OUR TALENTED TEAM MEMBER, AUTHOR LORRAINE CAREY, SHARES A TRUE, STRANGE AND SCARY SNIPPET AND CHAPTER SIX OF HER NOVEL, 'THE LAST VESTAL VIRGIN'

I Felt the Burn-Literally!

Fitness buffs often chase that glorious "burn" - the ache that proves their workout was worth it. Writers, though? We feel the burn in other ways: marathon writing sprints, late nights spent chasing elusive characters, or locking ourselves away until the words surrender to the page.

But when you're writing paranormal stories, sometimes the burn is a little too real.

Strange things can happen when you dive deep into the unknown, and I’ve had my fair share of unexplainable experiences. Maybe it’s the passion for the characters, the settings, or the rich histories we weave into our tales - but I’ve heard countless accounts of writers brushing against the spirit world while writing.

In 2014, I had my own brush...and it left a mark.

At the time, I was living in Grand Cayman, working on The Last Vestal Virgin, a Young Adult paranormal novel that blends ancient Roman history with supernatural mystery. One quiet afternoon, I lost myself in research about the Vestal Virgins - those young priestesses of ancient Rome, chosen at the age of six to tend the eternal flame of the goddess Vesta and keep the city safe.

The Vestal Virgins weren’t just ceremonial figures; they were the backbone of Rome’s spiritual health. They took a vow of chastity for thirty years, kept the sacred flame alive, prepared ritual food, fetched water from sacred springs, and officiated major ceremonies like the Vestalia. These women held enormous power - so much that they could even grant freedom to slaves. But their lives came with brutal consequences: if the flame ever went out, disaster could befall Rome. And if a Vestal broke her vow of chastity? The punishments were severe - stoning, whipping, even being buried alive.

By the time I finished my research session, two hours had flown by. Energized, I plunged back into my manuscript...until a strange burning sensation crept up my right arm, near my wrist. At first, I brushed it off. But when red, angry-looking lines began to surface - lines that looked eerily like lash marks - I couldn't ignore it.

Panic set in. I dashed to the bathroom to examine my arm. Ice didn’t help. The marks only deepened in color. Frantic, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment, hoping the mystery would clear itself up by morning.

But as I sat there, nursing my aching arm, a chilling thought took root: Was I somehow connecting with the spirit of a Vestal Virgin? Could one of them, punished and wronged so long ago, be reaching out through the pages of my story?

My husband offered a rational explanation - maybe I had brushed against a hot stove. I hadn’t even stepped into the kitchen that day.

The doctor later diagnosed it as a second-degree burn and, like my husband, assumed a mundane accident was the cause. I said nothing about my Vestal theory - after all, how do you explain a paranormal encounter without risking a prescription for something stronger than burn cream?

Fortunately, the wounds healed within a few days, but the curiosity - and the eerie sense of connection -lingered.

I pressed on and finished The Last Vestal Virgin without further supernatural incidents. But this wouldn’t be my last encounter linked to the Vestals...

I'll share more of that chilling story soon.

Until then, if you're curious to dive into the ancient magic - and maybe a little mystery - The Last Vestal Virgin is available now on Amazon. Happy reading... and watch out for the burn.

CHAPTER SIX

A Strange Connection

It was a chilly day in Rome in March. An eight-year-old girl stood in the road. A mist hung in the air, making her shiver. With tear-filled eyes, she glanced back one last time at her father and mother as they watched her being led away by a large man dressed in long red robes.

“Tu amata, capio,” he uttered as he took her tiny hand and looked deep into her hazel eyes. “My Amata, you’ve been chosen to be a Vestal priestess, to carry out sacred rites on behalf of all the Roman people. It is a high honor.”

“Adelia!” her mother screamed, running up to the carriage, only to be restrained by a hefty guard. Several high-ranking officials were gathered in the street.

The child was lifted up into the carriage and placed between two much older ladies dressed in white linen gowns. Soon, the carriage left the narrow road. One of the older ladies placed a veil over the girl’s face as the other one turned to take her hand.

“Have no fear, young priestess; you are a chosen one, and will be honored. You’ll soon

be entering the atrium of Vesta.”

Adelia shook with fear, frozen, unable to speak or move. All she could hear was the clatter of the horses moving over the stone-paved road and the echoes of the screams coming from her mother.

