The Secret

When the warm rays of sun peeked through my windows, I got up and went to take a hurried bath. I wore my leather clothing, which was made by my grandma with magic, so I could shift in my wolf without bothering about my clothes ripping.

I gathered my cloak and my weapons and went out. Father was sitting at the table frowning, staring at nothing in particular. I walked in front of him and stood on my knees, holding his hands. I looked up in his eyes as he smiled at me. "Now you should go, Sera. You might get late." I nodded and walked outside the front door.

"Tell your grandma that I said hello." Father called from inside waving at me.

"I shall do, father." I smiled and waved him back. With that, I shifted into my wolf and took off into the forest.

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My wolf was soaring through the trees and branches like the wild wind. Soft crunching of dries leaves and twigs were heard every time paws hit on the ground.

I loved shifting into my wolf. It felt like this was how resting must feel. I would just be laying in a corner watching around while she does everything. My soul detached from my body but still remain intact, however.

After a long run, I was inevitably thirsty and fortunately the sound of trickling of water could be heard somewhere along. I trotted to the left and came across a small stream in hiding behind a cluster if bushes.

I kneeled at its edge and swallowed large gulps of the cool water. After satisfying my thirst I started looking at the view surrounding me. Everytime a leaf dropped from a tree and into the stream, thw water rippled in tosoft waves around it.

Another sound reached to my wolf ears and I listened keenly to it. Footsteps, at least twelve, weapons clinking to each other, and faint chatter. They are not even a half mile away. I ran again through the forest silently towards the herd of men.

I hid behind a tree, and peeked from the side. They were the king's soldiers, much to my fun. At home, I didn't have anyone who could be my opponent I could spar with so, every once in a while I would sneak into the castle to just pick a fight. Yes, they would freak out but I think they know by now that I don't mean any serious harm.

Because they never came back looking for a masked female fighter in the village as they did back then.

I shifted back and pulled down the hiid of my cloak to hide my face. I stepped around and stood behind the men. They all turned around at once, alarmed.

"Who are you? Show your face!" One said. Who I assumed was the head of the men by the way all the others stood behind him. "I said show your face!" He yelled in anger when I didn't obliged.

"I think she is the female who attacks our soldiers in the castle." Someone added.

"Then I shall enjoy breaking her ribs and dragging her to my king." He snarled, drawing his sword and marching over to me. I stood calm watching his footing. That's what I was waiting for. I wouldn't attack first, I'll let them initiate.

He swung his sword straight to my throat but I ducked at the right time and kicked his legs. He lost his balance and fell backwards. I put my leg on his chest and put pressure just as much so he wouldn't get up. Watching their comrade at my mercy, they all roared and charged towards me with their swords.

I pulled both my swords and too ran towards them. They all striked together at me and I blocked their attack with my swords. I pushed them all and looked in their eyes.

They again lunged for me and I slashed their flesh with my swords, spinning on my heels. They all moved away looking for any flaw in my movements while I showed them some tricks, twirling swords above my head, at my front and back.

I was aiming for a man's leg after kicking in his ribs when hot stinging pain shot through my right hip. Blood was oozing out of the wound and the gash was so deep that it couldn't heal in seconds, it would take some time.

I looked up and saw the supposed leader was smirking in triumphant. He thought that he had won over me and hw would wish that if only he knew how wrong he was. I summoned a large portion of my magic and willed for all of their weapons to coil into useless metal.

They looked wide-eyed around each other, astonished at what had happened. "Magic! Is she a witch?!" They screeched among themselves. I didn't give them more time to react as I sheathed my swords back and ran for them. They alarmingly started to kick and throw punches in any and every direction. I took advantage of their uncoordinated state and kicked each soldiers in their ribs, nose, legs and in any part I could get.

I didn't injure anyone that seriously, I just hit with the force which would be enough to make them unconscious. I kicked each of the men's butt and looked for the one I've spared for the final hit.

The leader was trying to sneak behind a tree with fear. His eyes widened when they caught mine. Before he could run I pulled back my fist and hit him right in the face. He fell out cold at the impact.

I smirked in victory and backed away from the spot running in the woods continuing the rest of my journey.

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After a while, when I was still in human form, the black stone building came into my view. The building was a like a miniature caslte with its three floors totally made of black brick. Grandma always said that the black colour gives a calm atmosphere to concentrate while practicing a spell.

I stood in front of it and the huge oak double doors opened by itself, sensing my presence. Those doors were under a spell that could recognise a person's aura. If someone was a resident or came with friendly intentions, it will open itself. But if some ill-willed being tried to enter, it will block them out.

I stepped into the foyer and looked around. "Oh my...Sera is it you? Come inside, darling!" Linda beamed and came running to where I was. She was one of the oldest witch in the oven. She liked to cook delicious food, hence, she wad always found busy in the kitchen.

"Hello Linda, how have you been? Where is everyone else?" I asked as she released me from her tight embrace.

"Oh, I'm good dear. Everyone is inside. Come on in, you must be hungry. I've made your favourite pineapple pie!" She cheered and ushered me in.

We entered the huge common room which was furnished with couches, different herbs hanging from ceiling and potted on windows, carpets and a wall filled with thick worn books. My grandma was sitting on the couch sipping her tea when she heard us coming and stood up to welcome me.

She smiled at me but her smile fell when she noticed something on my hip. "Oh dear, what happened to you. Who did that to you?" She asked worriedly and started worrying over hrw dried blood.

"it is nothing grandma. I just stopped for a little fun in the woods. It will heal. You don't have to worry." I smiled and in return her eyes narrowed.

"Seraphina is here. Loren, come!" Fiona squealed from the top of the stairs and rushed towards me followed by a much excited Loren. They both jumped and attacked me with their hugs, making me stumble with the force.

The whole place resounded with our joyous laughter. More people came to greet me and I acknowledged them all with a small and genuine smile.

This coven was like a second home to me and its people were a big family. We ate together, talked together and laughed together. I love living with my father but being surrounded by people is a different feeling. Everyone came to hug me and went but onw person never came. "Where is Melisa?" I inquired.

"She found her mate Sera

She doesn't live with us anymore." Loren smiled.

"Mate?" I blinked. "But she is a witch. How could she possibly have a mate?" I asked settling on the couch.

"Your mother was also a witch but still she got her mate. Actually, they both happened to be a werewolf's mate. Moon goddess made them a pair." Grandma answered.

"Oh. So where is she now. Where does she live?" I asked. Melisa was the closest friend of mine and her leaving like this made me a little sour. If I had known before, I would have came sooner so I could meet with her before her departure.

"She lives the city. Near thw royal castle." I nodded and dismissed the matter. "Sera Fiona piped in sitting in the space between me and Loren.

"Seraphina, darling. Here is your special pine apple pie." Linda came and handed me a plate that I gladly accepted.

The pie was as delicious as everything she makes. I swear she had divine in her hands. I was listening to everyone's chatter, licking my fingertips when I felt grandma's intent gaze on me. Surely, she had something to tell me.

"What is it grandma?" I asked her. She let out a heavy sigh and nodded to herself. Then she looked me in the eye and said,

"There is something you must know Seraphina. Come with me."

With that she stood and retreated to the dark hallway in the back of the room.