The clock struck a minute and all conversations around the house seized, getting replaced by the ones of the approaching humans.
"Mum, Miss Stacey says she wants a new doll," piped a little, red-haired child, obliviously striding through a row of shelves. A black cat walked beside her.
Her mother rushed onwards, passing through the opposite wall. Her hands were filled with grocery bags. She hurriedly said, "Stacey can't say she wants a doll, honey. She's a cat."
"But, mum! She told me!"
From a few paces down, the mock-gasp of her dad sounded. "Honey, I think our daughter's a cat whisperer. Hey, Hailey hun, tell me what else Stacey's said."
The little girl pouted. "She said it's high time you got a shave."
Barking out a laugh, her dad swopped in and scooped her up, raising her high up into the air and spinning. She shrieked out endless giggles, splaying her small arms wide.
Something in my chest tightened.
I never had that growing up, a real family. Although I did have numerous aunts who loved me, I often wondered what it would've been like to not get passed around like a burden each time I wailed too loudly or had special needs.
They loved me, but they loved their youth more, and I didn't blame them one bit. I imagined it must have been a nightmare getting saddled with a baby at such a young and exciting stage of their lives.
"Come on, Stacey!" the girl paused in between giggles to yell.
Feeling eyes on me, I looked down and froze when my gaze connected with the blue ones of the cat.
'Shoo,' I mouthed silently, waving her away.
I jerked back when she hissed at me, baring tiny fangs.
"Stacey, come on! Stop hissing at the wall!"
After a final stink eye she ran after her owners, getting picked up by the older woman and placed into the backseat of the car.
Once they drove off, I expelled a pent breath.
All noise resumed. I grabbed my stuff and went upstairs, shouldering my way into my room to get my spell book. I realized I'd walked into an argument.
"Give it back!" Corinne shrieked at another witch, Aradia.
"No," she replied plainly. "You've had your sweet time with it." Then she slung the pair of loubotines over her shoulder like you would a bindle, turning to go.
"But I've only worn it for one initiation ceremony. Just one!"
"Yeah? The condition of the soles would beg to differ, C--"
Hellene dropped the book she was reading with a scoff. "Can you both just stop with the stupid argument already. It's not like we're going for some fashion show."
Aradia paused and turned to regard her in mock-pity, a pair of black shades over her destructive eyes. "Oh, honey, we might as well be. A lot of witches are going to be at the congress. A hundred and twenty-six covens of them."
"Yeah," Corinne said, agreeing with her for once. "And let's not forget, the House of Wicca contains a few fey men. And fey men equals hot men."
Hellene rolled her eyes. "You're still going to wear a long cloak over your clothes anyway, so I don't know why you even bother to dress up nicely."
Corinne ignored her statement, pinning a glare on Aradia. "I said," she began lowly, dark clouds gathering in the sky. "Give... It. Back."
Aradia placed a finger on her chin thoughtfully. "Let me think about it... No."
Anger flashed in Corinne's gaze and wisps of air shot out her fingertips, growing into a raging tornado. Stuffs around the room instantly flew away from the force of it, including Hellene's book.
Hair blowing around my face, I gripped my spell book tighter, yelling, "Cut it out, Corinne!"
My voice was lost over the sound of items crashing and cluttering against themselves.
Just as Corinne sent the cyclone Aradia's way, she pulled down her shades and caught Cor's gaze. In a split second she froze, the cyclone diminishing. A crushing noise sounded as her feet turned to ice, the blue crystals racing up her legs to invade her torso and arms, then finally, her face down to the roots of her black hair.
Aradia smiled sweetly. "You know what I love most about ice sculptures?" she asked no one in particular. "They don't talk."
As she headed out of the room, I raked my fingers through my hair, trying to put it in order. A normal day in the coven. It'd have been abnormal if no one fought.
Standing, I took out all the essentials I needed from the potions pot, including some burdock roots, sulfur, and a bottle mercury. I took pains to keep my fingers around the base of the mercury bottle, hoping the element wouldn't make contact with my skin.
