The Salem Mystique BY HAYLEY MCNEILL

In forests green They hide and wait To tempt you in With sweet raw bait These men are fierce These men are cruel These men will kill And capture you From foreign lands Across the sea One girls fate Is awaiting thee

Chapter One
The plane touched down with ease at Logan International Airport in Boston, MA. Riley and I stood near the cockpit so we were one of the first to exit the air craft before heading towards the carousels to collect our luggage. It was barely noon and the sun was high in the sky surrounded by a few white fluffy clouds as we entered the airport. Id finally given into Rileys offer of bribing the registration staff at Salem State College so that we could stay in the same dorm together which wed be moving into th e next day. But tonight were bunking in my aunt Rionas spare room at her house in Salem on Beach Avenue. Riley grabbed our suitcases as they darted out of the black plastic screen on the carousel before heaving them onto a trolley and pushing it in the direction of the arrivals lounge where Riona and Rowanne would be waiting to pick us up. Are you looking forward to tomorrow? he asks. Yeah, I am. I said hooking my arm through his. Are you? I think thats an understatement. We laughed. He kisses me quick before pushing through the doors to the arrivals lounge. Oh, look! Theres Rowanne. I said pointing to my cousin bobbing up and down several yards away behind the crowding people in the lounge. Hey, Moms at the car. Shes double parked so we have to move. Rowanne said when wed made our way over to her. Nice to see you too, Rowanne. I said sarcastically. Yeah, yeah, I know Im being rude. Well get the hellos done in a minute. she said leading us out of the airport to where Rionas Chevy was double parked. Billie, sweetheart! Its so good to see you! Riona gushed as we came to a stop next to her car. Hey, Riona. You remember Riley? I said turning to face my vampire boyfriend. Yes, its nice to see you again, Mrs Black. Please, call me Riona. she said. Rowanne, be a dear and return the trolley. Wel l load the cases into the car. We rushed to load the car with our luggage and climbed into the crammed car before leaving the airport car park. Our trip from Boston airport to Salem lasted little over half an hour and we spent it happily contemplating Rowannes eighteenth birthday on Sunday 5 th of September. Eighteen is the age we come of

age but for Witches it is the age that we come into our powers, another reason why Rowanne was so excited about her birthday. I came into my own before the summer, before my Graduation and my entire way of life was changed forever. Unlike Rowanne and my other relatives I was raised not knowing who I truly was until the night before my birthday when Riley tore down a wall in my house to reveal a hidden door with a secret room behind it. A room filled with potions, charms, cauldrons, books and something very important. My legacy, The Black Craft. Upon touching this book on my eighteenth birthday I was endowed with magic, with a spark that stayed close to my heart. I couldnt bring any of this with me on the flight so I would have to return to collect them by us ing one of my powers, teleportation. Id need to return anyway for The Black Craft because we would need it for Rowannes birthday so she, too, could be endowed with her magic. Although I had suggested that I just teleport myself and Riley to Salem but he thought it wouldnt be keeping with his summer theme. He did his best to do things with me that normal boyfriends and girlfriends do when on a date but he couldnt keep in mind that we arent normal. I am a reincarnated coven leading Witch and he is a one hundred and forty four year old Sun-Walker, half human half Vampire with the power to control shadows and darkness. Each time I insisted that we just teleport to Salem, Riley said he wanted to do it all the normal, mortal, way. When we pulled up outside Rionas cottage on Beach Avenue we unloaded the car and dragged our stuff inside. She had a beautiful white 19th century cottage that looked out onto the ocean from her back yard which had been in our family for generations. The guest room that wed be staying in was on the second floor that looked out onto the front yard and was furnished with two single beds. What you dont trust us? I asked turning to my aunt when she led us to this room. I knew she had another guest room with a double bed in it because that was the room my mother and father stayed when they brought my brother and me to visit. The room with the single beds was the room my brother and I always stayed in. You may be moving into your own dorm tomorrow but under my roof you stay in single beds. She said sternly. Youre actually in luck. Rowanne said. Mom almost made you stay in separate rooms until I talked her down. Thanks. I said gratefully. Dont make me regret it. Riona said turning her back on us. Make yourselves comfortable and then we can have lunch. Rowanne said following her retreating mother. What do they think were going to do? I asked Riley when we were alone. Oh, I dont know Riley said pulling me close to him before kissing me. Somethi ng normal girlfriends and boyfriends do. Were not normal though, Riley. I said after receiving another kiss. Isnt this what you want? I want you, Riley. I dont need normal, I dont need mortal. Its not who we are. I want you to be you. Honestly? he asked surprised. Honestly. I said crossing my heart. We can still be in a relationship and be who we really are. So what do couples like us do? Mmm, something like this I said pushing him onto the single bed before leaning over to kiss him. The door is still open. he said laughing. I forced my spark within to close the door as I swung my hand out in a swiping motion and flicked my fingers to turn the lock. Riley pulled me onto the bed beside him so we were lying on our sides facing each other when his lips returned to mine. The kiss got heated as his hands ran through my hair and my fingertips rested on the buckle of his belt. All in good time, my love. he said catching my fingers and kissing them. I sighed before meeting his gaze. Do you love me? I asked surprising myself. Yes. he replied instantly. Youre so sure. I am, arent I? How can you love me when weve only been together for such a short time?

His grey eyes bore into my own when he replied, How could I not love you? I brought my mouth back to his as my heart beat out a samba and I laced my fingers through his black gelled hair. My breath caught in my mouth as his hands ran down to the small of my back and brought them up under my shirt. All in good time, my love. he repeated with a soft chuckle in his voice. Say it. I said. Say what? he asked coyly. Tell me you love me. I love you. he said truthfully meeting my eyes. I love you, too. He smiled, pushing my hair aside then kissing my forehead. I know. We almost jumped out of our skins when there was a knock at the door. What are you two doing? Came Rowannes voice. Just getting changed. I said shooting off the bed. Yeah, likely story. Rowanne laughed before we heard her footsteps retrea ting down the hall. Wed better change if we want her to believe it. Riley laughed and grabbed a bag. I pulled the curtains on the windows closed as we began to change. I picked out a small blue skirt, white vest and white sandals while Riley opted for long khaki shorts, a black t-shirt and sneakers. We kept sneaking playful glances at each other when we began to shed our clothes and before we knew it, when we were fully dressed, we were making out again. You cant seem to keep your hands off me, Mr Smith. I teased. Well, it would be easier if you werent so beautiful, Miss Black. he laughed. The in case of emergency small vial of human blood that dangled from the chain around his neck tickled my throat when he kissed me. I pulled away from him and tugged at the vial. How are you set for blood, Riley? I asked concerned. Dont you worry about that. Ive got my other diet all arranged out here. Are you sure? You could take some from me if you really needed. I offered. Thats very generous of you, Billie, but that wont be necessary. he turned away from me. I didnt mean to offend No you didnt. he turned back and kissed me again. No, its just it could be dangerous for you if we did that. Dangerous how? Well, if I took too much I could end up turning you. he explained. Oh, we wouldnt want that. Id become an Eve -Walker, right? Right. Come on, lets not make them wait any longer. he said pulling me up off the bed. Riona and Rowanne were out in the garden with a spread of sandwiches, cake and a jug of peach iced tea when Riley and I joined them. We sat out in the garden and enjoyed the glorious sunlight as the waves of the rolling ocean lapped against each other before the sky turned indigo and speckled with glinting starlight. We spoke about the guests coming to Rowannes eighteenth birthday party this coming Sunday and what to expect. Distantly related witches had been invited and other members of our coven, people that I would soon be leading when I was ready to take over from Riona. She had gotten some of them involved in the search for the Preachers, at my request, supposedly religious men who feared and hated Witches. Men who were responsible for many Witch deaths and sometimes disappearances including the deaths of my parents. As promised Nanna and Riona allowed me to help search for them in the summertime, which bore no fruits, but I would continue to search for them with Riona when I had time from my studies. We had also gained the help of the Cain coven Witches, one of their Witches, Alexa Cain, had been the one to tell me about the Preachers and how my parents were murdered. She too had lost loved ones more recently than myself and her entire sister coven were also murdered. Her coven leader was her oldest sister, Marlowe, and she wasnt as susceptible to the situation at hand as Alexa was. May be the loss of too many loved ones had effected Marlowe differently but she was an arduous and sometimes hard headed woman. I had met her once over the summer and she had been very kind in giving me tips on

how to handle my first coven meeting as leader when it was time for me to take my seat at the table. Did you bring Josephines Diary? Riona asked breaking through my inner reverie. Yes. Ill dig it out before I turn in for bed. Thank you. If you ever want to peruse through it again I keep it on display in my shop. she informed. Rionas shop on Lafayette Street was a New Age store, for tourists visiting the Witch City but she had another store in the back for witches, like me, looking for all our magical supplies. The store was called Blacks Lair, she also had a medieval themed bar which was connected to the shop, next door called The Craft & Cauldron Inn where she served meals and fancy imported beverages. If Im not around just show one of the girls your Mark and theyll show you through. she said. Are they all Witches? Yes. Julianne Black is my cousin and my business partner. Marylou, Juliannes daughter, works weekends, shes just turned eighteen and shell be joining you at Salem State College. Is it just the three of you? I asked. No we recently employed two new girls. Sadie Blair has just moved here from South Carolina, her husband was killed in an accident at work so shell have her baby girl, Stephanie, with her most of the time. And Chloe Foster, from our sister coven, shell work part time while she studies at Salem State, too. What about the bar staff? Are they witches also? No, theyre mortals but they are prohibited from entering the back of Blacks Lair. Riona said. But they have their own staff room so they really shouldnt have to go back there at all. Rowanne explained. So what do you sell in the front? Riley asks curiously. Just the usual tourist paraphernalia. Gimmicky spell books, magic tricks and cards. We also sell things such as Tarot cards, crystal balls and smudge sticks. Close enough to the real deal without drawing too much attention to the fact that Witches do exist. Riona explained. Do you work there? Riley asked Rowanne. I work on Thursday evenings, six till eight thirty. Said Rowanne. Were open Monday to Thursday at nine in the morning till eight thirty at night and Friday to Saturday from nine till six thirty. said Riona. Closed on Sundays? I asked. Closed to the mortals but the back entrance is open for us Witches. How long for? From ten till three. Julianne and I work alternate Sundays but Marylou and Chloe will be there every Sunday. What days do you work? I work Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and my Sunday. Julianne works Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and her Sundays. What about Sadie and the other girls? Sadie will work all day Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays then work Friday and Saturday mornings. Marylou and Chloe will work a couple evenings a week and the weekends. Youll get to meet them all this weekend at my party. Rowanne said. I think Ive met Julianne and Marylou before, one time my parents and I visited when I was younger. Yes I think youve met Marylou on more than one visit. You, Rowanne, Ruby and Vincent used to play with Marylou on the beach when you all came to visit. Not Brian? I doubt Brian would remember her, he was too young. I guess youre right. I said before stretching and yawning. Bed. Riona said sternly. Youve got a big day ahead of you so you should both get some rest. Yes, maam. I said sarcastically as Riley and I stood to retreat to our room. Night, Riona. Night, Rowanne. I said. Good night, all. said Riley. Good night. they called as they locked the door behind us. Riley held me upright as I stumbled sleepily to the guest room before letting me collapse on my bed. Are you sure youre ready for tomorrow? he aske d pulling my shoes off. Mm hmm. I mumbled sleepily.

Cause you know you could share with your cousin if you preferred. he offered. But I want to live with you. I said grabbing him as he tried to walk over to his bed. Youre absolutely certain? Absolutely. Okay then. Get undressed, youre not sleeping in those clothes. he laughed. Mm, help me. He laughed. Dont tempt me. I blearily reached over to my night bag and dug out my night dress before I haphazardly changed out of my clothes. When I was safely in bed again Riley switched off the lights after kissing me good night and wishing me sweet dreams. I watched his grey eyes shine at me from the reflecting moonlight, pouring in through the window over my shoulder, as I drowsily blinked my way into a stupor.

