Chapter 3

With a final sigh, I close my eyes and allow sleep to claim me, the whispers of tomorrow’s conquests lulling me into a fitful slumber. The darkness wraps around me like a warm blanket, the quiet hum of the house lulling me into a deep sleep. But it’s a restless sleep, filled with dreams of soft whispers and the scent of arousal that I’ve come to crave.t on the edge of the bed, running a hand through my hair as I take in the sight of the first two members of my harem.

For a moment, I can’t help but wonder if what I’m doing is wrong. These people are so innocent, so utterly clueless about the darker aspects of human nature. Yet, the more I think about it, the more I convince myself that I’m not really taking advantage of them. I’m bringing them knowledge, pleasure, a taste of something they never knew existed. It’s like giving sight to the blind, sound to the deaf. And who’s to say that my way isn’t the right way? This world is stagnant, devoid of passion and desire. Maybe I’m the catalyst they need for change.

But as I watch Mrs. Mace and Gwyn sleep, peaceful and content in the aftermath of our love-making, I feel a sudden pang of guilt. I came here to save my mother, to prevent the tragic car crash that stole her from me. Yet here I am, tangled in a web of my own making, a web of lust and power. I’ve hardly spent any time with her since I arrived, so focused on my ‘healings’ and building my harem that I’ve neglected the very reason I’m here.

The memory of the car crash I witnessed in my own timeline fills me with a cold dread. The sound of screeching tires, the crunch of metal, and the sight of my mother’s lifeless body. I shudder, my heart racing as I remember the desperation that had driven me to create this time machine. I had promised myself that I would save her, that I would give her the life she deserved.

Now, as I watch the rise and fall of Mrs. Mace’s chest, the gentle snores of her daughter, I realize that I’ve done it. I’ve saved her. In this mirror universe, she’s alive and well, living out her life without the shadow of that fateful day looming over her. A sense of pride and accomplishment swells within me, warming me from the inside out. The guilt of the path I’ve chosen to take here fades into the background as I bask in the glow of success.

But as the warmth of satisfaction subsides, it’s replaced by a cold, hard truth. The reason I had left the kitchen yesterday came flooding back to me. I had been aroused by my own mother when I realized she was a virgin. The very thought sends a shiver down my spine, a cocktail of emotions – arousal, disgust, and confusion all mixed into one. How could I, a man from a world where knowledge about sex and incest is universally available, find myself lusting after a woman who bore me?

I stand up, my erection tenting my underwear, and walk over to the window. The cool morning air brushes against my skin, doing little to abate the fever in my thoughts. I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t right, that I’m playing with forces I can’t control. But then again, isn’t that what I’ve always done? I’ve always pushed boundaries, sought out the forbidden. And here, in this pristine world, I am the embodiment of the taboo.

The knocking at the door is a jolting interruption to my introspection. Mrs. Mace stirs, her eyes fluttering open as she takes in the scene before her. For a moment, she seems surprised, almost ashamed of what we’ve done. Then, she smiles, a knowing smile that tells me she’s fully embraced her role as one of my wives.

“Oh dear,” she murmurs, pushing herself out of bed and wrapping a robe around her naked form. “I forgot. We have guests today.”

Gwyn opens her eyes and looks up at me, a question in her gaze. “Guests?” she repeats, the word sounding strange and foreign to her lips.

Mrs. Mace nods. “Yes, dear. Your Aunt Louise and your cousin Carmen are coming for a short visit.”

Gwyn’s eyes widen. “Oh!” she exclaims, jumping out of bed with an energy that belies the intense night she’s had. She grabs a robe and throws it over her naked body, rushing to the bathroom to clean up. “We should get dressed!”

Mrs. Mace nods, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she follows her daughter’s lead. I watch them go, my mind racing with the implications of this unexpected visit. I quickly pull on my clothes, my heart racing as the reality of the situation sets in. Two more potential members of my harem are about to walk through that door, and I’m not sure I’m ready for them just yet.

The sound of their footsteps on the stairs is like a countdown to the moment my world is about to get even more complicated. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the task ahead. This isn’t just about saving my mother anymore; it’s about shaping the future of this entire universe.

