Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Or unless you do come across your lifemate,” Benedek said. His voice rasped a little more than usual, and Silke turned her head to regard her lifemate.
He didn’t hurt my feelings, Benedek, she assured. Tarot readings can be disappointing if one believes the cards are going to tell them what to do. He has a lifemate. There is danger surrounding her. Surrounding him. The cards could be read that way. I did my best to read the cards without my opinion interfering. I’ve never known the cards to be wrong.
He can speak to you with more respect.
Silke immediately felt lighter. She had never considered anyone would stick up for her the way Benedek had. She sent him a smile and then returned to the table to seat herself across from Tomas.
“Silke, I meant no disrespect,” Lojos said.
“I took no offense. I know readings can be frustrating when you hope for a specific path. What I say can sound vague when you are hoping for a clear direction.” She turned her attention to Tomas. “Are you certain you want to proceed?” She half hoped he would say no.
“What would you have me do?” Tomas asked, indicating the tarot cards.
She handed them to him and repeated the instructions she’d given Mataias and Lojos.
Tomas was very decisive and fast. He shuffled quickly, divided the cards just as fast, placing the three stacks directly in front of him. He studied them for one moment and then lifted a few cards to pull one that would become the first rung of the ladder. He laid it face down on the first pile and instantly divided the second stack in half, taking the middle card to lay on top of that stack. The last card was chosen with care, his palm moving over the cards twice before he eased one out about two-thirds of the way down. His manner piqued Silke’s curiosity. Something seemed to tell him exactly what card he needed.
Or he is manipulating the reading, Benedek suggested.
Another reading perhaps, but not with these cards. Through Tora’s blood, they are aware and able to discern cheating. Or influence.
“Temperance,” she revealed, as she turned the first card over. “By finding patience and moderation you are more likely to attain your goal. Be open to allowing others to help, even if their ideas conflict with your own. Many are willing to aid you on your journey.”
Tomas nodded but kept his gaze fixed on her, not the cards.
“This card is potential action you can take or action to be aware of.” Silke turned the middle card over. “The wheel of fortune upside down. Something negative is at play. Something you cannot control. Reflect on how your own actions or beliefs are affecting your future if you are to stand a chance of changing things.”
Lojos sighed. “You see, Tomas. Things are out of your control, but you should reflect on your own actions or beliefs, otherwise, you can’t change things. What does that mean when you put it together?”
Behind her, Benedek stirred, his dark shadow on the wall behind Lojos looking menacing. Silke rubbed the back of her head against him to soothe him more than herself.
“It means I need to reflect on this,” Tomas said calmly. “Please continue, Silke.”
“This third position is a card that may affect your potential outcome,” Silke said as she turned it over. “Five of pentacles. There is a feeling of isolation that only betrayal and anger bring. It has left a wound. Whether you are the wounded or the healer is not yet known. Help is all around you, but you may feel they aren’t focused on your problems. You need to swallow your pride and trust that those with you will know when it is time to help.”
Lojos threw his arms in the air. “Tomas can’t feel pride. How can he swallow it?”
“Lojos,” Mataias cautioned.
“I’m asking a legitimate question,” Lojos said.
“Before you take offense, Benedek,” Mataias said, “Lojos has always been the brother to play devil’s advocate and ask the hard questions. He doesn’t get the concept of faith. He likes facts and wants to discuss details endlessly.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Silke said as she gathered the cards and once more crossed the room to cleanse them. “I tend to be the same way. Ask Tora.”
“She is,” Tora agreed. “She asked so many questions Fenja threatened to put tape over her mouth. Of course, she was joking.”
“I contemplated doing it more than once,” Fenja admitted, with a straight face. “She argued over everything.”
“Discussed,” Silke and Lojos clarified simultaneously.
Everyone smiled, dispelling the gloom creeping up on Silke. Nicu was next. She had been drawn to him from the start, probably because he had an affinity for animals and he was closest to Benedek. She could feel her lifemate’s affection for the man, and she desperately wanted everything to go right.