Chapter 2 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Unpacking all our things in our dorm room in Bowditch Hall, the next day, lasted longer than I had expected considering how little we had actually packed to take on the flight with us. A few teleports to my home in Penn Gate and I had all my magical supplies and my black cat, Midnight, unloaded in our dorm, too. On my second day I got lost trying to find my way to the library I had to stop and ask the first person I saw for directions. The girl who crossed my path was miniscule. She had long blonde hair full of tight little ringlets, pink freckled cheeks, crystal blue eyes and the look of a cherub about her. She was innocence embodied in a scarlet pout, high heels and a mini skirt. Excuse me! I called. Sorry to bug you but do you know how to get to the library? Sure, follow me its on my way. she said in a childlike voice. Thanks, youre a lifesaver. No problem, this place is real easy to get lost in. Im Chloe by the way, Chloe Foster. Really?! I asked surprised and Chloe looked at me suspiciously. I pulled the left sleeve of my lilac shirt down to reveal my Witches Mark. Im Billie Black. My aunt Riona told me youre going to be working at Blacks Lair for her. Ohmygod! She gushed. Youre Billie? Ive heard so much about you! Its real nice to finally meet you. Thanks but what exactly have you heard? Oh, everyones talking about you. The new Black coven leader. Not to mention how you stopped those Moon sisters from resurrecting the first vampire. Wow! Word spreads fast here. Oh, Im sorry, I dont mean to be such a busy body. Ill be eighteen in a few weeks so Im just all excited about getting my powers. she said ecstatically. Yeah, I understand. Will you be going to Rowannes party on Sunday? Yeah, but were going out for a pre-celebratory dinner tonight. You should come, too! Marylou will be there with her boyfriend and Sadie is going to tag along if she can get a babysitter. I think my boyfriend is actually planning a romantic night in for just the two of us. May be another time? I said as she pointed out the library on the path ahead. No problem but if you change your mind well be at the Craft and Cauldron from eight, alright? I said goodbye to Chloe and made my way through the library doors. I pulled out the books I required and studied for an hour before taking them to the librarians and handing over my library card. When I finally turned off at Rainbow Terrace into Bowditch Hall, I discove red a message on the door to my room. Give me five minutes, R. I stood outside the dorm impatiently for five minutes until he opened the door and removed the post-it note hed left there earlier. Sorry, you almost beat me here. I didnt give myself much time to surprise you.

Surprise me? I wanted our first romantic night together to be really romantic so I went to Rionas store to buy candles, then I went to the florists but by the time I had gotten everything I needed I was too late to do anything about food so When he let me step through the door I saw he had candles burning all around the room and roses everywhere including some petals sprinkled on the bed. On our floor was something like a picnic, a blanket spread out covering most of the carpet and on it were buckets of KFC and a bottle of champagne. I did want to get you something nicer I silenced him with a finger. Its perfect, thank you. Are you sure? I am positive. I said pulling him in to kiss. Lets eat. We sat on the blanket and filled ourselves with the delicious chicken and some champagne. The fragrance of the candles and roses were intoxicating as we happily, and a little drunkenly, began to make out on the blanket. Riley helped me out of my shirt and pants before carrying me to the petal strewn bed. He quickly shucked his clothes before returning to shower me with kisses once more. Just as things started to become more interesting Rileys cell blared out from his pants pocket lying on the floor. He quickly duck ed down to check his caller display and said dejectedly, Its Leonard. I should probably take this. he said flipping the phone open. Hello? Before he got to speak back to Leonard on the other end I grabbed the cell out of his hands and said, Beat it, buzz kill. I switched the cell off then threw it to the furthest corner of the room. Riley laughed. What -? I pulled him back to me and said, There will be no interruptions tonight. ************************************* On the morning of Rowannes birthday I had to get up sharp and teleport back to Penn Gate to collect Nana, Brian, Dulcie and Matilda. I appeared on the inside of our front door at around ten in the morning to find the house in darkness. They were supposed to be up and ready to be teleported to Salem with me. I ran upstairs and entered my Nanas room first. Nan? Its ten oclock youre supposed to be up by now. I whispered urgently as I bent over her. Its what -? she said blearily. Its ten oclock. Nana sat bolt upright and asked me to go wake the others whilst she got herself ready. I left to wake up Brian next and found him half on his bed, half off with his arms and legs splayed everywhere. Brian, youve got to get up youve slept in. I said nudging him. In a minute, mommy. Brian, get up! I said sternly. He grunted. What? Its Rowannes birthday today and youve all slept in. Next minute he was up and shot through to the shower. When I came out after him I found Dulcie standing in the frame of her door. We sleep in? she asked. Yeah, you all did. There must have been a power cut last night cause I had my alarm set to wake me at seven. Well, theres not much we can do about it now. Go get ready and Ill wake Matilda. Matilda had moved in here shortly before I moved out. She had gotten accepted into various schools around the country but she chose to go to PGU so she could learn all about the Pagan craft from Dulcies aunt Laura. Matildas parents had given her two choices when it came to her livi ng arrangements; one was to live on her school campus and the other was to live in her parents basement and pay them rent. Matilda liked neither of those options so Nana offered her the attic room as long as she got a part time job to help pay for her own share of the groceries. Matilda was thrilled at the opportunity and didnt waste any time in moving in. When I entered the converted attic I found her in her bed wearing a very classy white satin

chemise with a soothing gel eye mask and a white hair band to keep her hair out of her face with dozens of curlers in her hair. When I tried to wake her I didnt get much response so I kept on prodding and nudging her when she moved over and unintentionally slapped my face. Yow! I yelled and Matilda jumped out of her bed. Blindly moving about the room with her eye mask on she said, Whos that? Whos there? Its me Billie. You all slept in. I said. Oh my gosh, Im so sorry, Billie! Did I hurt you? she said removing the mask. Ill live. I said. Get ready, Ill wait down stairs. I dont understand, I set my alarm last night. Yeah, so did Dulcie. Must have been a power cut. I marched down to the kitchen and poured myself a coffee where I called Riley. Hey, dont rush. The sleeping beauties slept in this morning. Youre kidding. he said in between brushing his teeth. Wish I was. Theyre up now so hopefully they wont be too long. Ill see you in a while, okay. Okay, let me know if its going to be a long wait. Will do. Love you. he said. I love you, too. we both laughed and hung up. Oh my effing gosh, did you just say I love you, too? Matilda said first to enter the kitchen. She was wearing a black dress with killer high heels and gold star shaped studs in her ears. With the curlers and hair band removed her hair was now full of volume and curls. Um, yeah, I did. I said bashfully. Oh, dont be embarrassed, Bill. Im real happy for you. she said hugging me. Thanks, youre a sweetie. Wait till you see Brian! she gushed. Me and Dulcie took him shopping the other day for his party outfit and damn that boy looks good! Hey, thats my kid brother youre talking about. Sorry, you have to admire the eye candy when it comes along. Ooh, talking about Brian? Dulcie asked excitedly as she entered the kitchen wearing a tan coloured tank top, periwinkle skirt and tan knee high boots. Yeah, I was just telling Billie about our little shopping trip the other day. Talking about me? Brian asked next to enter wearing a white short sleeved shirt, sapphire coloured tie, skinny black pants and Chuck Taylors the same colour of his tie. I hate this tie. he said fidgeting with it. You look good. Matilda said slapping his hand away from the tie. Yes you girls did a good job on him. Nanna said last to enter. You look lovely to Billie. she said admiring my purple tank top and long cotton grey skirt. Thanks. You look nice too, Nan. I said as she spun around in her scarlet satin blouse and black suit. Have you all got your gifts? I asked. Yes. They chimed. Good, so are we set to go? Yeah, lets go. Said Dulcie. Matilda and Dulcie took my left arm while Nana and Brian took my right as I turned with them and appeared in my dorm room. Nice place. Didnt take you long to get settled did it? Matilda said admiringly. Well, were trying our best to make it homely. Hello, Midnight, Ive missed you, you pretty little kitty. said Dulcie doing her baby voice. Uh, baby talk. Midnight said through the bond. How original. DC, I dont think he appreciates the baby talk. Tough luck, my precious baby boy! she said lifting him up and squeezing the cuddles out of him until Midnight yowled loudly then shot out of Dulcies arms. I just need to grab Rowannes present and then find Riley. Hes just coming down the hall. Dulcie said proudly before Riley himself stepped into the dorm. Hey, you guys made it.

Yeah, eventually. Matilda said meekly. Sorry for the hold up. Said Brian. Nah, its alright. How do I look? he asked me. He wore grey pants, a lavender shirt and a white tie with silver threading. You look great. I said admiring the view. Hey you guys almost match! Matilda noted while I stood next to Riley with my purple tank top and grey skirt. Yeah, we almost do. I checked my watch and saw just how late we were running. Come on its time to go. Riley grab my broom will you? I asked as I reached for our gift. When we were all set I put my hands on Rileys shoulders as the others took up the sa me formation as before. Instead of turning I blinked, my preferred way of teleportation, and found us all in my aunt Rionas extended conservatory. Sorry were late. I said to Riona, I looked at my watch and saw it was way past eleven. Dont worry. Rowannes still sleeping anyway. If you could go and wake her , let her know Ive made her blueberry pancakes. Will do. I said as Dulcie, Matilda and I ran up to Rowannes room. Her door was locked from the inside so I flicked my fingers and the latch unlocked itself, then the door swung inwards. I swung my arms out wide and the curtains on her windows flew open letting the morning sunlight pore in. Wakey wakey! The three of us called as we pulled the covers off her. No mama, five more minutes. she said blearily. Row, its your birthday. I said as the three of us laughed. Her eyes flew open and then she began to hop up and down on her bed. Oh my god, Im eighteen today! she cheered. Come on, your moms made blueberry pancakes and youve got some gifts to open before all your other guests arrive. Ill be down in a few. Give me a chance to wash up. she said darting to her bathroom. We didnt have to wait long before Rowanne came jogging downstairs to wolf down her breakfast, then start tearing into her presents where we were all gathered in the living room. The first gift she reached for was from Brian. It was a wooden box to store all her magical supplies and carved onto the box was a woodland scene with a mother dear and her doe. I love it. Thank you so much. she said hugging Brian. Its not much, I didnt have a lot of money so I made it in wood shop class. He said modestly. She carried on ripping into presents; smudging supplies, a cauldron and potion supplies from her mother; a Boline from Nana; pestle and mortar from Dulcie; a silver Chalice with the Witches Mark on it from Matilda and Weeping Rose candles and a Tarot deck from me and Riley. She had lots of gifts from her friends magical and otherwise but at the bottom of the last pile was the gift she never thought shed get. The parcel was roughly wrapped in a glittering silver paper, a tag taped to one corner with rushed scratch hand writing. Dearest Rowanne, Im sorry I cannot be with you today. I wish I couldve done better for you but I havent. There are a lot of things I wish for but wishing is pointless. I did something Ill never be able to take back and Ill ha ve to live with it for the rest of my life. Know that I love you and that there hasnt been a moment, since the day you were born, that I havent thought of you. Love always, Dad xx Rowanne tore the sheet of paper off and cast the tag aside before examining her gift from her long estranged father. Underneath the wrappings were two wooden boxes, one round and one rectangular. The

round one was barely larger than her palm and when she removed the lid she found a scrying mirror inside the wooden casing. The mirror itself was set in a wooden frame and all the way around it were carvings of wolves leaping, running and playing. In the rectangular box were several small stones shaped almost like talons, gleaming like moonlight and resting on a bed of purple velvet. I had never seen stones like them before, the gleaming iridescence gave the stones their ethereal beauty but the talon like shape left a chilling impression. Rowanne gathered up her fathers gifts and bolted upstairs with them before slamming he r door shut behind her. Oh, dear. Riona said miserably her head in her hands. I patted her shoulder and grabbed The Black Craft before heading up to Rowannes room. Row? I said knocking on the door. Can I come in? No. she sniffed. Please? Go away! she shouted. Rowanne, please let me in. When I received no answer I pushed the door open to find her sitting on the floor next to her bed with her fathers presents in front of her and a box of tissues at her left knee. Hes so stupid. She said breaking the silence. Theres nothing he could do to me that I wouldnt immediately forgive him for. I wish he would just come home. Why did he leave? I asked sitting next to her. I dont want to talk about it. No offence, Billie, I love you like a sister but Im not ready to talk about it. Not yet. Thats okay, as long as you know Im here for you if you do want to talk. Thanks. She said gratefully. Now, I know you miss your dad and your upset but today you should be celebrating. You dont w ant to be the pooper at your own party, do you? No, of course not. She smiled. Its your turn. I said showing her The Black Craft. Time to claim your magic, dont you think? Yeah. She said eagerly. Give me five minutes to clean up this mess. she said pointing to her wet cheeks. Ill be right down. When I came downstairs again I found new faces awaiting me. Is she alright? asked Riona. Shell be down in a few minutes. Just give her time to make herself decent. Riona nodded. Come with me. There are some people Id like you to meet. There were four women and two men, right off I recognised Chloe Foster, the girl who helped me find my way around campus two days previous, amongst the newcomers. Another girl my age had long, straight blonde hair and a turquoise dye from the parting in her bangs all the way along the tips of each strand of hair and a sheet of turquoise hair underneath. She had a stud piercing above her top lip and the Witches Mark on her right shoulder. Next to her stood a woman near Rionas age who looked very similar to Riona but with a tint of redness in her hair and an olive complexion. Next to them stood a skeletally tall thin man with peppered gray hair and tiny green eyes. His skin looked like it was stretched tightly across his muscles and bones, none of this made him a very convivial man until he smiled. When he smiled down at me his features seemed to transform into a much more pleasant and approachable person. To his left was Chloe, her spiralling hair was piled high upon her head and she wore a red mini skirt with a floral print tank top and flip flops. Next to Chloe stood a woman, not much older than myself, with sun kissed locks of long glossy hair in similar attire to Chloe but with a baby girl in her arms sleeping. The last person I saw was a young muscular gorgeous man clad in jeans and short sleeved pale blue shirt. He had slightly tanned skin, a beautiful pearly white smile and eyes the colour of the evening sky. Riona started the introductions with the gorgeous stranger. Billie, this is Samuel Black. He is my youngest cousin. she said. Its nice to meet you. I said. The pleasures all mine. Samuel said before kissing my hand. Riley rolled his eyes behind Samuels back. Please, call me Sam. And this is Sadie Blair and her girl Stephanie. Riona said moving me along with her.

