21. Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Sage
Once back at camp, Drag trotted off toward his cabin, as did Heston and Kimber, and I assumed they were getting dressed. The rest of us took seats around the already blazing fire. Everyone chatted away as I sat there waiting for some kind of sign from the universe that I was a witch.
Twenty minutes later the sun had set and the rest of the vampires came out of their cabins. Of course, Winnie strolled right up with a glare on his face.
“What the fuck did you do now?”
I shrugged, avoiding his question.
“She wandered outside the wards and tried to attack us,” Shayla informed him. “Luckily for her, we aren’t enemies. The silver must be protected.”
Winnie took a seat across from me, shaking his head. “Why the hell would you attack three strong-ass witches?”
“I didn’t even know witches were real until a half hour ago.”
Winnie cocked a brow. “The magical wards that we tell you almost every day to stay inside weren’t any kind of hint at all?”
I threw my hands out. “I thought it was a wolven thing. Maybe they marked their territory or something.”
“What did you think they did, pee a circle around the whole damn camp?” Winnie asked, and I blushed from embarrassment because that was precisely my thought.
“Circle of pee. Circle of pee.” Cece bursted out laughing before letting out a happy sigh. “The silver is silly.”
Drag and the other two wolven came back fully clothed, and I was grateful. I think I had officially seen every part of his and every other person in his pack’s bodies at this point.
Shayla sighed with a dissatisfied look on her face. “We’re waiting for two more, Dragos. Everyone must hear the story since all have a part in the war to come.”
“They’re right there.” Ravage nodded his head to the left.
I looked in that direction and my heart fluttered with excitement as Marcus and Peach headed toward us, hand in hand, with Luka’s dog trotting ahead of them.
Annie came up to me first, wagging his tail and excitingly licking my hand as I tried to pet him. He left quickly, making his way around the circle, happily greeting everyone.
“It has been moons, Heather Nicole Matthews. I hope you’re faring well.”
Peach dropped Marcus’s hand and held hers out to Shayla. “Nice to see you again.”
“Your name’s Heather?” Erik blurted before I had a chance to.
Peach ignored him, instead taking a seat with Marcus sitting next to her. When he slid his hand between her thighs and she smiled, I did a little happy dance inside.
Delaney sauntered around the bonfire with effortless grace, observing the numerous faces around her. “It’s fabulous to see fang and foe working together.” She stopped in front of Winnie who was bug-eyed as the snake curiously poked its head toward him.
“You know me and Archie aren’t friends. He hates me. I can feel his threatening eyes staring at me like I’m prey.”
“Don’t be silly, Winston. Archibald would never harm a friend without my command. The fear you contain for snakes is what feels threatening.”
Winnie squirmed in his seat and I grinned at the fact he was afraid of snakes. “Can you put him away, please?”
Delaney let out a sigh. “As you wish.”
Within seconds, the large snake melted into her skin, turning into a golden tattoo wrapping around her arm from bicep to wrist. Me and pretty much every human around sucked in a gasp.
“What was that?” Nellie asked.
“Winston is frightened of Archibald, so I dismissed him for now.”
Before any of us had a chance to ask more questions about the amazing magic we saw, Shayla clapped her hands twice, getting our attention. “It’s time to begin.”
She strolled up to the bonfire and waved her hand over it. The flames crackled, spitting higher, and a proud smile spread across her face. She waved her hand again and the fire went back to normal.
“The year was 1642 when vampires were scarce and unknown to the world. An apothecary in a small town had a patient with a rare blood disorder and technology wasn’t advanced enough at the time for any proper testing. One day, this man attended his weekly visit with normal coloring and an abundance of energy. He seemed completely cured, stupefying the doctor. During an examination, the physician found a bite mark on his neck. Which you know, Sagelynn, fades with swiftness.”
Everyone’s eyes stared in my direction, knowing Luka had fed from me, and my insides shriveled. But no matter how embarrassing, I was grateful for the knowledge because I had noticed the bites fade within hours when we were in Vegas. When I asked Luka about it on the car ride home, he said it had something to do with vampire venom, but he didn’t elaborate on it. He wasn’t much of a talker when it came to certain topics.
“Do not feel embarrassed, my silver. Without the lover’s light, none of us would be sitting here.”
“What happened next, Shayla?” Drag asked, taking the attention off of me.
