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."

gotten way scarier these last few years. When

sat back down, smoothing her sleeve, her face cool and serious. "Almos, last time you hypnotized me, I asked you

on the table. "There was

She said each word with chilling precision. "If you screw this up again, I'll make

out on Almos's forehead. "Ms.

glanced at the doorway, where Lizzy stood guard. With Lizzy nearby, she felt a little

Nathalie said, her voice

set

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

Nathalie nodded. "Got it."

pattern. "When you step through, watch your reflection

them all to heart. As

he muttered something