How ya doin? she asked with a southern twang in her accent. Good, thanks. We met on campus the other day. Chloe said chiming in before Riona could introduce us. Nice seeing you again, Billie. Yeah, nice seeing you too. And this is Julianne, Marylou and Marcus. Riona said pulling me along with her again. Hey, Bill, long time no see. Said Marylou. Yeah. Love the hair by the way. I said pointing at her turquoise dipped blonde locks. Thanks. she said as her parents behind her groaned. They hate it. she said thumbing at the thin man and the woman whom looked a lot like my aunt. Its a parental thing. Said Riona. Rowanne eventually joined the forming crowd as more and more of her guests arrived. When she thought nobody was paying her any attention she let her guard down to show how upset she really was. Near the end of the day she wandered into her back yard and sat on the grass looking up at the moon. When I approached her I saw she had kicked off her shoes and was weaving the green blades of grass between her bare toes. Row, its almost time. You should come inside. Damn, Billie, you scared the crap out of me. she said jumping. Sorry, come on. Everyones waiting. I need to get my broom out of the shed. Ill get it, you go inside. She reluctantly pushed her feet back in her shoes before heading back inside, leaving me to retrieve her broomstick from the garden shed. When I unlocked the latch on the wooden door I saw a shadow pass over the side of the garden shed. Looking around to see its source I saw a haggard looking man ambling down the slope towards the beach. Uncle Ulric? I called. The haggard man turned to face me and I recognised my cousins long lost father. He quickly turned and sprinted away in the opposite direction. Ulric, wait!

Chapter 3
Running down the slope after him I kept calling and shouting for him to come back. Ulric, wait! Rowanne needs you, come back! Ulric, I know youre here stop hiding and show yourself. I demanded noticing how impossible it shouldve been for him to disappear so quickly. A little way off I saw a pile of clothes in the sand, clothes that the haggard man had been wearing minutes ago. I scanned the long beach to see where he couldve gone to. I spun round and around but he never showed up. I was about to give up when something, in the corner of my eye, about forty feet away caught my attention. I turned to see Christian Hart standing on the beach under star lights. He looked like he did when Id first met him, extremely neat and well dressed as well as devastatingly handsome. Tonight he was walking barefoot in the sand dressed in beige linen pants and a crisp white linen shirt. He bowed to me and waved before walking away in the opposite direction. This was the first time Id seen Christian since Graduation day where hed bolted on stage late to receive his diploma then bolted off right away before sprinting off school grounds. According to Leonard hed arranged for Christian to see a few of his shaman friends, the first one lived near the Rocky Mountains, the second in Tibet and the third in Budapest. Leonard didnt expect to see Christian near any of us for a good long time, so why was he showing up here just a couple of months later? Billie, where are you? Riley called from the garden. Rowanne said you were going to get her broomstick from the garden shed.

I teleported off the beach and into the garden shed where I shouldve been. When I stepped out with Rowannes broom under my arm Riley looked at me curiously. Ill explain later. I said to him. When I entered the living room, I left Rowannes broom beside my own and Rionas, I found the guests forming a circle around Rowanne and the brass stand where The Black Craft was resting. Can we kill the lights and light the candles, please? called Riona. Taken care of. I said as Riley worked his magic, by killing the lights and allowing shadows to creep up the walls. When it was dark enough I raised the candles into the air before snapping my fingers together where all the candle wicks ignited. Its your turn, Billie. said Nana stood next to me. My turn? I asked shocked. What do you mean my turn? You need to guide your cousin. But nobody guided me. Circumstances were different for you. Youve led a very different life from Rowanne and you re the coven leader. Its time to take your place amongst us. But Riona is still the leader. I blurted pathetically. Im stepping down tonight, Billie. Riona said approaching my other side. Riley clapped my back. You can do this. he whispered into my right ear. Ill introduce you. Riona said stepping forth. May I have your attention, please. Before Rowanne claims her powers Id like to make an announcement. Everyones eyes turned from Rowanne to her mother. Today is my last day as your leader. When I stand down my niece Billie will take my place. To those of you who have not met her yet she is Billie Josephine Black, she came of age in May this year but due to choices on her parents behalf she was not raised the Wiccan way. Thus the reason why she is late in coming into the role she will start to play tonight. What!? I shrieked. Dont panic, Billie. she said signalling for me to join her. Tentatively I stepped forwards before she pulled me all the way into the middle of the circle with her. Tonight Billie will take my place now that I have chosen to stand down. Not only is Billie wise she is also our ancestor, Josephine Aloise Black, reincarnate. Riona said as shocked gasps rang out all around the room. I have faith in Billies judgement, wit and trustfulness. Were in good hands. Riona joined the surrounding crowd at Nana and Rileys sides as the crowd applaude d both my aunt and myself. I closed my eyes and counted to ten when Josephines words came to me. You have to invoke your cousins power, How? I asked. My spark of magic warmed me from the inside out, letting me see what I had to do. Taking a step in front of Rowanne, who stood in front of the brass stand, I asked her, Give me your hands. Doing as Id asked she held her hands out over the book and I sandwiched them between mine which made them look like she was in prayer. The spark within burned and connected us through our touching hands as it flew through me into her. I knew she felt it because she shuddered in my hands. After a few minutes the spark came back to connect our hands once more and brought with it Rowannes own spark which had bee n buried deep in the dark recesses of her soul. My spark returned to rest by my heart as I felt Rowannes do the same, when I knew she was ready I placed both her palms firmly on The Black Craft. I didnt feel the rest of Rowannes experience but I held tight to her wrists as the sparks flew through her connecting her spark of magic to our family craft. She wouldnt have ownership over it like I did but we were all connected to the Craft. I felt Josephines nudge and I connected with Rowanne again by pl acing my hands over hers and connected with the sparks flowing through Rowanne into the book and back again. It was only a brief moment, a flash, I saw what her power would be. Josephine told me not to worry, that the little glimpse I saw was actually very natural in this procedure. If you ever come across a witch where you dont see that little glimpse that is when you should worry she said to me. When the sparks subsided I removed my hands from Rowannes to let them rest by my side as Rowanne too raised her hands from the book. Well, Riona started, approaching me from behind, what did you see, Billie? Do you have any idea of

what Rowannes power will be? Its, um, some sort of mind control. Mind control? Rowanne asked excitedly. Not in the normal sense though. I warned. Its more like you can leave an impression on others minds, you cant outright control them. Rowanne shrugged. Either way Ive got my power right? Right. As people began to surround and congratulate her I ambled out of the way to the side of the room where Nana stood. I dont understand. Why was it different for Rowanne? Why did I have to help her? Yours was different because you are the first of your generation. You had to find the spark on your own, now that youre coven leader it is part of your duties to help find the spark within those coming into their magic. So yours was like mine? Yes. It was the same for Riona, also. So every time someone comes into their magic Ill have to help bring out their spark? Yes. Are you sure Im ready to be the leader? Ive still got a long way to go Youre ready. You cant still be so unsure after what you just did for your cousin. You really believe that? I believe in you. Trust me, Billie, if I thought you were unready or undereducated I wouldnt put you through this. she said. Are you okay? Yeah, Im just going to get some air and clear my mind. Okay, dont wander far though. Shell want to go up on her broom soon now that she can. Ill just be in the garden. I said over my shoulder. I picked my broom up as I went out the back door and as soon as I was out of sight I teleported back to Penn Gate once more. I was relieved to find myself in Rileys home where now only Leonard resided. Good grief, Billie. Leonard said as I appeared in front of him in his living room with a scotch in his hand. Sorry, I didnt mean to scare you. I said. What are you doing here? Isnt this your cousins birthday? Yes it is. But I had to come ask you something. Whats so urgent? Where is Christian? Hes in Tibet. Are you sure about that? I asked as he looked at me nonplussed. Yes. he drew the word out. He called me only a couple of hours ago from Tibet to let me know how he was doing. You get regular calls from him then? I asked. Yes. Have you ever looked back at your calls to see the number he was dialling from? When he continued to stare back at me blankly I said, Leonard, check your calls cause I can assure you hes not in Tibet. Have you seen him? About twenty minutes ago on the beach next to my aunts house. What was he doing there? I didnt talk to him so I have no idea. What did he do? He was standing about forrty feet away, I only noticed him cause I was looking for someone whod run away from the party. He just bowed to me, waved and then walked off in the opposite direction. How did he look? He looked well, you know, healthy. He wasnt dressed in his usual garb but still as neat as he was when I first met him. Thats it? He just took off? he asked crossly. Well, I thought it was rather unusual that he turned up at all. I said hotly. I also find it worrisome that he turned up at my aunts house. I mean, how would he know where to find me? Whose to say he was looking for you?

I find it a little hard to believe that he coincidentally runs into me just next to my aunts house. Especially since hes supposed to be half way around the world. Leonard sighed. Hmm, yes that is peculiar. Ill try to track him down first thing in the morning and find out what his recent activities have been. Ill contact you if I find anything of interest. Thanks, Id better get back to the party. Nice night for a party. Yes. I said conversationally. Whats the matter, Billie? My aunt stepped down from her seat in the coven tonight. Oh, I see. Youre taking up her chair now that youve come of age. Mm hmm. Im the new leader of the Black coven. Congratulations! he gushed. Thanks. I said walking back to the hall. Im sorry it took me by surprise so Im not particularly in a celebratory mood. I understand. Go off and enjoy the rest of the party. Thanks. Good night. Night! He called as I teleported back to Rowannes garden with my broom under my arm. I arrived just in time before the partygoers poured out of the house to see Rowanne fly her broomstick for the first time. Ready, cousin? Rowanne asked excitedly as Dulcie, Brian and Matilda followed her out. I was just about to ask you the same thing. Are you kidding? I was born for this. she said happily. Would either of you ladies like to ride with me? Sam asked approaching Matilda and Dulcie. Is it safe? Matilda asked. I mean, how are we going to fly without being noticed by the mortals? My mother cast a spell so that people wont notice. Rowanne explained. Come on, lets go already. In that case, yes, I would love to ride with you. Dulcie said mounting the rear of Sams broom. Damn, I wanted to go up! Matilda said disappointedly. You can come up with me. I offered. Really? Why not? Youre on! Matilda said excitedly clambering on behind me. Wait, what about me? Brian asked upset. You can come on with me? Rowanne offered. You know what, Brian started unsure, Im good here on the ground. What?! Do you think Im going to drop you off? I think the safest thing for me to do is avoid answering that question. Brian said coyly. Ill be eighteen next year, I can wait till then. Wuss! Rowanne called over shoulder as she shot off the ground. Hold on tight now. I instructed Matilda as we followed Rowanne into the indigo sky. We rode high towards the clouds before diving in the direction of the ocean until we were so close that our feet dragged along the waters surface. Matilda clung tightly to me as I circled in the air to turn back to the shore line. Do you want to fly over to Winter Island? I asked when the others joined Matilda and I. Sounds good. Said Sam. Ill race you. Rowanne said excitedly. Last offer, Brian, do you want to come? No, thanks. I think Ill just stay here. he said. Your loss. she said before bolting off in the direction of Winter Island. Winter Island wasnt too far from my aunts house and as long as we kept to the skies we were safe. The trip was shorter because Rowanne insisted on racing there but wasnt too happy when Sam beat her with Dulcie at his back. We swooped and dived on our brooms amongst the tree tops and came to a halt where we found a small patch of people camping nearby. A little way off from the crowd of campers, hidden by the trees was a solitary tent with two men sitting at a picnic table attending to their dinner. One was rough in his features with a crew cut, an in growing beard and thick bushy eyebrows. The other was more

