Chapter V — Black Witch

When the dust settled, pin drop silence enveloped the entire training grounds.

It seemed nearly the whole pack had gathered and watched the match for the entire training grounds was filled with hundreds of werewolves, young and old who had formed a large circle around the two witches. They had stayed well out of reach of the magic blasts and its ramifications.

Lucas, who had caught his mate before she hit the ground, straightened, carrying her and faced the silver-haired woman before him.

Lucas had known it the moment he had pushed his way to the front and witnessed it first-hand. He berated himself for not realising it sooner. He had ran all the way from the pack house the instant he felt the earth tremor and heard as well as sensed the explosions of power that was a result of the first clash between their magic — the discussion with his Alpha and Beta about the new developments of rogues forming groups and travelling in units abandoned.

The bright flashes of yellowish-green and purple that clashed when their magic circles activated was blinding and sent ripples of magical energy that was clearly felt from where he stood.

At the sight of the tendrils of dark energy wrapping around his mate's arms and legs, trapping her, Lucas would have thrown himself into the heat of the battle, shifting as he did so if Dylan had not held him back. He had growled at his best friend, about to shove him away when he saw the slight shake of Dylan's head followed by a gesture that indicated for him to turn his attention back to the ongoing battle. His wolf retreated slightly but both were still on edge as he watched his mate free herself from her opponent's clutches before launching herself gracefully into the air.

A wave of pride washed over him. He had always known she could handle herself. But watching her take on her opponent head on, confidently exchanging and retaliating blow after blow and moving with an agility and flexibility he never knew she had, never once cowering even in the face of a formidable opponent reminded him again why he was so ardently in love with this fierce, capable woman he now cradled in his arms.

"You are a black witch."

Low murmurs broke out as confusion and shock rippled through the werewolves gathered around them. For the few who recognised the significance of the term, their jaws dropped further and inhaled sharply.

Lucas couldn't control the tinge of anger that seeped into his voice. She was after all the reason why his mate was lying unconscious in his arms. Him and his wolf had therefore perceived the woman before him as a threat.

However, the woman before him never flinched nor reacted, she took no offence in his tone as she simply replied in a voice devoid of emotion. "I am."

Silence reigned once again.

A shuffling of footsteps and an approaching presence from behind, tipped off Lucas, whom already had their guard high up due to an unconscious mate who only moments ago was in the face of danger, and he reacted. Moving out of the way immediately, with Rosalieé in his arms, in the blink of an eye, he was a good few feet away from where he originally stood, growling at Dylan and Jayden. The former in front was about to place a hand on where would have been Lucas's shoulder.

"Easy, Lucas. It's just us." Dylan said hands up in surrender, to showed he came in peace. He didn't blame his friend, his response was understandable and expected to say the least — one should never provoke a wolf whose mate was threatened, directly or not.

"Bring Rosalieé back to the pack house. I think she would rather wake up in a bed than in the middle of the training grounds with the whole pack starring at her. A bed's more comfortable too. Okay, show's over, go for your lunch break. Those who wish to stay are welcomed to train another hour before they eat."

The last part was directed to the pack who at their Beta's words, quickly dispersed.

Jayden had walked up together with Dylan, his entire focus simply on the silver-haired beauty. She paid them no mind, addressing the mate of her coven sister.

"The battle has exhausted Priestess Rosalieé more than she herself realised. She has not cast such complex and high level offensive magic successively for a long time. She will wake up after an hour or two of rest."

Dylan watched, surprised that Cassandra's words seemed to have put the tense and jumpy Lucas somewhat at ease as he visibly lowered his guard slightly, before giving a curt nod for them to start moving.

..........

Sounds of protests could be heard down the empty hallway. True to Cassandra's prediction, Rosalieé had woken up in about a little over two hours later. The house was empty as almost everyone had returned to training grounds immediately after their lunch. There were still chatter about the previous match going around.

"You shouldn't be getting up so soon, Rose. Cassandra has said the duel exhausted you more than you realise. Please head back and rest, you can meet her later. I'm sure she would want you to rest as well."

Lucas pleaded for the umpteenth time after failing to convince his mate to remain in their room to rest.

"Lucas, I'm fine." She grabbed his hand in hers, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "You know I've trained and endured far worse."

And she did. A witch's upbringing and training was in no way inferior to a werewolve's, especially for those who came from a long lineage. From the moment they learnt to speak, they were casting spells. Magic was both mentally and physically draining. Furthermore, the thicker and more ancient the bloodline, the more powerful they were and the younger they had began their training.

