Chapter 53

Asher's Point Of View

Ryker and I were moving fast, racing through one of the forests in Seattle. This was the fastest route to get to Beacon Fall. It was almost the outskirts of Seattle.

We had obviously wasted so much time already, scouring through every nook and cranny of Redmond, searching for Cirilla, with no luck at all. Theo, Julia, Malia, Carl, Eric, and warriors from the Crescent Moon Pack had already spread out to other cities, in case she was no longer in Redmond. But that wasn't the case. She was there. A vampire informant had reached out to Cameron. We had no idea how she was even able to track the place, but she was there. Even as we were moving as fast as we could, I wished we could go faster.

Our gargantuan paws hammer into the earth as we sped by trunks, and leaped over obstacles. I felt so close to finding her, yet still so far. Restless and angry and felt an anguish I had never felt before.

As the sun bloomed over the horizon, I knew Theo, Julia and the rest of the warriors were almost there. I wanted to be the one to find her.

I haven't told anyone else from Theo's side that Cirilla and I were mates. I couldn't even imagine how they'd all react. How will her parents take the news? I can't imagine Cameron would be elated to find out I was mated to his daughter. It was too soon, I knew it. He has always been overprotective of her, even all these years she had been missing. But I hope to the moon goddess he would see how much I loved her. How much I needed her.

I couldn't wait till I got into the town. The wait and distance was unbearable. I hammered my paws into the dried earth as questions grazed my mind. I couldn't begin to imagine what she was doing in Beacon Fall. A witch town. I didn't know if I should feel relieved or scared. But a town full of witches and other supernatural kinds was the last place Cirilla should be in. If somehow someone found out who she truly was, it would put her in far more danger.

Ever since the prophecy involving Cirilla Bane had become general knowledge within our world, many more had begun to hunt for her, for all the wrong reasons. Everyone was feeling agitated. Scared and angry.

Finally, my heavy paws dug into the earth to a halt. I shifted into my human form, and from my peripheral vision, I caught streaks of Niko's orange flames speeding through the woods, stopping inches next to me, and from the other side, Wren appeared tossing me some clothes.

"Beacon Fall," Niko walked forward, a little of his golden hair falling to his face as he glanced at the large welcome sign for Beacon Fall. Since the night Cirilla disappeared, Niko had joined us, doing everything he could, in finding her. "A witch town, huh, how do you think she got here?"

"Don't know, I hope for good reasons,"

After getting dressed, I came to stand beside them. After hearing Cirilla was in Beacon Fall, I couldn't waste another damned second. Wren, Niko, and I had left ahead, while Kayla, Dorian, and the warriors were on their way.

Kayla tried again to do a locator spell like she had been doing for weeks but once again it came back with nothing. Either side had herself cloaked or something else was making her untraceable.

I made a silent prayer to the moon goddess that she was still in town.

"Try to be discreet," I nodded to them as we weaved our way through the crowd in town. The last thing we needed was drawing unrequired attention towards us before we found Cirilla, especially the Council's.

Ever since the truth about Cirilla's identity came to light, they also have gone to great lengths searching for her. However, to them, she was just a piece of the prophecy that needed to be found. That was one of the reasons I've been on the edge and asked Daimon for help. I didn't trust the Council regarding Cirilla, because they still entertain this stupid notion that she was the darkness that would bring hell on us all.

We were heading for the supernatural club to meet Jace, the vampire informant who reached out to us when my phone buzzed.

I pulled out my phone, and read through Theo's text. They were almost at Beacon Fall.

"We are almost there. Is there anything new?"

"We are tracking down the club to meet Jace. Text me as soon as—"

"Fuck!" Niko's sharp voice made me snap my head in his direction. He was almost frozen with a paper in his hand.

"What's wrong?" I shoved my phone into my jeans, swallowing the small distance between us.

"It's Ci," Wren's voice sounded, snatching the paper from Niko. It was a sketch drawing of Cirilla. Wanted.

"What the fuck does this mean?"

"We need to find Jace now," I grabbed the sketch from Wren. By the time we reached the club, Jace was waiting for us right outside the building. He led us into one of the alleyways nearby.

I pulled out the folded sketch and showed it to him. "What's this?"