delicate with pale clean skin, brown hair hung down by his jaw and high cheekbones. Although one was older and rougher looking than the other they both had other features that made them look really similar. They each had harsh square jaws, a prominent nose and gangling long arms. The younger one was more pleasing to look at than the older and I had to guess, with their similar features, that they were brothers. But what drew my attention to them the most was the pile of guns and ammo stashed in a bag at the front of their tent. I silently flew down to the branches of the nearest tree and signalled for the others to join me then pointed out the bag of weaponry. Who do you think they are? I whispered. Well, one of em looks like a soldier. Rowanne whispered back pointing to the official looking dog tags around the older mans neck. Yeah, but why would they be here? Dulcie asked. Could be hunters. Matilda offered. I dont like it. I whispered again. Neither do I. Said Sam. No hunter would need that kind of artillery and as for the soldier theory I dont think it fits. Yeah, but the dog tags Dulcie pointed. I hear ya, babe, but it just doesnt fit. Arent there any official types or park rangers somewhere? I asked. There should be someone. Sam said gazing around the trees. If we could at least attract the attention of that group over there they might alert the authorities for us. Hey, what does that say on the bag? I asked pointing out the white print upon the black material. I think its a name. said Dulcie. D. Kohler. Matilda said. What? Kohler. D. Kohler. Its like the initial of the first name then the surname. Kohler? Thats not American, they must be foreign. German, Id dare say. Sam noted. What should we do? We cant stay here forever, the spell will eventually wear off and then theyll be able to see us. Well, why dont you send the bag of goodies to the other campers? Rowanne suggested. She cant. Said Sam. The spell has only indirectly blinded them. They will see us if we draw attention to ourselves. What do you suggest we do then? Rowanne said haughtily. Back to the skies. I said pointing upwards before launching myself and Matilda from the tree we had perched in. When Rowanne, Sam and Dulcie were back on their brooms they met me high in the sky where I informed them, We cant do anything tonight. All we can do is watch them. They may be passing through, possibly, hopefully. We only act if we feel they are a threat to us. We can work out a rota of shifts. Sam suggested. We each take a night watching them. That sounds good but no Witches under eighteen. I said. Of course not. Anything else? he asked. No. The night is almost over, so I guess Id better take you guys home. Dulcie yawned. Yeah, Im beat. I think I might hit the hay as well. Rowanne joined in. My hair whipped back into Matildas face as I lunged forth on my broom. She clutched onto my tank top for dear life as I led the way on the race back to the beach. My landings had improved dramatically as I gracefully sidled off the broom when we landed. As Riley, Nana, Dulcie, Brian and Matilda readied themselves to leave they started to say goodbye to Rowanne and the other party guests. After I gave Rowanne one last hug goodbye I held my hands out to those Id be teleporting home. First stop was to Nanas home where I left Nana, Brian, Dulcie and Matilda before teleporting out again after saying our sleepy goodbyes. My next stop was to Christians old house in Emerald Court, I hadnt been here since the night I was almost sacrificed to the first vampire Hugo Moon. I wasnt expecting to find Christian here after seeing him in Salem but I was curious to see if there was anything out of the ordinary in his house. When I turned to see Riley gazing at me questioningly I explained. When you couldnt find me earlier I was on the beach.

Why? he asked. I went out to tell Rowanne to come inside and she said she needed her broom so I went to the shed to get it for her. I was about to go into it when I saw a shadow on its side and when I found out who it belonged to I chased after him. Christian? No. It was Rowannes father, Ulric. He ran away and I kept calling out to him until I saw the clothes hed been wearing piled in a heap on the sand. Why would he strip? To transform, I imagine. Riley glanced at me nonplussed. Remember what I told you when I was in the hospital. Rowannes dad, her uncle Ralph and her aunt Daryna are all werewolves. Oh. I guess he didnt come back then? I shook my head. So why did you want to come here? Before you called out for me I was about to return when I saw someone else further off in the distance. Christian? Yes. He was just standing there barefoot in the sand, gazing at the moon. What did he do? He bowed then waved before walking off in the opposite direction. You disappeared again, later. Nobody noticed you go, only I did cause I saw you teleport once you were outside. I went to see Leonard. I said taking hold of Rileys hand to teleport us back to our dorm. I know hes been keeping tracks of him and I was curious as to why hed be here. I said falling down on my side of the bed. What did he make of it? Riley asked as I pulled off my clothes. As far as he was concerned Christian had been where he was supposed to be all this time. I aske d him to see if he could find any reason as to why hed be here. I was just about to pull on my night dress when a loud sharp keening noise penetrated the still night shortly followed by several yips and barks before falling into silence. What the hell - ? I said in shock. Must be Ulric and his pack. Riley explained. Damn mutts. I heard Midnight say through the link. They make my skin crawl. Is it really necessary to make that noise this late? I grumbled. Is Ulric German? Half German, half English. Strange name, right? Mm, it means wolf ruler. Seriously? He must be a pure born werewolf. Yeah, his brother must be too. What was his name again? Ralph Howell. Ralph, seriously? He laughed a little. Whats so funny? It means wolf counsel or sometimes red wolf. I guess theyre a proud wolf family. Must be. Okay, lets get some sleep. Weve got a lot of homework in the morning.

With Rileys rhythmic breath brushing the back of my neck I eventually fell into sleep. After what felt like only minutes I was aware of movement in the room. The swoop-swoop noise of a fan over head was unusual due to the fact that we didnt have a fan in our room so my eyes snapped open instantly. I wasnt in my dorm. I was in the hospital bed I laid in before the summer after Desirees attack. The only sound I could hear was the fans swooping noise and a slight buss of electricity to power it. I couldnt hear the chatter of the nurses or the patients, the wheeled food cart or anything else in the vicinity. The entire floor was in darkness except a few stray beams of light escaping the closed window curtains and the odd flashing

light that hung from the ceiling. As I climbed out of bed I caught sight of a couple more flashing lights further down the hall which made it look like the set of a cheap slasher movie. I noticed I wasnt in my favourable pink pyjamas but once again in the usual hospital garb as I walked down the corridors barefoot. The hospital was in disarray and looked like nobody had worked in it for a while with dusty countertops and the general mess and grime a building could collect if it was left unattended for a time. I saw ghostly shadows playing against the walls with such quick movements my eyes almost didnt register them. Walking quick and soundlessly as I could I approached the end of the corridor where there were stairs that led to the Coma Ward where my cousin Ruby should be. Again the corridor here was empty, in disarray with the same ominous flashing lights going off here and there. I could hear the wind whistling like a storm outside although we were in the tail end of summer weather. I was about to head towards Rubys roo m in the corridor leading off to the left when I saw figures lying still on the ground of the right corridor. My gut was filled with butterflies as I recognised the still figures on the floor as my dead parents. I tried to walk back the way to the corridor on the left when the linoleum under me yanked me off my feet. When I looked over my shoulder I saw the linoleum moving of its own accord as it snaked its way down the length of the corridor towards my dead parents. Every time I tried to get back to my feet to run, the floor tugged itself harshly and pulled me back down again. The floor only stopped moving once I reached my parents bodies where I noticed something different about them. They were changing, rapidly decaying before my eyes. I screamed in horror and then several rotting hands burst through the floor, grabbing hold of my limbs. I screamed and yelped as they pulled me down when I tried to run. Instead I tried to fight them off with the axe from the glass case on the wall next to a fire extinguisher when I heard a horrible hearty laugh. Looking up I saw something tall and dark stood before me with a noose in hand. Its your time, Billie. a deep voice said before I woke in my dorm room with Riley standing over me with panic written all over his face. **************************** May be you should talk to Riona about your dream. Riley said the following morning after Id told him everything I saw. It was just a nightmare, Riley. That was not any ordinary nightmare, Bill. Ive never heard you scream like that before. I dont see how telling Riona is going to make a difference. Billie, youre coven leader now. What if it was some sort of prophetic dream? I sighed. Ok, if I go see Riona will it stop you from worrying? No, probably not, but it will make me feel just a tiny little bit better. Ok, for you Ill do it but not until tonight. Thank you. For this Ill buy you dinner at the Craft and Cauldron. Ooh, youve twisted my arm. I said kissing him. Meet you there about six? I asked as we started down different corridors. Yeah, see you then. he said making his way to class in the opposite direction. Classes that day were mostly lectures which made the day pass seriously slow. For the second class most of the students arrived on time but as the lecturer was about to close the class room door one more student burst through them. He hastily apologised before collecting his bag off the floor and made his way to the only empty seat near the rear of the room on my left. I pulled out my books and stationary ready to take notes when I heard the last student swearing and muttering under his breath. Are you okay? I asked him. He looked up at me. He was only a few inches taller than myself with rich dark skin and a handsome round face. Just beneath his lower lip he had a small thin scar that was barely noticeable, he wore a pale cream coat, brown t-shirt, black pants and white sneakers. I was running a little late this morning, I forgot to pack the book I need for this class. Hey, thats no problem you can share mine. I said friendlily.

Oh, thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. He said scooting his chair over so he got a good view of my book. Sure, youre welcome. Im Lee Rockwell. Billie Black, pleased to meet you. So where you from? I asked conversationally. All over. My parents died a few years back so I live with my Gran but she doesnt like to stay in just one place. Im originally from Black Forest, Colorado. Im sorry about your parents. I lost mine three years ago to a car crash and Ive been living with my Nana ever since. Im sorry for you too. He said genially. You from New York? That obvious, huh? I laughed and he joined in. Penn Gate, New York. You never been here before? No, I actually have a lot of family in Salem. A couple of my cousins live here on campus, too. Oh, thats good. At least your not in a strange place all on your lonesome. No and I have my boyfriend, Riley. I have him, too. What about you? Any family? Other than Gran, no. But I am quick, Ive made a couple of friends here in class. You should join us for lunch. Id like that, thanks. When the lunch bell rang the students spilled out onto the fresh cut grass to find the sun burning bright above us. Lee led me out towards a tree where there were some kids soaking up the midday sun. One was another guy leaning against the tree with gelled back glossy brown hair, green eyes, dressed in beige pants and a blue shirt. A blonde girl shucking a cerise turtleneck sweater to reveal a violet tank top beneath was tall and curvy with a twang in her voice. The third was an average sized girl with dark tanned skin, dark flowing locks, earthy coloured eyes and a prominent pout dressed in a green maxi dress and killer high heeled boots. Hey guys, this is Billie. Lee said when we approached. Drew Murdoch Im from Edinburgh, Indiana. Said Drew offering a hand to shake. Erin Murphy, Chapmanville, West Virginia. Said the blonde smiling brightly u p at me. Lexie Woods, Carefree, Arizona. Said the tanned girl. Where are you from? asked Erin. Oh, Penn Gate, New York. I said copying them. Its a pleasure to meet you. Drew said chomping on an apple. Likewise. I said. Take a pew. Erin said. We wont bite. Thanks. I said settling down beside Erin on the grass before pulling some food out. Thats an interesting tattoo. Drew pointed to my left forearm where Id pushed the sleeves up to my elbows. Thanks. I said awkwardly. I got it for my eighteenth. Lexie choked on her lunch when she got a good look at my Witches Mark and turned astutely away to talk to Drew. So are you guys living on campus? I asked. Yeah, Im living in Bowditch Hall with another girl. I live there, too! I said. Awesome! Erin said excitedly. Hows your roommate? Hes my boyfriend so, yeah, I like him a lot. I said and Erin joined in with my laughter. Hows your roommate? Shes nice, shes a lot like me and we have a lot in common so I like her. Its better than being stuck with someone you wouldnt like right? Right. I agreed. Oh, there she is. Hey, Chloe! Erin waved to my distant cousin Chloe Foster. Oh, thats Chloe Foster. I said waving to her also. You know her? Lexie asked shocked. Yeah, were sort of like cousins. Shes really cool. Yeah, she is. So what about you guys? I asked the others.

Oh, you already know Im off campus with my Gran. said Lee. I live in Bowditch with another dude. Very quiet, never there. He only comes in late at night when Im already in bed and almost always leaves before I get up. said Drew. Hes really hot though, like model hot. What was his name? Erin asked. I dont remember. said Drew unenthusiastically. When we returned to class the sun continued to pour its burning beams through the windows and boiled the classroom we were studying in. Lexie was the last to enter and, to her annoyance, had to sit in the only remaining seat next to me. She kept to herself throughout class and only spoke to me once to borrow my eraser and then continued her silent treatment throughout the rest of class. When the period ended and the end of day bell rang, the kids all tore out of the room as I waited for Lexie to come out behind them. She was stashing her books in her bag when I grabbed her arm and pulled her in the other direction of the flow of students. Look, I dont mean to be rude but I said yanking her arm as her bag split open and all her belongings fell upon her feet. Sorry! Sorry! I didnt mean to hey! Lexie had grabbed her throbbing right food and started hopping up and down on her left. On the ankle of her right foot was the mark that I bore upon my left forearm. Hey! Youre a witch! I said as Lexie began to gather up her books. Yes, I am. Now leave me alone. Hey, wait! Whats your problem? Look, Billie, I do not wish to be company to another witch okay. Why not? I said striding down the halls by her side. The Preachers, hello! Theyre after us. They attacked my family a month ago. Im so sorry, was anyone hurt? They killed my sister Candy. she said rushing away. Oh, Lexie, Im so sorry. Dont apologise, its not your fault. I hear youve had losses of your own anyway. She said still striding down corridor after corridor. Yeah, I have. Look, lets sit so you can tell me everything. I said pulling her out to the tree we sat at lunch time. Well, they attacked. Lots were hurt but only my sister died. I decided that we should split up, Id heard most covens were doing that already. Im gathering that youre the new leader of the Woods coven, right? Yeah. I wanted to stay with my parents but they insisted that I continue with my education. If anything is to happen I get to go home. You said you were from Carefree in Arizona, right? Right. Has there been any other witch attacks near you in Arizona? Not that Ive heard of. How long ago was the attack? About three months ago. Do you mind taking a little trip with me? Where to? Penn Gate, New York. What!? Its okay. I said pulling her up from the grass. Just hold my hand and close your eyes until I say otherwise. She glanced at me questioningly for a second before gripping my left hand in her right then closed her eyes shut tight. I thought of home where Nana, Dulcie, Brian and Matilda ought to be and blinked once where I found myself in my bedroom back home. Its okay you can open your eyes now. I informed her. Where are we? she asked taking in her surroundings. Penn Gate, New York. My house on Horseshoe Street. Why are we here? Lexie asked.