Once again, Christina woke up in a cold sweat. She threw off her sheets, ran to the bathroom, and splashed water on her face. Her heart pounded deep within her chest. When she looked in the mirror, a pale face with soaking-wet hair stared back at her.

“Dear God, why is this still happening?”

She ran into her parents’ room, shaking and terrified.

“What’s wrong, Christina?” Helen gasped as her sobbing daughter snuggled into bed with her. Her father woke.

“What’s wrong, Christina? Are you sick?”

It was killing Salvatore to see his daughter in this condition. He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed Christina’s back.

“You’ll be fine, honey. We’ll take you back to the doctor tomorrow. Whatever this is, it can be fixed. The Ciccones don’t give up easily.”

Helen held Christina tightly. She could feel her daughter’s body trembling.

“Did you take your meds?”

“Yes, I did. I don’t think they’re working. I had one of those horrible nightmares again. I was a small child, and it must have been a thousand years ago. A strange man who looked like a priest took my hand and led me away. You were screaming when they put a veil over my face and set me in this weird carriage.” Her voice shook as she spoke.

Her mother got her up, and they went downstairs to the kitchen. Her father joined them, and Christina seemed calmer.

“If you’re okay, dear, I’m going back to bed. I think Mom should take you back to Dr Milani.”

“Dad’s right. You may need to be put on a higher dose. I remember the doctor telling us about this,” Helen said.

Christina moved her chair closer to her mother and grabbed her arm.

“I remember some of the words from the dream now. The man called me Adelia and told me I had been chosen to be a Vestal priestess. It was so real!”

“Sometimes medications can do strange things to our minds. Don’t worry about it. I’ll make an appointment for tomorrow and we’ll get this solved.”

Christina sipped the warm chamomile tea her mother had made her.

“It always seemed to help when you had colic as a baby,” Helen said. It’s an old Italian remedy.”

“I wish there were an old Italian remedy to stop these nightmares. And what are we going to do about those promo pics for the studio?” Christina asked.

“Don’t you worry, honey. We’re not going to make you do a reshoot. Anthony can photo shop them and make it work.”

“Okay, Mom, I’m going to try to get some rest now. I’m feeling better,” she softly said, kissing her mother gently on the cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”

Helen sat there watching her once-vibrant daughter walk away from the table, pulling her blue fuzzy robe tighter around her thin frame. She was well aware of the weight Christina was losing.

**********

Dr Milani increased Christina’s Xanax prescription. He also suggested she receive counseling with a group of other teen girls with similar issues. He arranged for her to attend sessions once a week, on Saturdays, at a clinic not far from her house.

Christina didn’t want to attend any counseling sessions, but she also had to face the fact that she couldn’t endure the nightmares and anxiety attacks anymore.

Helen had dropped a bombshell while driving Christina home from school.

“By the way, Grandpa Damato isn’t doing well. I got a call from the nurse at the assisted living facility a few hours ago. Seems he’s been slipping in and out of consciousness. I’m going to drop you off and run over to see him, then I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner that Grandpa was doing badly?”

“I didn’t want to upset you; Lord knows you’ve got enough going on.”

“Oh, and by the way, that medic is coming over this afternoon to do a checkup on me. He said it was routine practice with every emergency case.”

“I’d like to be there when he comes, but Anthony is home. I think this young man likes you. I noticed the way he looked at you that night he came to your room.”

“Oh, mother, please! He must be at least twenty years old! I know you are in a hurry to get me married off, but let me choose my own man.”

Christina went up to her room as soon as they got home and phoned Jade. She was the one who knew about the strange orbs from the pictures and had an open mind when it came to anything paranormal. She also needed some girlfriend time.

Anthony popped in to check on his sister.

“Feeling better?”

“Things’ll get better once I’m off these meds.”

“Look, Christina, I don’t understand what you’re worried about. You have it all and are treated like a queen here!”

Christina glared at him.

“And you think I can turn it off, just like that? I’m really tired, Anthony. Please, I’d like to clean up before Darien gets here.”

Anthony turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him. Christina sensed jealousy behind his harsh words. He always made a point to tell her she was the ‘gem’ of the family. Anthony had lots of potential; he just chose not to use it. She tidied up her room, knowing Darien would arrive shortly.

