Chapter 51

Cirilla's Point Of View

The glow of blinding lights was the only thing that filled my vision for long, torturing seconds before a magic force vomited us in the middle of a forest.

The natural darkness had begun to evade, the morning was brighter.

"I feel sick," Kali's words yanked my attention to her side. She was resting against the bark of a tree, her chest rising and falling with heavy pants. "Are you okay?"

As her eyes traveled over to me, I looked away, getting off the ground, and dusting the leaves and dirt from my clothes and hair.

"I'll live," I managed to say as her stare persisted on me. "Where the hell are we?"

"Still in Seattle, but somewhere safe," She jumped to her feet, the bottom of her long dress sweeping the leaves as she strutted closer. "At least for now,"

"In the middle of nowhere?" I cocked a brow.

And a chuckle loosened effortlessly from her lips. "There's a house up ahead," She immediately led the way, and soon, we stood in front of an old, abandoned house.

"It looks more horrible than I remembered—"

"It's fine, Kali," I inspected the surroundings, as Kali marched up to the entrance, pulling out a key underneath a rock.

As she unlocked the door and stepped in, I followed behind, walking through the door but suddenly my body hit an invisible hard wall. A barrier.

I shot a glance at Kali, confused. "What the hell!"

She veered around her attention to me quickly, before breathing out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I invite you in, Cirilla," Her hand gestured her words.

I tried again, taking a foot forward and I was able to walk through the door, my body and magic reacting to the new magic that surrounded the house.

"What just happened?" I cast her another glance.

"It's a protection spell. It's in the house. It keeps the others out," Her voice sounded exhausted as she plopped down on one of the dusty couches, not caring.

"The others?" I looked around the interior. Everything was old and covered up in dust.

"Yeah. Vampires, faes, demons, dragons, wolves, and the list goes on," She explained, placing her head on the headrest.

"Is this place yours?" I continue to press her with questions, eager to know everything, most importantly about the woman who saved my life. Twice.

"Nope. It belongs to a witch I know. But it doesn't matter anymore. She's dead. She left the property to me in case I'll need it,"

"What about the others?" I questioned.

"The children will be safe,"

I plopped on the couch next to her, hanging my head in my hands. "I didn't get a chance to thank you earlier—"

She waved her hand, sluggishly in the air. "Sure you did,"

"Thank you," I ignored her words, getting it off my chest. "I'm sorry about what happened…" I couldn't even finish my words. Again, people died and it was because of me. I caused this.

"You didn't kill them. Those bastards did," Her voice hung in the air. Bitter. Pained.

"It doesn't change the fact that they attacked that place because of me," I murmured to myself.

The couch she was sitting on creaked and her attention was on me. "Why are they after you? What did you do?"

I held her gaze tightly, for long seconds. "I don't know," I confessed, telling half the truth and a lie. I was indubitably grateful to the woman before me, but I didn't want to rip myself bare before her. Not because I didn't trust her but I shouldn't.

I groaned, I was getting really paranoid. I wasn't sure yet if those assholes were sent by Mason. They carried different scents.

"You have no idea why the Council sent their fucking army after you?" The look in her eyes was unbelievable. Full of disbelief. Confusion.

That same confusion swarmed me. "The Council?"

She hesitated, nodding. "It was tattooed on their fucking necks and arms,"

I slaughtered the fear that charged with force down my spine before it had the opportunity to cross through the borders of my chest. I didn't need it. Not now of all fucking times.

I was up, pacing. My legs trembled with each stride and Mason's words played over and over in my head.

He was fucking right.

"Ciri, talk to me," Kali's voice had taken a notch down and concern and confusion plastered in her dark eyes.

"I have no idea," I was backing her. I heard the creaking sound of her couch and I turned around to find her almost falling to the floor.

I caught her in speed, pinning her back on the couch. It was then I realized she was bleeding. She was injured.

My eyes shot up to her face. She was pale.

Fuck. "Where's the room?"

She pointed behind me and I helped her up, taking her to the room. I took a minute to change the sheets, and as soon as she was on the bed, I healed her.

She gasped, relieved from pain, her eyes drowsy from exhaustion.

"It's safe here. A witch town. The people here are nice. There won't be—" Her words were lazy, but they caught my attention.