My family and some friends of ours have been trying to track down the Preachers. What!? Why? she asked stopping dead in her tracks. If we can find them we plan on stopping them. Reluctantly she started to walk again. Thats very dangerous. I know, but Im not asking you to get involved I just want you to tel l Nana how, where and when they attacked. I said coming to the bottom of the stairs. Billie, is that you? called Nana from the kitchen. Yeah, its me. I said leading Lexie to the rear of the house where I found all four of them sitting at the kitchen table. This is Lexie Woods. I introduced her as she entered behind me. This is my Nana, Josephine Black, my brother, Brian, my friends Dulcie Cortes and Matilda Stanley. Lexies family was recently attacked by the Preachers. Oh, dear, Im so sorry to hear that. Nana said sympathetically. Thanks. Lexie said sheepishly. Just so you know I think youre all mad for wanting to track them down. Weve been trying to find them for a while now with no such luck. Come through, tell us everything. Nana led the way into the living room where Rocket, Nana and I took a seat while the others stood in the doorway. It was about five months ago. she began, We were all at my home for my birthday party. The Union coven and our sister coven, the Hudsons. Both our covens were quite large but my house was really small so it was all so very much tight packed that I hadnt even noticed them at first. They were dressed like anyone else at the party, hidden in plain sight. They had been there for hours, Id j ust assumed they were friends of my parents or someone elses. It was already too late when I realised something was wrong with them. My father had asked me to fetch him a beer from the ice bucket wed left in the garden, I found my aunt and a few of my cousins passed out on the grass but my sister she paused, Candy, they had a noose around her neck and they had tied the rope of it to her play swing befre kicking the stool out from under her feet. she said letting her head fall into her hands while ga sping with tears.

Im so sorry, Rocket. Nana said consolingly holding her free hand. I want you to know I am very grateful to you for telling us this and you have been very brave. Rocket nodded. Do you want me to take you back? I asked with a hand on her shoulder. She nodded. Yes, please. she said standing up. Ill speak to you all later. I said taking Rockets hand. Close your eyes, Rocket. She took in one last haggard breath before we teleported out of my home in Penn Gate. When I opened my eyes I found us under the same tree we were sat at a few minutes ago. Is there any place youd like me to take you? No, I just need to walk a little while. Will you come with me? Of course. So I guess its easy to say your other power is teleportation, huh? Yeah. Whats yours? Without a word she pulled a lighter from her pocket and clicked it three times. Each flame that flickered sat hovering in the air one after another before Rocket motioned with her hands to make them larger and rounder. Rocket then moved her hands to make it look like she was juggling them. Fire manipulation. she said snuffing the flames out with her fingers. I cant create the flame, I can only manipulate it. Youre still incredibly powerful, though. Yeah, youre right. So who was your predecessor? I asked. My uncle Hunter. But Ive been prepared for this for a long time. Ive been ready all my life for this.

I only found out I was a witch a few months ago. Huh!? she said her head whipping around to face me. Honestly, my parents raised me and my brother as ordinary kids. Why? They wanted us to have an ordinary childhood. Which is dumb cause Im not going to have an ordinary adulthood, right? Does your brother know that hes a witch? He found out some time after I did. My aunt and grandmother didnt want him to know till he was eighteen but, since I vanquished his vampire girlfriend in front of him, he found out a little early. You killed his girlfriend? Rocket said slowly to herself. She was turning into an Eve-Walker, it was totally unavoidable. Damn, for a girl who just found out she was a witch youve sure been busy. Oh, you have no idea, trust me. So where do we go from here? I dont think its wise for you to stay in my company too long. Why not? Because, if the Preachers look for me here and discover you they could trace you back to your family and come after all the Blacks. Do you want that? No of course not! Okay, we just have to avoid being alone together and looking all conspicuous. You mean like how were acting now? Rocket pointed out. Good point. Well, Im going this way. I said pointing out of college grounds. Ive got to pay my aunt a visit and then my boyfriend is taking me to dinner at the Craft and Cauldron. The Craft and Cauldron? Seriously? What a way to draw attention to yourself. Oh, please, its a tourist-y place and its my aunts. She owns Blacks Lair next door also. So how do we act around the others? Asked Rocket. Who? Lee, Erin and Drew. Oh, well just act like we dont like each other. I mean the way you acted this morning it isnt going to be a huge leap for them. Yeah, thats a good idea but I dont want to act like a supreme bitch. Neither do I but if the safety of our friends and families matter at all to us then we will just have to suck it up. Agreed. I guess Ill see you later? Yeah, probably when were hating each other. Mm, yeah, unfortunately. She said heading off in the direction of the dorms. Hey, are you going to be okay? I cant say for sure. Will you let me know if you hear anything else about the Preachers? Of course. Will you do the same? Count on it. she said departing. When Rocket was out of sight I checked the area out to be sure that Id be teleporting without witnesses. As soon as I felt sure that it was safe to do so, I felt the spark kindle slightly as I teleported into my aunt Rionas home. Riona? I called down the hall. In the kitchen. she called back. What are you doing? I asked as I stepped in the kitchen to find Riona pouring contents from jars and bottles into a small cauldron atop of the cooker. Young Samuel told me all about the foreign strangers so I just thought Id brew a few batches of emergency potions. What do they do? I asked picking up a bottle from one of her previous batches on the kitchen table. Oh, well, the blackish potion temporarily paralyses, the sort of tangerine one brings on forg etfulness and the violet one knocks em unconscious. What about this one? I pointed to the clear potion bubbling in the cauldron. This one is a little hard to describe. Your Nanna came across this in the early sixties when she was still quite new to the craft. One day she was experimenting with potions when one of them backfired on her. What did it do? She called it the Freak Out potion.

The what!? I laughed. Think of the thing you find most scary and then imagine facing it for hours. Lets say you were terrified of bats if you got hit with this potion youd believe you were being attacked by them. Thats what this potion does. So all these potions are to incapacitate them? Yes. Why would we want to do that? Theyve been in the paper this morning, theyre drawing attention to themselves. Have you still got it? Yeah, its on the coffee table through there. She said pointing in the direction of the living room. On the coffee table was the folded up copy of The Salem Evening News, the article Riona had spoken about had only taken up a part of the front page which bore a picture of the older foreign man in handcuffs being put into a police car with a police officer either side of him. The title above the picture simply read Attack on Animals with a small article below it. It read: Residents near Winter Island last night reported to police a disturbance that sounded terribly like gunfire. Police located said disturbance around midnight where they found a lone drunken man shooting at smaller animals. When police questioned said shooter, Dietrich Kohler, 35, of Frankfurt Germany, said that he was scaring off a wolf that had been in the tent he and his brother, Torsten Kohler, 26, of Frankfurt Germany, had been camping in Winter Island. There was nothing more to the article other than one more sentence that said, Mr Kohlers younger brother baled him out of jail early the following morning. So German guy gets drunk and starts shooting at animals. So what? I mean, its not good that hes shooting at animals or shooting at all, but why are you going to these lengths? I asked pointing out the potions she had brewed after re-entering the kitchen. Isnt it just a little extreme? No. He also said a wolf had been in his tent and that he was just trying to chase it off. And? I dont think the wolf had been in his tent, I think he was hunting it. Again I say, and? Billie, Im not going to pussyfoot around. I know you know what your uncle is. He and his pack were in town last night. You think that the Germans are hunting wolves. No, I think theyre hunting werewolves. Do you think they know that the wolves theyre hunting are werewolves? Id like to say no and, I hope Im wrong but, I have the most horrifying feelin g in my bones that makes me think theyre tracking actual werewolves. Why would they be hunting them? Fear, hate, revenge. Revenge!? I said appalled. Why revenge? Accidents happen, Billie. Werewolves can control themselves but sometimes, especi ally amongst the young and during the full moon, the animal in them takes over. That must be horrible for them when they turn back to man. Mmm, it must be. she said under her breath. But isnt it kind of exciting? I said happily. There are werewolves in Salem, Riona! She laughed. Is it wrong to feel that way? I asked. No, Billie, I felt that way once, too. Do you need a hand to make more potions? I asked. No, thank you. she said pouring the clear liquid into vials. I had a call from your grandmother. Oh, yeah, what did she say? She told me all about Rocket Union and her family. Horrible isnt it? Yes, by the looks of things the Preachers seem to find us when we are all grouped together, you know? It cant be coincidental. Dont you think theyre just waiting until the whole coven is gathered together in one place?

It would make sense in their eyes, I suppose. You know you never told me why you came here. she said. Oh, I had a nightmare last night and Riley was worried abo ut me so he asked me to come speak to you about it. Really? Why would he suggest that? He says sometimes a Witches dreams can be prophetic. Very true. Okay, why dont you set a tray and well have tea? she asked. Sounds good. I said as I set about filling a tray with biscuits and cake as Riona brewed an herbal tea. Okay, begin. she said when were settled down at the kitchen table. Well, at first, in the dream, I thought I was waking up and I found myself in the hospital r oom I was in at Penn Gate Infirmary before the summer. Go on. she said after I took a sip of tea. The place was deserted and a wreck. I walked along the empty corridor for a while before I took the stairs up to the coma ward. Why did you go there? I thought if anyone should be in the hospital it would be the coma patients. I thought I ought to head to Rubys room. And what did you do after you got up there? Riona asked once Id taken another sip. I was going to go straight to Ruby but I saw two bodies lying on the floor of the corridor in the right. And who were they? Riona asked after Id taken yet another sip. And why do you keep asking questions after Ive sipped my tea? I asked just as quickly. The tea youre drinking is actually a potion. she answered apathetically. A potion? Why would you slip me a potion? Every time you take a sip you are compelled to answer truthfully to any questions I might ask you. Why would you slip me this kind of potion? In case theres anything you might try to hide from me, I can make you tell me everything you saw in your dream. I was going to tell you anyway. Yes, but there might be some minor details youd be afraid of telling me. Afraid of telling you what? Like who were the two bodies on the floor? You notice you continued to tell me everything about the dream but when it came to the bodies you stopped and questioned me to distract me. she said staring me down. Who were the people lying on the ground, Billie? My parents. I said shocking Riona. They were dead. I tried to walk away to head back in the direction of Rubys room but the floor came to life then it dragged me down to where they lay. What happened? I saw them change. Change? Decay! Their bodies decayed and when I tried to run more dead things came out of the ground and pulled me down. I gulped down tears of fear. Something came out of the shadows, it was like a person but it looked like it was made from wisps of smoke. It laughed at me, held a noose above my head and it said it said it was my turn. Your turn? What did it mean by your turn? I think it meant it was my time to die. Die!? Yes. I can understand now why Riley would want you to see me. Tell me more about this black creature. She said as she got up and studied her bookshelf. Well, I woke up right after so I cant remember everything. Just tell me what comes to mind. It floated down from one end of the corridor to me. When I saw it up close it looked more real and less smoke-like. The blackness seemed to form into a hooded robe. I didnt see a face. Anything else? It didnt turn up till the dead things had a hold of me. What were the dead things? They were just hands.

And you say it had a noose? Yes! Aha! I think I have it! She said removing a book from the shelf. My aunt threw everything off the coffee table to make room for the mammoth old book she placed upon it. The book was thick and dusty and several pages slipped from its bindings as Riona flicked through the pages until she came to a stop. Is this what you saw? she asked as I kneeled beside her. On the open yellowing page was a painted portrait of the black robed figure with several others that all looked the same. The creatures painted further off in the distance looked like figures of smoke. Theyre called Reapers. Riona said. Reapers? You mean like the Grim -? The Grim Reaper is fictional. Riona interrupted. There are multiple Reapers in the world. They all perform a duty. When a life comes to an end they collect the soul to prepare it for the afterlife, or so we believe. They dont seem as scary. I pointed out. In my dream the thing tha t confronted me I found terrifying but these You find them familiar? Riona asked. How could you possibly know that? Youve met them before. I have? When? When do you think? Riona asked cocking an eyebrow at me. When I was Josephine. I sighed. Right. When you died all those years ago youd have met one of them. I dont remember. I know but there are always traces. Did you ever have a past life? Yes. Who were you? I believe I was some high priestess. Like some sort of super Witch? Yes. That doesnt surprise me. I snickered. So what else do we know about them? Not much. We only meet them when we die, I dont know if its possible to see them whilst we live. I think they may be live on some higher or astral plane and only certain people or creatures can see them. And theyre not scary? Not like the one in my dream? No, you were already afraid in your dream and your imagination ran away with you which made them so terrifying to you. But they do take our lives. No! They do not kill, they are neutral. How do you mean neutral? They are neither evil or good. They perform a duty and that is all. How did they come to be? How are they born? Born? Billie, we dont even know if they are actually alive. Okay, well, then how is it that they exist? How did we come to exist? Through a miracle? Through God? So some believe. And what do you believe? I asked. I dont know what to believe when it comes to the Reapers. Many stories have been told but the one Ive heard most still stays with me. What story? According to a Shaman, the Reapers were made from higher beings. Higher beings?