When Darien Russo arrived, Anthony showed him up to her room. Darien had a medic bag in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other. Anthony told Christina he would wait until the exam was over, then head out. He made sure her bedroom door stayed open.

“I wanted to bring you something to cheer you up,” Darien said as he set the bouquet of yellow roses down on her bed. “I need to take your blood pressure and oxygen levels.”

Christina was uncomfortable about this whole thing, but let him continue with the exam. It took about ten minutes. He sat on her bed and recorded the results on a chart. She thanked him for the flowers and got up to walk him to the door. As she was about to close it, he asked if he might visit her again. Trying to get rid of him, she told him nicely that it would be fine. She did find him attractive but thought he was a bit too old for her, and having a boyfriend was not on her agenda.

Darien sat outside in the ambulance as he watched Christina usher her friend inside.

One day soon, she will come to realize I am the only one for her.

He placed the paperwork into his folder and pulled away, thinking how striking she looked and how he

became so easily lost in her beauty.

Christina was all smiles to see Jade.

“Feeling better, Chris?” Jade asked as she entered with a handful of books. “I brought your homework, girlfriend. And by the way, who’s the hottie?”

“Oh, that’s just one of the medics who was here the other night. He had to make a follow-up call.”

“I think I’ll have my own emergency!” she winked at Christina.

Christina laughed.

“Thanks, Jade. I can always count on you to make me laugh. I asked you over because you’re more open to weird things than Lauren or Ryan.”

Jade made herself comfortable in Christina’s room. “Okay, what do you want to know?”

She thought about the fire episode, but was waiting for Christina to mention it.

“What do you know about Vestal Virgins?”

“I’ve never heard of them – why?”

“I had a nightmare last night about a young girl who was taken from her parents in ancient Rome to be a Vestal Virgin. I believe I may have been the little girl in the dream.”

“Wow, how cool is that? You may have had some contact with a spirit. “We can look it up on the internet and find out.”

The girls had been on the computer for about an hour when Helen came into the room with a tray of sandwiches and sodas. “Madone! Christina, you should be resting instead of fooling around on the internet!”

“It’s part of a homework assignment, Mom, and we’re just about done. By the way, how’s Grandpa?”

“Not too good, honey. He did ask for you. We’ll stop by tomorrow on our way home from school.”

“Thanks. I really want to spend some time with him.”

Christina turned to Jade. Worry was written all over her face. “You know, oddly, she didn’t even ask about the medic who came over this afternoon. Grandpa must be in bad shape.”

“I’m so sorry, Christina.”

“Thanks. We all know he’s nearing his time, but even so, you are never ready. Let’s finish up with this research.”

Christina’s eyes grew wide as she scanned all of the information. "Read this! They found information about how young girls back in 380 BC ancient Rome, were taken from their families to serve the Goddess Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and the sacred flame. It said she was known in Greek mythology as the goddess Hestia, the daughter of the god Cronus and his sister-wife, Rhea. Vesta chose to be a virgin rather than marry Apollo or Poseidon. Every home in Rome had a shrine to the goddess. She watched over family and state, and was considered a great Roman divinity.“

“Who would want to marry Poseidon – that monster from the depths of the sea?” Jade said.

“It’s only Greek mythology, Jade. Let’s not get too excited.” They found other sites that stated six girls were taken from their parents between the ages of six to ten years as priestesses in training to serve the Goddess Vesta and Rome.

“I just can’t imagine being a Vestal for thirty years,” Jade said.

“Look, Jade, read here where it says their time was broken up into sections. They would be students for ten years, providing service for another ten years, then train others for the last ten years.”

“Yeah, but that non-dating issue still doesn’t settle well with me,” Jade added.

“It was serious stuff, Jade. During this time, they had to remain pure and free from any sexual conduct, being regarded as the keepers of the safety of Rome. Their duties included: maintaining a vigil on the sacred fire which burned in the atrium of Vesta, making appearances at sporting events, and keeping sacred documents, wills, and such. If the sacred fire were ever to go out, the people of Rome would fall into a great panic, believing the safety of Rome was threatened. The Vestal who allowed this to happen would be whipped in the forum in front of the citizens.”

“That’s insane!” Jade shrieked.

Christina continued reading. “They did do some cool stuff, too, such as keeping safe the many artifacts and treasures from wealthy families. Vestals could attend the ancient games as no other woman would be allowed, and even had a special seating area during the gladiator games at the Colosseum”.

