CATRIONA
I dropped my hands in shock as Sandra’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. “He murders his mates.
The weight of her statement overwhelmed me, leaving no room for coherent thoughts. Before I could process it further, Gabriel abruptly grabbed Sandra by the neck, choking her. Everyone who was minding their businesses gasped in shock as others started disappearing away.
Despite struggling to breathe, Sandra managed to speak. “Are you going to kill me like those other women?”
You’ve crossed the line, woman, Gabriel growled. In an instant, he snapped her neck.
The sound of Sandra’s neck snapping echoed through the air, sending shivers down my spine. Time seemed to freeze as the weight of what had just happened settled in the atmosphere. The witches stood frozen in a mix of shock and fear, their eyes wide with disbelief.
My mind raced, desperately trying to process the horrific scene unfolding before me. As Sandra’s lifeless body fell to the ground, Gabriel slowly turned his gaze towards me. His eyes, once filled with warmth, were now cold and distant, The fear that coursed through my veins paralyzed me, making it impossible to tear my gaze away from his intimidating presence. I opened my mouth to say anything but no words were coming out. Instead I felt myself crumbling down, my eyes on a lifeless Sandra.
The witches began to gather around her, and a surge of hope filled me. Another woman, whom I had never seen before, touched her.
She’s still warm, she said. But we cannot involve ourselves in human affairs, another one said. Even if we were to intervene, there is nothing we can do. Another one added.
You guys are witches. Please, do something” I pleaded, my words stumbling out in panic and horror. I felt consumed by fear. At that very moment, I thought of the old man whom I came to know he’s my guardian. Closing my eyes, I called out to him for help, desperately hoping he could hear the fear in my voice and bring my friend back to life. But to my terror and disappointment, nothing happened.
As the witches debated among themselves, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of frustration. How could they stand by and do nothing yet they have the ability to try.
I will do it.” A familiar voice said from behind me. I spun around to see the beautiful woman I had recently met. She looked at me, smiled, and then walked over to Sandra’s motionless body.
“Don’t, Clara.” The witches said in unison.
“Once the warmth leaves her body, I won’t be able to help her. I can’t let her die under my watch.” She said and knelt down beside Sandra. She gently placed her hand on Sandra’s neck, almost touching it, and a blue glow emitted from her hand onto Sandra’s neck. After about three minutes, she brought her other hand to Sandra’s forehead.
Within another three minutes, Sandra’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked around in
confusion. I rushed to her, embracing her tightly. “You’re back.” I cried, my voice trembling with relief.
Sandra broke the hug, puzzled.
“Why are you crying?” she asked, her gaze shifting on the ground. I glanced back at Clara.
“I had to erase that incident from her mind.” She explained.
Sandra rose up and so did i. My legs still felt weak from the shock. Thinking about the shock, I scanned the area for Gabriel, the
troublemaker- or what should I call him now- he was nowhere to be found. Before I could dwell on it further, a sudden commotion among the witches diverted my attention. It was Clara; she had passed out and looked pale. Just as I was about to approach her, the witches carried her away and disappeared.
Did she get into that condition because of Sandra? I asked myself, but had no answers until I found one of the witches for answers.
I turned to Sandra, who seemed dazed by the situation but looked fine. It’s fortunate that she has no memory of Gabriel breaking her neck otherwise it would have become a tug of war. I gave her a long hug, which she welcomed, and we stayed there for some time, feeling grateful for her life. If it wasn’t for that beautiful Clara, Sandra would no longer exist. Now I have to look for Gabriel.
Sandra, I need to discuss something important with someone. Will you be okay: staying here alone? As long as you will be safe and alright, So will l.
~~
I have been wandering among the endless outlining trees looking for Gabriel, but I have yet to find him. I tried to contact him through our mind link, but received no response. Where could he possibly be now? Just as I was about to give up, I heard the sound of flowing water. I followed the sound of water.
As I pushed through the dense undergrowth, the sound grew louder, and soon enough, I emerged into a small clearing. Before me, a crystal-clear stream meandered through the vibrant forest, its waters glimmering under the dappled sunlight. I approached the stream and there, I spotted him. He was standing on the other side, gazing down at the flowing waters with his hands in his pockets. He seemed lost in deep thought.
As I observed him, a sudden memory of him killing Sandra rushed over me, filling me with intense fear. The anger he displayed in that moment was so terrifying, it was unlike anything I had ever seen from him before. Perhaps I didn’t truly know him as well as I thought.
He raised his head, and our eyes locked. Stepping into the water he began walking towards me.
As he reached the dry surface, still approaching me, I started to back away. He halted and asked, “Are you afraid of me pumpkin? Did you trust what that pup said?” He asked, his tone carrying a sense of hurt.
It’s the reason I sought you out. I need an explanation. I didn’t take Sandra’s words to heart because I was told werewolves have only one mate. However, when you killed her, it made me believe everything she said. Now, Mr. Gabriel, I want the truth from you. Was Sandra telling the truth? Did you have mates
before me? And did you kill them?
Gabriel ran a hand through his hair and sighed before directing his gaze towards me.”Yes,” “I killed them.”
My heart skipped a beat as Gabriel’s confession hung in the air. The weight of his words settled heavily upon me, and I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what he had just revealed.
His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mix of guilt and sorrow. It was as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, burdened by the consequences of his actions. I could see the pain etched on his face, the torment he must have endured before deciding to share his darkest secret with me. Is this even the only darkest secret he has? I wonder.
A myriad of emotions flooded through me. shock, disbelief, and a profound sense of sadness. The time I had known Gabriel I knew he was a no nonsense man but never once did I expect that he was capable of such a heinous act. But now, confronted with the truth, I had no choice but to confront the reality of his actions despite how scared I felt.
Questions raced through my mind, but I struggled to find the right words to express them. What had driven him to commit such an unforgivable act? Or what I’ve learnt from the time I spent with werewolves, killing people was a normal thing. But the truth is how am I supposed to reconcile my perception of Gabriel with the truth he had just shared?