The house was overwhelmed with visitors; all who came to mourn with the Crofus family. I plop my buttocks at the top-tier of the staircase, also dressed in black as I stare at my dad who plasters a smiling face, welcoming all witches and warlocks who came from different region of the Thgirb realm.All I see is a man who just want to isolate himself and mourn his mother peacefully. But atlas, the coven’s ritual must be kept.Ketura got back last night from wherever she went, with her minions. They all were throwing tantrums, crying the loudest and rolling on the ground. I wondered if it were a show, or perhaps they bonded more than grandmother and I did when she was alive, as I sit here, completely numb.The whole crowd bows at the entry of The Anathos, Eros following closely behind his parents “Thank you clan, you all may continue with the celebration” Mr. Anathos declares.Dad’s eyes sought me out from the crowd, his gaze coming to rest on me on the staircase. He mouths “Are you okay
Eros scratches his hair frustratedly "You talk too much for a witch Hermione, do you know that? Well, to answer your question. It is a yes, you should expect that. I am someone with extreme desires and needs that cannot be satisfied by just one person. Hermione to be honest, you will not do. ...Besides I am only doing this because your dad saved my mom and I. If not for him, I wouldn't be here.So, this is how it will work, we will be mates as the moon goddess so pleases, we will do the necessary rituals, mate and I will explore as I so desire. While you are as the black cat coven's lady in-line, will be busy with conceiving and breeding strong children for the clan and I. That is what is expected from you.""No!" My vision tinge red, Ezli goes livid, trying to phase."No? What do you mean by no? You've got no other option, just accept this peacefully and submissively." Eros smirks"No." I utter, fully gaining control from Ezli "I have made my decision Eros, and it is...""Don't bothe
"I am so excited; we are at the last phase of Highschool. Yaaaayyy!" Athena squeals, dancing on the hallway. Ares and I burst into short laughs, rolling our eyes "Drama Queen." It has been a moon since grandmother's death and countless news of Glinda and Helios as mates in the kingdom. I heard also, that she had been crowned a princess and will be joining us in Showek's college despite her abrupt stop to schooling. Royal privileges. Duh. I am just happy, mateless, friend-ful and father-ful. A petite lady approaches us. I don't think I have seen her before in this school. "Greetings your majesties, sorry for intruding. But may I ask if she is Hermione Crofus?" The lady says We all stare at her with furrowed eyebrows "yeah ..." I answer uncertainly "My name is Miss Theresa, and I was assigned three moons ago by the school administration to be your examiner for all your assessment from first year." She says "And may I ask why you deem it fit to come now?" Ares asks "Exactly!" At
"Ezli, you are..." I think of something to say to annoy her, but comes up blank."Adorable." Ezli completes it.Arrrghhh.The old woman stares at me interestingly, sitting on air "You carry a very strong aura Hermione, almost unmatched. One at first would think that it is as a result of your relationship with the Lycans, but no... You are something unfathomable, something divine. What are you, Hermione?" She asks, her eyes seeming to pierce my soul."I would also ask you; Who are you? Where are you from? What do you have to do with me? Aren't you Miss Theresa? What do you want?" I ask"What I am? ... that I cannot tell you." She says"Then I cannot tell you either." I say firmlyHer smile stretches further, she chuckles "Oh, Hermione. How I love you... Your spirit is always something precious to see.""Huh?" My forehead crease in confusion"Your greatest obstacle is yet in front of you, my dearest phoenix. Be forgiving… Now without further ado, I will be taking my leave. Oops lest I f
“This cannot be. There is nowhere in the heavens that guy is mates’ with my sister." Ares rants, pacing outside my room door. I stand numbly beside him. Athena and 'this stranger' are in my room, having a little mate bonding. Of course, with Dad's permission! "Where did he even come from? Who is he? What does he want here? Is he from this realm?" Ares hollers angrily, almost kicking down my room door. ...wait...that is it. "That is, it! You are such a genius Ares." I say happily, stunning him as I rush to go call Dad. "Dad." I call, on seeing him stand beside a shelf of books in the sitting room "Woah. When did this get here?" I ask "Some seconds ago? Are those two, okay?" He mutters, flipping through the pages of the book in his palm "By those two, you mean Athena and your replica? Well, they are okay. Last time I checked." I smile "My replica? How quickly have you given him a name" Dad closed the book, tilting his head "...I know you want to say something pumpkin, go on." "