"People?"

"Yeah. There's a town past the forest and…." She fell asleep.

I left her alone, shutting the door behind me as hope began to build again. I might have to be cautious asking around for the Alpha King but I could try to get hold of Asher again. And to the heavens, I hope I do.

I couldn't stop the fear that crept in quickly. If the Council could find me, they could have raided Asher's pack. The thought alone had my heart almost in fractures.

I took a tour around the house. It had two rooms and a storage room. It was big, and I doubted it was only used for storage. There were strange markings on the floor and walls. Shelves stacked with books. Spell books. And just what I needed.

I had to learn how to control my magic. Use it. So far I could use it only on instinct or when my life was in danger. I had to figure out why Nina was MIA and how to get her back. I hated to admit it, but I missed her. And needed her too.

I had a list of too many things to do, but for now, I started with finding fresh clothes to change into. It was a hard task. Everything I stumbled upon which most definitely belonged to the old tenant fitted like a huge sack on me. I decided to go with the black cloak I found, donning it over my clothes, before leaving the house.

I got into town with ease. The place was beautiful. Colorful. I moved around with a crowd of people going about and doing their own thing.

My stomach growled from hunger. Actual hunger this time. I had to get some money. We needed food and some other supplies back at the house.

As I walked down to a small bakery at a corner, stepping inside, just in time to hear a loud crash coming from the door behind the counter.

Trouble. I sensed it right away.

I should leave. That would be a smart choice, only if my stubbornness could take the hint.

I walked closer.

"Don't test me, Edward. You know better not to stir up trouble," A woman's voice echoed, breathlessly. Strained.

As I looked through the door left ajar, I could see her, pinned against the wall by magic. She looked probably in her sixties.

"The clan seems to disagree, Elenore," Another sneered. A male. "I could snap your neck right now, and they won't even bat an eye. I swear," His invisible hold on her tightened, and she wasn't fighting back, even though I could sense her magic.

This wasn't my business. I should quietly see myself out, and while on that, grab a bread or two. Worked out fine for me.

But I couldn't.

I didn't know what on earth was going on with me. I wasn't a fucking hero, so why on earth should I be concerned for someone who obviously could fight for herself but doesn't want to. I tried to remind myself that I had a far bigger life crisis to deal with right now and I shouldn't draw unnecessary attention to myself in this town.

It did the trick.

I let go of my hand clamping the door knob but unfortunately, the stupid door couldn't get the hint. Its loud squeak sent two pairs of eyes my way.

I froze and the man's hold on the woman broke and his full focus was on me.

"And you are?" His tone was sharp and deadly.

"Here to buy some bread," I replied. He doesn't scare me one bit, not with the scar on his face or the intimidating aura he was exuding.

"It's not very smart to snoop on what doesn't concern you," The intimidation and threat heavy on his words.

If only he knew I didn't like snooping either.

'I know. Goodbye.' I should have said and grabbed some bread. I doubt the woman would be in any mood to request payment.

But here I was, glancing at the woman who was watching me with intriguing eyes.

"Are you alright?" I asked her, ignoring the fascinating manner his blood pumped in his veins.

"I'm fine dear," Her voice was warm, eyes sparkling. And something urging me to help her the most.

She doesn't need help. I reminded myself.

"Could you come over to sell me—" I began but the hasty, raging, manner the man started towards me forced me to abandon my words. The trunk of his arm reached for my neck but I caught it quickly by the wrist, the strength in my hand crushing his wrist.

Before I knew it, he was forced to fly across the room by the woman.

"Get out, Edward. The elders would be informed of this and I swear you won't get away with this," As her words reached him, the door flung open and she flung him out. Magic. "I'm sorry for the mess,"

I pulled my gaze from the door to her. She was smiling. Her eyes twinkled.

"You are not from around here," She stated, and my breath hitched for a second but I didn't show anything.

"No. I'm visiting,"

"Obvious. People around here tend to mind their business," Her words weren't admonishing and as her twinkling eyes glanced over at me, she walked around the counter to where the bread was lined.

"I guess I learned my lesson," I said, and my eyes caught the slightly opened drawer behind the counter, and the stash of money in it.

I shouldn't. I swallowed, moving my eyes to her.

