Mia pov
It was not that I didn't trust Bryn it was just that I felt an eerie sensation around her. Most immortal witches possess the ability to sense power, and she knew Thora had a connection to this place. Yet, she didn't sense the room until I stumbled upon it. I began to question if she already knew about it and deliberately wanted me to find it.
Inara, being around someone long enough, can sense their intentions. Although I cared for my father, Inara didn't, and I suppose I just didn't want to acknowledge the truth about him. However, with Bryn, Inara only senses goodness, so I wasn't too concerned. But before I allowed her to assist me in handling this newfound power, I needed complete transparency.
We all needed to be open and honest with each other right now in order for us to be successful.
I knew Bryn seemed to keep many secrets, her guarded expression revealing her inner turmoil. She had a way of unveiling things when she believed it to be the right time, but that time was now. I did not mind sharing any of my past and answering any questions as well.
Growing up, I had kept much to myself, not wanting to cause any trouble. But now, taking on a role as a leader, it was my responsibility to create trust and unity.
As the aroma of freshly plated food filled the air, we took our seats at the table ready to continue talking and eating.
Atlas read my mind as he brought the bottle of wine I left in the kitchen with him. The rich aroma of the wine greeted me as he poured it into my glass, topping it off before sitting down next to me. Bryn took one bite of her food, the crunch of it echoing in the room, and then looked at me.
"So you said Thora's family was the cause of the other two bloodlines of immortal witches being killed," I said to Bryn.
She nodded, her eyes focused and intense. "She must have realized at some point there was a survivor. You were not exactly hiding in that little shop in the city." I pointed out.
Bryn’s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. "Thora is well aware I'm alive," she explained. "But I'm just a waste of time in her eyes, and anyone else from her bloodline. I don't possess the same power as them since I was never trained, and the destruction of all my other relatives also weakened me. I may be better than your typical witch, but nothing compared to the other immortal bloodlines."
I took a sip of the wine, its velvety texture sliding down my throat. It was a comforting warmth that filled me.
"The room here and the relics," I asked Bryn, "did you know of its existence?"
She nodded again, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, although I was unsure of its location. It would seem it was spelled to only reveal itself to you, and only after Atlas found you was I able to sense it."
I pondered her words as I took a bite of the food in front of me. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect blend of spices and seasonings. It was addictive, each bite leaving me craving for more.
"If you knew, why did you not warn us?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.
Bryn sighed, her gaze searching. "Some spells, if we search for something, it will never be found. Meaning there is a chance you only found that room because you did not know about it," she admitted.
I nodded, the taste of the food still lingering on my tongue.
"Do you know of any other secrets hidden in this kingdom or possibly even in that room?" I inquired.
"Yes," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and caution. "The room you found has another secret entrance, concealed. Although I have yet to discover it myself, I've only heard rumors about its existence. It is said to house a treasure trove of lost spells, a repository of lycan and werewolf history, and much more. However, we must proceed with caution. If Thora had access to it, there may be traps in place, making it best to postpone our search for now."
Flint's eyes widened with curiosity. "So, the lycans were collectors?" he mused.
"Yes," Bryn confirmed. "Their long lifespans led them to accumulate vast amounts of knowledge and possessions. They formed relationships with various species, passing on their wealth of wisdom. However, their insatiable greed to dominate ultimately led to their downfall and cursed them with infertility. But now, Atlas has the opportunity to rectify the mistakes of the past. By accepting Mia, he has already begun to rewrite their tragic history.”
"Do you plan on learning more about the immortal witch powers to become stronger?" I asked Bryn.
"No," she replied, her voice tinged with caution. "While I continue to research and enhance my basic spellcasting skills, tapping into the powers bestowed upon me as an immortal witch is not always wise. Many of those spells revolve around dark magic, and they often come at a great cost, changing a witch's very essence."
Understanding her concerns, I nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for being honest with me," I said sincerely.
"I seek to strengthen my powers, particularly those focused on protection. But rest assured, I have no intention of tapping into your unique abilities to do so. I don't want to see the warlock resurrected, nor do I want Alpha Artemis or Thora getting their hands on your power. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe."