A gasp escapes my mouth ...but how? "Impossible!" Dad's eyes pop from its socket, instinctively we all stand to our feet....I have a brother? Adonis is my brother? ...This stranger??We turn to look at Adonis who looked back at us with a bored gaze "What is your birth moon?" Dad stutters, his eyes almost brimming with tearsAdonis grumbles "The seventh day of the seventh moon."My legs wobbles. He is my twin? I have a twin? …A brother?"...but how?" I stutter, cleaning my tears"How? He simply came to take you and then left me." Adonis says"I didn't... I didn't even know you existed until now... I...I..." Dad's voice breaks as he tries to rethink"Gunas talon evrek domlum." Dad chants as a faint-like screen appears before us.In it, was Dad in a shimmering black cloak who recited some spells and appeared in an all-white designed room, he sees a red-haired baby in a cot, seating and chewing on a bed cloth. Then she senses his presence and stared back at him, stunning the nannies who
"Can you kindly beg your baby sister to just for once, come to the palace with us. She has been making silly excuses ever since to not come to my home. Whereas I am always here in her home, day in, day out... If I wasn't here, I could have missed my mate, who knows? She might even be missing her second chance mate by not coming to my home." Athena says with her lovey-dovey smile to Adonis. As usual, Adonis grins back at her and comes walking to me to do her bidding. Issh. Brother's so whipped. I raise my hand to halt whatever he has to say "Nope nope, just forget it." I tell him, crossing my legs on the sofa as I force my eyes back to the book in my palms Adonis was enrolled two moons ago into the final year through dad and the royal twin’s influence. Surprisingly he has been topping his class, making Athena the second best and Ares the third best in a row. Coupled with his good looks, now Adonis has quite the reputation of fangirls much to Athena’s annoyance. We are all, to be st
“Oh, Doshini here you are, the Queen wants us to get all the fruit juice made to the dining hall." Another female staff bumps into us from another route “But I am on an errand at the Queen’s request. I am to lead her guest to the guest royal restroom.” Doshini answers “You know that I cannot carry it all alone, and I don’t want to get the Queen to be angry with me as she did last night. I can’t loose my job.” She begs “You aren’t so new in this palace Eluiza, just get someone else to help you. I cannot disobey the queen’s request on your behalf. Besides you lied that the Queen wanted you and I to get the fruit juice.” Doshini says firmly “Okay fine, I am sorry. But everyone else is engaged, you know how important this is for the Queen. Please Doshini, you are my only saving grace.” Eluiza begs, her eyes brimming with tears “Look Eluiza, I just cannot disobey…” Doshini was saying, when I interrupted “It’s okay Doshini, just give me the direction. I will find my way." I say “Are y
It was first about doing what made my twin happy after the loss of our elder sister.That was it, I told myself repeatedly. No one knew about the mysterious girl in my dreams, save Athena.Athena did know about the frequent dreams, but what she didn't know, was that the said-girl who she had asked me to keep watch of, is a replica of this mysterious girl in my dreams. However, the only difference was the hair color. One had white, and the other; red.No wonder, when we finally became friends; I called her Red. It was for me, a subtle way of reminding myself that she isn't the one...When had I fallen so hard for the girl, I was to protect? When had I fallen so hard, for my female best friend?Call me selfish, cold even. After all, it is all that I have learnt from my master; Lord Osteri, these few moons. Allegra and Helios will have to compromise. For my heart and soul belongs to the girl of my dreams.Hermione Circe Crofus, is mine.
"Drekusa tiru fizua shinim Osteri voi tilan ku." His back against me, as he towers over Ares still-body on the marble. A dagger in his hand, darkness slowly calls me... My eyes flutter open; A hefty paled skinned demon steps out from the red portal. The demon smirks, casting his gaze from Principal Eldor, to Ares, and me. My breath hitches up in fear, I try to fight the darkness overwhelming me, it pulls me nonetheless into subconsciousness... as the demon fangs press into my neck. "This isn't wh..." Principal Eldor's angry voice fades away... _ "Hermione, wake up." A subtle tap wakes me from my slumber. "Her-mionee." The voice calls again. My eyes snaps open to see figures hovering me, the dim cloud behind them. "Are you okay Hermione? Where's Ares? What's that on your lips? Is that blood?" Voices throw questions at me, noises' jamming, bells ringing in my head... I make to sit up, but finds myself standing at the tree miles from them. "Woah. Hermione, how did you do that?"