Mrs. Mace opens the door with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes, her hand trembling slightly. Before me stand two stunning figures, their red hair glowing in the morning light. Mrs Mace and Louise are sisters, I realize Louise’s facial resemblance to Mrs Mace is striking. Louise and Carmen, Gwyn’s cousin. They’re both dressed in summer dresses, their beauty highlighted rather than hidden by their garb.

“Welcome,” Mrs. Mace says, her voice steady. “This is our esteemed spiritual healer. He’s been working wonders for our family.”

Louise and Carmen step inside, their eyes immediately drawn to the subtle yet profound changes in Mrs. Mace and Gwyn. The two women have a new glow to them, a vitality that seems almost otherworldly. Their skin is smoother, their figures more voluptuous, and there’s a spark in their eyes that speaks of a secret joy. The scent of arousal still hangs in the air from yesterday’s activities, faint but unmistakable to my trained nose.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” I say, bowing slightly, my voice filled with the same charm and authority that has won me the hearts of the Mace family. “I’ve heard so much about you both.”

As they enter, I discreetly use my spiritual powers to examine them, a skill that comes as naturally to me as breathing in this world. Louise, though she should be 45, looks closer to 35, her skin smooth and radiant. Carmen, at 20, is the epitome of youthful beauty, her curves ripe and her eyes full of wonder. Their auras pulse with potential mana, tantalizing me with the promise of more power.

“What has happened to you Gwyn and Auntie Sarah?” Carmen asks noticing the physical changes in her aunt and her cousin, her voice tentative. She glances around the room, noticing the faint scent of sex that still lingers in the air but obviously not recognizing what it is.

“We’ve been undergoing special treatments,” Mrs. Mace replies, her voice as smooth as silk. “Our healer has been showing us the true path to spiritual enlightenment.”

The two newcomers exchange a look of curiosity and doubt, but they hold their tongues, respectful of their host’s secrets. As we sit down to breakfast, the conversation is polite, filled with the usual pleasantries of a family reunion. Yet, I can feel the weight of unspoken questions hanging in the air. They’re eager to know more about the ‘spiritual healing’ that has transformed Mrs. Mace and Gwyn. I bide my time, sipping my tea and watching them with a smile that hides my intentions.

Gwyn looks thoughtful, her eyes distant as she plays with her food. I lean over to her, my hand brushing against her thigh under the table, a silent question in my touch. She looks up, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I was just wondering,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper, “what Auntie Louise and Carmen would think if they knew what we’ve been doing.”

Gwyn gives me a knowing look. “They’re curious,” she says, her voice low enough that only we can hear. “They can feel the change in us. But they’re not ready for the truth yet.”

I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. The addition of these two to our harem would be a significant power play, one that could either solidify our bond or shatter the fragile illusion we’ve crafted. “Let’s proceed with caution,” I suggest, my eyes never leaving the two newcomers.

Just as we’re about to delve deeper into the topic, we hear the sound of footsteps on the stairs. Phil and Mr. Mace make their way into the room, their expressions a mix of warmth and apprehension. They’ve obviously knew of our guest’s visit beforehand, but my being here makes them nervous of my intentions towards their extended family.

“Good morning,” Mr. Mace says, his voice gruff as he tries to cover his embarrassment. “It’s been a while since we had a visit from you two.”

“Yes,” Phil adds, his eyes darting between the five of us. “How are you Auntie Louise?”

Carmen, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room, puts her arm around her mother Louise and speaks up, “Mom has a heart defect. She’s had this condition for a while, but it’s been getting worse. We thought it was important to tell you all in person.”

The words hang heavy in the air as Sarah’s eyes widen in horror. The joy from the night before is wiped away in an instant, replaced by a raw, primal fear. “Tell me they can do something about it.”

Louise shakes her head.

Without a second thought, she throws herself into her sister’s arms, her body wracked with sobs. “No,” she wails, her voice choked with emotion. “Please, no.”

Mrs Mace, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, gently strokes her sister’s back, her gaze locking onto mine. The unspoken question is clear. Can I save her sister, or am I just a charlatan playing on her ignorance? The weight of their expectations presses down on me, and for a brief moment, I feel a flicker of doubt. But then I remember the power I hold in this world, the power to change lives and rewrite destinies.

