Filed to story: Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford
‘It certainly is.’
Suddenly thousands of more embers appear, creating a spectacular light show.
‘That’s amazing, Nina!’ Josie expresses herself.
Nina responds, ‘That’s not me doing that.’
‘I thought that was Nina?’ Josie asks May.
‘It wasn’t me,’ May says.
‘If it wasn’t either of you, then who is it?’
Steps approach from behind us. We all spring to our feet and prepare to shift.
Five people in olive green hooded cloaks come to a standstill. The individual in the centre takes a step in front of the others. I can’t help but notice a Smokey coloured cat sitting beside one of the hooded people at the back.
‘Who are you?’ ‘How did you get into my territory without us noticing?’ I snarl.
The person in front lowers their hood.
‘Yiselda?’ I enquire.
‘Alpha Magnus,’ she murmurs before turning her focus on Nina. She acknowledges Nina with a smile and a nod. The four hooded people behind her all bow their heads to Nina.
Nina and I exchange a troubled look.
‘What brings you here, Yiselda?’ Nina inquires. A mouse sits upon her shoulder and begins to clean its whiskers.
‘After all, Magnus, it’s fantastic to see you were able to break the spell,’ she replies, dismissing Nina’s query.
‘I did,’ I admit. ‘But I can’t help but think that’s not why you’re here.’
‘Alpha Magnus, I would like you to meet the Midnight Coven’s members.
Introduce yourself to Fern, Ela Ria, and Lilac.’ As their names are called out, the women drop their hoods. They are all stunning women. Fern is a woman with brown hair and blue eyes. Ela has brown eyes and blonde hair. Ria has red hair, green eyes and numerous freckles. There is a cream-coloured snake around her neck. I try not to squirm thinking about the snake. Then there is Lilac, her hair is black, and her eyes are brown.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Please have a seat,’ I say, motioning to the wooden logs.
They warm themselves by the fire and make themselves comfortable.
‘So, The Midnight Coven?’ I question.
‘That’s correct. We are the last known coven, although only a few people are aware of us. We learned about Nina and her sister. They are half-wolf, half-witch hybrid.’ Yiselda looks at Nina.
‘I knew there was something special about you when I saw you, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but I can see it now, all around you. The curse must have been shadowing your power from everyone. The rumour that Nina and her sister are witches quickly spreads across the packs. There’s a reason we’re the only witches remaining and why we’ve remained hidden from the rest of the world.’
‘Can you tell me why?’ I enquire.
Yiselda inhales deeply. ‘Witch hunts,’ She whispers, sending eerie shivers down my spine.
‘But now the eggs are out of the basket, werewolves are aware that witches still exist, and Nina is your mate, making things quite interesting. So, my midnight coven sisters have become hopeful that they may be able to come out of hiding and live peacefully among the pack, your pack.’
Zak and Josie take a step back in surprise, tripping over the log. We all exchange glances as we hear nothing but a croak, followed by another croak and another. As the croaking comes from Ela, we all look at her oddly. She giggles and reaches into her pocket for a slimy toad.
‘Everyone, it’s fine.’ That noise isn’t coming from me. It’s simply Todd, my familiar. He’s a toad,’ Ela exclaims as though it’s the greatest thing ever.
I try not to cringe and instead frown.
‘So, you all want to live here in Shadow Crest?’ I ask.
They all nod and smile except for Yiselda.
‘I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to stay.’ The four ladies would be the only ones residing here. Perhaps if the other packs see that we can coexist peacefully in this pack with you, they will rethink their ideas about witches and allow us to live freely without fear?’
‘This is a significant decision that Nina and I can’t make right now. Tomorrow, we’ll have a meeting and seek counsel from our elders.’
‘We would appreciate that, Alpha Magnus.’
‘Why wouldn’t you be able to stay, Yiselda?’
‘The Covenstead we live in is more than just a house. Some beings have been sealed for all eternity and can never be released. So at least one of us must remain at the Covenstead to ensure that the seals are not broken, or the ward spells are not removed.’
‘What kind of beings are they?’ I ask.
‘Things you hope you’ll never meet, the darkest things you can envision, such as Grimghouls and Shadow Reapers, that come from your deepest darkest nightmares. It would be like opening Pandora’s box if they were set free. Because of this, it became the name of our Covenstead.’
‘Your home is known as Pandora’s Box?’ I grimace.
Fern, Ela, Ria, and Lilac chuckle and nod, amused at the situation.
‘Yes, if only your species could understand that witches are here to protect everyone, to keep the world free of demons and dark forces. It’s our duty to keep them trapped by having wards and spells in place. We also create potions to help heal the sick.’
‘Won’t you be lonely staying in Pandora’s box?’ Nina asks.
Yiselda laughs, ‘I wish. But unfortunately, the Vampire King never shuts up. I’ve already put up with him for a few centuries as it is. Fern, Ela, Ria and Lilac can come by anytime if they are able to reside here. They could teleport to Pandora’s Box easily enough each day if they wanted to.’
‘Vampire King?’ I mind-link to Nina.
‘Never knew vampires existed let alone a king?’ she mind-links back.
‘However, enough with Pandora’s Box. We want to invite Nina and May to join our coven as sisters. Joining us also means that it will be our responsibility to protect and keep each other safe in times of peril,’
‘But Nina and May are part of the Shadow Crest pack.’
‘Because they are half-witch, half-wolf, they can be part of both. This would also unify us as one prominent coven or, as you call it, pack.’
‘I appreciate it, Yiselda.’ At tomorrow’s meeting, May and I will discuss it. Let’s get to know each other a little better in the meanwhile and roast some marshmallows?’ Nina proposes.
We’re all holding our sticks, placed above the fire with marshmallows. Then Yiselda works her magic and puts on a performance for us to enjoy. We are watching a fire display put on by a little bird who is still unable to fly like her siblings. On the other hand, the little bird does not give up and continues to attempt every day. She eventually learns to fly and flies past her siblings.
We applaud Yiselda for the charming story.
‘Thank you for your kindness, but we must depart.’ ‘We’ll be back here at midnight tomorrow,’ Yiselda adds. She then draws a circle on the ground with a star within and sets five stones at each point of the star.
Fern, Ela, Ria, and Lilac vanish as they enter the circle. Yiselda sends out one more wave before stepping in and disappearing.