Avernus || Book 1 ✔️

|| Portal ||

I wince as mama brushes through my wet strands, trying to get all the knots out of my curls.

"Head up" She murmurs under her breath, her hands gripping my temples to move me as she pleased.

I bite my lip as I oblige while attempting to get ahold of my breathing.

Today is the day.

Mama woke me up earlier than usual so that she could get me ready, but throughout it all she's been silent.

I can tell that she's not happy about me going but I thought that she would feel better by now. I mean, it's not like I'm leaving for good.

I subconsciously run a hand down my arm and smile at the feel. My skin was buttery soft, smooth and smelled of roses—I couldn't help but take a sniff and relish in the fragrance.

I even insisted on dusting a bit of glitter on my collar bones and arms that I got from my collection of malachite stones. A bit got on my cheeks though, and I had to surrender to the rainbow tinted dust otherwise my entire face would be coated in the reflective substance.

"Okay, all finished." Mama breaths as she separates the last few of my curls.

I smile brightly, too eager to get up from my seated position on the floor and stretch my legs. I rush over to the mirror and admire the simple but elegant style mama worked into my hair.

The front of my hair was parted in the middle, a little less than halfway, and there was a cornrow on either side, pinned back with the ends left out, so that it could blend in with the rest of my curls. Other than that, my pink strands were left out, looking super glossy as they fell down my back.

"I love it mama, thank you." I gush, turning around to meet her gaze.

She smiled weakly but looked elsewhere.

"I need to get myself ready for your departure. Get dressed and come see me when you're finished."

She trained her gaze on the floor and ducked out of my room in a flurry, leaving me with a frown on my face.

"Okie dokie then." I whisper to myself solemnly.

I know that she's upset but why won't she look at me? Do I not look pretty? I thought I looked quite nice but maybe she didn't think so.

I pout as I slip on my green dress, my mood slightly dampened by mama's oddities.

I sighed and did a quick spin in the self-made garment, the green fabric accentuating my brown skin and brightening my silver irises. I couldn't help but giggle as the dress tickled my thighs with each movement I made. It reminded me of the grass, or even the bushels and shrubs that danced to the wind's tune. So effortless and light—airy.

I hope that I do them well this evening. I silently say a few words to ask for the gods' blessings before leaving my room.