“Perhaps I can offer some guidance Louise,” I say, my voice calm and reassuring. “Your condition is not something to be taken lightly, but with the right spiritual intervention, we may be able to alleviate your condition.”

The room goes quiet, all eyes on me. Even Mr. Mace seems hopeful, though he doesn’t quite understand what I’m proposing.

“What do you mean, young man?” Louise asks, her voice shaking with hope and fear.

I offer her a gentle smile, the kind that’s supposed to put people at ease. “Your condition is a delicate one, but I’ve had success with similar cases. I would simply need to perform a preliminary assessment.”

Mrs. Mace nods encouragingly at her sister. “Why don’t you give it a try, Louise?” she says. “We’ve seen what he can do.”

The skepticism in Louise’s eyes is palpable as she looks me up and down, taking in my youthful appearance and the lack of medical paraphernalia in the room. “But you’re not a doctor,” she points out, her voice filled with doubt. “How can you possibly know how to treat a condition like mine?”

I lean back in my chair, my gaze never wavering. “Indeed, I’m not a doctor,” I reply, my tone calm and soothing. “But in the realm of the spirit, the boundaries of the physical world are but a mere illusion. As a spiritual healer, I tap into a force that transcends the limitations of traditional medicine. I’ve seen the miraculous happen when the body and soul are aligned.”

Mrs. Mace nods in agreement, her hand reaching for her sister’s. “It’s true,” she says, her voice earnest. “He’s done wonders for us. Just look at us.”

Gwyn, ever eager to share her newfound experiences, chimes in, her eyes sparkling. “Auntie, it’s like nothing you’ve ever felt before. His touch, his healing ... it’s like he’s filling us with light.” She blushes deeply, her hand unconsciously drifting to her belly.

Mrs. Mace nods, her expression earnest. “It’s true, Louise,” she says, her voice trembling slightly with excitement. “He’s given us life, vitality. The treatments have made me feel years younger, and look at Gwyn’s skin!” She reaches over to gently stroke her daughter’s cheek, revealing a complexion that indeed seems to have shed its adolescent blemishes overnight. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen or felt.”

Carmen’s curiosity gets the better of her, and she leans in closer, examining her cousin’s and her aunt’s faces with a critical eye. “It’s incredible,” she whispers, her voice filled with awe. “How can this be?”

Mrs. Mace smiles warmly at her. “It’s all thanks to our healer,” she says, her hand resting comfortably on my shoulder. “His methods are ... unconventional, but they work wonders.”

Slowly, hesitantly, Louise nods. She’s seen the changes in her sister and her niece Gwyn, and she wants that for herself. She’s desperate, willing to try anything to rid herself of the specter of death that’s been hanging over her. “Alright,” she says, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll try your ... treatments.”

“Wonderful,” I reply, standing up from my chair. “But I must inform you that the healing process is quite involved, and it requires a certain ... intimacy. In order for it to be most effective, I’ll need Carmen’s assistance as well. She has a pure heart and a strong spirit, which will only amplify the energy we’re working with.”

Carmen’s eyes widen at the suggestion, but she quickly nods in agreement. “Anything for my mom,” she says, her voice earnest. She moves to stand beside me, her hand tentatively taking mine. I give it a gentle squeeze, feeling the mana within her pulse through our connection.

Mr. Mace, who’s been watching the scene unfold with a mix of horror and fascination, finally speaks up, “If you think this will help...” His voice trails off, but the relief in his eyes is unmistakable. It’s clear that he’s grateful for the distraction from the uncomfortable situation of his wife and daughter.

Phil nods in silent agreement, his own gaze shifting between his mother and sister with something akin to sadness and acceptance. It seems they’ve both come to terms with the reality that their loved ones are under my spell, and for now, they’re content with the illusion of normalcy.

I lead Louise and Carmen to my makeshift healing chamber, the same bedroom where I’ve been conducting my ‘sessions’ with Mrs. Mace and Gwyn. The curtains are drawn, the light dimmed, creating an atmosphere of sacredness and mystery. The room is filled with the faint scent of incense, a scent that seems to be a universal signifier of something ‘spiritual’ or ‘otherworldly’ in nature. The bed in the center of the room is adorned with soft, velvety fabrics, the perfect stage for the seduction and manipulation that is to come.

