Gray’s POV
After dinner, I made my way into Shaunda's study room. It was the very purpose of my visit-I needed to discuss something of great importance with the Silent Witch.
"Child, you may speak your request here. Fear not, the soundproofing enchantments in this room are formidable; no ordinary sound can escape its confines," Shaunda's words flowed gently from behind her grand oak desk.
I couldn't help but be surprised by her spoken words. She must have sensed my curiosity because she went on to explain, "Within this chamber, aided by the Moon Stone's power, I can speak as other regular people."
I nodded, not wanting to waste any time. "Louie mentioned that you rarely employ your Gift these days. So, I gave him my word that I would only seek your assistance if it was willingly offered. I am prepared to extend any resources necessary as a token of my gratitude. Do you require anything, or is there someone you wish to deal with? I am entirely at your service."
A gentle shake of Shaunda's head. "First, tell me, what would you have me do?"
I took a steadying breath and continued, "I would like you to help me confirm if someone is still alive. This person is... is my sister."
Inhaling deeply, I soldiered on, "My sister disappeared when I was a mere eight years old. The Alpha of The Blood Dawn had an ability to sense the condition of each pack member through their blood, unless the person was deceased. When my sister vanished, my mother was our pack's Alpha. She used all her strength but couldn't sense my sister’s presence. Therefore, everyone, including my mom, all came to the conclusion that my sister was … was dead." Recounting these memories inevitably brought a deep sense of melancholy. Though I was but a child when it happened, the sorrow of losing my sister still clung to my heart.
Shaunda's voice carried her condolences, "I am truly sorry."
I shook my head, my gaze unwavering upon Shaunda. "Despite other people’s idea, I have a different feeling... It is as though I... sense that she is still alive somewhere. I didn’t know why I had this feeling, but I just always had this thought, even though my sister vanished within the depths of the Dark Forest, where the chances of survival are statistically null. Still, I hold this inexplicable belief that she may yet be out there. Could it be that my mother was mistaken? Is it possible that my sister encountered someone who came to her aid? I don't know the true answer, and I never talk about my surmise with my mother in case of having her make her relive this pain. So, I have been quietly searching for her, but thus far, to no avail. And now, I humbly beseech your help in finding out the answer with your unique Gift."
After my heartfelt plea, I left the decision entirely in Shaunda's hands, allowing her to make the choice whether to aid me. Money, I knew, wouldn't sway her; she must be in no shortage of wealth. Anything else she might desire, within reason, I was more than willing to provide.
In the anxious moments that followed, time seemed to stretch endlessly. Finally, her response came, and it was the one I yearned for so many years, "Fine, I am willing to perform a divination for you. However, please understand that my divination can only reveal whether she is alive; I cannot determine her specific location or circumstances. I am no deity."
"Thank you deeply! Even the knowledge of her being alive will suffice. If she is indeed living, the Blood Dawn will undertake the search. If... if fate has dealt her a cruel hand, then I will accept the fact that she has departed, relinquishing my fixation on this matter. Please do not hesitate to make any requests; I will do my utmost to fulfill them," I expressed with heartfelt sincerity.
Shaunda regarded me thoughtfully for a moment before she spoke, "I am agreeing to assist you because you are a friend of Louie and Alisha. Therefore, if, in the future, Alisha should encounter some challenges, I hope you will lend her your aid within reason."
A sense of warmth filled me upon hearing Alisha's name. I affirmed with a soft smile, " You can rest assured about that. Even without your request, I would willingly stand by her side. Alisha is a good girl, and no matter what problems she faces, she may always rely on me."
"That is great. Remember your pledge, child. Now, grant me a drop of your blood. It is a requisite for the divination."
I consented with a nod, following Shaunda's instructions to prick my finger and release a single drop into a small, silver bowl. Shaunda then added a concoction of unknown substances and liquids into the bowl before gently closing her eyes.
With bated breath, I dared not utter a sound, fearful of disrupting Shaunda's concentration. In the heavy silence, I waited quietly for the finish of Shaunda’s ritual. The process was suffering, but compared to the years of doubt and struggle I had endured, it was insignificant.
Then, suddenly, a brilliant white flame erupted within the silver bowl. Shaunda opened her eyes.
I knew there was a 99.99% chance that my sister was no longer alive, but my heart still clung to a fragile hope. Even though the chances were slim, I waited for Shaunda's pronouncement as if I were a defendant in court, stubbornly awaiting my final judgment.
"Your sister yet lives." Shaunda said.
I even couldn’t believe what I had heard. Before I could respond, an earth-shattering wolf's howl resonated from the exterior of the study. It was the kind of howl that only an Alpha could produce, one that sent shivers down the spine, invoking fear and awe.
Such howls typically indicated a death confrontation, a battle that would cease only when one side ended dead. In this grand mansion, aside from myself, only one other possessed the ability to send out a howl that could penetrate the confines of Shaunda's study—Archie.
This sound filled me with a deep sense of foreboding. I gave a quick nod to Shaunda before pushing open the study door. As expected, the villa's guards, along with the servants, cooks, and all who dwelled within, had hastily emerged from their rooms, summoned by the Alpha's cry. They had undoubtedly heard the call.
Louie arrived as well, worry etched across his face. "That's Archie's howl. Is Shaunda alright?"
"She is fine. Shaunda has been in my company the entire time. My intuition tells me Archie may have some troubles, maybe the intruders appeared. I'll go check," I replied swiftly.
Louie glanced at me briefly. "I've just inspected his room, and neither he nor Alisha is present. Something terrible must have happened, so I have to stay here to protect Shaunda. If you find Alisha, please make sure to protect her."