"It's everywhere in town. Last night there was a commotion at the club where a witch was killed, and according to a witness, he was last seen with the princess. This is a fucking witch town, nothing like that will go without consequences. As soon as I saw the sketch, I contacted the Alpha King. The good thing is, no one knows who she truly is,"

"Why would she kill a witch?" Wren's cold voice filtered through.

"I don't know about that but I heard from a wolf, she was asking questions around about the Alpha King,"

"What?"

"That's right. And it doesn't seem like she's alone. She came in with a woman last night,"

"Have they found her?" Niko charged forward.

Jace shook his head. "There's been no news yet,"

"That's good we need to find her before anyone else does, and before the Council gets wind that she's here in Beacon Fall," I turned to Wren and Niko. "Kayla and the warriors will be here soon, and so will Theo and the others. We need to sweep the entire town. Don't make it too obvious,"

"Do you think she's still here?" Wren's question rang in my ears as I scanned the faint town from the top of the road.

"Let's just hope she is," I mutter, more to myself, walking up ahead.

"Let's split up. We'll start on the high street. Let's try to find out any more information about where she can be. The more places we can cover in this town, the better. Ring me if you hear anything,"

*****

It was nearly midday and we still hadn't found one bit of evidence she was still in the area. I was already on my last nerve and with my demon close to the surface was worrying me a great deal. My phone vibrated for the umpteenth time and I pulled it out to see Julia's name. They had already gotten into town and were searching from the other side of the town.

I searched through every open restaurant, bar, shop, and club for Cirilla. But no one knew anything about her or where she could be staying.

I reached the last shop at the end of the road. It was a small bakery shop. The door pinged loudly when I entered, gaining the instant attention of the elderly woman behind the counter.

Her lips brightened with a smile as her eyes cautiously raked me. "Hello, do you want to buy some bread?"

My enormous frame filled the shop and I moved closer, my boots leaving a dirt trail on the floor.

"Hi… uhm… sorry but no. I was hoping you could help me out," I stopped inches from the counter.

Her warm smile ran deeper. "How can I help you, young man?"

"I'm looking for someone. She was last seen around here, and I really need to find her," I showed her a picture of Cirilla from my phone.

Her dark eyes glanced up at the photo and she held the screen for a minute, before retreating her eyes to meet mine.

There was a sudden fast change in the rhythm of her heartbeat. She knew something.

Before her parted lips could force out a word.

I inched closer. "Please. Help me, I need to find her,"

"Why are you searching for her?"

I hesitated on my answer but decided it'd be best if I was honest. "She's my girlfriend. We were separated not too long ago and she could be in danger. I need to find her quickly, so please, if you know anything—"

"I've seen her before. She's a very sweet and beautiful young lady. She was here yesterday,"

I could already feel the tremble in my body. She was here. This woman had seen her. I tried to control my voice as I asked the next question.

"Do you know where I can find her?"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't know. It looked like she recently came into town, judging by her clothes, but it doesn't seem like she stays in town. I am sorry, that's all I know. I wished I could help more if she's really in danger,"

I sighed, defeated. Every hope of mine, crushing. "Here's my number. Just in case she comes by or you hear something," I scribbled down on a paper, handing it to her. "Thanks,"

"I hope you find her soon,"

I sent a final glance her way before leaving the shop. "I hope so too,"

I pulled out my phone and walked up the street. I stopped by the shop, asking around for Cirilla when I felt a pair of eyes on me.

I zeroed in on a woman at twelve o'clock. The adverted my eyes second I caught her stare, taking a quick turn in a haste.

I was hot on her heels, chasing after her and she didn't stop running. That only made her all the more suspicious to me.

I chased her into the woods before I lost her. I swear she was fucking fast. I went round the forest, tracking her with the sound of her quick movements. A witch I reckoned. I was getting closer and closer to the sound of her footfalls when unexpectedly, I crashed into an invisible force field.

She knew something. She had to.

Quickly, I snatched my phone from my jeans. "Kayla, I need you," The words swept through my lips, and I could feel my hope building once again.

