Baba Svetlana's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Baba Svetlana opened her door before the knock came. A woman stood in the snow, lips blue, frost crusting her dark hood. Svetlana pulled her inside, sat her by the fire, and laid out the deck. "You climbed this far for answers. Ask." The stranger peeled off a glove with stiff fingers. "I don't remember my name. I need to know if it's worth finding." Svetlana turned three cards. The fire snapped. She studied the woman's pale eyes and steady hands — someone who did not flinch, who did not beg. "The cards won't give you your name," Svetlana said. "But they brought you to my door, Cipher Kane, and that is its own answer." Cipher met her gaze. "Then tell me what the door is for." Svetlana set the deck between them. "Stay the winter. I'll show you."