Returning to my room, my eyes rest silently on my collection of odd daggers. Most are blunt, and only a few have a subtle shine. Yet, no matter how old or blunt they are, I wouldn't get rid of them. They each represent a certain phase of me. Each tells a tale of how I had grown to become the skilled fighter I am today. I want to be a pack warrior one day, even if I’m also a Luna.
Staring at my dull collection taunts the warrior in me. My hands flinch as they urge to hold and flourish the daggers. I take my new dagger from my belt and run my fingers over the sheath.
I’m grateful Micah taught me all I know about fighting. The only downfall is that I cannot use my fighting skills against Tamara ad Vicky. It would affect my role and reputation at Storm Glenn when I am to become Luna if I fight them. Not only that, I don’t want it to cause any trouble for Micah. I’m certain his father already dislikes me, although I’ve only met him once. His father, Alpha Varan, came to visit Micah last summer. He seemed to like me at first but then became short with words and withdrawn from the conversation when he learnt that I was still waiting for my wolf.
I’m craving Micah’s company, but I know I must practise spells before seeing him. I place the book of spells and a candle on the ground. I light the candle and hover my hands on either side of the candle, ‘Dimulous,’ I say. The candle casually flickers but stays alight.
I repeat the word many times, flicking my hands towards the candle, even standing and spinning myself at the candle. The gust of air I made from twirling towards it wouldn’t even extinguish the flame.
‘This sucks!’ I say, falling back onto my bed.
A knock on the door rudely interrupts my moment of frustration.
My mother, Hope, pokes her head in and smiles when she sees the spell book and candle on the floor, ’You’ve been practising, I see?’
‘Yup, and as usual, I’m nailing it,’ I say sarcastically, not even budging from my strewn position on the bed.
My mother approaches, flings herself onto my bed, looks up, and squints. Then, after a moment, she asks, ‘I want to know what is so interesting about your ceiling?’
My bad mood begins to dissipate as I grin and turn my face to look at her, ‘Nothing, Mum, I’m just frustrated that magic wants to be difficult for me,’
‘I see,’ She sits up properly and looks down at me. ‘I was going to wait until your birthday through the week, but I feel you should have it now,’ she says.
I sit up and raise my eyebrow in curiosity. Another early birthday present. ‘Mum, you don’t have to get me anything. You being my mum is a present in itself,’ I say.
‘Oh, sweetheart. What have I done to be blessed with such a sweet daughter?’ she says, wrapping her arms around me for a hug.
Mum breaks the hug and holds her hands out, ‘Materialise,’ she says, and a slim box appears across the palm of her hands.
I take the box from her hand, ‘Are you sure you want me to open it now?’
‘Yes, Lylah, I want you to open it now,’ she smiles.
I slowly lift the lid to see a brown wooden wand. The handle has intricate patterns carved into it, ‘Is this a wand?’ I ask in awe.
Mother nods her head.
I take the wand from the box, hold it to the light, inspect it, and nod.
‘Thanks, Mum, I love it,’ I say and hug her.
‘Let’s try it out,’ she says and sits next to the spellbook and candle next to the floor. I sit back in front of the candle. Instead of using the spell to dim the flame, I try the opposite spell to make the small flame light up my whole chamber, ‘Illumini,’ I say, slowly waving the wand over it.
My mother watches the candle nervously, ‘Keep trying, sweetheart,’ she says.
‘Illumini,’ I repeat a few times.
‘Try another spell,’ she says encouragingly.
‘Dimulous,’ I say, flicking my wand towards the candle. Nothing happens.
‘Dimulous,’ I say again and tap the candle with the wand's tip. Again, nothing.
‘You just keep trying no matter what, okay, sweety?’ Mum says.
‘Okay,’ I sigh.
My mother takes in my frown and then smiles. ‘How about you go see Micah now since you have been practising magic all morning?’ she suggests.
My frown turns into a smile, ’Thanks, Mum!’
I quickly run to my mirror, neaten my clothes and kiss my mum on the cheek before running out the door. I unzip my hoodie and place the wand into the hidden pocket whilst I race through the large hallways and down the stairs to the heavy front door.
I jog towards Micah’s house and find him along the walking track heading to my place. He opens his arms as I run towards him and leap up. He catches me and spins around, and falls back onto the ground. We kiss and laugh between kisses and cuddles and playfully roll again, so I’m on top of Micah.
‘You won’t believe what my mother gave me for my birthday,’ I smile.
‘Oh, aren’t you a spoilt one? Another early present,’ he smirks.
‘Yup, I can’t help it. I’m just so cute and adorable, you know?’ I say playfully.
Micah rolls and pins my hands above my head and begins a trail of kisses from my neck to my lips. My back arches from the pleasant sensations.
‘Cute, adorable, beautiful, smart. You are everything, Lylah,’ he says.
He releases my wrists. I instantly pull his face to mine. I kiss him, and I take control of the kiss this time. His lips are warm and soft. They part slowly, allowing my tongue to slip inside. My tongue dominates his. I hear and feel his wolf growl through his chest in satisfaction.
We part and remain gazing into each other’s eyes for a few moments.
His eyes are black from his wolf and full of lust.
‘So, what is this gift your mother gave you?’ he asks, placing a kiss on my forehead. His eyes return to sable as he subtly takes back control of his wolf.
I smile and sit up, ‘Let’s go by the waterfall, and I’ll show you.’
Micah nods and undresses to shift. He lowers as I climb up on his back and hold on to his clothes. Micah races through the woods until we arrive at the waterfall. I climb down, and he shifts. As he dresses, I unzip my hoodie and pull my wand out, waiting to show him.
Micah turns around and smiles, ‘A wand?’ he asks.
‘Yep.’
‘That’s pretty cool,’ he says, stepping closer. I hand him the wand for him to inspect.
‘Hand carved. I like it,’ he says, handing it back.
‘Wands are supposed to help with magic. I think Mum is hoping it will help awaken mine.’
‘Your mother doesn’t have a wand, though?’ Micah says, confused.
‘Nor does my grandmother, but that’s because they are in full control of their magic and highly experienced. Wands are optional when you become as magically strong as they are,’ I explain.
‘Do you want to practise some magic with it now?’ Micah asks.
‘I suppose I could,’ I reply, looking for something to practise magic on.
I watch the water come crashing down from the waterfall onto the rocks and flow down the river.
‘Maybe I’ll try a water spell?’ I say.
Micah smiles and nods.
I pull my sleeves up, tilt my chin higher and clear my throat, ‘Aqua Bedew,’ I say.
I manoeuvre the wand differently as I repeat the words flicking, flourishing, twirling, and nothing happens.
Micah can see I’m becoming frustrated, ‘Hey, you did well. How about we practice throwing your rusted daggers at some trees?’ he smiles.
‘A man that knows the very words to my heart,’ I say, clutching my chest.
Micah laughs and playfully lifts me over his shoulder. I squeal as he runs through the woods until we arrive at our training spot.