“When the doctor questioned the man about the mark, he told him he was newly married and his wife had gotten overzealous in the bedroom. The truth is the woman was a vampire who had fed from the man only an hour prior to the visit. Unbeknownst to the doctor, vampires everywhere were feeding off humans to survive, unaware they were bloodletting, in a way. When they feed through the vein, it purifies human blood and temporarily eases blood-related illnesses. This doctor began his investigation and eventually discovered the secret vampires and their magical properties. With the help of his patient’s wife, the doctor’s research progressed. It eventually led him to discover the healing properties of blood for common abrasions, later finding it could even heal fatal wounds.
“The townsfolk inevitably discovered what the doctor was doing, causing one man to start a society called the Vampire Eradicating Men. VEM for short. His name was William Argentum and your ancestral grandfather seven generations ago. He called vampires an abomination and ordered them to be executed, along with the doctor. Thankfully, the doctor, his patient, and his vampire wife skipped town, never to be heard from again.
“William was still angry over the existence of vampires and with his new group formed, they were ready to kill them all. A woman named Hester, who’s your seventh generation grandmother, was his wife. Being the most powerful witch, with one of the brightest lights ever to be seen, she was called upon by William and some elders to cast a spell to protect humans. Together, Hester and her coven mastered the incantation for wards, sealing the small town with the invisible ring. The town remained visible, and humans could come and go as they pleased, but vampires, wolven, and witches, amongst other beings, were now barred from entering.”
I wondered what other creatures could possibly exist when movement caught my eye. Jimmy had his hand raised.
“Do you have a question?” Shayla asked.
“If the wards keep supernaturals out, then how are these guys here?” Jimmy asked, pointing to the vampires and wolven sitting around.
“That’s a great question. There are many types of incantations and some are more intricate than others,” Shayla said as she circled the fire pit, stopping next to Drag before placing her hand on his shoulder. “The one my sisters and I used for this camp has multiple effects. The first part is a cloaking spell. It prevents anyone, supernatural or human, from seeing the existence of the camp, and Drag is the only one who can sanction newcomers since he is the land owner.” Shayla removed her hand and continued circling. “We enhanced the barrier to include a danger spell. If a non-resident comes near the wards, which are set far and wide, they will feel a sense of dread, making them want to run as far away as possible. The wards will also allow anyone living here to leave and reenter naturally, including supernaturals, unless Drag says otherwise.”
“So, witches are supernatural?” Jimmy asked.
“Technically, no. Although witches are mere humans who possess magical abilities, the wards perceive us as dangerous, so we cannot enter. Not unless our magic is used to cast the spell or we receive an invitation from a permanent resident or land owner, depending on the incantation used. However, witches are able to feel warding spells from miles away.”
Jimmy’s eyes widened under his glasses. “That’s really cool!”
“Wards of many, wards of plenty,” Cece chanted. “It’s cool. It’s cool.”
“Indeed, sister.” Shayla gave Cece a seemingly loving look before returning to her story. “With the town now safe, the group went out on their first hunting mission. An unsuccessful one. They realized the vampires healed too rapidly to be killed with any normal weapon, so once again, they turned to Hester for guidance. Steel and iron were common materials used in weaponry, so the coven infused magic with it during the forging process, binding it to a sword. The members of VEM tried slaying a vampire and failed once more. After more manipulation, Hester realized the spell bonded best to pure silver. They made another sword and managed to terminate a vampire using it.
“During the altercation, they realized the silver hadn’t harmed the vampires to the touch. The swords only injured or killed the vampires when they penetrated their bodies. They forged more weapons, like daggers and short swords because they were easier to wield. Since the heart seemed to be the swiftest way to kill them, eventually stakes became the common defense for hunters. The only complication they had with the silver was the spells would eventually wear off. But with a coven of strong witches by their side, it hadn’t become a problem yet. These new advanced weapons eliminated many vampires, leading the rest to conceal themselves from the world. Over time, the humans stopped believing in what they could not see and vampires became folklore.
“In 1717, the society renamed itself as the Vampire Eradicating National Organization of Malice and shortened your surname to Argent. Everyone believes that was the year when the society had formed. A few decades ago, the master blacksmith of Venom had limited access to witches, because most of us didn’t want to be involved in the war against vampires. With the spells wearing off and no casters to help, it left them in a challenging situation. Hoping it would prolong the magic, a distant relative of yours helped with the process of making Argentium silver. It’s close to your original surname but with the letter I in it.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured that out,” I mumbled sarcastically.
Shayla cocked a brow, an amused smile pulling at her cheeks as she glanced toward the other two witches. “The silver is snarky.”