The Otherworldlies. And what are they? What do you think they are? Aliens? No, Billie. Riona laughed. I dont mean little green men. Stay close to magic and myth when you think of them. Angels? Angels and Demons. Youre saying the Reapers are made from Angels and Demons? Or something like them. This is all very confusing. I said rubbing my forehead. Its just like what mortals think of us. You know what I mean? What witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, oh, theyve got it all wrong havent they! I said sarcastically. You know what I mean. Stereotypes! There are similarities but in the end were different to how they perceive us. she argued. Were quickly switching to random topics here so can we please stay on the conversation we started out on cause Im getting a headache. Right, of course. Why dont we end it here and if you have any other dreams like the one you had tell me everything you see. Sounds good enough to me. Id better be going. Im meeting Riley at your tavern. Have you decided what youd like to do for the Samhain ritual, yet? Excuse me? I asked shocked. Samhain ritual? What is that? You dont know? Ive only known about magic for a few months, Riona! I dont know everything there is to know about it yet. Here. she said passing me another book as she placed the old one back on the shelf. This ought to help you. Samhain is a ritual performed on All Hallows Eve. Have a look at it tonight. I will. Is this something only the coven leader performs? Yes, the leader hosts the festival and performs the ritual. In a nutshell what is it? It marks the end of the summer and the beginning of winter. It is the time of year when the veil between the dead and living is thinnest. There is a record of all rituals prior to this year which will be helpful to you. What happens? Youll plan the festival and make your own ritual, choose what you want to put on your alter and decorations. The list is endless. Once youve written your ritual, youll invoke it almost like you would a spell. Youll call upon spirits of the dead, but only certain spirits. And afterwards? Afterwards youll celebrate with the guests youve invited. We dance, eat, cast spells and tell each others fortune. Youll enjoy it, I promise. If theres anything you need my store will have it. Okay, Id better go. I said glancing at my watch. I dont want to leave Riley waiting. Right, well call me if you need any help with your plans. I will, thanks. Isnt it exciting? she asked after hugging me. What? Your first ritual! If youre father could only see you. Well, if the veil between the worlds of the living and dead are thin then may be he will. You dont want to call upon their spirits? Riona asked a little disappointed. No its too soon. May be in a year or two when Im more confident. Do you have anyone in mind? How about further down the line? Like an ancestor? That sounds good. Do you have a copy of our family tree? Yes, I do, right here. she said pulling a sheet from another book on her shelf. Let me know who you choose.

Actually, I think Ill make it a surprise. Okay. Before you go take some of those potions with you. Just in case you run into those foreigners. After Id put the copy of the family tree and the book on Samhain in my book back I headed back t hrough to the kitchen to grab the potions Riona had brewed. Okay, correct me if Im wrong. I said before pointing at the vials. Black to paralyse, tangerine to forget, purple to knock unconscious and clear to scare em. Right? Absolutely correct. If theres anything I havent covered you can get the ingredients from the store and brew the potions yourself. Not a problem.

After teleporting out of Rionas house and appearing down a side road behind Rionas store I walked out to meet Riley in the tavern. Hey, Im not late am I? I said to Riley as he read his newspaper. No, I was early. he said as I sidled into the booth. Did you hear about those Germans? Yeah, Rionas brewed up a small arsenal of potions, just in case. I whispered as some tourists passed our table. What does she think? he asked. She thinks theyre here to hunt actual werewolves. Is Ulrics pack still in town? I wouldnt think so. He wouldnt want to risk Rowanne running into him. Why do you ask? I think they had a little accident last night. What kind of accident? A man was admitted into the hospital late last night after a vicious animal attack. Riley said turning the paper around for me to see the grizzly picture of a man lying in a hospital bed with several bloody scars on his face. Thats horrible. What did he say attacked him? A black wolf. Ready to order? said an older woman dressed in costume surprising us. Well have two cokes, the Cormarye and the Stewed Capon. Riley said deciphering the medieval themed menu. Ill be right back with your drinks. Our server said before departing. Thank you. I said. Youre welcome. Im going to go next door for a minute. I need to get a book. Call me if the meal comes? Sure. Before a quick departing kiss I walked towards the dividing doors separating the tavern from Blacks Lair. Sadie stood behind the cashier ready to serve the customers in the store. Hi, how are you? I asked. Im good thank you. Hows your little girl? Shes teething but itll pass. Sadie shrugged. I never really got a chance to talk to you at Rowannes party. I heard about your husbands death, Im really sorry. If you need anything just let me know. I said placing a comforting hand on her arm. I appreciate it, thank you. Everyone has been so nice to me and my little girl although were still practically strangers. Do you mind my asking, how did it happen? It was an accident at his work. He works with a lot of machinery and these things happen apparently. she

said sadistically. Where did he work? In an Acula factory. she answered. Acula? What is Acula? Here. she said bending down to reach into her purse under the counter. When she stood up she had a leaflet in her hand. Dev Ryker Acula. Acula Industries. They do all sorts of stuff from searching for oils to making nappies. This guy is rolling in the dole, he tried to buy me off. He what!? I said staring at the picture of a somewhat handsome, if not a little pasty, man. He tried to bribe me so I wouldnt go public with my husbands death at work. He didnt want to get a bad rep. Thats disgusting. Preaching to the choir. Through the dividing doors next to the cashier was the secret store room for real witches and real magic. Here Marylou was working her hair up into a bun with more turquoise hair on display than blonde whilst she wore a teal leaf patterned maxi dress. Hey, good to see you! She called to me. Hi, nice to see you too. Is there anything I can help you with? Where are your books? There are a few shelves over behind the racks of altar cloths. Thanks. I said before heading over to the other side of the store. The bookshelves were mostly made up of ritual books, spell books, potion books and very few mythical creature books. I looked in one or two of the mythical creatures books for the topic of werewolves but all that was said in them was the basic description of your average werewolf. When I reached for one thin book on werewolves at the top of the last shelf a thicker black book fell on my head as I attempted to pull the thinner one out. Falling hard on my butt I made a fool out of myself in front of my fellow Witches. Are you all right? Marylou asked as she rushed over. Yeah, I will be in a second. I said trying to get up. Lifting the large book off the floor I saw the shining silver title on its spine. Versipilles? What does that mean? I think its Latin. Marylou informed. Let me check the dictionary. she said heading to the cashier desk. Yes, here it is. Marylou said after returning with the open book. Versipilles, it means werewolf. I opened the book to read a list of topics within the book. A History of the Werewolf Birth of a Werewolf 3. Transformation 4. How to Recognise a Werewolf 5. Properties of Moon Stones 6. Full Moon Calendar 2. Ive heard about this one, its supposed to be a really good book. Marylou informed me. It covers everything from how they are created, to the transformation and even shows you how to identify one. What is this? I asked pointing to the Properties of Moon Stones on the menu page. Oh, well, there are more than one kind. Im sure your familiar with the gemstone called Moon Stone but the werewolves have been keeping these secret from the mortals for over three millennia. What do they do? Well, it depends. They come in all shapes and sizes and each of them work differently than the others. How? Magic. But they only work their magic for werewolves. Do they have to be in their animal state to use em? I dont know. Youll just have to read it to find out. How much? After inspecting the book herself she answered, $11.50 please. Is there anything else you need? she 1.

asked after taking my cash. Im hosting the Samhain festival this year. Oh, of course, youre the coven leader after all. Yeah, Im a little lost on what I need. Riona gave me this book so I could learn all about it but Im still unsure as to what Id need for the actual ritual. Well, lets have a look at the book. she said guiding me to an empty table to sit at. Heres a notepad for you to take notes of anything we find in here that youll be needing. Thanks for the help. No problem. Okay first of youll need to set your altar, where are you thinking of having it? Um, I was thinking of doing it outdoors with a big bonfire. So just something small and temporary? Yes. Well, first off youll need an altar cloth, candles and a chalice. Why will I need a chalice? As part of your offerings to the spirits. In the chalice youll offer up something like mulled wine or cider. Any other offerings? Well, yes youll decorate your altar with seasonal root vegetables such as squash, corn, beets and carrots. She said rhyming them off. What about this? I said pointing out a page to her. Carve four pumpkins and place one facing north, another facing south and the other two facing east and west. If you carve scary faces into them itll keep the bad spirits away. So what do I need to do now? Right now you should read the book until your satisfied that you understand what youre going to do. Riona gave me a copy of the family tree so I could decide whose spirits to invoke. Yes, thats definitely the most important part. Who do you think I should call upon? Its not up to me. Youre coven leader, its your choice. Kind of unfair though, isnt it? Whats unfair? Its not the first time Ive been coven leader. I said tapping Josephines printed name on the family tree. You were the first born, Bill, its your birthright. Have you ever been to one of these? Hell, yeah, Ive been to everyone since I was born. How is it? Its a blast, really it is. Every year Riona would invoke the ritual and call upon the spirits then afterwards its just like a huge magical party. Theres food, dancing, spells and tarot readings! But it wont be Riona hosting it this year. Itll be different this year. Different doesnt always mean bad. Youll do great. She said clapping my shoulder before leaving me at the table. ************************ Late the same night when I shouldve been studying about the ritual Id be performing in a months time I stayed up and read Versipilles. Riley stayed up and listened as I narrated the book out loud to him about the secret powers of the magical moon stones. Didnt you tell me about these before? I asked from the desk as Riley lay in bed. Yeah, I think you were in the hospital at the time. You said they had the power to heal. I said some had the power to heal but theyre all very rare. Theres so much more. Just like Marylou said depending up on shape and size they can all do different things. Like what? Like this one. I said getting into bed beside him, showing him the portraits. This one is apparently the size of the average hub cap and can stop the person from changing, or this one is shaped like talons, it gives the werewolf the ability to change into any ani mal. Not just the wolf.

What else? he asked intrigued. These ones the size of pebbles, I pointed out, can make them grow really tall. Or there are others that are almost heart shaped can make them run incredibly fast. There are so many, the ability to shrink, theres even one to make them fertile to make werecubs. Is there anything else? Well, the healing stones you told me about are here, I said flicking the pages, theyre sort of square shaped. I wonder where they all are. Your guess is as good as mine. Theyre really quite beautiful, too. Ive never seen stones like these before. Its like white with a silver sheen. Nah, Ive seen better. he said taking the book from me. Whats this? he asked as the Acula Industries leaflet slid out. Oh this is where Sadies husband worked. How did he die? Accident at work. Apparently this schmooze -bag tried to buy her off to save his rep. Can you believe that? Some people are real jerks. he said flicking through the leaflet. Wow th is guys paler than Leonard and thats saying something. Leonard is over four hundred years old. Well, may be hes a vampire. I joked flashing him a toothy grin. Dont kid. he tickled me. No seriously look. I said taking the leaflet back. I took tw o fingers and placed it over most of the owners name so it looked like D R Acula. What does that look like to you? He laughed. You cant be serious? Oh but I am. Watch. I said taking a pen from the night stand. Stick his initials alongside his surname and what does it look like? Im not playing along here. Oh, come on, indulge me. What does it look like? It looks like Dracula. Is it possible? Is he real? There are rumours. Oh my god. What if Sadies husbands death wasnt an accident? What if it was murder? Okay, he said taking the leaflet from me, Bill, its almost eleven we need to get some sleep. Do you think its even the slightest bit possible? I said snuggling under the covers. I wouldnt think so. Like I said rumours, not facts. Do you think Ulric and his pack are still in town? Nope. Especially after that poor guy got attacked. Theyd probably want to get out of dodge. Would those foreign brothers follow them if they left? Unless they managed to slip away unnoticed. Riley said thoughtfully. As Riley wrapped his arms around me the world around me disappeared and the weight of my eyelids pulled me into a slumber as I heard one long piercing cry far in the distance that could only be from a wolf. The sound stirred in me and my eyes quickly snapped back open where I found myself in the hospital room again.