“Please,” I instruct, gesturing to the bed, “Lay down on your backs, both of you. This will allow me to perform the most thorough assessment of your spiritual health.”

They exchange a nervous glance, but their desperation overpowers their apprehension. They do as they’re told, their bodies side by side on the plush bed, the fabric clinging to their curves in a way that does nothing to diminish their allure. I take a deep breath, focusing my thoughts and channeling the mana within me.

With a gentle touch, I begin my ‘examination’, placing my hands on their foreheads, then moving them down their bodies in a pattern that mimics a healer’s touch but lingers just a fraction longer on their breasts and thighs. Their breathing hitches slightly, their eyes flutter closed, as they begin to relax under my ministrations.

Their skin is soft and unblemished, a stark contrast to the coarse fabric of their clothing. I stroke their thighs, feeling the heat of their bodies and the beginnings of arousal. They’re so innocent, so untouched by the world of desire and passion that I find myself growing harder with each passing second. The power of my cock, my ‘spiritual antenna’, thrums with anticipation as I guide their hands to my chest, feeling the beat of my heart, which they interpret as the pulse of spiritual energy.

“Feel the life within me,” I whisper, my voice a seductive purr that seems to resonate within their very souls. They nod, their eyes wide and filled with wonder as they touch me tentatively. “Now, let’s bring that life into you.”

Moving my hands down to their thighs, I stroke them softly, feeling the muscles tense and release beneath my fingertips. Their skin is like velvet, unmarred by the harshness of the outside world, and their touch is like the softest of feathers against my own flesh. It’s a stark contrast to the world I’ve left behind, where skin was roughened by the grime of existence and every touch was tainted by a thousand past experiences. Here, in this pristine world of untouched beauty, my hands are a map of discovery, charting unexplored territories of sensation and need.

I feel the warmth of their skin and the faint quiver of their muscles as they adjust to my touch. Their eyes remain closed, trusting in the illusion of healing I’ve spun for them. As I reach higher, approaching the sacred junction of their legs, I can feel their hearts beating faster. It’s a heady mix of fear and excitement, and it’s all the more potent because it’s all new to them. They don’t know what’s happening to them, but their bodies are responding with a primal instinct that’s been dormant for millennia.

My fingers graze the fabric of their panties, feeling the heat emanating from the juncture of their thighs. Their breath hitches, and I can sense their curiosity piqued. They’ve never felt anything quite like this before, and it’s intoxicating. I stroke them gently, watching their reactions, feeling the fabric grow damp with their innocent arousal. Their pussies are hidden beneath layers of clothing, but I can feel the outline of their slits, the slight swell of their clits, the softness of their folds. They’re like two untouched flowers, yearning to be plucked by the skilled hand of a master gardener.

“What’s happening?” Carmen whispers, her voice filled with wonder. She opens her eyes slightly, peeking at me through her lashes, trying to understand the new sensations coursing through her.

“Your bodies are simply responding to the healing energy,” I explain, keeping my voice calm and soothing. “It’s a natural part of the process.”

“But why do we feel ... this way?” Carmen asks, her voice trembling with the beginnings of pleasure she doesn’t quite understand.

“It’s because you’re opening yourselves up to new levels of consciousness,” I reply, my voice a hypnotic purr. “Your spirits are craving the connection that comes from a deeper understanding of the life force. And I,” I say, my hand moving to caress her cheek, “I am here to guide you.”

Mrs. Mace and Gwyn watch from the shadows, their eyes glinting with a mix of excitement and possessiveness. They know the secrets I hold, the secrets that have brought them untold pleasure. And now, it’s their turn to share in the experience.

I lean in closer to Carmen, my breath hot against her ear. “Do you trust me?” I ask, my voice a low rumble that seems to resonate deep within her.

Her eyes meet mine, and she nods, her pupils dilated with a mix of fear and anticipation. “I do,” she whispers, her voice barely above a breath.

Encouraged by her trust, I move my hand to her chest, feeling the rapid thud of her heart beneath my palm. Her breath hitches again, and I can see the beginnings of a flush creeping up her neck and spreading across her cheeks. I lean in closer, my mouth brushing against her ear as I begin to whisper sweet nothings filled with promises of pleasure and healing.

