Chapter 36 #3
Mosavi grabbed the bag, leaving the stone where it was. He gave the herbs a sniff before scattering a pinch of it into his glass of iced water.
“The elder put us through a ritual where we experienced each other’s pasts. Whatever he did worked, because Austin’s back and he seems normal.”
“What is this, dear?” Willa asked, turning to Mosavi. “I’ve never seen it before.”
“It is a desert poppy from my homeland,” Mosavi said, dropping the small leather sack back to the table. “Once dried and infused with vironoct, they take on a psychedelic property. These were used for storytelling and healing when I was young.”
“The elder said he wants to meet you on the solstice.” I slid the stone closer to him.
Mosavi scowled, shaking his head. “What could there be to discuss with animals?”
“He spoke eloquently. He seemed different from the others, and he said he’s been watching you for years.”
“Of course he has. He is my older brother.”
Willa and I turned to him in disbelief.
“Your… brother?” she asked. “Why have you not said anything about this?”
“He is my brother by blood only. He seeks to undermine me at every opportunity, tempting my werewolves into leaving this wonderful haven we’ve created. That beast thinks he knows what’s best for us, but I know my way is the best.”
“I think both of you are right,” I said, prompting an angry stare.
“I also think both of you are a bit misguided. There is no Midna or Whasha. Both are a part of us, and when we get too much of one and not enough of the other, we need something to balance us out. The ferals use this to forget, to keep them happy out there, but if they didn’t have this, they’d end up like Roscoe, always looking for the next high because something’s missing.
Werewolves in the city use drugs and alcohol the same way the ferals use this herb.
There’s a part of them missing that they can’t figure out. ”
“What do you know—” Mosavi said, but Willa raised her hand in front of him.
“Let him finish.”
Mosavi lowered his intense glare and nodded.
“Whether you meant to or not, you found a balance. You think the werewolves are happy here because they’re in civilization, but really the reason they’re happy is because they are surrounded by nature while still being in civilization.
They can embrace their wild side while also not losing their humanity in the process.
We’re human and beast, not one or the other. ”
“And how do you know this?” Mosavi snapped. “You haven’t lived even a quarter of my lifetime, and you are not yet a werewolf, but you seem confident in this absurdity.”
“Maybe I’m wrong and this is just a silly theory, but these visions gave me insight.
Think about it, Darius. You were there when the Midna and Whasha parted ways.
Had they stayed together, you could have created a Norwich a long time ago.
Right now, both sides are susceptible to witchcraft because both sides are broken.
The ferals use charms and magic to keep the witches away, but they’re still vulnerable out there.
One mistake and that’s it for them. In the city, werewolves might be just as vulnerable—” I paused, remembering my thoughts from earlier.
“So, you’ve come to the same conclusion,” Willa said, reaching into her exposed cleavage for that ornate mirror she let me borrow a while ago. “I knew you would.”
“Am I right? Is there a witch at the top?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” she replied, holding up the mirror.
“I’ve been scrying as often as I can, but there’s a barrier of shadow I can never break through.
Even though I can siphon incredible power from the werewolves in town, I’m still limited.
However, I think the answer may lie within your kuu.
You’re the only one left in town that has one, even if it doesn’t work, but I wouldn’t dare tamper with them.
The moment I do, they will know who I am and where Darius is.
The only way to get the answers we seek is to study an active kuu charm.
Yours is active and will likely remain that way even after you turn because it was never correctly fused with you. ”
“Do you think the witches in the woods have anything to do with this?” I asked.
“Doubtful. If there is a witch in a position of power controlling these elders, her anonymity is for her own survival. Suppose every coven in the world were to know who she is, they would descend upon her with the prince of hell himself. If she is anything like me, she is meticulous, cunning, and she knows how to stay hidden from His sight.”
“Do you think she’s evil?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” Willa responded. “She could be evil or greedy. If it’s the latter, she won’t last long. If it’s the former, that makes her formidable.”
Mosavi picked up the sack of herbs and stuffed them into his blazer pocket.
“I’ll give consideration to that meeting.
If there’s any merit to your theory, I’ll know for sure.
There is no trust, though. He’ll try his tricks to strip me of my will and keep me in the wild where he wants me, so I will have you and Willa accompany me on the solstice.
” His eyes glowed silver. “You will not refuse.”
“I won’t refuse. Jeez,” I said, holding up my hands.
His eyes faded back to their usual dark orange, but his shirt began to pop as he started to lose control over his human form. “You had better not be in on his tricks.”
“I think he only wants to see you again. Maybe you’ll both find a way to help each other.”
His blazer tore from the back as his werewolf form exploded in a show of fury, and he slammed his growing hand on the table. I jumped as the wood cracked, and claws erupted from his fingertips.
“This pie-in-the-sky mentality is unbecoming of a leader.”
“Maybe for your brand of leadership, but I like to consider every option. I think a good leader would be open to that.”
Mosavi closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again, a little calmer than before.
“Whether you’ll admit it or not, you like me and my pack. It’s something you’re missing, Darius.”
“You are assuming a lot.”
“You know, you both are always welcome at our house.”
“A prison cell has better aesthetics—”
“I would love to!” Willa interrupted, as Mosavi groaned and rolled his eyes. “And so would Darius. Especially with the holidays around the corner.”
“I thought we made plans for Italy,” Mosavi said with a slight whine.
“Screw Italy.” She turned and smiled at me.
“Family is better. And speaking of family, maybe you and your brother can share a hundred years of wisdom from different worlds.” Willa kissed Mosavi on the cheek and followed it up with a light slap.
“And I want to meet him since you’ve kept this valuable information from me.
” She grinned, licking her front teeth. “You know what this means, right?”
Mosavi’s ears folded against his head, and he nodded, averting his eyes. “I will have the maid and butler strap me to the rack before you return.”
“That’s a good boy.”
“You’re both freaks,” I muttered, blushing.
“Freaks with a strong marriage that will last for eons,” Willa added. “Now, let’s see about getting you guys a nice big welcome home feast.”
“You’re going to get Roscoe coming here every day if you don’t stop.”
She held up her glass. “He’s good for business.”