“Lord Almighty!” Jade squealed. “I think I want to be a Vestal. Think of watching all those hunky gladiators!”

Ignoring Jade’s comment, Christina kept reading. It went on to mention if a Vestal was caught breaking her law of chastity, she would be buried alive in an underground tomb just outside the city. She would be given food and water with the belief that no human could kill a Vestal, so she was left with a meager amount of food, knowing it would not last her long enough to survive. She would succumb to death from starvation.

“That’s it... that’s it! It’s all here!” Christina cried. “This was my nightmare! I got buried alive in one of those tombs they mention here! I felt it – I was there!”

Christina’s heart began to race, and she broke out in a cold sweat.

“Try to relax, Chris.” Jade sat next to her on the bed as she coaxed her to do her deep breathing. “I think what you’re experiencing is a memory from maybe a past life, or one of these Vestals is trying to connect with you.”

Jade went into the bathroom, soaked a washcloth with cold water, and applied it to Christina’s head.

“You’re a great friend, Jade. I’m so lucky to have you.”

“I feel the same. By the way, I’m still keeping your secret. I don’t think Lauren and Ryan would get this excited over you possibly being contacted by one of these priestesses, nor would your folks. I gotta get back home and do my homework. Now remember, let your new meds take time to work, attend your therapy sessions, and take it slow.”

**********

The next day at school proved to be uneventful. No attacks, no odd stares from Lee Mitchell and his friends; instead, they kept clear of her. Ryan was glad to see Christina in their last-period History class, taking a seat behind her.

“Hey, you want to come over to the house after school?”

“Can’t today, Ryan. We’re going to visit my grandpa. He’s not doing too well, and I need to go see him.”

“Sorry to hear that. Maybe you’ll make my party next Friday night? I talked my folks into letting me have one of those ‘Mystery Murder’ parties.”

“Wow! How cool is that? I can’t promise, but we’ll see.”

When Christina and her mom arrived at Forest Glenn Home, they were met by the head nurse.

“Your dad hasn’t come out of the coma. I was just about to phone you,” she said to Helen as she walked briskly ahead of them.

When they entered the room, they could see Grandpa lying there as if he were in a deep sleep. He seemed peaceful in an odd sort of way.

“I’m going to call your dad and Anthony at the studio and have them come right away,” Helen said, as she walked out into the lobby to make the call. Christina sat in the chair next to her grandpa, and held his hand. She noticed how pale and sunken his eyes were. She whispered in his ear,

“I love you, Grandpa.” She watched his eyes, and they seemed to open a little.

His mouth moved slowly, and he whispered back, “Love, you too. Be strong, Christina.”

Christina squeezed her grandpa’s hand. Tears welled up in her eyes. Helen came back into the room. “Your father and Anthony are on their way.”

“They may not make it in time, Mom. I swear, Grandpa just said he loved me and to be strong.”

“That’s impossible,” the nurse said as she checked his oxygen levels. “He’s been comatose for the past few days.”

Christina heard her words – she was there and knew what she witnessed. That late October day, Grandpa Damato passed away. Salvatore and Anthony didn’t make it in time. Christina sat and watched her mother fall on her grandfather’s bed, clinging to his shell of a body. This was the first death Christina had witnessed firsthand and would never forget it. She knew all too well her grandpa had waited to see her until he had left this world.

**********

Several months had passed after Grandpa’s death, and Helen was still not herself. Christina had wondered if her mother would be the next candidate for therapy, as she spent more time at the studio after school, as well as attending counseling sessions once a week at the clinic. She listened to all the stories the other girls had to say, but never divulged her nightmares.

She had come up with the idea of letting Lauren pose for promo shots for the family business since the ones Anthony had photo-shopped didn’t turn out well. After all, Lauren was gorgeous too. Christina‘s family also seemed to like the idea. They knew they didn’t want to put Christina through any unnecessary trauma. It seemed since Grandpa’s death, she’d gotten stronger, and the anxiety attacks and nightmares had lessened. Her mother attributed this to the medication and the counseling finally kicking in. Christina attributed it to the last words that came from her beloved grandfather.

**********

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COMING SOON: On Monday 26th May, our team member and fantastic author, Dawn Treacher, reveals her short story, 'Not In Service'.