Rosalieé Carson was a descendant of the Carson Family — a prominent family of white witches who has been around for nearly over six centuries and one of the thirteen.

"But, Rose, you are going on a pointless search — no one's seen Cassandra since the duel. Jayden's searched high and low everywhere in the territory for nearly two hours, in his wolf form and still couldn't find her. And she's his mate! My guess is she doesn't want to be found right now.-"

If not for his werewolf reflexes, Lucas would have run right into Rosalieé when she had suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and whirled around to face him.

"So it's true?" Her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas's eyebrows knitted in confusion at the disbelief that laced it and also the stricken look on Rosalieé's expression.

"Huh?"

"She's his mate?"

"Uh...yes? Jayden said so yesterday."

"You're sure? There's no possibility that he might be wrong or mistook it?" She pressed, her voice still a whisper.

Lucas frowned, giving his mate a strange, baffled look but shook his head and answered.

"He confirmed it when he had grabbed her wrist yesterday."

He watched with growing worry as Rosalieé paled at his answer.

"Why? What's wrong?"

Lucas asked but Rosalieé was already going into a frenzy, as she started to pace in the hallway outside their room and muttering to herself.

"Oh my goodness, how is it possible? It shouldn't be. But the mate bond is never wrong. And although I have always suspected it ever since you guys brought her back, I never thought it did actually be true. Plus if Jayden touched her,-"

"Rose-" He took a tentative step towards her, meaning to interrupt her and calm her as his wolf was getting agitated as well, at the distress radiating off his mate. Her head snapped up to meet his eyes.

Lucas was alarmed when he was met with her wild, frantic green eyes that had obviously realised something.

"Don't tell me...this morning...Last night. What did Jayden do?"

At the question, Lucas shifted uncomfortably under her penetrative gaze, clearly reluctant to answer.

"What did Jayden do, Lucas?"

He fidgeted, not meeting her eyes now.

"He may have...kind of...initiated..."

"Lucas Olivander Grey. What. Did. Jayden. Do."

"He kissed her! He kissed her alright! They were in the library. Something happened — Jade didn't elaborate but said he lost control and pinned her to the wall-" Having thrown up his hands in exasperation as he cracked under the pressure, Lucas was rambling.

He stopped when he saw her marching down the stairs.

"Um Rose, where are you going?"

.........….

"She'll be back when she wants to. Just give her some time and space. It was after all less than what twelve hours ago. Woman don't get over things that easily, you should know that. To be honest, I'm surprised you didn't get slapped."

"I would take a slap any day over this silent treatment. At least then I'll know she's angry. It's killing me not knowing what she thinks and where she is."

"Then, at least you didn't get slapped and got the silent treatment from her."

Dylan received a glare from Jayden, to which he just shot back a dazzling smile.

"On the bright side, don't you think if you want to apologise, it would be better to do it when she returns in a better mood?"

The two of them were in his study. Jayden sat at his desk which was piled and scattered with business contracts and document reports. He was going through them distractedly. His mind was on the black witch who he had spent the last one and the half hours running around the pack territory in his wolf form looking for, going as far as a good mile beyond the territory's boundary but still turning up empty handed. He had feared she had already left the pack grounds and gone to the city or worse anywhere else. He couldn't pick up her scent or tracks anywhere — it was as if she had vanished.

Dylan, on the other hand, was sitting on the couch that faced the television in the room, casually flipping through the channels, not really paying any mind to what was on as he reassures his best friend and Alpha.

"If you're worried she has left, you shouldn't because I highly doubt she would have left without saying goodbye to Rosalieé, especially after knocking her unconscious like that. She's not that heartless."

There was shouting coming from the level above them.

"Speaking of Rosalieé, looks like she's awake. Your mate was right. Two hours' passed. That's fast."

Dylan said, glancing at the grandfather clock.

It quieted significantly.

"Luke's probably trying to get Rosalieé to stay in bed and rest more...," Dylan commented before directing the conversation to another topic. "Have you contacted Peter yet? Any news of the rogues? Did you ask about the Aenean Pack?"

Alpha Peter Hayês of the Hydrangea Pack, was an old childhood acquaintance of theirs whom was three years older than Jayden and had succeeded his father as Alpha a couple years back.

