The Offering

18

Under the cover of the night sky, Hannah and Drake walked along the moonlit beach, their footsteps leaving faint imprints on the cool, silver sand. The rhythmic lullaby of the ocean's waves provided a soothing backdrop, a symphony of tranquility that serenaded their every step. The gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure, wrapping around them like a comforting embrace.
The moon, a radiant pearl suspended in the velvety darkness, cast an ethereal glow that illuminated their path. Hannah's laughter twinkled like starlight, harmonizing with the distant call of nocturnal creatures. Drake's eyes reflected the shimmering expanse before them, his smile a testament to the magic of the moment.
Seashells glimmered like scattered jewels along the shore, each one a tiny treasure waiting to be discovered. Hand in hand, they wandered, their fingers brushing against the cool, polished surfaces. Their hushed conversations carried secrets only the night could hear, dreams whispered into the open expanse, as timeless as the constellations above.
Drake pointed out a shooting star streaking across the inky canvas of the sky, and Hannah's gaze followed, a wish suspended in the heavens. They paused to watch, caught in the fleeting beauty of the celestial display, a shared moment of wonder that deepened their connection.
They settled onto a weathered piece of driftwood, a natural seat beneath the watchful eyes of the stars. The ocean's melody was joined by the rustling of palm fronds, creating a symphony of whispers that enveloped them in a cocoon of serenity. The waves reflected the moon's gentle glow, their silver crests dancing in time with the beating of their hearts.
As the night wore on, the moon began its slow descent, painting the water with a trail of shimmering silver. Hannah and Drake sat in quiet reverence, lost in the beauty of the nocturnal world around them.
Drake gazed at the flickering candlelight, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. He turned to Hannah, his voice gentle yet earnest. "Hannah, I know this ritual might seem a bit unconventional, but trust me, it's something truly special. It's a way for us to connect on a deeper level, to strengthen our bond in ways words can't express."
Hannah looked at him, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in her eyes. "But Drake, it's just... I've never done anything like this before. It feels a bit... out of my comfort zone."
He reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I understand, Hannah. And I'm right here with you every step of the way. This ritual is about embracing the unknown together, about sharing a unique experience that will only bring us closer. Think of it as a journey into the depths of our connection."
She chewed on her lower lip, contemplating his words. "I do want to deepen our connection, Drake. I just don't want things to get weird or spooky."
Drake chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with affection. "I promise you, there's nothing spooky about it. It's about intention and energy, about opening ourselves up to the universe and each other. It's a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime."
Hannah sighed, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity in her expression. "Alright, Drake. I trust you. Let's give it a try."
A smile spread across his face, genuine and heartwarming. "That's my girl. You won't regret it, I promise. Their moment dissolved into a soft, intimate exchange of glances as they found themselves alone on the moonlit beach. The gentle lapping of the waves served as a whispered symphony, a backdrop to the unspoken desires that pulsed between them. Beneath the ethereal glow of the moon, their lips met in a tender, electric kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they explored the contours of each other's mouths, a dance of passion and longing that ignited a fiery connection. The sensation of the cool sand beneath them and the salty breeze on their skin only heightened their senses, amplifying the intensity of their embrace. Wrapped in each other's arms, they were lost in a world of their own creation, a world where the moon and the ocean bore witness to the raw, unbridled affection that flourished between them.
"Should I come back or-?" Ruxandra said as she approached the couple.
"No, please have a seat." Dimitri said as he pointed to a log opposite of Hannah.
"So, I hear we have some questions about a ritual."
"Yes I do."
"Okay, so first let me describe the ritual in detail. Basically, this is what happens. The subject, that's you Hannah,  must be strapped down to a surface where they cannot break free."
"That's a good start," Hannah said under her breath.
"Next we must call upon the spirits by lighting the candle of immortality." Ruxy said as she pulled a black candle from her bag. Next, we use this book to call the spirits for help, for we can do nothing in this realm without the permission of the spirits. Once the spirits are here to witness and bless the transformation, you must be taken by your partner in order to unlock your hidden consciences.''
"So I have -"
"The vessel must willingly perish in order to make way for their supernatural form. NOW, what questions do you have? "
"So, Drake said something about a memory spell that can be done once I am Handu again."
"That would take time. It can be done, but not right away. But, it could be done."
Will any of this hurt?"
"Yes, it will feel unpleasant during the transformation."
"But not for long, it's like a flu shot. Right?" Drake interjected.
"Yes, much like a flu shot" Ruxy said begrudgingly.
"And all of my memories will come back?"
"Yes, they all should come back. Your memories as Handu and some memories from your other lives, they are all intertwined in time. "
"I'm so sorry, I have been so rude. My name is - "
"Hannah, but you are better known as Handu."
"Have we met?"
"Not in this lifetime."
"What is your name?"
"Ruxandra."
"Ruxandra? Do you happen to know someone by the name of Rahmi?"
***
The crackling flames of the firepit cast a warm, golden glow over Dimitri's backyard as Rahmi and Dimitri settled into comfortable chairs. The night air was cool, but the dancing fire offered a cozy refuge against the chill. Stars twinkled overhead, their distant light lending a magical quality to the scene.
The scent of burning wood mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which Dimitri had prepared for the occasion. The mugs cradled in their hands warmed them from the inside out, a perfect complement to the camaraderie shared between the two friends.
Leaning back in his chair, Rahmi took a sip of the coffee and let out a satisfied sigh. "Dimitri, you really know how to create an ambiance. This firepit is just what we needed tonight."
Dimitri chuckled, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames. "Well, you know me – always striving for the perfect atmosphere. It's a pleasure to have you here, my friend."
They fell into an easy conversation, their words carried by the soft crackling of the fire. They spoke of past adventures, shared dreams, and the simple joys of life. As the night deepened, their voices grew quieter, almost as if they were sharing secrets with the stars themselves.
Rahmi pointed upwards, a smile tugging at his lips. "Look at those constellations. It's like they're telling a story up there."
Dimitri followed his gaze, nodding in agreement. "It's amazing how the universe holds so many mysteries, waiting to be discovered. Just like life itself."
A comfortable silence settled between them, a testament to the depth of their connection. The fire's warmth wrapped around them like a comforting embrace, filling the space between their words with unspoken understanding. Shadows danced across their faces as they stared into the flames, lost in their own thoughts yet undeniably present in each other's company.
As the night wore on, they added another log to the fire, its crackling bringing a renewed vitality to the scene. "I think I know where she is" Rahmi said
"How do you know that?"
"Because I talked to the russians."
"Did they know where Drake was hiding out?"
"They had a couple of suggestions. He has always been a showoff, so I think he is at an estate on the outskirts of town that has like 15 bedrooms.
"So, when do we roll up on them?"
"In due time. I need to get everything in order before we do that. I think we should pay a little visit to Ruxandra first. Can you draw the picture that you saw on the crate? What did it look like?"
Dimitri began to draw what he had remembered the shape looking like, Immediately Rahmi recognized the symbol. "That is not an ordinary symbol."