Exchanging Vows: The Swapped Wife Is a Top Shaman novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Ivy’s Point of View

I returned to my room exhausted.

Nell placed a tray of food before me, but I barely touched it. My mind was too busy racing through possibilities. Calculating risks. Planning for survival.

The bond-breaking ceremony was in three days.

I couldn’t just sit here and wait for it to happen. Couldn’t leave my fate in the hands of priests who didn’t care whether I lived or died.

I was a shaman. A top shaman. And I would use every tool at my disposal to survive.

"Nell," I said suddenly. "I need you to fetch some things for me."

She looked up, surprised. "What do you need, Young Madam?"

"Moonroot powder. Silverleaf extract. Dried nightbloom petals." I ticked the items off on my fingers. "And if you can find it, a vial of spirit water from the temple."

Nell’s brow furrowed. "Those are... unusual requests."

"They’re for medicinal purposes." I kept my voice casual. "I want to prepare some tonics to help me recover after the ceremony."

It wasn’t entirely a lie. The ingredients would help with recovery. But their real purpose was something else entirely.

Moonroot powder, when ingested before a spiritual trauma, created a protective barrier around the soul. It wouldn’t prevent the pain of the bond-breaking, but it would keep my spirit from shattering under the pressure.

Silverleaf extract strengthened the connection between body and mind. During the ceremony, when the priests tried to tear the blood bond apart, my consciousness might try to flee from the agony. The silverleaf would anchor me in place. Keep me from losing myself.

Dried nightbloom petals enhanced spiritual resilience. They would help my body absorb and process the shock of the severed bond.

And spirit water was the key ingredient that bound everything together. It would carry the other components through my system, activating their properties at the exact right moment.

None of these preparations would eliminate the pain. Nothing could do that. But they would give me an edge. A better chance of walking away from the ceremony intact.

"I’ll find them, Young Madam." Nell gathered her things. "It might take some time."

"You have three days."

She nodded and hurried out.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in quiet meditation. Conserving my energy. Strengthening my spiritual reserves. Every ounce of power I could store now would be crucial during the ceremony.

By the time Nell knocked again, the room had grown dark. Evening had fallen without me noticing.

"Young Madam, I’ve brought dinner." She entered with a large tray laden with dishes. "Luna Helena sent this herself. She said you must eat everything."

I looked at the spread before me. It was far more elaborate than my usual meals.

"What is all this?"

"Luna Helena prepared the menu specifically for you." Nell began uncovering the dishes one by one. "This is ginseng and red date soup. It strengthens the blood and improves circulation. Very important for withstanding physical trauma."

The soup was rich and fragrant. I could smell the sweetness of the dates mingling with the earthy ginseng.

"This is braised lamb with wolfberry." Nell pointed to the next dish. "Lamb warms the body and builds core strength. The wolfberry supports kidney function, which helps with pain tolerance."

She continued down the line.

"Steamed fish with ginger and scallion. The fish provides light protein that’s easy to digest, while the ginger promotes blood flow and reduces inflammation."

"Lotus seed and lily bulb congee. This calms the spirit and promotes peaceful sleep. Luna Helena said rest is just as important as nutrition."

"And finally, honey-glazed walnuts. These nourish the brain and strengthen the will. You’ll need mental fortitude for the ceremony."

I stared at the array of carefully prepared dishes. Each one chosen for a specific purpose. Each one designed to prepare my body for the ordeal ahead.

Luna Helena had put real thought into this. Real care.

My throat tightened unexpectedly.

"Please thank Luna Helena for me," I said quietly. "This is... more than I expected."

"She cares about you, Young Madam." Nell smiled. "We all do."

I ate slowly, savoring each dish. The food was delicious, and I could feel the nourishing warmth spreading through my body with every bite.

I was halfway through the lotus seed congee when I felt it.

A movement.

Slight. Almost imperceptible. Like a twitch of fingers or a shift of breath.

I looked up sharply at the bed.

Dominic lay there as always. Still. Silent. Unchanged.

But I could have sworn I saw something.

"Nell." My voice came out strained. "Did you see that?"

She looked at the bed, then back at me. "See what, Young Madam?"

"Dominic. I thought I saw him move."

Nell studied Dominic’s motionless form for a long moment. Then she shook her head gently.

"I didn’t see anything, Young Madam. Perhaps you’re overtired. The stress of the upcoming ceremony..."

"Maybe." I set down my spoon, still staring at Dominic. "Maybe you’re right."

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