Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Stewart Estate, study.

Nathalie sat in the chair, quietly watching Almos from across the table. He was fussing with his little wooden box, carefully setting out his odd collection of treasures in a neat line.

From left to right: a brass hand mirror, a silver pocket watch, an old abacus, a glass of mysterious dark drink, and a white candle.

Nathalie shifted in her seat, a trace of worry in her eyes. "Almos, is there any chance hypnosis could go wrong?"

Almos looked up at her. "What kind of 'wrong' do you mean?"

"For example, what if I'm trying to recover lost memories and end up losing even more?" She couldn't stand the thought of losing Nathan again.

Almos paused, frowning in thought. "Hypnosis is like running a science experiment. How well it works depends on the person doing it, the environment, and every little step. If anything goes off track, the results can get... unpredictable."

Nathalie shot to her feet, hands planted firmly on the table, her whole presence radiating command. "Almos, you have to get this exactly right. If you make me forget someone important, I swear you'll regret ever stepping foot in Stewart Estate."

at her words. "You know, you've gotten way scarier these last few years. When did you turn

and serious. "Almos, last time you hypnotized me, I asked you

his eyes on the table. "There was

to cut glass. She said each word with chilling precision. "If you screw this up again, I'll make sure your little magic act

out on Almos's forehead. "Ms. Nathalie,

Lizzy stood guard. With Lizzy

Nathalie said, her voice light

set

lighting the candle with shaking hands, then grabbing a pen and sketching a strange pattern on the desk. He the candle in the center and explained as he worked, "This candle will help guide your soul back to where you need to go. But you won't have much time. Once you find what you're looking for, you have to come back

Nathalie nodded. "Got it."

the pattern. "When you step through, watch your reflection in the

list of warnings; Nathalie took them all to heart. As

he muttered