"Thank you, and I appreciate your assistance," I replied warmly. As I savored another bite of the delicious meal she had prepared, I couldn't help but compliment her culinary skills. "By the way, Bryn, this meal is super tasty.”
The rest of the dinner was spent in enjoyment as the soft glow of candlelight danced on the walls, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. Flint asked Bryn some questions about her childhood and family, the sound of their laughter filling the air. But I could sense that Flint was holding back, not wanting to pry too much, aware that Bryn, like the rest of us, had lost her family. It was a common thread that bound us together.
I reached for the wine bottle. Atlas watched me closely, as I poured the deep red liquid into my glass. Before taking a sip, I raised my glass, catching everyone's attention. "We have all lost our family here," I began. "So from this day on, let's consider each other family. In our pack, I learned the power of a support system. We will support each other."
Flint nodded, his eyes shining with understanding. "If you want to become a Lycan, we'll do everything to make sure the spell in that book works," I promised him. I turned to Bryn, a sense of solidarity between us. "We will all help you strengthen your protection powers," I assured her. And finally, I looked at Atlas, a silent vow passing between us. "We will help you train and whatever else you need," I said.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their support. "That's what family does. We help each other," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "With you three by my side, I'm not afraid to accept the true power of the royal white wolves. Together, we will overcome any obstacles, and we will kick the Witches and evil Alphas asses."
I took another sip of the wine, its rich flavor dancing on my tongue. "Looks like the wine is catching up to you," Atlas chuckled. But instead of stopping me, he grabbed the bottle and took a swig, causing me to join in laughter. "Well, tonight is going to be interesting," Flint declared.
Soon, we found ourselves back in the cozy sitting room, the soft melody of music filling the air. The scent of the recently cleaned dining area still lingered. I leaned back, taking in the moment, savoring the rare opportunity to truly enjoy myself. In my old life, I was always busy, but now, surrounded by my newfound family, I could finally relax and embrace the simple joy of being together.
The sitting room led to a garden entrance. Intrigued, I rose from my seat and stepped outside. The full moon cast a radiant glow, illuminating the sky and the glittering stars. Inhaling deeply, I relished the crisp, refreshing air. The wine I had consumed began to take effect, creating a pleasant warmth within me. Mesmerized by the enchanting night, I was oblivious to Atlas approaching silently. His arms enveloped me, providing support as I leaned against him.
"I can't believe I ever considered leaving you in the beginning," I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips.
"It's as if fate led me to you," I continued, my voice filled with awe. "Out of all the places I could have sought shelter that night, it was your farm. And you, you were not afraid of the wolves."
As he took my wine glass from my hand and placed it on a small bench, he turned me gently, so that I was facing him. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only us and the unbreakable bond we shared.
He reached out, carefully brushing a stray hair away from my face. My heart skipped a beat as his fingers grazed my skin.
"Your eyes shine in the moonlight," he murmured, his gaze fixed on me. "I have never seen such a bright purple." His words were like a melody, soothing my soul.
But amidst this moment of bliss, a pang of sadness washed over me. The memories of the diaries resurfaced, reminding me of the love that was destroyed by an evil witch. I refused to let anyone taint Atlas, to change him. He was genuine, a rare gem in a world of pretense.
He claims he did not have any real friends. But I believe it's because so many people are fake themselves. Atlas, on the other hand, is always true to himself. He doesn't need to act a certain way for anyone.
He may be a lycan now, but I will always think of him as my human mate. His touch is gentle, his presence caring. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new life, where I embrace who I truly am and the powers I possess. No longer will I allow others to control me. They may fear me, but I am the master of my own destiny.
Looking up at the sky, a sense of electric power courses through me, begging to be unleashed, to send a message. For a brief moment, I separate myself from Atlas, feeling a control like never before. With that, I transform into my wolf form, my gaze fixed upon the moon. Inara lets out a howl, igniting the night sky with a dazzling display of lightning.
"This is my message to anyone who dares to challenge my power," I declare. "You will never succeed, for I have been gifted to be a protector, and that is exactly what I will be. I will defend all that is good, and I will hunt down every trace of evil. Mark my words, I will annihilate you."
The intensity of my thoughts resonates through Inara's howl and the crackling lightning. Thora now knows that I will not go down without a fight, and victory will be mine.