Mercury was to witches what wolfsbane was to lycans.
Poison. A means of torture. The slightest touch of mercury could make a witch beg for death.
Passing by Corinne's frozen figure, I headed down to the cave.
The cauldrons in here were a bit rusty, courtesy of our lazy asses not using it to make the potions we were required to. Rolling out a cauldron with a strained huff, I placed it over a large tripod, lighting the burner.
Pouring in some base elements, I waited until the transparent liquid began to bubble before throwing in some burdock roots.
The liquid churned violently then turned a glittering green. Rays of light emerged from it to illuminate the dark room. After I'd put in all the other materials, I walked around the cave, counting down seconds until the potion was done.
The flapping of wings drew my attention to the entrance. An owl flew in, heading towards one of the large cabinets. It wrapped its claws around a handle and drew it open, retrieving a vial, then I watched it fly away.
Not all witches had familiars. The few who were assigned familiars were the ones Hecate didn't deem worthy enough to receive her gift, is what my aunt Isobel always told me.
I was supposed to get mine already. Because witches got their Inherent gifts the day they turned immortal. It's been a week for me and still no show.
Isobel had already started to look at me with pity in her eyes...
The liquid cooled soon after and I withdrew my vial, scooping some of it in.
Hours crawled by before Cordelia informed us it was time.
A flurry rose up in the house as witches quickly began to prepare for the ceremony. After a quick shower, I riffled through my closet and selected a simple blue dress. I rushed through my make up, applying some mascara and lip gloss.
Before the mirror, my large grey eyes stared back at me as I combed out my dark hair, pinning it at my nape in a careless chignon.
I grabbed my black cloak and headed out, rushing down the stairs to meet up with the rest in the wide hall. The large, black clock in shape of a pointy hat ticked into the silence.
Sybil stood beside the High-priestess in charge of our coven, already dressed in her cloak. Her grey eyes bore into me as I shrugged into my cloak.
"I'm here, I'm here," rushed out Corinne as she came to stand beside Sybil.
When we were all complete, Meredith, our High-priestess, went on to take a sip of her apparating potion, leaving us to do the same.
Opening my bottle, I took a mouthful and winced deeply at the bitter taste of it. A nauseous sensation built in my stomach and the world tilted crazily, making me drop the bottle. The glass shattering was the last thing I heard before I blacked out.
Groggy, I blinked my eyes open, staggering on my feet a bit.
The sound of nightlife hit me and I focused on my surroundings. I was in a hidden alley. Music blared from a distance, accompanied by the loud voices of people chattering and cars whizzing by. Lights from the street lamps around shone into the darkness, illuminating the busy road.
Shivering, I drew my cloak tighter around me when cold air bit into my skin.
"Come on, Lowe!" Maren called, moving ahead with the rest.
I rushed forward, joining up with them as they filed into a lone bus. Meredith gave instructions to the man and he began to speed down the road, uncaring of the annoyed horns that blared his way.
In no time we reached the House. The glamour around the building made it look like a lovely, demure cottage, but I saw it for what it was. A dark, stately building that rose up into the sky.
The heavy pillars around its anterior held up the arching roofs, and on them, life gargoyles looked down at us as we approached, their ghastly wings spread out in readiness to attack. A shiver ran down my spine and I looked away from them.
A portly warlock met us at the wide entrance. "Welcome, Meredith," he said on a low note. "It is a pleasure having you here."
"The pleasure is mine, Sebastian," came the reply of our old priestess.
He proceeded to lead us in. Past the lavishly adorned halls and corridors we went, then into an impossibly massive stone hall lighted with several candles.
Multitudes of witches were already gathered, and ahead of us, sat on a single throne-like chair, was the head of the House of Wicca, the Witch Queen herself; Allegra Cavajo.
This was my first time seeing her in person and although I stood a fair distance away from her, I was no less staggered to be in her presence. She radiated raw power.
