Bonds

My head throbbed like a maddened drumbeat as I tried to push myself upright. The last thing I remembered was Fiona and her coven’s spell, and the next thing I knew, Amaya was in front of me. My head pounded and I knew I really needed to hurry up and get out of here because these constant headaches were going to eventually explode my brain.

“You’re causing me a whole lot of trouble, and I’ve only known you for a day,” Delores‘ voice cut through the haze. She stepped into the room, her expression a mix of amusement and weariness. My gaze followed hers to the ground, where Fiona lay unconscious.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. “I think we both would appreciate it if I could get out of here sooner rather than later. Did you get everything for the spell?”

She nodded, her eyes serious. “For a spell this delicate, you need strength. I may be the regent, but I can’t trust you to be alone. You can stay at my place tonight then when you are well rested, we will perform the spell tomorrow.”

We exchanged a silent understanding, a connection forming between us that felt both strange and comforting. As we walked, the weight of the situation pressed down on me. I longed for her to actually be my mother, and I sensed a similar yearning in her eyes- for me to be her sister.

The house was a surprise. Small and unassuming, it stood nestled among a riot of colorful flowers. I’d expected something more… witchy, I suppose. But this was homey, inviting. As I stepped inside, my eyes landed on a framed photo. It was Delores, younger, smiling sitting beside my mother. They looked so alike and it must have been really difficult for anyone to tell them apart. A wave of familiarity washed over me. I reached out, my fingers tracing the glass. “I miss you, Mom,” I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

A profound sense of loss enveloped me. I turned back to Delores, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” I managed to say.

She nodded, her voice thick with emotion. “Take a shower. The bathroom is that way. I’ll leave something for you to eat, and you can sleep on the couch.” She gave the photo one last lingering look before disappearing.

Alone, I made my way to the bathroom. The hot water was a balm to my aching body. As the water cascaded over me, I tried to clear my mind of the chaos that had consumed my life. Ever since I could remember, I had it all. It didn’t matter that my father was a monster, I had always lived a comfortable life and it bled into my need for success which was how I became a billionaire and now all the riches, now everything seemed so… irrelevant.

The crisp white towel felt cool against my skin as I stepped out of the shower. Pulling on back the pair of shirt and trousers, I told myself that it was just for a day.

The enticing aroma of roasted meat filled the room, my stomach growling in protest as I entered the living room area again. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. Following the delicious scent, I found Delores true to get word had placed food on the kitchen counter, a steaming plate laid out on the table. Without a second thought, I sank into the chair and devoured the food. It was like the most satisfying meal I’d had in years – simple, comforting, and seasoned with a hint of unexpected warmth.

washed over me. I slumped onto the couch, sleep claiming me almost instantly. The air grew chilly in the dead of night, sending shivers down my spine. Then, a sudden comforting warmth washed

sleep,”

deeper than any I’d experienced in the past four years. The kind of sleep that washes away worries and leaves

nothing could get me.

through the curtains, rousing me from slumber. A moment passed as I tried to recall where I was, the strange events of the past

to go, Alex, she announced. “This spell

stretching my arms above my head. “I guess

amusement appeared in her eyes. “Perhaps,” she conceded. “Let’s

a clearing bathed in the ethereal glow of dawn. A group of witches huddled together, their faces etched with

inflicted by werewolves, especially on some of you…” She paused, her gaze lingering on a woman with a deep scar running down her cheek. “Many of you know I had a sister, a twin, who during the attack. Her voice trembled slightly as she turned to me. I’ve recently discovered she survived, and…” she hesitated, a tear glistening

silencing them. “He simply wants his wolf back,

as your regent, but as a sister, a friend. We have a pact, one that demands loyalty to family. And Alex…” she smiled

woman stepped forward. “Well then, let’s get

an intricate chalk circle drawn on the

It was about protection, about keeping Amaya and the twins safe. With a determined nod,

witches closed in around me their voices rose in a haunting melody, a complex weave of ancient words and primal rhythms. Delores knelt beside me, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder, a silent

to emanate from the very earth itself. The trees surrounding the clearing swayed violently, their branches whipping through

me. My heart pounded in my ears, a rhythmic counterpoint to the witches‘ chant. The ground beneath me trembled, as if the earth itself were caught in the throes of a