Chapter 6

"So, I see the rumors of your death were greatly exaggerated," Joseph announced, folding his arms over his chest, his voice tinged with both relief and irritation.

Austen settled into a chair, his demeanor relaxed yet purposeful. "The Witch Hunters massacred half the Coven in Willows End. It was safer for everyone if they thought I was dead." He met Joseph's gaze steadily. "But don't think I haven't been keeping an eye on things. You've done a commendable job raising her, especially after Gale left." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "She's a very special girl."

"Yes, she is," Joseph replied, his voice full of fatherly pride and protectiveness. "And for more reasons than you might think. She's incredibly smart, inquisitive to a fault. When she started high school, she revived the dead newspaper, becoming the Editor immediately, even getting senior students to work for her. She has a knack for finding the truth when others want it hidden."

Austen's eyes narrowed, understanding the double meaning. "Her magic's awoken."

Joseph's eyes widened in shock. "Are you sure?"

"It's what brought me here." Austen nodded. "I felt it the moment it rippled out of her." He grinned. "She's strong, Joseph. Very strong. I always knew she would be."

"She's also a kid, Austen," Joseph said, his tone filled with concern. "She deserves to spend the rest of her childhood as a normal teen without this war of yours hanging over her head."

"It's her war too, Joseph," Austen replied firmly. "She's in it, whether you want to accept it or not. She's a woman now."

"She's not," Joseph snapped, frustration evident in his voice.

"Yes, she is," Austen insisted, leaning forward. "You see her with the eyes of a father who's cared for her since she was born. But out there is a young woman, and the time is drawing nigh."

"She's only sixteen, Austen," Joseph said, desperation creeping into his tone.

"She's come of age, Joseph," Austen said, his voice softening slightly. "She's also my firstborn child of either gender. You know the importance of Firstborns to the Crests. Extensive research into our history shows that the women of our family have always been exceptionally powerful, especially the Firstborns."

Joseph ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with the information. "I've managed to father a good number of children. The Crest name will thrive in great numbers, and nothing the Elders or the Witch Hunters do will be able to end our name, our lineage, our blood."

"Your dark magic," Joseph muttered, the words heavy with disapproval. He sighed deeply, the weight of his resignation palpable.

"There's another issue that I find quite perplexing," Austen began, raising an eyebrow. "I'm sure you'll agree once you hear it. I know you're aware that Howard has a son. How you've managed to keep Maya hidden while working for him is pure genius, but if I were you, I'd be much more careful now."

Joseph leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "What does that have to do with anything? Howard might have a son, but his plant is in Rock City. They'd never come here willingly. It's as safe a place as any to keep an eye on them while staying hidden. I can handle this."

"Can you handle Meredith, Tommy, and Avery having sons as well?" Austen asked, knowing the impact his words would have.

"What?" Joseph hissed, standing abruptly.

"I've been traveling during my 'death,' and I stumbled upon their Coven. It's a strong one, Joseph." Austen leaned back, watching the horror spread across Joseph's face. "Imagine a Coven comprising Howard Anderson, Meredith Kites, Tommy Randel, and Avery Simpson, along with Sylvia Ramey and Teresa Laurel."

"That's not good," Joseph whispered, horror evident in his voice.

Austen nodded. "A Coven filled with descendants of some of the most ancient families. Children who have every reason to be quite interested in anything related to the Crest."

"Fucking hell," Joseph cursed, running a hand over his face. He began to pace, muttering under his breath. "Dammit, Austen, you should have told me this sooner!"

"I'm telling you now," Austen replied calmly.

"And why is that?" Joseph turned on him, anger flashing in his eyes. "Why have you suddenly decided to make an appearance? It can't be just because she's awoken."

Austen hesitated for a moment before standing. "You're right, of course." He raised his chin, a determined look in his eyes. "There's much more."

Joseph stopped pacing and stared at him, waiting for an explanation.

Austen took a deep breath. "The awakening of her magic is only the beginning. The Coven's movements, the ancient families uniting—it's all connected. There's a prophecy, Joseph, one that involves Maya directly. Her powers are the key to something much bigger than we ever anticipated."

Joseph's face paled. "A prophecy? What does it say?"

Austen's expression turned grave. "It speaks of a child born of the Crest lineage who will either unite the magical world or bring about its destruction. The Elders are aware, and so are the Witch Hunters. Maya's awakening has set things in motion that cannot be undone."

Joseph sank into a chair, the weight of Austen's words pressing down on him. "So, what do we do now?"

"We prepare," Austen replied firmly. "We train her, protect her, and make sure she's ready for what's coming. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

Joseph nodded slowly, determination hardening his features. "For her sake, and for ours, we will be ready."