When she saw we were all complete, her dark, exotic features flushed with pride and she stood, then began to speak slowly, "It is a pleasure to see you all gathered here today. We've waited centuries for this day to come."
The gathering murmured their agreement, and she finished with, "It is to my utmost joy that I say; we wait no more."
A dark power suddenly charged the atmosphere, chilling me down to my bones. Wind rattled the high windows as it blew in, passing through our gathering and leaving chills in its wake.
She sat, her eyes sliding close. The air around her seemed to come alive, a bluish glow engulfing her as strands of her hair lifted. Ancient symbols appeared allover her skin.
My breath hitched in amazement. I slid my gaze around, scanning the crowd. I was shocked to note they didn't appear to be feeling as baffled as I was. I drew my gaze back to the witch queen, watching her concentrated face.
I jolted when her eyes flew open. The entirety of them were consumed with a whitish glow. Her bewitching eyes scanned the crowd now, and landed on my face.
Her next words had my blood chilling.
"You must be Willow."
A hush came over the hall. Heads turned, gazes reverting back to my face. My heart started to bang against my ribcage, my head growing lighter by the second. Before now, I had never considered that I could be chosen, because there was nothing to consider. I didn't have what it took. All I'd wanted was just a position to fight in the witch force; not one that'd grant me leadership.Allegra smiled down at me warmly. "Come forth, my child."I began to move, feeling very much like I was having an out of body experience. My legs seemed to have a mind of their own. The mass parted for me as I came, some squinting at the hood I'd drawn over my face, wanting to see who I was. See who I would be.My legs shook as I took one of the five steps leading up to the upraised platform. This was happening? What was Hecate thinking? Does she really think I can kill King Lan? Restore a peace that'd been sought for millenniums?She had the wrong girl.They all had the wrong girl.I stood on the podium
The next day I was woken up roughly. I opened my eyes to see a pissed Sybil. On sighting Meredith behind her, I knew I was in for a day."So it's simple," Meredith began as we hastily walked down a long corridor. "We brew a scent-concealing potion, you go to Manhattan using the apparat--""Manhattan?" I asked, my breaths shortening to a pant. Increasing my stride to keep up with her, I rushed out, "But he's in Chicago, isn't he? At Gornagon.""Our intels at the castle have informed us he has gone on a short trip to Manhattan."My brows furrowed. "Why?"Meredith made to speak but was cut off by Sybil snapping, "Can you stop asking pointless questions? The king's reason for going to Manhattan does not matter; what does is that he's there, with few protection, and that we've got to send you off to him before he leaves for Chicago tomorrow."We'd gotten to a huge oak door. Meredith worked a key in. "If it helps any, he went to Manhattan to pay a visit to one of the vampire lords, Igor.""
