Stepping outside onto the front steps, Magnus contemplates the stack of documents awaiting our attention. 'We have a lot of paperwork to complete today,' Magnus groans, expressing the sentiment of dealing with administrative tasks.
Observing Magnus's distaste for the impending paperwork, I notice Reaper lurking in a nearby tree, his presence differing from the lively surroundings of Shadow Crest. I feel sorry for him, having been alone for so long and now in a bustling, lush town.
I place my hand on Magnus’s shoulder. 'There's something I need to do before we begin the paperwork,' I disclose.
'Oh?' Magnus responds with curiosity, his eyes seeking further explanation.
‘You’ll see,’ I assure him with a mysterious smile.
His gaze follows me as I approach the tree where Reaper is perched.
Reaper and Magnus watch with intrigue as I reach for a small limb from the tree, breaking it with a decisive snap. With the limb in hand, I extend my right arm towards Reaper. Sensing the invitation, Reaper takes flight from the tree, landing on my arm and confidently striding up to my shoulder.
'I have a surprise for you, Reaper,' I announce, the anticipation evident in my voice.
'A surprise for me?' He responds with a hint of uncertainty.
'Yes,' I answer, offering a reassuring smile before leading the way around the back of the packhouse.
Raising my hands, I form a circle with my thumbs and fingers, creating a picturesque frame. Peering through the circle toward the sky, I declare, 'Right here will be perfect.'
'Perfect for what, exactly?' Reaper queries in confusion.
'Your new home,' I reveal, my smile broadening with a sense of fulfillment.
Magnus curiously approaches, glancing at the scene unfolding before him. Kneeling with the broken branch in hand, I gently place it on the ground, closing my eyes and positioning my hands on either side. 'Revitilo Sprouto,' I chant, infusing the air with magical energy.
The ground beneath us begins to rumble, and with a mesmerizing transformation, the broken branch sprouts into the majestic moon tree that once graced Silverfay Forest. Its two broad, bending branches create a familiar circle, a window to the moonlit sky that now stands in our backyard.
Reaper caws in excitement, flaps his wings, and gracefully soars onto the newly formed tree. 'You made my tree!' he exclaims, a mixture of astonishment and delight in his tone.
Putting his arm around my shoulder, Magnus glances at the moon tree. 'Does this mean I don't have to worry about Reaper's staring daggers at me all night anymore?' he asks with a hopeful twinkle in his eye.
I cross my arms, a triumphant smile spreading across my face. 'Yep, I believe he'll feel more at ease and at home now,' I respond.
‘Let’s give him some time to settle in, then, now that he has his beloved tree outside our bedroom window,’ Magnus suggests, taking my hand.
Entering the packhouse, we ascend the stairs and step into our office, where piles of paperwork await our attention. Together, we delve into the administrative tasks, sharing the responsibility.
The witches return in the late afternoon, bubbling with excitement about their magical exploits in the town. They recount tales of mending signs, poles, fences, and anything else needing a little tender, loving care with their magical abilities. With a grin, Lilac shares, 'The townspeople were ecstatic, and we also got complimentary cupcakes from the baker.'
'That's fantastic, and I'm sure Yiselda would enjoy hearing everything about it,' I express with a warm smile.
'We were thinking about paying her a visit tomorrow,' Ria suggests.
'She'd love that! Do you think I could come too?' I eagerly ask, hopeful.
'Of course, you're welcome to join us,' Fern insists.
Squeezing Magnus’s hand with excitement, I exclaim, 'I'm going to see Pandora's Box tomorrow.'
'Should I come as well?' Magnus asks, his concern evident.
'You know I’ll be fine, plus I’ll have four of my sisters looking out for me,’ I reassure him, gesturing to the girls.
Magnus nods, the trust between us unspoken but understood.
Dinner wraps up, and we retire to our rooms. I open my bedroom window, the gentle night breeze wafting in, and gaze at the moon tree standing tall in the moonlight. 'Goodnight, Reaper!' I call out.
'Goodnight, Master,' he responds through our mind-link.
'You do know you can just call me Nina or Luna?' I suggest.
'You could call me Reaper instead of Rooster,' he quips.
'Oh, Reaper,' I chuckle. 'Have a wonderful night, okay?'
'Yes, Luna. You have a good sleep as well, and I suppose I hope Magnus has a good sleep too,' he adds, adding a touch of effort to be more amicable towards Magnus.
His attempt brings a smile to my face.
Leaving the window ajar for the night's whispers, I snuggle into bed with Magnus. The night passes with its tranquil embrace, and before I know it, the morning sun peeks through the curtains.
'Luna, people are arriving, but I sense they are not here on a positive note,' Reaper announces, swooping inside and pulling the sheet from us with his beak.
'Huh?' I reply groggily, rising from bed and wandering over to the window.
Three formidable Alphas, each accompanied by a dozen other wolves, have arrived. The sunlight glints off the wolf emblems on their cloaks, momentarily blinding me. A sense of foreboding tightens my chest as I recognize them. 'Magnus! The Wolf Council has arrived!' I urgently inform him.
Magnus jumps out of bed, rushes to the window, and scans the scene outside. A swift decision marks his actions as he turns and rapidly dresses himself.
I slip into my dress and secure my wand into the pocket while Reaper takes flight, heading toward the Wolf Council. In an unexpected twist, I find myself connected to Reaper's senses—I see through his eyes and hear the words exchanged among the Alphas.
Alpha Bennet snarls, 'Alpha Magnus better have a solid justification for this.'
'It might be rumour and not fact. What wolf community would unite with witches?' Alpha Amir speculates.
'One who has been bewitched,' Alpha Theaton chuckles.
Alpha Bennet growls, 'Not funny. If this is true, it's quite dangerous, and don't forget they killed Alpha Zenith, who used to be a member of our council.'
Alpha Theaton's demeanour shifts from lighthearted to solemn. The tension in the air echoes through Reaper's observations.