And then, without warning, I nibble on her earlobe. It’s a soft, teasing bite that sends a jolt of electricity through her body, making her gasp and arch up against me. Her eyes fly open, and she looks at me with a mix of shock and excitement, but she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she seems to melt into the bed, her legs parting slightly to give me better access to the treasure hidden beneath her clothing.

I continue to stroke both their pussies through the fabric of their panties, feeling the dampness grow. They’re both so responsive, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with my touch. It’s like conducting an orchestra of pleasure, each note played with precision and finesse.

Shifting my focus to Aunt Louise, I lean over her, my breath hot and heavy against her neck. She gasps as my teeth graze her earlobe, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. I repeat the action, this time a little more firmly, eliciting a soft moan from her. She arches her neck, granting me better access, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrenders to the uncharted territory of desire.

Her plump, inviting lips part slightly, and I can almost taste the sweetness of her breath. It’s a moment of pure temptation, and I can’t resist the urge to claim it. With a gentle pressure, I touch my lips to hers, feeling the softness that no man in this world has ever tasted. The kiss is chaste at first, a mere brush of skin on skin, but as I feel her respond, the pressure deepens.

Her eyes open in surprise, looking into mine with a mix of shock and curiosity. But the shock quickly turns to something else, something more primal, as she feels the spark of desire ignite within her. I pull back slightly, watching her face contort with the overwhelming sensations she’s never felt before.

“This ... this is part of the healing?” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

“Indeed,” I murmur, my breath caressing her cheek as I lean in for another kiss, this one more insistent. I feel the tip of her tongue tentatively touching my own, and I groan, deepening the kiss. Her body responds, arching up into me, her hands coming up to rest on my shoulders. She’s lost in the moment, her innocence a beacon in a world that’s been starved of passion.

As our tongues dance together, I feel her body growing more pliant under my touch. Her hips rock gently against my hand, her breaths coming faster and shallower. She’s like a bud opening to the sun, and I’m the warmth that’s coaxing her to bloom. I can feel her mana pooling, ripe for the taking, but I resist the urge to claim it just yet.

Breaking the kiss, I look into her eyes, seeing the confusion and the burgeoning need reflected there. “Does it feel good?” I ask, my voice a low growl that seems to resonate in the air.

“Y-yes,” she stammers, her eyes searching mine for answers she can’t quite find. “What is this?”

I smile enigmatically, stroking her cheek with the back of my hand. “It’s just the beginning, Aunt Louise. Let go of your fears and let the healing begin.”

Turning to Carmen, I lean over her, my heart racing with anticipation. Her eyes are wide, her mouth slightly parted, and her breath comes in shallow gasps. She’s so beautiful, so innocent, and I know that this kiss will be the key that unlocks a world of passion and need within her.

My lips meet hers, softly at first, a gentle brush that makes her eyes flutter closed. The taste of her is like a cool drink of water in a desert, refreshing and invigorating. She’s so receptive, her body arching into me, her hands coming up to tangle in my hair. The kiss deepens, and I feel the tip of her tongue touching my own, tentatively at first, and then with more confidence.

Her breath comes in ragged gasps as she tries to make sense of the sensations flooding through her. Her body moves against mine in a silent plea for more, and I’m only too happy to oblige. I slip my hand beneath her shirt, feeling the soft mound of her breast, her nipple peaking under my palm. She whimpers into my mouth, her legs spreading wider, giving me full access to the wetness that’s soaking her panties.

I break the kiss, looking into her eyes, which are glazed with a passion she can’t comprehend. “Does it feel good, Carmen?” I ask, my voice a soft purr that seems to resonate through her very soul.

Her eyes widen even further, and she nods, her cheeks flushed. “Y-yes,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “But what ... what is it?”

“It’s the power of life,” I murmur, my hand continuing to caress her breast, her nipple hardening beneath my touch. “It’s the essence of who we are, the force that binds us all together. And it’s something you’re about to experience in a way you never have before.”

I can see the question in their eyes, the unspoken plea for more. And so, I give it to them. I slide my hand down Carmen’s body, slipping beneath her panties to find her slick and ready. Her gasp is music to my ears, a sweet symphony of innocence lost. I stroke her clit, feeling it swell and pulse under my fingertips, her hips bucking against me.

