“The past?” I gasp in disbelief.

“Precisely. Just as a prophet can see into the future, a Minea can see into the past. But just as you had no control over what you saw, neither do we. Neither does Nuri. The magic reveals what it wants when we’re ready to see it. What it showed you were memories from your own family.”

“You expect me to believe that?” I laugh. “That somehow, I went back hundreds of years and saw my dead ancestors?” She nods, then sharply knocks her spoon against the rim of her cup.

“I expect you to believe whatever you want.”

“You’re telling me that the Minea’s power is to send people into memories?”

The woman takes her time sipping. She sighs contentedly as the liquid goes down her throat.

“Absolutely not. A Minea cannot send anyone back but themselves.” She sips again. “It is extremely difficult for one to do alone, you see. But it is quite simple when more than one Minea harnesses the energy together.”

She leans forward and smiles encouragingly. “You, dear, are a natural! Tell me, how many memories did you see? I felt more than one. Was it two? Three?” I stare at her blankly, and she pulls back her chin. “Four?!”

“Are you saying I sent myself into the past and saw the memories?” I blurt out.

“Yes,” she says. “With my help, of course.”

“But if Mineas can only send themselves back, that would make me…” I pause and hold up one finger as if to stop my thought.

She chuckles under her breath. “A Minea? Yes, I suppose it does.”

My hand drops to my side.

“Is it truly so shocking, Idalia, that magic runs through your veins?” She rises and glides around the room, her eyes never leaving me. “Or is it more of a relief to know that there is a reason for that feeling inside you? The one that calls out, desperate for your attention, your obedience…”

“Stop,” I demand, holding my palm out towards her. I can’t seem to find my breath. “You deceive me; you trick my mind.”

She laughs and continues to pace. “I have no time to deceive. What I say is true. You are a descendant of a Hyland, which means you wield magic, more so than you know. I sensed you the moment you crossed into this forest, as could The Others. When I peeked into your soul, I saw even more. You are a powerful Minea, pure enough to be a part of the Herrah. Not like the one who came before you.”

I’m dizzy from following her around the room. I speak as plainly as I can.

“You’re mistaken! I’m no magic wielder; I’ve never conjured anything in my life! I didn’t even know magic existed until I was kidnapped and taken further into these woods!”

She releases a sharp tsk of annoyance and continues to pace.