I quickly sprung out of bed and followed the same corridor as before on barefoot. More light spilled in from the now open windows as I made my way to the staircase Id went up the night before. At the top I arrived at the junction where the corridor split in two. Again I saw my parents bodies lying on the ground and as I went to the corridor on the left the ground beneath my feet moved again. I hit the ground hard at

first but I quickly leapt up and ran to the Coma Ward where the ground stayed still. The shadows that I saw on the ground below the night before were here and this time there were whispers. I could barely make out what they said they were so quiet. Turn around, Go back, Leave, Hide! they all said to me. My skin started to crawl, I didnt know if they were trying to chas e me or protect me but my legs had a mind of their own and they kept on moving. I was so close to Rubys room, there were bodies of all the comatose patients still lying in their beds, I could see through the glass panels, just like I thought theyd be. The light outside went away and all that was left was the shine of the moon and the odd flickering light. I heard the cry of the wolf again followed by a bark that was so much closer than it sounded before. I turned around and behind me was a large black wolf, it growled at the sound of laughter in Rubys corridor where I turned to see Desiree and Astrid Moon dressed in hospital gowns like myself. Someones been a very bad, bad girl. Desiree sneered. Get out of my way. I said calmly as I could while the wolf, now stood next to me, growled maliciously at them. No. Astrid said. I get to play first, Desiree. It was me she killed first after all. As you wish. Desiree said bowing to her sister. Astrid leapt towards me, her fangs exposed, but then the wolf leapt for her. While the wolf bit into the screaming Astrids throat, Desiree leapt forth instead. Youre dead, you cant hurt me. I said as she pinned me to the floor. Funny thing about evil, it never really goes away. I cant hurt your physical body but that doesnt mean I cant enjoy messing with your head. The light outside returned. As she moved in for the kill I swung my arm out and Desiree flew out the glass window into rays of glorious sunshine where she burst into a ball of fire. I turned to see the black wolf drag a limp Astrid by the throat to the broken window where she threw Astrid out to burn with her sister. Well, that was a little too easy. I said to the lone black wolf. Striding past the wolf I walked further down the corr idor to Rubys room. Looking through the glass panels I could see Ruby in her bed and her eyes were open. Her eyes were open and they were looking straight at me. I turned the handle on the door but it wouldnt budge. The wolf, now next to me, started barking and scratching the door. The second time I tried the door I saw those wisps of black smoke next to Rubys bed and I knew the Reapers were here. Ruby was on her side and couldnt see the smoke behind her but all the same I could see tears of fear running down her ivory cheeks. I threw my body against the door but it wouldnt budge. The wolf kept scratching the door, clawing the handle and barking and growling at the smoke creatures. One more time I stepped back to throw myself at the door when it opened of its own accord. Standing there was yet another Reaper with a noose in his hands. It just stood there holding the noose as I stared back in fear. He moved forward, the noose now dangling over my head when I heard a voice I hadnt heard in over three years call out to me. Run, Billie! Run! Ruby yelled. I ran back to the window I threw Desiree through and the wolf and Reaper followed me. The sun was still shining as I jumped out the window with the wolf at my back and woke in my dorm room once more. ******************** After my second nightmare Riley decided it would be best for us all if I stayed with Riona. He didnt want to be away from me but he was sure if anyone could help me it would be my powerful aunt. She wasnt thrilled with the idea but agreed to let me stay and help me learn the meanings behind my night terrors. What if these dreams are prophetic, Billie? he said to me. What Im dreaming that Im going to die? You think that? No I dont think its that at all. Then which part of my dream is prophetic?

Ruby. Huh? Its all about Ruby, isnt it? What if shes waking up? After that I couldnt argue that I needed my aunts help. Riley helped me pack up my things and sent me over to my aunts house at three in the morning. Breakfast the next morning was awkward, I had expected more of Rowanne but she wasnt very welcoming either. Could you pass the butter, please? I said to Rowanne who slid it across the table to me without a glance or a word. Thanks. Riona took one look at the front page of the newspaper and dropped it back on the table as if an electric spark had shocked her. Would anyone like the newspaper? Im done with it. Rowanne picked up the paper took one look at the front page and dropped it like her mother did before leaving to go to the bathroom. Once I was alone in the kitchen I reached for the newspaper to see what was so upsetting. A picture of a young girl was lying in a hospital bed covered in blood and scars with tears running down her face. The article said that, Lydia Campbell, 6, the girl in question was unable to talk but police report that the attack is similar to one James Myers who was submitted to the hospital after a wolf attack. Neighbours of the girl had witnessed a black wolf near her home on Turner Street earlier that night. Black wolf? I read the paper aloud. What? asked Riona entering the kitchen once more. It says here that the first attack was by a black wolf. I just thought it was a bit coincidental. What do you mean? There was a black wolf in my dream last night but it wasnt attacking me, I think it was helping me. I cant talk about it just now, Billie. Can you come by the store at lunch? Sure. Thanks, sweetie. she said waving as she went out the door. Hey, do you want me to teleport you to school? I asked Rowanne as she came in to pick up an apple. No, Marylou is giving me a ride. Rowanne said without looking at me. Ok, well, Ill see you tonight. Yup. she said heading out again. **************************** The rest of the morning was even more awkward than breakfast. Rowanne either ignored or wouldnt face me when she spoke to me. I had no idea what I said or did to make her so upset with me, I couldnt believe that me moving in for a little while could make her so uptight. For years wed loved each other as more than cousins, I thought we were so close that we could always confide in each other no matter what. But of course ever since the accident weve grown up and grown apart, gra dually. I just assumed our bond was stronger than that, but then again Ive been wrong before. Nows not the time to doubt yourself, Bill. Riley said to me when we met before class. She is still a teenager after all, may be shes just going through a rebellious period. Well, I hope its not permanent. I sighed. Cmon, youve got your brother and Jo, youve also got me and my family. I wouldnt say I had Faith. I laughed as we walked away from the dorms. I dont think anyone but Leonard really has Faith. he laughed. How are Willem and Faith? Where are they now? Willem should be here any day now, if he isnt already, and last I heard from Faith she was helping Leonard try to track down Christian. Where? Canada. But we know hes here. I saw him with my own two eyes. He couldve left to cover his tracks. Well, then hes getting pretty sloppy. Why do you think he would show himself to me? Why dont we drop the whole Christian topic and worry about it if you see him again? Okay.

Hey, he said turning me to face him, I love you. I laughed. I love you, too. Gimme a kiss. he said flirtatiously. Hmm, how can I resist? With one hand in my hair and the other on my back he pulled me close to him. His warm lips met mine and they were locked together for only seconds when we were interrupted by a wolf whistle. Hey, Billie! called Erin with Lee, Lexie and Drew at her tail. Hi, guys. I said bashfully with Rileys hand wrapped around my waist. This is my boyfriend, Riley. Hi, nice to meet you. he said politely. Hi, Im Erin and this Rocket. Hi. Rocket said stonily, still playing her part. Hey, man, Im Lee. Hey, nice to meet you. This is Drew. I told Riley as Drew shook Rileys hand. Its nice to meet you. Yeah, you too. Drew said parting his handshake. So do you want to meet up for lunch? Riley asked as the others waited in the distance. I cant I promised Riona Id swing by the store and give her full disclosure on my dream last night. Well, how about dinner? Ill cook. Mm, cant wait. I said with one last parting kiss. After catching up with my college friends Erin hooked her arm through mine as we all walked to class together. Hes a real hottie, Bill. Way to go! Oh, here, before I forget. Lee said pulling flyers out of his bag. My grandmother does this everywhere we go. If you want your future read you should come by my house sometime this week. he said handing us each a sheet. She does crystal ball gazing and tarot reading. Thanks but no thanks, dude. Drew said. That witchy stuff isnt really my scene. I figured but I thought the girls might be interested. Shes really good. he said to us. Very accurate readings every time shes done my own. Madame Lavinia? Rocket said aloud reading from the poster. That name is familiar. I said looking at the flyer Lee handed me. Is that her real name? No. He laughed. She calls herself that when she does her readings. Her name is Liv Boom. I dont know about you girls but I think Id like to do it. Ive never been to anything like this before. said Erin. Are you guys up for it? Sure, why not? I said joining in her excited banter. In my first class I sneakily sent a text to Riley to find out if he was familiar with the n ame Madame Lavinia. I was positive Id heard it before but I just couldnt put it with the memory that was stirring in my mind. The morning dragged as I waited for Rileys response but I never received one so I sent another text to Leonard, Willem and my Nana. Surely one of them would know it? In my last period before lunch I was bored to the point of tears. Almost. The lecture our professor gave was similar to the one hed given the day before which didnt help me with my problem of heavy eyelids. Constantly they drooped till one point I almost closed them but was saved when Lee spoke to me. Hey, can I borrow a pen? he whispered in my ear. Sure. I said before reaching into my bag to pull a pen from my pencil case. I sat up straight and handed the pen to Lee. When I looked again at his hand it was different. The skin was white and the hand itself was shaking. I looked up to look into his face to see my flame haired cousin Ruby shaking and crying in his seat. Save me, Billie! she whispered. I gasped loudly as I woke in class with Lees hand on my shoulder. Bill, are you okay? he asked concerned. Sleeping in my classroom wont be tolerated, Miss Black. Im sorry, Professor Robbins, I had a late night. I apologised.

Well, Ill let if go if your lack of sleep was due to a late night of studying. It was, sir. I lied. Good. Now, where were we? he said aloud returning to the front of class. I didnt doze off during the rest of class but I was really freaked out about my dream of Ruby. When class was out I headed out the classroom, Erin, Lee and Lexie quickly followed me out as Drew lazily walked behind them. You scared the hell out of us, what happened in there? Lee asked after catching up with me. Im sorry I didnt mean to scare you. Ive had a couple of scary dreams about my cousin the last couple of nights. And you had another one in class? Erin asked. Yes. Is this the cousin who goes to school here? asked Rocket. Chloe? No. This was about my cousin Ruby. Where does she go? Lee asked. She doesnt go anywhere. Shes in a hospital in Penn Gate. What for? they all chimed. Shes in a coma. They all stood in silence not knowing what to say. I sarcastically laughed. Its okay, guys, shes been that way for three years. What happened? Erin asked fearfully. She was in the car crash that killed my parents. So they got killed but she survived? Lee asked. Yeah. Well, thats kind of lucky, isnt it? Erin said lost for words. I dont think Ruby would see it that way. So far shes lost three years of her life. Im sorry, Billie. Me and my big mouth. Dont worry, Cash. Youre not the one who put her in a coma. Hello! Can you help me? Im looking for a big college girl on campus, do you know where I could find one? I heard a familiar mocking voice call from behind. I turned to see Willem standing several feet behind in jeans and a yellow t-shirt. Oh my god! I said aloud. Hmm, close but not quite. he laughed. Well, come on, give me a hug! Throwing dignity out the window I ran to him before he caught me and twirled me around. I cant believe youre here. I said happily. Riley, said you might come visit. I couldnt resist. he said letting me down. These are my friends. I said as they gathered around. This is Erin, Lexie, Lee and Drew. Guys, this is Willem hes Rileys brother. Hey, nice to meet you all. Mind if I borrow Billie? I swear Ill bring her back after lunch. Sure no problem. Rocket spoke first. Yeah, it was nice meeting you. Erin politely added before heading off for lunch. After we were off college grounds Willem led the way to a re ntal car hed parked close by. Im sorry, Willem, but Im supposed to go see my aunt at her shop about these really weird dreams Ive been having. Thats fine but I was just coming to answer that text you sent me. he said. So youre familiar with that name? I asked pulling the flyer Lee had given me from my bag. Yeah, I dont think youre going to like it though. Why not? Remember before summer, before you found out who you were? Yeah, how could I forget? The day you invited Riley to your home? Of course.

He we were all lead to believe that you were going to be the big bad evil that had been foreseen. By Josephine. Yes, but wed heard it before you said Josephine had seen it all those years ago. What are you getting at, Willem? I asked fearfully. Riley told you about the prophetess. Madame Lavinia. I said the bell finally ringing. Madame Lavinia. She was the one whom foresaw evil in Penn Gate but she couldnt tell who would cause it. And thats why you all thought of me, cause I was coming in to my powers. Yes. Is she a witch? I asked handing him the flyer. Yes. Then why does she use her gifts for prophet? Hard times are falling upon us all. Were talking economics? I said as we got into the rental car. Im afraid so. This is only going to draw the attention of the Preachers. I said as Willem started up the car. She keeps moving around so she doesnt get caught. So once shes done with Salem shes going to move on and well have to clean up her mess. If the Preachers track her down here then yes, most likely. he said driving onto Lafayette Street. So tell me about these dreams. Ive only had three so far. One just in my last class, one last night and the other the night before. What is it that you see in them? While Willem drove to Blacks Lair I filled him in on my recent night adventures. He was worried about how freaked out I got when I had that dream in class and could see that they were taking their toll on me. So Riley sent you to stay with your aunt, how long do you think youll be there? I dont know. Until we find out whats behind my dreams or discover how to stop them. Do you think Rubys really waking up? Well, in the last two dreams she was already awake so I dont know if that means shes waking or not. But? he said drawing the word out. I cant help but feel shes somehow in danger. After all she did ask me to save her in the dream I had in class, so Im not sure if Im jumping to conclusions or if my subconscious is trying to tell me something. Of course I could just be grasping at straws. Stop doubting yourself. he said wearily. If you feel it in your gut that shes in danger then you cant be wrong. Of course I could be wrong. No, Billie, youre a witch and you are an incredibly powerful witch at that. You need to believe in yourself. Witches are very intuitive and when they use their intuition they can accomplish many amazing feats. God! I said frustrated. They should have a damn handbook. You know more about Witches than I do. Yes, but Ive been around a lot longer than you have. he smiled cockily as he parked next to Blacks Lair. Ill go see Riley, may be we can all have dinner. Sounds good. I said getting out of the car. Ill see you later. As the car pulled out I waved him goodbye before entering my aunts shop. Blacks Lair was quiet but the chatter eluding the Craft and Cauldron told me theyre tavern was full of hungry patrons. Sadie was on front store duty again and almost asleep at her position behind the cashiers desk. I walked on past her to the wooden door that separated the tacky tourist store to the shop in the back where Riona, Julianne and Chloe were at work. Oh, Billie, there you are come on through to the office. Rio na said leading the way with Julianne at our back. Now tell us all about your dream last night. she said as soon as we were comfy in her tiny cube shaped office. Well, I pretty much did the same as the night before at the start only there was a lot of light this time because the windows were open. I said stopping to eat some food. When I got to the upper wards I saw my parents on the floor again and the floor itself tried to take me to them but I got away.