“Snarky silver, snarky silver,” Cece rambled. “The light still shines bright, so do not let it deter us, Shayla.”
“I shall not, sister. I find it rather refreshing that someone other than you speaks their mind so freely.”
Winnie snickered, side eyeing me. “Shit. Sage always says what she wants. It makes me want to punch her most days.”
Shayla’s gaze wandered to Winnie, a whimsical expression beautifying her face. “Winston Javier Rodriguez, as a fanged friend of mine for many lunar years, you shouldn’t comment on the loose lips of others when yours are never tightly wound.”
Giggles and stifled laughs came from everyone’s mouth but Winnie’s. The look on his face said he wanted to retort with something evil, but wouldn’t.
“All I’m saying is Sage can be annoying as hell, but she’s cool in my book.”
Shayla smiled, turning back to me. “What the fanged one is attempting to convey is that he loves you like a sister.”
Winnie huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back. “Yeah, an annoying little sister.”
“I love you too, Pooh Bear.” I gave him a mischievous grin, then winked.
One side of his mouth cocked up with a smirk, but the gleam in his eyes told me he was glad I said it.
“Pooh Bear!” Cece squealed, clapping her hands. “A pot of honey for Winnie, that’s funny!”
Winnie sighed heavily. “It’s Winston.”
“His name’s Winston. It’s Winston.” Cece frowned, then flicked her gaze to Shayla. “He says that a lot.”
Shayla let out a small laugh before clearing her throat. “Back on topic. I disclosed the story to tell you this. All of you have a role to play with the battle of fang and foe,” she said, turning her back to me and glancing at Jimmy. “Yes, that includes you, James Christopher Thomas.”
I leaned to the side, peeking around Shayla so I could see Jimmy, whose eyes were wide under his black-framed glasses.
“I didn’t say anything,” he muttered.
“You did not have to speak the truth. You feel useless among the strong, causing your light to be dim, but you must remember this. You shall not need fists to fight a battle when you have brains stronger than most metals.”
Jimmy’s brows rose before his expression turned prideful. “Thank you. I think.”
“The rabbits they run but cannot hide when the light of destiny is on your side,” Cece sang.
“Yes, sister. The rabbits are running now, but soon they will reveal the truths of their sciences and once they do, everyone should prepare for the long battle which is to come.”
“Can you explain what that means, exactly?”
No one answered my question. Instead, the three witches moved in unison as they circled the fire. With palms raised to the sky, they closed their eyes. The flames from the fire shot high, blue sparks shining bright as they spoke in unison . . . again.
“Fangs and silver destined to unite.
Foe becomes friend under lover’s light.
A new creature has formed, strong and mystique.
No spelled silver shall make it weak.
A family unfolds as the blood moon cries.
With fangs bared, together they rise.
Death will come when swords clash.
The fires burn bright, leaving nothing but ash.
When silver strikes, the snake will fall.
Only a new era of union will bring peace to all.”
Once they dropped their hands, the flames went back to normal.
Shayla turned, meeting my eyes. “Do you understand now?”
“I think.”
“Shall we repeat it?” Delaney asked, and I shook my head.
I sure as hell didn’t want to hear it a third time. “That’s okay. I understand.”
“Then we shall be off after I say my goodbyes.” Shayla stepped up to me and took my hand in hers. “The one you love has suffered tremendous damage and he will need more than your blood can give. Be patient, be kind, and be strong.” I took her words as more confirmation of Luka being alive. My heart raced and tears formed as she smiled. “Your new eyes will see the beauty this world has to offer.”
Shayla dropped my hand and headed toward Winnie, and he shook his head. “You know I prefer not to know my future.”
“Very well.”
Next she went to April who was holding Scarlet. Shayla pulled the blanket back from the baby’s head before gently placing her hand on it. “She is so happy in your arms.” Shayla slid her hand onto April’s forearm. “When the day arrives and you’re exhausted, completely questioning your choices, remember it’s normal for mothers to experience stress. The love you hold for her is pure. Unstoppable. It may have not been said aloud, but fate has decided it. Scarlet is yours and you are hers.”
April’s lip quivered. “Thank you.”
Zeke stiffened when Shayla turned toward him and took his hand. “Your child may not resemble you nor April, but will carry the proud Alexander name. Don’t fret, Ezekiel. You’ll be an amazing father to many children.” His face was in full-blown shock when she let go.
Shayla moved on to Lyric who wasn’t sitting with Winnie tonight, and had a nervous expression on her face.
“Don’t fret, little one,” Shayla said, her voice kind.