"Regarding the Aenean Pack, he had said there were rumours circulating last year at the start of winter, about the fire that broke out in the middle of the night and burnt the small pack to the ground. He had heard from the Narcissus Pack that was the nearest neighbouring pack close with them that the Council sent their people in to do a sweep and investigation that wrapped up and concluded in a matter of days — an accidental fire with no survivors. Following that, Peter said his patrol units had also reported spotting two groups of rogues travelling in units — like Bryan had described. They went around their pack borders and no trouble was created. It was on separate occasions several months ago. He found it suspicious and sent a report to the Council of Elders but when a reply came back, it was passed off as families of rogues travelling together."

Jayden shook his head, running both his hands down his face while Dylan pursed his lips in concentration.

"All in all, whatever Bryan has told us checks out at this point. But rogues working together and travelling in groups...is this their new strategy or does it really have to with the cause he mentioned? What cause could they possibly have? And this is the first time we are hearing of this but it's obvious that it's been going on for a while already. The way Cassandra spoke of it, it's as if it's already been ongoing for quite some time too. Bryan mentioned they had joined them seven months ago and it was already quite an established system. Not to mention, to be this organised and have gone undetected for so long. How has the Council not caught wind of this?"

"I don't think that's the case..."

"...You don't mean..."

Dylan watched his best friend nod grimly.

"They probably have but it is likely they have kept it under wraps or..."

"Be involved in it?"

Jayden nodded reluctantly.

"He and his sister was quick to catch on. A cause, funding. In addition, an accidental fire in the middle of winter? Family of rogues?...If there is anything that would raise alarm bells in the different packs and disrupt the current social order, the Council of Elders would not let it get out."

"So you're suggesting there's a possibility the Council's part of it? Or even behind it?"

Dylan confirmed and as absurd as it sounds and wanted to deny it, he couldn't because-

"You and I both know they have done this before and who's to say they wouldn't do it again?"

"...which begs the next question where does Cassandra fit into all of this? Do you think it has to do with the Covens? Because Rosalieé hasn't given any indication she knows of it."

Silence settled between them again as they pondered over the implications and puzzlements, not having answers to them. There were too many holes to fill; too much missing information.

The noise above resumed, this time getting louder until they heard Lucas's pleading voice outside the study door, at the end of the hall.

"Rosalieé, I don't know what's going on but can't this wait? I mean so what if he's kissed her? I get that it was wrong of him to do it without her consent but she's still-"

The doors to the study flung open, revealing the mated couple; a refreshed Rosalieé and an exasperated Lucas who was standing behind her, rubbing his face. He shot his two best friends a look filled with desperation and guilt.

Jayden and Dylan would have found the situation humorous if not for the clearly ticked off witch before them. Her blazing emerald eyes landed on Jayden immediately.

Lucas closed the door behind him.

"You kissed her?!"

The woman before them nothing like the gentle, sweet caring sister they were accustomed to. No, this Rosalieé was pissed.

Jayden's eyes shot up to meet her scary ones, before glaring at Lucas.

"Don't you glare at Lucas, I would have found out sooner or later but I can't believe you, Jayden! You actually forced a kiss on her! You should be glad you're not ten feet under by now!"

Jayden frowned.

"Ha! I told him something similar too just now. I was surprised she didn't even slap him!"

"No, Dylan."

"Wait, what?"

Massaging her temples, Rosalieé sighed and shook her head.

"I meant it, literally, Dylan. Jayden's lucky to even be breathing right now."

Jayden's frown deepened now. Dylan mirrored his expression. They shared a look before shooting Lucas a questioning look. The latter just shook his head violently to tell them he did not know what she meant as well.

"This is not about her being a black witch is it?"

"What?" Now it was Rosalieé's turn to be confused.

"Mm...aren't black witches known for being 'scary powerful'? Your mate's words, not mine. I have also only ever heard of them too. Never actually met one in real life until apparently yesterday. I've always been trying to figure out why she felt so unnerving but couldn't quite place my finger on it."

Dylan grinned at the glare Lucas threw him.

Rosalieé sighed again, the exhaustion kicking in and collapsed on the couch.

"The covens of witches are divided into two groups. The coven of white witches who has an affinity with light magic make up most of the witch's population. The coven of black witches on the other hand, are rarely ever seen much less heard of. However, there were just as many well-known white witches as there were black witches throughout history. Hence, yes you're right, my coven sisters with an affinity for the dark arts — they command the shadows and darkness — and their descendants, were powerful. They were also revered. Anyways, while it is common and a high chance for a white witch to come from a line of white witches and vice versa for black witches, that is not always the case. One's affinity is not determined by one's ancestry neither can it be chosen. It is something they are born with. Therefore, a witch can also come from a completely normal mortal family."

