We return to the packhouse at nightfall, where preparations for the bonfire are underway. Flint is rolling a few logs for everyone to sit on, creating a cozy circle around the soon-to-be blaze. In his element, Zak has gathered twigs, sticks, and dried leaves, expertly tossing them into the barrel in preparation for the fire's birth.
'I'll go inside and get the marshmallows,' Josie volunteers, disappearing into the packhouse. Moments later, she returns with May, and the duo settles on a log, bags of marshmallows at their feet, ready for the delightful ritual of toasting.
Flint stares at the barrel, 'Well, I guess I'd better get this fire going.' Before he can move, May takes the initiative with a theatrical shout, 'Inferno Flamo!' A burst of fire erupts forth, finding its mark with precision and engulfing the barrel of sticks and leaves in a lively dance of flames.
'Or I suppose May will start the fire...,' Flint groans, only to be met with a mischievous smile from May.
The group chuckles.
Nina cuddles onto my lap, and we watch the flames flicker. She rests her head against my chest, and I can't resist kissing her forehead tenderly. Mesmerized, I gaze at the embers dancing above the flames, savouring the intimate moment.
Nina, breaking the serene silence, sits up on my lap. 'Inferno Flamo,' she says, her words carrying a touch of magic. The flames respond, merging and transforming into a dynamic image of a galloping horse. 'Woah!' escapes from all our lips in collective awe. May, not to be outdone, adds her own flair with 'Inferno Flamo,' and embers meld to form the exquisite image of a dolphin leaping out of a flaming ocean. Josie's squeal of excitement punctuates the magical spectacle.
'How do you have such control over all the different magic?' I ask, genuinely fascinated by Nina's mastery. 'Well, we say Inferno Flamo for fire spells, then we picture what we want it to do, and it does it. The Aqua Bedew spell and any other spell related to an element work the same way,' Nina explains.
'It’s truly incredible to watch,' I respond, acknowledging the wonder unfolding before our eyes. 'It certainly is,' Nina agrees, her smile radiating pride and joy.
Suddenly, a myriad of embers materialize, creating a spectacular light show that dazzles our senses. 'That's amazing, Nina!' Josie exclaims, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
Nina's eyebrows furrow as the unexpected display continues. 'That's not me doing that,' she states, looking over at May.
'You did that?' Josie asks May.
'It wasn't me,' May says and shrugs, perplexed.
'If it wasn't either of you, then who was it?' I ask, a hint of worry creeping into my voice.
Suddenly, our night is shattered by the distinct sound of steps crunching on gravel behind us. We all spring to our feet and prepare to shift into our wolf forms.
We exchange wary glances as five figures draped in olive-green hooded cloaks come to an abrupt standstill before us. The figure in the centre takes a deliberate step forward, and my gaze is drawn to a smoky-coloured cat seated beside one of the hooded figures at the back. The night air now hangs in suspense as we await an explanation from the mysterious arrivals.
'Who are you? How did you get into my territory without us noticing?' I ask sternly, eyeing the intruders with suspicion. The person in front, their identity concealed by a hood, lowers it, revealing a face I never expected to see any time soon. 'Yiselda?' I ask with a sense of recognition.
'Alpha Magnus,' she murmurs, acknowledging me before turning her attention to Nina. A smile plays on her lips, and a nod is directed at Nina. The four hooded individuals behind Yiselda nod in unison, creating an air of eerie synchronization. Nina and I exchange troubled glances.
'What brings you here, Yiselda?' Nina inquires.
A small mouse perches on Yiselda’s shoulder, capturing our attention as it cleans its whiskers. Yiselda, seemingly unfazed, glances at me with a mysterious smile. 'So, it seems you were able to break the curse, after all,' she replies, sidestepping Nina's question with deliberate finesse.
'I did,' I confirm, keeping my eyes locked on hers. 'But I can't help but think that's not why you're here,' I add, a tinge of suspicion creeping into my voice.
Yiselda, with a sweep of her hand, introduces the hooded figures behind her. 'I would like to introduce you to the members of the Midnight Coven. Here we have Fern, Ela Ria, and Lilac.' As their names are called out, each hooded woman drops her hood, revealing stunning individuals.
Fern, with her brown hair and piercing blue eyes, exhibits quiet confidence. Ela, with brown eyes and flowing blonde hair, possesses utter beauty. Ria, the most intriguing of the group, boasts vibrant red hair, green eyes, and numerous freckles dotting her face. A cream-coloured snake coils around Ria’s neck and shoulders, its underbelly shimmering with emerald tones. I suppress a shiver at the sight, trying not to dwell on the unsettling presence of the serpent. Lastly, there is Lilac, her hair as dark as the night and her eyes a captivating shade of brown.
'It's a pleasure to meet you all. Please have a seat,' I say, extending a welcoming gesture towards the wooden logs surrounding the bonfire. The women of the Midnight Coven gracefully accept the invitation, finding warmth by the fire and settling into positions of comfort.
'So, The Midnight Coven?' I question Yiselda, aiming to unravel information about what brought them here.
'That's correct. We are the last known coven in this world, known to only a select few. We recently discovered the truth about Nina and her sister. They are hybrids, half-wolf, half-witch,' Yiselda explains with a serene smile, her gaze shifting towards Nina. ‘I knew there was something special about you when I saw you, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was, but I can see it now, all around you. The curse must have obscured your power and identity from everyone. There's a reason we're the only witches remaining and why we've remained hidden from the rest of the world,’ Yiselda says cautiously.
'Can you tell us why?' I ask gently.
Yiselda takes a deep breath, and the firelight dances in her eyes. 'Witch hunts,' she utters, the words carrying an ominous resonance that sends shivers down our spines. The very mention of the dark chapter in history casts a sombre shadow over the gathering.
'But now that the secret is out, with Nina and May being revealed as witches, the news has spread among the packs. Werewolves are now aware that witches still exist, and Nina, being your mate, adds an intriguing dimension to the situation. The Midnight Coven is hopeful that we might be able to emerge from hiding and peacefully coexist with werewolves, preferably within your pack,' Yiselda says, her gaze meeting mine with earnestness and a hint of gravity.
Zak and Josie, caught off guard by the unexpected suggestion, step back in surprise, stumbling over a log. We exchange uncertain glances, grappling with the coven's proposition. Then, breaking the contemplative silence, the night is interrupted by a series of croaks originating from Ela’s direction. Odd looks are exchanged as our attention shifts to her.