Although vampire helps milled about, the mansion was relatively quiet when I walked in. Shades had been pulled over the windows tightly to keep sunlight away. The only lights available in the foyer were the ones from the giant chandeliers spiralling down the high ceilings. I suppressed a jolt when a male vampire traced to stand behind me.Sliding a covert glance at my back, I realized he'd only traced to help another vampire in carrying some items. Hefting the huge painting in one hand like it weighed nothing, the vampire passed by me as he headed towards another opening across the hall.The massive twin staircases in the middle of the white-themed hall called to me. I made a beeline towards it, but slowed my pace when I felt eyes on me.The next thing I did was what I've been doing for practically my whole life; I tried to belong, tried to blend.Loosening up my shoulders while striding casually like I had all the time in the world, I noted other similarly dressed ladies walked about
He tilted his head at me, those sharp green eyes scrutinizing my face. His low voice sounded again. "Are you coming in or not?"My breaths slowed at his open attention and I found myself saying, "Yes...I am."With that he went over to his closet, taking bold strides. The mere act of him walking commanded attention. He walked with such animal grace and raw vitality. Lines of arrogance and something darkly menacing were stamped on the sharp planes of his face.He withdrew a pair of worn jeans and made to sling it on, the towel parting. I looked away on instinct. Then looked back again, my mouth drying up at the size of his junk. It was huge.Shirtless, he casually strolled over to the large chair at his reading table, seating. Eyes never leaving me, he leaned back on his chair, muscles bunching as he propped an elbow on the armrest, absently twirling the gold ring on his finger. "You know what to do," he stated plainly.My face scrunched in confusion. "What?"A black brow went up. "Do
The air thickened ominously and glowing white streaks bursted out of my palms, heading straight for a shocked Lan.Before it got to him, a bodyguard jumped in, getting struck. He froze, then erupted into black ashes. Dead. I fought down the panic and guilt threatening to rise, focusing on one thing; I missed. I'd missed and that was the only opportunity I would get. And I'd f*cked it up. Frantically I summoned another energyball as the guards closed in on me. The death of the guard seemed to snap Lan into action. He stood, fury boiling in his feral eyes. "Bound her hands," he ordered with deceptive calm.I fought wildly as one grabbed my hair. I fought wildly while the rest rushed for me. But before they got a hold of my hands, I worked up another energyball and blasted them with it, weakening. More and more warriors poured in, and when they came at me again, I desperately chanted a spell, "Lis eida!" A call for help.My hands were pulled painfully behind me and shackled. I was for
The sound of my cell bars sliding open snapped me wide awake. I started to stand but was stopped by a growl. On taking stock of my surroundings, it gradually registered to me that a pack of huge, frightening men stood around the room, their faces stoic. They were here, the Lycans.My heart spiked, the events from the past rushing back to me. Two men approached me, taking me by my arms. Once they proceeded to carry me off, I frantically rushed out, my voice rising with each word, "My aunts, where are they? What did you do to them?! What did you do with the rest of the witches?"I kicked out my legs, surprised when I found they were bare. My breath hitched once I took in the state of my dressing. I was in different clothes: someone had changed me.My gaze connected with the stocky vampire from before. He gave me a slow, sickly smile at the realization in my gaze.My eyes widened. "You pervert!" I kicked wildly, fighting against the strong holds on my arms. "I would turn you into a pig
LAN FARROW_Guards bowed low as I came storming through the chamber. The prisoners inched away from the bars, blending into the shadows. They hid, not entirely from me. But from what they knew I could do to them. On entering the central hall, I spotted an elder tear away from the crowd of people he was with, fast approaching me. I held up a hand, needing to be left alone.Head pounding, I climbed up the stairs, thoughts frantically zipping across my mind. After navigating the keep, I marched into my private wing and instantly drew up short when I saw it was teeming with lycan warriors. The hell? This part of the castle was private for a reason.On sighting me, the warriors fell silent. The sound of my boots reverberated as I slowly walked through the large hall. Looking at the faces around me, I came to a stop. "Out."For a while they stood there, staring at me, their faces starting to twitch anxiously. This ratcheted up my ire. I roared, "I said get the hell out!" I wasn't used to
MEREDITHThe voices around bombarded my ears, heightening my anxiety, although I tried not to show it, I never did. "Quiet," I stated calmly. When the noise still persisted, I screamed, "Quiet!"Unused to hearing me raise my voice, they quieted down. "Willow is in trouble," I began. "It's up to us to get her back from the Lycans before... Before they torture her to deat--"Hellene suddenly snapped, "It's all your fault, Corinne! If you didn't come up with that stupid plan--"Corinne scoffed heatedly. "Oh, like you would have thought of a better plan? Funny how I didn't hear you object t--""Ugh! I can't believe you! I can't believe any of you!" She proceeded to storm off.I made to stop her, but Maren beat me to it. She placed her hand on Hell's shoulder, saying calmly, "Hey, we're going to get her bac--"Smoke literally blew out of her ears. "Aren't you supposed to be her friend, Maren? For all we know they could be picking off her nails from the skin of her fingers one by one, and a