Lyric hesitated, then slowly raised her hand to Shayla.
“Lyric Sofia Muldova, you shall receive the love your kind soul deserves. Even if it does not come from the one you want. Decisions have to be made before I can tell you more.”
Lyric sucked in a breath and looked at Winnie with concerned eyes. Without saying a word, he stood and headed toward his cabin.
I questioned whether genuine happiness could exist if the most passionate couple I knew couldn’t find a way to fix their lives.
Shayla strolled up to Peach who had her hands clasped together. After a long sigh, she relented. “I’ve never liked this, but you know I can’t resist.”
Peach raised her hand and Shayla took it. “The value you put on yourself is much lower than anyone else sees. Especially him.” Shayla nodded her head toward Marcus. “You have prevailed from many trials in your extremely long life, this I know. You should not box out love because of it. If fate is not tested, then he’ll never break your heart.”
Shayla turned her attention to Marcus with a huge smile that quickly turned concerned when she took his hand. “Marcus Henry Alexander, you, my dear, are a force to be reckoned with. You are a perfect trifecta, physically, intellectually, and emotionally strong. Those three traits rarely meet to form such greatness. It’s unfortunate the road ahead is unclear. Depending on the decisions of others, your path can diverge in two different directions. For the sake of the prophecy and everyone involved, I hope he chooses wisely. A soul like yours is too rare to lose.”
She dropped Marcus’s hand and I witnessed a glimpse of something I’d never seen from him before—fear. My stomach twisted as concern filled me.
Shayla moved on to Vivi who happily held out her hand. “Viviana Jade Rodriguez, my sister, my friend. Your pain will not end as quickly as you desire. Until then—”
Vivi yanked her hand away and bolted out of her seat, heading toward the woods, and a heaviness weighed on my chest.
“I do not understand why you insist on reading her,” Delaney uttered, holding out her hand. The golden snake tattoo returned to its original form and slithered up her arm, wrapping around her neck. “You always have the same results.”
“Her light has faded, a sister no more.”
Shayla turned toward Cece, her face calm. “We have had this discussion, sister. Viviana being fanged doesn’t exempt her from our coven responsibilities. As a born witch, even in fanged death, she is still family.”
My brows rose, a million questions trampling my thoughts.
If Vivi is a witch, is Winnie one too?
Are they called male witches?
Mitches?
Oh my god, is Winnie a Warlock?
“Still family, still family,” Cece whispered, bringing me out of my overthinking brain. “I love her.”
“We all do,” Shayla said with a concerned expression that dropped when she made her way around the camp.
A few people declined to be read, like Drag and his entire pack, and I wondered why. Randi also rejected Shayla, but Nellie hadn’t.
“Natalie Elaine Shimwell, beware of the dark clouds who are leaving you unsafe in your current position. Choose a new direction or choose death.”
Fear took over Nellie’s face and it took all my strength not to jump up, call her a rat, then kill her. Since Drag was the alpha, I glanced at him for confirmation and he shook his head. A long sigh left me, and for once, I kept my damn mouth shut.
Shayla stopped at Jimmy with a curious expression. “There are nine figures for the house. Seven will lead the race with nine on its tail, and snake eyes come in last. The two shall not pass the other three, but five shall follow it along with six.”
Jimmy’s eyes were as wide as mine, neither of us having any idea what the hell she meant. He quickly pulled out his phone, and I hoped he was taking notes as Shayla turned her attention toward me.
“You must stay safe, silver. You cannot complete the prophecy if your body lays cold in the ground. Take the offer.”
“If you are not fed, you will be dead,” Cece sang. “Take the offer.”
“Do not be stubborn,” Delaney said, holding Archie up to her face. “Take the offer.”
I started to open my mouth and Shayla waved her hand. “We are done.”
She lifted the hem of her dress and strolled toward the darkness with her sisters behind her.
They departed so quickly, I didn’t have time to ask the thousand questions that swirled through my head.
My gaze went from their retreating shadows to the bonfire, my mouth hanging open. I rubbed my eyes, attempting to once again make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
What just happened?
How can she tell me I’m a witch who might die, then disappear?
Everyone began to converse about what Shayla had told them, and I zoned out, only hearing muffled voices.
My twenty-fifth birthday was only eight months ago, and since then I’d fallen in love with a vampire, betrayed and escaped my society, became so depressed I’d wished I was dead, got slapped back to reality when I found out Luka was alive, and had been told I came from a long line of witches.
What the fuck else can happen?