“Margo!” Sheila shouted when she saw Margo step into the sitting room.
Nathan had communicated to her through their mind path that they had found two witches by name Keturah and Tempest. At first, she had thought that her mate was pranking her-it was one of his attributes-but then Peter had confirmed it. And since then she had been sitting at the edge of her seat, waiting for their arrival.
It took her a minute while she was hurrying to meet and hug her old friend to notice that the latter was carrying Eva at her back, to notice that Eva was cocooned in a ball of energy.
She would think about that later. She had decided right before she flung her hands around Margo’s neck, embracing the witch tightly to herself, knowing that it was magic that was keeping Eva in place, and not Margo’s hands.
“I thought you were dead.”
“Well, I would have been if Ketura didn’t come to save me from Leonarya’s dungeon.”
Sheila looked aside then, to see the lady who had been the prodigy of Tempest at one time.
When she saw Ketura, she smiled, a knowing smile that resonated on the latter’s lips. They had been rivals for Tempest’s attention, or so she had let the latter think.
Then, Sheila had noticed that Ketura had been a bit envious of her relationship with the princess, probably because she wasn’t of their kind really, just a half breed.
Sheila walked up to Ketura, and gave her a hug too. “Thank you, a lot.”
Ketura returned the hug, and then disengaged just as quickly. She shrugged her shoulders thereafter. “It was my duty.”
Sheila nodded in appreciation still, before gesturing with her hands that they should take the sofa next to her, whilst asking the other ancients to take their seats in the large sitting room.
They seem to be getting bigger every minute. Curtis thought, looking at the latest addition. But he knew it was a plus for them in this war, and a loss to his father. He looked at his mother then, she seemed to be having the same line of thought with him. He couldn’t help but wonder if she would really stay with them, or if she would betray them, out of love for his father.
He didn’t know how the mateship thing worked, since his own had rejected him, but he will think her ungood if she should do that.
***
As Margo and Keturah settled well enough into their seats, with the ancients and werewolves, Sheila stepped forward to make introductions. “Everyone, this is Margo and Keturah,” She said with a warm smile. “They’re joining us today.”
Margo nodded, looking around the room with interest, while Keturah offered a polite smile to the group.
‘Woman, we already know that.’
Sheila ignored Nathan’s jab in her mind. She was too happy to take notice of her blunder. If only Tempest…
‘Don’t daunt your good evening, with a bad thought.’
Sheila sighed, and settled down on the sofa. Her mate was right. A silence ensued. Uncomfortable at the very least.
“It’s good to have some new faces,” Kane remarked, breaking the ice. “We could use fresh perspectives.”
Lucille snickered at the official statement. Freya wasn’t left behind. Kane ignored them both.
Keturah nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. “Thank you for welcoming us,” She said earnestly. “We’re honored to be here.”
Sheila’s eyes sparkled with happiness then, relieved that Ketura still had her diplomatic spirit.
“I’m just glad to see you both made it,” She said softly, a sense of relief evident in her voice.
Margo glanced at Sheila, understanding the underlying emotion. “It’s been a rough journey,” She acknowledged. “But we’re here now.”
“That’s great. Please tell us your side of the story.” Nathan requested, folding his arms across his chest.
Margo and Ketura exchanged glances, and Margo chose to go first, since she didn’t know much about Ketura’s life, since she knew that Ketura wouldn’t have much to say to the group.
***
“It’s fascinating to hear about your story,” Nathan remarked, leaning forward with interest. “Tempest seemed to have been pivotal to this meeting. I wish I had made an acquaintance with her those years ago. I might have been able to prevent a few mishaps. I and my people. Fighting in the small war might have given me some purpose.”
“Most likely.” Peter answered. “Most likely.”
He stared at Sheila as he spoke, as if blaming her for not speaking up to the ancient about her pregnancy, or about her people. A lot would have been averted. Sheila didn’t meet his gaze.
‘You know you don’t have the right to blame her.’
Peter sighed, when he heard Melvina’s voice in her head.
If there is anyone you should be hard on, it is yourself. It is on me too.’
***
As the meeting continued, Margo and Keturah found themselves drawn into the discussions about the likelihood of vampires, offering their own insights and perspectives. Despite the differences between the two groups, they seemed to have discovered a common ground and a shared sense of purpose. Keeping Leonarya and Legardo away from Emma, and stopping their tyranny.
“We have much to learn from each other, and I believe that our strength would lie in our unity.” Kane began. “We may come from different backgrounds, but we all want the same thing: peace and harmony. Something that will be a thing of the past if Legardo was to have his way.”
The others nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting determination. Together, they knew they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.
“So, we work together? How about your Queen?” Dobah questioned, looking at the two witches.
“I will speak with her.” Keturah promised. “I think she will be interested in the alliance.”
“Thank you a lot, Keturah. Margo too. We really appreciate it. And as I mentioned earlier, Esther is adequately taken care of. She had been attacked by Eva. I am sure you understand how that is possible. Do you know any way we can separate her from whatever it is that’s disturbing her.” Peter asked, after a beat of silence.
“The Prince had mentioned an ancient way, but without the book to recite the rites, it is a risk.”
Nathan opened his mouth to negate the statement, his pride flaring high, but Sheila gently placed her hand on his, gently.
‘You mustn’t rise to every occasion, my love. After all, he might be right. You will need your healer with you to successfully make the exorcism. He is not here.’
Margo’s brow furrowed as she considered the problem. “There might be a solution,” She suggested hesitantly, “…but it’s risky.”
Before she could elaborate, Nathan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on a spot across the room.
“Who is there?” He asked sharply, pointing to the empty space.
Margo and Keturah followed his gaze, startled to see nothing but air. “What do you mean?” Keturah asked, confusion evident in her voice, echoing the sentiment of everyone in the room.
Nathan’s lips curled into a grim smile. “Someone has been eavesdropping on our conversation,” He revealed, his tone icy. “She’s using her ability to remain invisible.”
Kane snarled, not totally amazed at Nathan’s high sensitivity. It came with the territory. “Show yourself this instant before I release a ball of fire to you!”
Without much ado, Claire shimmered into their line of sight.