*****

Cirilla's Point Of View

I loved it all. The warm feel in my bones. The way my body was curled up beneath his. The sparks that burned life into my bones. That breathed a feeling so deep, a longing that made it almost difficult for me to breathe. I loved it all. I loved him. Asher Cohen. And I wished I could stay in the moment forever. I wished it so badly, but unfortunately, it was coming to an end.

My eyes snapped open as I let out a deep breath. The edges of my eyes burned, but I wrestled with the unwanted tears that craved attention from the pain in my chest.

I pulled the ruby necklace in my hands to my neck, securely pinning it to my neck.

This was a spell I had learned in one of the spell books in the storage, and fortunately, it came in handy. It was an escape for me. Lulling myself into a reality where Asher was next to me, giving life to my imagination. Even though it was a mere conjuring. It felt so fucking good. So real. It made my thoughts clear. And my mind was sharp.

I was resting against one of the majestic trees around the house. Kali had gone into town earlier today to get some supplies, and she still hadn't returned.

We had spent the morning practicing some spells. She was helping me. Teaching me. And I swear she was good. Really good.

Earlier today, we had agreed to leave for New Orleans tomorrow. Everything was already set, down to the spell Kali and I created. We combined our magic. Even with the little ounce of magic bouncing in her, she was powerful. I could feel it in a weird way.

The plan was to transport ourselves out of Seattle. It would be a lot easier and safer that way since Mason and the Council were no doubt still searching for me. But I had begun having second thoughts. I was feeling anxious all of a sudden. I didn't know why. I didn't want to leave. My letter to Asher also had this location. I wanted to wait a day more before leaving. I wanted to wait for Asher.

I glanced up at the fading sun in the sky, before rising to my feet and heading back into the house.

I was pouring myself a glass of water when the door burst open and a frantic, fear-stricken Kali rushed in, slamming it shut.

I hustled over to her. "Kali, what the hell happened to you?"

She was breathing hard, dumping the paper bags in her hands to the floor. "They are here,"

My brows crinkled. "Who is?"

I followed her hasty movements as she rushed to the counter, gulping down the glass of water I had earlier poured.

"I don't know. But your face is all over town. And there were people asking questions about you. There was a guy—"

"What guy?" I stepped forward as a deadly fear snatched air from my lungs. Mason. It had to be.

"Oh god, Cirilla I do not know. I didn't exactly stay for a chat. I ran the instant I noticed he was going to come after me. As soon as he sighted me, he started chasing after me. He got into the woods but I doubt if he will make it far, the place is spelled—"

"Shh," A finger instantly moved to my lips, silencing Kali.

"What? Why are—" Her words died at once, and there was a fleeting, unsettling emotion in her gaze before her dark eyes widened.

My bones stiffened. My gut twisted. And I couldn't stop the fast banging of my heart as the familiar feeling rocked me with shivers. He was here.

Mason found me.

I stilled. Everything happened in fast motion. The dark energy in the house grew stronger. Through the vibrations that shook the house, there was a sudden burst of magic that aimed for destruction, shattering everything in the house, and attempting to tear the house apart.

"He can't get in. The storage room. Hurry!" Kali dashed towards the stairs, and I was quick behind her. He couldn't get in, but still o could feel his knife-piercing stare.

She started grabbing a few items. And I began the spell to get us out of here. It wouldn't get us to New Orleans, but somewhere close. I was almost finished when the glow appeared and I glanced over my shoulder at Kali.

Without a second hesitation, I jumped into the blinding white light. It didn't take long before we were tossed out.

I pushed myself off the ground, swerving around to glance at the portal. Even as it closed up I could still feel the weight of his stare. And the coldness that penetrated deep in my bones.

I glance around. We were surrounded by trees but up ahead I could see the path that led to a small town.

What was this place?

It was… There was something distinct about everything around me.

I crouched against the ground, placing my palm against it. I almost gasped at the immense magic that surged through me. This place was literally breathing out magic. It was different.

I pulled away from the earth. "What did you call this place again?"

Kali was walking ahead when she stopped. "Ardgal," She exhaled pleasantly but at her single word, I froze.

Slowly, my eyes traveled the short distance between us and stopped until they landed on her.

I was breathless. In shock. "What?"

A glimmer of excitement broke in her dark eyes. She turned to face me. Lips bowed in a smile. "Ardgal," She repeated.

It can't be.