CHAPTER 5: ZOE

Nena laid on the plaid of stone with witches and warlock. Draped in white dress, headband of leaves and flowers. Like a woodland fairy, she looks pure and peaceful.

The elder's sister Julia perform the ceremony, she began chanting in Latin and fire engulfed her body in a perfect circle before the flame outlined her body. First time in this type of ceremony she felt her composure break.

Feeling that the world is extremely unfair, her breaths shortened broke. Feeling more alone than the moment she lost her adopted parents, now this. Taylors presence added a jug of water to a raging inferno and a crack of lightning broke in the now silence. The wind rose silencing the voices in the anger of its roar, her panic attack broke too uncontrolled pants of rage and pain and pan because it was so hard to continue with a lot bottled.

Falling to her knees she sobbed, elements around her raising havoc before a strong body joined her on the ground one more and this time instead of assurance his lips brushed mine. Instead for moving as expected his arms tightened encompassing me in security, she imagined this is how it would feel kissing a brothers or at least a close friend.

That simple kiss once again managed to distract her, not exactly in repulsion but his presence a reminder that she is not alone and no matter what she would do her damnedest to make sure the demons responsible do pay for her losses even if she dies trying. Distracting me enough the witches managed to quench the rowdy flames, before allowing him to lead away from the disarray destruction I stopped to survey the damage she caused.

"Let me help you."

I stopped the many elders, this is my mess to sort out. Slowly pulling away from my biggest supporter whom for some reason treated me like a glass. All I could feel was the ranching pain of loss and anger and for some reason I believed I could use that a raw form of energy.

"I can give life."

I whispered in the hole I was trapped but could not stand the beauty of nature as broken as I felt. As I focused my magic on reviving the green grass, ensuring the tress are stronger and healthier than before.

Walking toward the stone her mother laid now replaced by her powdered ash indicating the ceremony's ritual part has reached its conclusion. Having a lunch box in mind she gifted me when I was eleven. The circular, convenient pink box and now the only thing that comes to mind when I picture a place to put her. With a single snap of her fingers the ash fit, sealed in the most memorable gift and finally not letting her go but learning to use her wisdom to grow.

My final words to her an awe inspiring lesson and line we say to comfort the other clearing my throat and desperately trying to brave back the tears.

"One story may end today, and another begin tomorrow. Witches are special even with a loss of physical beings, our energy will always be intertwined and what is most special is that you will always protect me. Forever."

Failing to stop the flowing tears and drizzle of rain she held the box closer to her.

"I love you."

My voiced cracked and I managed focused on their memories including her adopted parents.

"I promise you, the people responsible will pay."

Voicing her vow permanently writing it in the books she gathered her emotions, believing the most dangerous people are focused and tactful. Smiling for the first time in forever she was a tad surprised they gave her space and none disturbed her resolve. Turning to face a group of witches and warlocks glancing at her in amazement, Zoe finally felt guilty and self-conscience under their scrutiny.

"I apologize for the mess I made."

I apologized to all present when Asia stepped forward examined her for a full minute or so.

"My dear you have awakened and my, it's been a while since I have seen that much power."

.

Satisfied with her observation she led her and all present to a cave water beating the rocks to immaculate beauty.

"This cave Cristal Brook is where we put ash of ones we lost, so that in the afterlife they are never lost."

Blue, grey water with Himalayan crystals illuminating the cave in natural wonder. Releasing mom in such a beautiful place amongst her own made her grateful she wouldn't be alone so she released her in the water. The moment the box was empty the water absorbing what was left of her people began to exit one by one until the only person left with her was Tye.

"Are you fine?"

He stressed after seeing her void, stressed a part of him, not the part that was confused about his emotions but the part that worried about her friend.

"I'm just exhausted. I don't think I used energy Tye. I used my emotions and now I feel nothing."

Walking her home to take a long nap and Taylor could think about was how much he fucked up. Not with Zoe but his potential mate Hanna.

"Go to her, please."

Zoe assured locking the wolf outside and stumbled of to bed and slept the day off.

Meanwhile Taylor found at the park eating ice cream and by the look in her eyes he realized the extent of how much he fucked up and he mentally kicked himself.

"Han-"

She got up and faced him. She was neither angry nor happy, and she just faced him.

"I hope you are not planning on apologizing. You said you are just friends, you looked me in the eyes and lied?"

At that moment he could see the pain he caused her and all that hurt, knowing he unintentionally hurt her made him really feel like a douche amongst other things.

"Han, I did not lie we are just friends. Yes, I have had a thing for her, like forever she has never reciprocated my affections."

Baring his soul and brunt of rejection to the most beautiful woman he wanted as bad he patiently waited for her as she contemplated her next words.

"This is going to be hard but I don't want to be an option. Figure out what you and Zoe have, especially the emotions you have for her. When you certain about us whole heartedly call me, call me selfish but I don't share."

Giving him a final kiss on his lips a few seconds passed and she reluctantly pulled away and his eyes fell of the slender curves walking away. Respecting her decision and understanding it was far from fair to string Hanna along, it was a fair plea. Surprised to find the door open.

Waking up to Asia's curious glare, she got up with a start.

"I have never seen that before."

Completely thrown off, she made no attempt trying to figure out what she was going on about but thankfully she supplied an answer.

"Your eyes are grey. Where your eyes always grey?"

She queried and she jumped of the bed to look at herself in the mirror and the best she could do was shrug.

"No, after mom passed-"

My voice chocked and a minor flood gate of emotion stung rushing faster than Taylors driving.

"Give me a second to read you"

Chanting under her breathe her eyes widened and she pulled away from me before I could see what frightened her.

"You need to leave, now."

Suddenly a girl appeared and Asia cried out in anguish, confused I got up slowly. Suddenly as unexpected the girl arrival was Taylor appeared his wolf growling at the imposter before attacking. He managed to bite the ink black hair of the girl before he was pushed towards the tree, speed, crash and I screamed as his wolf whimpered. The combined sounds of pain had me feeding before breaking the connection the girl has on my friends.

"Zoe Mabaso? Time's up."

She smirks but before she could continue I figured I have had enough for a Saturday morning before my cup of coffee.

"I don't know who the fuck you are and what you want from me, but the last person I'm following is you."

Her eyes sunken to the darkest black and once more the wolf and witch yelled out in anguish.

"Stop!"

I screamed and this time the tables were turned, I watched her cry out in pain, watched scratch at her skin as if it was on fire. I wanted her to hurt for internally damaging them, she might have been responsible for my parent either this treat justifies death. Petty wrath refused to remove her from the claws of anguish until I watched burst into flames.

Finally silence, complete silence at last dead silence. Healing both wolf and elder from internally bleeding and bruising. The healing orbs of blue and green promised results as more Latin/African chant to complete their healing process. Finally I was done three hours later thankfully the coven arrived earlier to help the elder on the beds.

Hanna handed Tye a t-shirt and sweat pant, saddened she might lose a man she could have loved. Determined to playact her emotion she gave Zoe a hug before she opened a portal, in hand with Taylor they popped through.