Untitled Chapter
“I don’t know how I ended up in the garden,” I admit, my voice sounding too loud in the stillness. “I was asleep in bed, and then . . . I was outside. I don’t remember waking up or walking there. It was like something magical was pulling me deeper into the garden. I was being led somewhere.”
“By whom?” Tristan probes, his arms crossed over his chest.
I hesitate for a moment, my mind still piecing together what I saw. Finally, I force the words out. “They called themselves the White Witches. The Guardians.”
The room goes deathly still.
Everyone freezes, their expressions shifting from confusion to something darker, something wary. The silence stretches, thick and heavy, as they exchange uneasy glances.
“What?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, though I’m not entirely sure I want to hear the answer.
Scarlett and Mia look just as confused as I feel by their reaction.
Nix flies forward, her features filled with something that looks like awe—or fear. It’s hard to tell with her. Her voice is hushed, reverent when she speaks, “You saw the Witte Wieven?”
The name sends a chill down my spine, and I glance around the room, searching for some hint of explanation, but everyone looks equally unsettled.
“Maybe?” my voice shakes slightly. “Who are they?”
Kian, still standing close by, clears his throat, his face unusually serious.
“The Witte Wieven are . . . not to be trifled with. They’re powerful spirits—guardians, some say—but others believe they’re something far more dangerous.
They’ve existed for centuries, tied to the land, to the ancient magic that flows through it. ”
“And you saw them,” Raiden adds, his voice low, his eyes narrowing as if trying to piece together the gravity of what this means. “That’s no small thing, Everly.”
I can feel my pulse accelerate. "But they didn't harm me . . . They just–"
“Just called to you,” Fenris interrupts, his tone cutting through the room like a blade. His jaw is clenched, and there’s a flicker of something odd in his eyes. “Do you know what that means?”
I shake my head, feeling more confused than ever. “No . . . I don’t.”
Nix steps closer, her big blue eyes wide with childlike fascination. “They don’t just call to anyone. The Witte Wieven—they seek out those who have a connection to the ancient magics.”
“Those who seek answers. Did you call to them?” Zaria questions, earning a warning glance from Kian.
“Well, not that I’m aware of. I’m only just learning who they are, but they did say I was the one to seek them out.”
Raiden sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair as he turns back to me. “We need to figure out why they called you to them or why they answered your call. But whatever this is . . . it’s not something we can ignore.”
“I wish I could tell you more, but I have no idea who these beings are or why any of this happened,” I reply, running a hand over my head. “Why are you guys so wary?”
I look around the room for answers, and it’s Fenris who responds, his demeanor still radiating a harshness I’ve grown to expect from him.
“The White Witches are ancient elven guardians who protect sacred places. They travel through the veil and realms through stone monuments.”
Nix flies closer, hovering in front of me, her blue orbs shining in wonder. “They are said to be beautiful beyond words, full of sorrow and wisdom. Prophecy and foresight. I wish I could have met them.”
I tilt my head, considering the memory. "They were beautiful . . . but haunting too. Will they return?"
Tristan rubs his hands over his face and sighs heavily. “It’s possible.”
A chill runs through me at the thought. I wasn’t expecting that answer.
"You need someone to guard you while you sleep," Raiden adds.
“I already do,” I reply. There have been guards outside my doors since I arrived in Faerie.
“In your room,” he insists, his gaze steady and voice firm.
Scarlett suddenly stands, drawing everyone’s attention. “We can stay with her.”
I smile, grateful for her loyalty. Holding out my hand, she takes it, standing by my side. A moment later, Mia rises and crosses the room, her eyes flashing with the same resolve, as she, too, takes her place beside me.
“We can watch over her at night,” Mia challenges confidently, her tone leaving no room for debate.
Fenris, however, doesn’t seem convinced. His voice is cold, condescending as he pushes off the wall and straightens up. "Don’t take this the wrong way, but you're human. What good are you in a fight?"
The words hang in the air like a slap, and I feel Scarlett and Mia stiffen beside me.
The tension in the room shifts, before I can utter a word in defense of my friends, Mia releases my hand and marches straight over to Fenris.
Her small frame is dwarfed by his towering presence, but she doesn’t falter.
She plants herself in front of him and pokes him hard in the chest.
"Humans have heart and compassion," she retorts, her voice filled with fire. “We’re stronger than you think.”
Fenris glares down at her, his eyes narrowing in irritation, but Mia doesn’t back down. The sheer audacity of it catches everyone off guard, and the room falls silent at their standoff.
Raiden clears his throat. “Right. Well, Mia and Scarlett will stay in Everly’s chambers, along with Lutin and Senka guarding outside. I will also set up patrol of the gardens, in case Everly manages to slip by. Tristan and Kian, you will also be stationed nearby, just in case she slips past.”
As a murmur of agreement goes around the room, I notice Mia walking back toward Scarlett and me, her soft features still lined with anger.
I glance past her and see Fenris, observing Mia with a slight frown.
Suddenly, his eyes snap to mine, narrowing in on me.
A flush spreads over my skin, and once again, I’m grateful for Kian’s jacket.