Lucas nodded and asked.

"So which family is she from?"

Rosalieé pursed her lips.

"...It's not my place to answer that."

They had already anticipated such an answer from her.

"Okay then what did you mean when you said Jayden 'should be glad he isn't ten feet under' and he's 'lucky to even be breathing right now'?"

"And why did you say it's not possible? We're mates. Granted there has never been a black witch who's mated to a werewolf before much less an Alpha. But it isn't to say it's completely impossible? I mean if white witches can, it isn't a far off possibility that a black witch can too?"

"...That's not it, Lucas."

Rosalieé took a quivering breath, eyes meeting each of theirs, starting with Dylan who spoke first, before moving on to her mate's and finally staring straight into Jayden's, bracing herself for the change in it as she answered.

"It's because she already belongs to another."

Silence descended on the room, the only sound coming from the grandfather clock's ticking.

"Explain." Jayden's growl tore through the tense room, causing Lucas to subconsciously move closer to Rosalieé. She shook her head again.

"...I can't."

"Okay but that just means more for Jayden to win her over right? They're mates so she'll eventually fall in love with him and break off whatever relationship it is."

"...It's not that simple."

"Who?" Cutting through, Jayden could barely keep his boiling anger in check.

Rosalieé shook her head harder this time.

"Rose,-"

"Please, I cannot say anymore. It is not my place. But Jayden, please I say this for the benefit and sake of the Lilium Pack, you must never do or attempt to do it again. Even if you do not know the full reason, then at least so as not to anger her any further."

There was silence and the tension in the room was palpable.

A loud banging sounded on the door.

"Jay! Jay! Jay! Open up! I'm home!"

And for the second time, the study's double doors flung open and a sixteen year old girl in beach floral shorts and a yellow t-shirt with Summer printed on it strolled in liesurely, taking no notice of the tension in the room. She had a pair of sunglasses on her head and a tan that she obviously got from laying in the sun at the beach for hours on end.

Dylan who had been digesting the previous information, was the first to snap out of it.

"Hi Melody, you're back early. Where are your parents?"

"They decided to extend their stay in Versailles. I, on the other hand, chose to end vacation early and rushed back the moment I heard my friends talk about a black witch staying here as a guest! I've never met a black witch before! I can't believe I missed a battle between two witches!"

"You know about black witches?"

"Of course I do! Rosalieé told me. I do hang out and talk to her you know and especially when you boys go on your boring business trips and training and stuff. Oh hey Rosalieé! I missed you so much!" Melody huffed indignantly at Dylan and turned to Rosalieé to engulf the white witch in a hug.

Rosalieé smiled at the young girl hugging her, momentarily putting the previous situation at the back of her mind for now.

"I missed you too, Mel. I take it you enjoyed France?"

"Enjoy it? I loved it! The city of lights was so romantic!" Melody gave a dreamy sigh before declaring, "I brought back souvenirs for all of you from Paris! You're going to love it."

"Thank you, Mel. I'm sure we will."

"So your parents won't be returning home tonight?"

Lucas asked her, wanting to be sure.

"Nope!"

Melody watched them quizzically as they all breathed a sigh of relief, but brushed it off quickly.

"Never mind about them! I didn't rush back for nothing! Where is she? I'm dying to meet her! I heard she's drop dead gorgeous!"

All of them froze, none of them knowing how to answer her.

There was a polite knock that interrupted them and all heads turned to Bryan who stood at the wide open double doors.

"Alpha Jayden, Beta Dylan, Gamma Lucas and Female Gamma Rosalieé." He greeted, taking in the occupants room. His eyes only stopped briefly at Melody, before returning to them. "Is this a bad time? Shall I return later?"

"No, please go on." Dylan said.

"Lady Cassandra is in the living area. She has enquired for Female Gamma Rosalieé."

Jayden was out of his chair and out the door before Bryan had even gotten his last sentence out.

He was closely followed by Dylan, Lucas and Rosalieé who had all shared a look before dashing after him.

"Thanks, Bryan." Dylan said, remembering just as he passed him.

"What's up with them?" Melody muttered to herself before brushing it off again and turning her attention to the good looking blonde boy who was still standing at the door, watching her. He looked to be the same age as her.

She walked towards him and extended her hand. "Hi Bryan, I'm Melody!"

He looked down at the brunette girl's hand and up at her again and took it slowly, shaking it. All the while, he was studying her. She fought a blush under his sea green eyes.

She gave him a bright smile and said.

"Want to go see a bad-ass black witch with me?"