Mrs. Mace and Gwyn watch, their faces a picture of desire and possessiveness. They know what’s happening, but they can’t help but be drawn into the moment. Their eyes are glued to my hand, to the way it moves between Carmen’s legs, and I can feel their own need growing. They’re part of this dance now, participants in the seduction of two more souls into my harem.

I bring my other hand to Aunt Louise, mirroring the motions on Carmen. The soft, wet sounds of my fingers moving through their folds fills the room, a sweet symphony of need and innocence lost. Their bodies respond in unison, their hips rocking, their breaths mingling in the air above us.

They’re both so close, their mana practically pulsing with the intensity of their arousal. I can feel it, a heady intoxicant that makes my own cock throb with need. I resist the urge to take them fully, to plunge into their tight, untouched depths and claim them as my own. But the time for that will come later. For now, I focus on their pleasure, on the building crescendo that will leave them trembling and begging for more.

My gaze drifts down to Aunt Louise’s chest, where I can almost see the beat of her heart beneath her blouse. I concentrate, my spiritual eyes peering into her body to assess the blockage that’s been causing her pain. The problem is clear: a knot of negative energy that’s been festering for years. The negative energy is being fed by many parts of her body, it looks like her immune system is feeding the blockage.

With a deep breath, I begin to channel my power into her, my hands hovering just above her skin. I feel the warmth of my mana pulsing through my veins, coalescing into a brilliant white light that bathes her in its glow. She gasps as the light touches her, her eyes flying open in shock and wonder.

The knot of negative energy in her chest starts to dissipate under my focused gaze, the threads of darkness unraveling like a tapestry in the sun. I can see her heart, beating erratically, and I concentrate on stabilizing its rhythm. The light from my hands pierces the shadowy mass, and with each pulse, the blockage weakens, the color of her aura shifting from a sickly gray to a vibrant, healthy pink.

Her breaths become less ragged, the tightness in her chest easing as my power works its way through her body. Her eyes are wide with astonishment, and I watch as understanding dawns on her features. She’s feeling better, the pain of years slipping away under the gentle touch of my spiritual healing.

With a final surge of energy, I dissolve the last of the blockage, her aura pulsing with new life. The negative energy dissipates into nothingness, and her body relaxes fully into the bed. A soft sigh escapes her, and she opens her eyes, looking at me with a mix of awe and gratitude.

“It’s gone,” she whispers, her voice filled with wonder. “The pain in my chest is ... gone. I feel like I have so much energy now.”

“That’s the power of true spiritual healing,” I reply, smiling at her. “Your body is now free to live up to its full potential.”

Carmen’s eyes widen as she looks at her mother, taking in the youthful glow that seems to emanate from her. “Mom, you look ... younger,” she whispers, her voice filled with awe. Indeed she has, her body has gotten tighter as well as the very fine wrinkles and lines disappearing from her face giving her a much younger look.

“What did you do?” she asks me, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and gratitude.

I look at Carmen with a knowing smile. “It’s part of the healing process,” I reply, stroking her cheek gently. “Your mother is now free of her burdens, ready to embrace life with renewed vigor.”

Carmen’s eyes fill with tears as she throws her arms around my neck, her body shaking with relief. “Thank you,” she whispers fervently, her breath warm against my ear. “Thank you for saving my mom.”

“You played a crucial part in this, Carmen,” I murmur, stroking her hair. “Your love and support for your mother acted as a conduit for the healing energy. Your presence here today has made all the difference.”

Her eyes shine with hope, and I know the perfect hook to reel her in completely. “But the process isn’t quite finished,” I say, my voice low and soothing. “Sometimes, negative energy can reoccur if the body isn’t fully cleansed of its residue. We need to ensure that your mother’s heart stays pure and healthy.”

They both nod eagerly, desperate to believe that I can give them what no one else in this world has ever offered: a cure for terminal illness as well as a taste of something beyond the mundane. Luckily I can cater to those needs. “How do we do that?” Carmen asks, her voice trembling with anticipation.

“The final step in this healing ceremony requires complete openness,” I explain, my eyes never leaving hers. “Both of you must remove your clothing, so that I may purify your bodies and spirits of any lingering negative energy.”