"That wasn't what I meant. Thank you," She snatched two big pieces of bread from the glass while my eyes somehow fell back on the stash. Tempted.

"Is that all you need?" She had her back to me, giving me enough room to swipe enough cash and leave unnoticed.

But at last, I groaned, walking around the counter to her, defeating such temptation. I'll get the money some other way. Like I always do. I had no idea what was going on with me today. I was no hero, no saint and I was a selfish bitch. A murderous, selfish bitch.

I walked to the door when she called behind me.

"Leaving without the bread?"

I turned to meet her confused gaze. "I can't pay for it,"

"Here," She literally dumped it in my hands, and inside was a pile of cash.

My eyes snapped back to her, only to find her small smile. It was warm. "Stay out of trouble,"

"I'll keep that in mind," I reached for the door. "Thanks anyway," After I left the shop, my next stop was further across the street.

From my inquiries, I was told I could get help here after my attempt to get across to Asher at the payphone was like my previous ones. Unsuccessful.

I was now heavily worried.

"I want to send a message across to someone," I told the gruff-looking guy as I entered the shop.

He inspected my ragged, dusty outfit, but I remained unfazed. My anxiety and worry are eating at me.

After the unappreciated scrutiny, he called in another guy, who led me to a table full of ingredients. Witch's stuff.

I provided him with everything he requested. That included payment for his services and something that belonged to the person I needed to send a message to.

I slipped the ruby necklace Asher gifted me from my neck and handed it over to him. I scribbled down the words, and I hope Asher got this message at least. I had to know he was alright and also, I informed him of my location.

I watched the guy behind the spell, muttering chants that stuck like gum to my brain before he burned the paper in the red blazing fire.

"It's done,"

A smile found my lips, and I knew where my next stop would be.

I went shopping for some witch's items, food and finally some new clothes.

I heard some gossip at the grocery store. There was a supernatural club in town and parties every Friday and tonight it would be open. Just what I needed and I hoped I would be able to get at least a possible location of the Alpha King or what pack he controlled.

By the time I returned to the house, Kali was still asleep. I appeased my hunger and did a little cleaning before locking myself up in the storage room, immersing myself in some spell books.

I had gone through quite a number when I heard Kali's voice from the door. She walked in, munching on bread.

"I see you've been busy while I was asleep," She nudged her hand at the spell books scattered around. "I hope you don't get a migraine,"

I closed the book in my hands. I didn't feel exhausted one bit from the reading, in contrast, I was enjoying it. In a short time, I had learned more than I knew before. Proven and tested.

"There's a party in town tonight," I got up from the floor, and we strolled back into the living room.

"Oh, the supernatural club?" She took a seat.

I nodded, pouring a glass of water. "I'm hoping to get a location on the Alpha King,"

She nodded, chewing. "Then we have to look our sexiest," She winked, and I chuckled, taking in the 'we' in the sentence.

"Why are you still here, Kali?" I asked, sitting opposite to her. "I bit you, and there's a high chance I might do it again. I brought my problems to your door, and that threatened the lives of innocent children and killed your friends. If I were you I'd be on the first bus out of here,"

"And how are you sure I haven't given it a thought," She chuckled before her face returned to being serious. "I don't know why I'm here either. Would you believe me if I told you I want to help you,"

I offer her a modest laugh. Not a fucking chance.

Naturally, I tend to distrust people more when they offer help for no fucking reason. Mason had said he wanted to help too, but that was a lie. He was the fucking asshole after me.

I shook my head at her question and she sighed.

"Fine," Her breathing was deep. Calm. "It's about Ria,"

My eyebrows creased instantly. "Ria?"

It was her turn to nod. "I need your help with her. That's why I'm here. Let me help you to help me,"

"How is that?"

She did it again. That deep, calm breathing. "I promise I'll tell you, but for now, take every help you can get from me, and in return, we will figure out how to help me. Ria,"

We locked gaze for long, endless seconds, before I smiled, giving a nod. "Alright," I said. "Thanks,"

"That's settled. Let's get dolled up now," She chirped, excited. Way too excited. "We are going to sparkle like the diamond we are darling,"

I huffed out a sigh, "Let's do this," I could never match her enthusiasm.