Our backs caress the green grasses, the wind blowing softly. "I don't know what to say, Hermione. Did you even tell Dad, about Ezli's current state?... I still can't believe, that you kept all these in your heart. You were slowly wallowing in pain. Why didn't tell anyone? ...and still, you are preparing for the competition tomorrow!" Ares stutters, closing his eyes tightly."It's fine, I am fine. This is just another... I and Ezli will pull through." I whisper, closing my eyes too."... sometimes, I just feel like going somewhere far away, away from everything... The competition, summon in seven days’ time, Helios and I... Ezli... I just..." Instinctively I wipe the tears from the corners of my eyelids, I didn't know that I'd begun crying again... Everything hurts so bad. It feels like universe is resting on my shoulders.Ares snuggles closer, patting my hair "It all will turn out beautifully, Red." He whispers, having that look in his face. I knew he had a lot going on his mind "…I w
"Don't worry Hermione, we will just be outside the door. Nothing is going to happen. You shouldn't be nervous." Athena smiles, ushering me into Principal Eldor's office.I ignore Ares' intent gaze on my face, as I plaster a nervous smile to Athena "Thank you." I murmur, turning quickly, before the question in my mouth rolls off.How about Hwuakiti?I do notice their subtle hostility towards Glinda now and then, but I wouldn't be the one to ruin any relationship further. Since nobody is talking about the Queen's return from consulting Hwuakiti. I shouldn't say anything either....but Hwuakiti is to know that Glinda is using dark magic on Helios, or is she not?What did Hwuakiti tell the Queen? Why is nobody saying anything?Why am I even here? I turn to see Principal Eldor smiling mischievously at me.If only, Athena knew... Well, the person who knows about the principal's illicit interest in me, have absconded yet again, on another trip with her minions. Glinda, who I might have told,
“Fine! I am Fairy Circe! You got me, so what now?!” I groan, matching Athena’s gaze angrily. Swiftly she tackles me into the bed, I bring my hand up to protect me from a hit. instead, I hear a subtle chuckle, slowly transcending into a loud laughter.Okay. so, this is not the expression I was expecting. Soft kisses press on my cheeks abruptly “My sister-in-love.” Athena giggles happily“So, you are Helios’ mate?” Ares asks lowly“Yeah… kinda.” I murmur, not meeting his eyesYayyy!!” Long arms reach out for Athena and I, swinging us excitedly “Best news ever!!!” Ares says happily. Mixed delicious scents overwhelmed me “Too tight… can’t breathe.” I struggle to say“Oh, sorry.” They both hesitatingly let go off me. I try to catch my breath. Athena slowly extends her palms to Adonis, who seem like he has been having a hard time, processing what I just said.“Pay up!” Athena says with a smirkPay up? What’s that?? Ares tries to hide the small smile escaping from his lips, it slips anyway.
“How far is it?” Glinda grumbles to Ares, falling into my pace. I know she has been meaning to say something to me since we left the house.Helios and her had gotten a ride together, while the rest of us had snuggled up in Ares’ fly car, much to Athena’s detriment; who wanted some time alone with her mate, who's been talking excitedly with Ares about the training house.I, on the other hand have been having my best moments with just thinking about, how Helios looked away when I winked at him. Could he perhaps, be having some desires for me?“You should swipe off that smirk from your face, Hermione. You are not getting my man.” Glinda spits angrily“Oh. I am so scared, Glinda." I scoff, before looking at the birds that perched on a maple tree.“Stay away from Helios, Hermione. I am warning you. Do not look at him, do not as much do anything with him!” Glinda threatens, her eyes going darkMy eyes roll nonchalantly “Do what? Like kiss him under the full moon, outside the royal ball? The
"Everything is happening so fast. My brother's mate is now more relatable. I found my own mate here in this house, and now final exams is almost over ...Not to forget that we all would be going to your coven's meeting in seven days’ time. I am not even sure that we will be allowed into the main cult premises… royals or no royals privilege. My Dad is finally back from his endless meetings with the mortals... and Adonis is so..." Athena rambles on and on, sprawled on my bed.Issh. Your brother's mate huh? I make to knock her, but then my hand falls resigningly beside oblivious Athena.She doesn't know. No one does, save for Dad and I.Moreso, I wouldn't want her to use that another cue to leave to go see Adonis again… Don’t those two ever get tired of each other? Like she practically spends every moment of hers with my brother. Arggh… and it just has been quite a really long time since it was just us two.My brother just innocently came and stole my best friend. Well, he should thank th
"Your mate? Glinda, I presume...?" Dad's eyes narrow even fiercely"Mr. Crofus? You are Hermione's father? How comes no one told me about you?" Glinda finally finds her voice "Well, I am Glinda and it is so nice meeting you, Mr. Crofus" Glinda curtseys, extending her hand for a handshake. For a second, Glinda’s smile actually felt genuine."Hermione's Ex-best friend. It is nice to meet you too, Glinda." Dad shakes her hand firmly, before letting go. She almost falls."You mind joining us?" Dad says half-heartedly, before continuing with his meal"I really do not mind, sir. Thank you." Glinda finds a sit, beside Helios. She smiles happily.I watch her beneath my eyelashes. Is my dad charming or something? …Or could it be seeing a father figure after so long, that's affecting her this way?If only you had told me, Glinda... I would have been there for you regardless…“Eyes up Hermione, you are becoming soft towards our enemy.” Ezli seethes“Sorry. I just feel sympathy, that’s all.” I mu
"Would you want to go back to sleep, or would you want us to talk outside?" Helios suggested, and here we are outside the house with his blanket. I could fall asleep just by wallowing in his scent."Another full moon." I whisper, staring at it and the constellations in the sky"It's beautiful" He whispers "...why do I feel like we have been under the full moon before? But that was Glinda in the royal ball..." He mutters thoughtfullyMy heart twist painfully. It took me everything not to grab him by the shoulders and shout "Can't you see what's in front of you? I am your mate!"Instead, I calmly say "Glinda? Can you tell me about it?""She had always filled my dreams all these years... I had long been searching for my mate, when she walked into the ballroom that day. She smelt so heavenly from where she was standing, looking lost and enthralling. I make to my feet when she introduced herself as Glinda... It was a dream come true for me, I had finally my mate. I ask her for a dance, too