of teeth, or blackened tongue.
-Decay from the inside out, he or she will fall deathly ill and suffer while they rot on the inside.
-Loss of sight in either one eye or both.
-Extreme exhaustion/Fall into a coma-like state only to never recover.
-Loss of soul.
Should any change be noticed it is imperative that he or she stop, we have not found solutions or cures to these causes as of today, that is not to say it is not achievable though. Herbs usually help slow the process down should any of this happen."
I think I am going to be sick. I could feel the bile rise in my throat and I tried focusing on my breathing, keep it even and keep it light. With each breath I took Tyes scent filled my nose and helped calm me. I felt a rumble in his chest and I knew he did not like hearing those words. "I will not let that happen to you." He whispered in my ear. He cradled me like he would an upset child, I didn't know what to think of any of this. "There is a list of warning signs if you would like me to continue reading.." Alley whispered, I nodded my head without looking at her. I kept my focus on breathing in Tyes scent to keep me calm because i needed it.
"While learning how far you may push yourself there are warning signs that we have observed that may help when it is time to train your new abilities.
-Lack of breath.
-Lack of appetite.
-Emotional distress, mainly showing only anger.
-Severe mood swings.
-Dehydration.
-Hallucinations.
-Deprived of sleep and or nightmares consist.
Just like learning new things, over time tolerance can be built and knowing your limits will come as second nature. Should the blessed choose to practice, proceed with caution. Find the great white witch to mentor from. Use each other to learn and grow, the great witch will be able to aid in ways to make the blessed stronger. Together the blessed and the white witch can bring unity among the two races."
As Alley read the last sentence I looked at her, is this some weird destiny or what? If that book says we were supposed to see each other and work together in our lives does that mean that the ones before us did the same? "Was there any mention of this in any of the other books you have read?" Tye asked. "Not that I have come across but we are still learning new things every day." Alley replied. "I think we should stop here and have some lunch." Stephen said as he looked at me with sad eyes. Does everyone feel bad for me? Was I not strong enough in their eyes? Or do they think somehow I will push myself too far? Maybe I shouldn't do this at all, but I feel like I have already set things in motion with all that I have already done. I looked around the room to see that everyone had that look. One I hated so much. Pitty. They pity me. Anger rose through me rather quickly, until I looked over to Ambrosia who looked much different. Like she knew something I did not. I felt my face heat up, I stood up quickly and stormed out. I heard my name being called but I didn't stop until I walked out of the front door.
I needed to be outside, I needed somewhere that I could clear my head and cool off. "Pythia.." Someone had called out to me and I couldn't focus enough to know who it was. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I tensed. "Hey, talk to me." I turned to see Ambrosia staring at me, worry clearly on her face. "They looked at me with pity. They pity me. Why? Do they not think I am strong enough?" I shot out all at once, my breathing was becoming erratic. "I don't know what they think but I think you need to hear them out at least." Ambrosia said softly. "Why? So they can tell me what I see splattered across their faces? It's hard enough, you know? Hearing what could happen to me if I go too far. It scares the shit out of me Ambrosia, I don't need their pity on top of it all!" I shouted. I knew they could hear me and I didn't care either. "Let's walk." She said pulling me further out into the field where not long ago so much destruction happened. "Tye will come looking for me." I stated. "Jackson is keeping him at bay for the time being. You need a girl time talk." Ambrosia said firmly.