What happened after that? asked Riona. It got dark as I walked down the corridors to the coma ward and I saw the moon was out in the sky. I heard a wolf howl and bark then I turned to see this big black wolf behind me. What did it do? It started to growl at the sound of laughter. Who was laughing? Julianne asked concerned. Desiree and Astrid Moon were behind me. Astrid tried to attack me but the wolf went for her throat so Desiree took her place and she threw me on the floor. The sun returned so I telekinetically threw her out the window where she burned before the wolf dragged Astrid out to burn alongside her. You said this morning you thought the wolf was helping you. Riona noted. Yes. I went to Rubys room and the wolf followed me but I couldnt get in to the room, the door was jammed shut and I could see through the glass panels that Ruby was awake. The black smoke was near her bed. The Reapers? Riona asked almost sceptically. They do not harm the living, Billie. I know, I know. But may be it represents something else. I kept trying to get into her cause she was crying and the wolf was trying to get the door open too. I threw myself at the door several times and it wouldnt budge. The last attempt I made I almost went through the door when another Reaper opened the door. What did he say? Riona asked. Nothing. He stood with the noose in his hand like before and I was scared stiff. Ruby shouted at me, told me to run and so I did. Both the wolf and I ran back to the window where I threw Desiree through and we jumped into the sunlight. What happened after that? asked Julianne. I woke up. And thats when Riley sent you to me? Riona asked. Yes, but thats not all. I dosed off in class just a few minutes ago and I dreamed of Ruby again. In the hospital? No. She was sitting in my friends chair. I went to get a pen out of my bag for him and when I turned back around there she was, sitting in his chair. Did she say anything to you? they asked in unison. She asked me to save her. I said as tears stung my eyes. What do you think it means? They looked from one another back to me before Julianne said, Could Ruby possibly be trying to make contact with us? Can she do that? I asked. I dont know. Riona answered. Weve never met a witch whose been co matose before. Ruby will soon be turning eighteen so I imagine its a possibility for her to tap into her magic and speak to us in our sleep. Do you really believe she can do that? With magic anything is possible. Julianne answered. So Ruby is waking up? Riona asked aloud. No. I said and they turned to face me again. I dont know if shes waking up or not but one thing Im sure of shes in danger. How? Julianne asked. I dont know how. Could it be possible that the Preachers have tracked her down? I answered. We need to warn everyone if thats the case. There are more witches in Penn Gate than you realise. Riona explained. We need a coven meeting. No. It would be more prudent if I teleported out and warned everyone myself. If we have one big gathering it might be exactly what theyre looking for. I explained. Shes right, Riona. All the attacks theyve made have mostly been when the witches have gathered in groups. Julianne agreed. Then well need to make you a list of who to contact, Billie. Riona said. But first contact your grandmother and check on your cousin. We may even have to warn the Pagans, Riona, just in case they attack innocent people. Julianne warned. I agree. I could speak to Dulcies aunt Laura and she could pass the warning on to the other Pagans. Dont forget about Matilda. Riona warned. I wont. Ill get started now but this will mean Ill have to miss my afternoon classes. Ill take care of the college, dont you worry. Julianne said reassur ingly.

Okay, Ill be back soon. I hesitated before stepping out of the office. What if Im wrong? What if Im warning all these witches about dangers Ive seen in my dreams? They all know the power of a dream, if you think Ruby is in danger well take precautions. Riona said. I might stop off at your house to collect The Black Craft. Why? Julianne asked. So I can take precautions. I explained grimly.

Just like Id told Riona and Julianne, I first teleported to Rionas house to pick up the family legacy, our spell book The Black Craft. The house was empty but it looked as if it had been robbed, everything was upturned, broken and disarrayed on the bottom floor. I ran to the room my aunt was letting me stay in and found it the way Id left it. After gathering my book I checked out the bottom floor again before going upstairs. The only thing missing that I could see was a picture from a broken photo frame lying on the floor. I knew what shouldve been in this frame, the only picture Id ever seen with Riona, Ulric and a younger Rowanne all smiling like the happy family they once were. Inspecting the other rooms I found them like my own, untouched. I couldnt ask Midnight if hed seen the intruder because Id l eft him in the dorm room with Riley. I returned to Blacks Lair to let Riona know what I found when I teleported to her home. Nothing was taken? she asked upset. Nothing I could see except a picture from a photo frame. Which picture? The one with you, Ulric and Rowanne. I answered. Do you think it could be the Preachers? I dont know. I have a spell somewhere that can tell me who was in the house. Dont you worry about the house, Billie. she said. Go do what you set out to do. Ill take care of the intruders. Are you sure? Yes, Im sure and here weve wrote down a list of names and addresses. Riona said shoving a sheet of paper into my open hands. Okay, Ill see you soon. The first Witch I teleported to was my Nana. After shed ga thered Brian, Dulcie and Matilda into the living room I sat with them and told them about my dreams and how it seemed that Ruby was trying to warn me about something then explaining how Julianne and Riona had concluded it had something to do with the Preachers. After I left them I went on to see Dulcies aunt Laura at her art gallery in Manhattan to ask her to warn her Pagan coven after telling her about my dreams of Ruby. I had teleported around half the country by nightfall after seeing most of the Witches and Pagans alike that was on the list Riona had compiled for me. I was uncomfortable teleporting to places I didnt know very well or had never even been too. I went as far as North Dakota and got lost several times so I was grateful that I could just blink and find myself in my own home, should my nerves get the better of me. Come eight oclock I only had two more people on my list and they were two Witches I knew very well. My second last trip was to Alexa Cain at her nursing job in Penn Gate Infirmary. Alexa was with her sister, Marlowe, and her brother, Wynter. I hadnt seen any of them since Id left for college, wed all been Preacher hunting throughout the summer without any luck. Billie, what are you doing here? Alexa asked. Is there somewhere private we can all go to talk? Sure, this way. she said leading us into a medicine store room. Whats the news, Bill? asked Marlowe.

Marlowe was the Cain family coven leader like myself but she was older, ruthless and more experienced than I. She was taller and thinner than Alexa with chiselled cheekbones, her eyes were sharp and only the large waving curls brought out any of her feminine features. Ive been sent with a message from my cousin. I said pointing to the floor above us. From Ruby? But shes in a coma. Alexa said shocked. My aunts think shes been tapping into her powers to communicate with me via my dreams. Interesting. Marlowe said brooding. Whats the message? Wynter asked. Wynter and his twin sister, AnnDee, were the youngest of the Cain siblings. They both looked like younger versions of Alexa, soft and good looking. Wynter was shorter than his older brother, Gracen, but he was muscular and he wore skin fitting clothes to show his muscles off. Danger is coming. At least thats what we believe the dreams mean. Ive been teleporting up and down the country all day letting as many Witches know as possible. Do you think its the Preachers? Alexa asked. I think so. In almost every dream Ive been faced with a noose and thats the Preachers trademark isnt it? Thats what weve been led to believe so far but weve recently discovered a coven of pagans in Connecticut burned to the ground. Marlowe answered. How do they manage to hide their trails? I asked. I honestly dont know. Marlowe said. After we all departed feeling more than a little defeated I headed upstairs to see my cousin. I freaked out a little when I came to the split in the corridor that I arrived at in my dreams the last two nights. There was no bodies lying on the floor of the right hand corridor and there was no ghostly black smoke creatures chasing me out with a noose but all the same I had shivers running down my spine. No black wolf or dead vampires confronted me on my way to Rubys room and there were no Reapers there waiting for me. Rubys hands were ice cold to touch when I placed my own hand in hers. Her eyes stayed closed and her lips still immobile I was certain my cousin wouldnt be awakening any time soon without a miracle. Can you hear me, Ruby? Its me, Billie. Please, tell me what is going on. I begged her as I sat by her side. You have to tell me what to do. If you can hear me show me something. I said before kissing her brow. A flash! Just for a second I saw my aunt Sophia and my cousin Vincent lying in beds just like Ruby. Was she trying to tell me they were in comas also? I bolted out the door and checked every single room in the coma ward foolishly letting myself believe that it might be possible to find my lost relatives here in Penn Gate Infirmary. Of course they werent there, but Ruby knew and she couldnt tell me whilst in a coma herself. If you can, show me where they are tonight. If you can, show me how to wake you. I whispered in her ear before leaving her with one last kiss goodbye. ************************************* After saying goodbye to Ruby and then again to Alexa, I made my way out of the hospital to go to the last Witch on the list by foot. The last Witch was one of my Nana s oldest and dearest friends Rosemary Nelson who lived on Oscar Street near Forrest Boulevard. Whilst walking from the hospital, on Jackson Boulevard, I called Riona to give her an update to tell her about what I saw when I was with Ruby. You saw Sophia and Vincent? she asked shocked. Yes. It looked like they were in hospital beds like Ruby. What else did you see? Nothing. It was only a brief glimpse at them both. So what do we do with that? We dont do anything just now. You go see old Rose Nelson then come back here. If you have another Ruby dream tonight well decide in the morning what actions need to be taken. Okay, Im almost there. Good, Ill see you soon.

When I arrived at old Roses house I knew something was wrong the moment I set foot on Oscar Street, her home was near the end and the front door was ajar. I had The Black Craft in my bag which contained numerous spells that I could use to protect myself should I need it but I didnt want to draw attention to myself here in the middle of a suburban street, my reputation in Penn Gate was one that many had conspired over. Tentatively I walked up the steps to Roses house and entered through the open door. It looked like thered been a fight in here and by the looks of several bro ken potions bottles old Rose had attempted to fight back. Rose? I whispered and received no answer. I walked down the hallway to her living room where there was more evidence of a fight. Every step I took I was getting more and more afraid of what Id find if I ventured further into the house so I went back outside and called for help. Leonard, I need your help. I said after Leonard answered the phone. Whats the matter, Billie? he asked. Im at Rosemary Nelsons house on Oscar Street and something bad has happened here. Is Rose there? No, I couldnt go further than her living room. I just got this horrible feeling, I had to come outside and call for help. Ill be there in a second. he said before hanging up. Literally he was there in a second and walked back into Roses house with me. There was a door in the living room, that led to her tiny kitchen, which was hanging off its hinges but still mostly barred the view of the room behind it. I grasped Leonards hand tightly as I knew what w e would see once the door was pushed out of the way. Still holding my hand Leonard used his other hand to push the door out of the way to reveal Rose hanging from a noose tied to the fan on her kitchen ceiling. Shes dead. he said pointing to a stool up turned on the floor beneath her dangling feet. Broken neck. he said disgustedly. I started to cry. Oh, poor Rose. How could anyone do something so evil to such a sweet old lady. Come outside, Billie. Leonard said leading me back out to the garden. Call the police Ill clean up the magical mess within. he said and I knew he meant the potions shed obviously thrown at her killers. Will you be all right out here by yourself? Ill only be a few minutes. Ill be fine. I said wiping my eyes and reaching for my cell phone. While Leonard cleaned up inside I made several calls, first to the Penn Gate Police Department, then to Nana, Riley, Riona and Alexa. Within minutes, Brians truck pulled onto Oscar Street and Nana came flying out of it her face wet with tears. Brian joined us as the police pulled onto the street next to his truck and Brian put an arm round both mine and Nanas shoulders. Id never seen my Nana so upset, not even when my parents died because she had to stay strong for my brother and I. Her face was wet and her body shook with every last sob. Leonard said hed give the police a statement and would tell them he found her alone. It wouldnt make sense for me to be in Penn Gate so soon after leaving for college only a few days ago. I was heartbroken at the thought of leaving Nana at a time like this but they all told me it was for the best and made me teleport out when nobody was looking our way. I returned to my aunts house in Salem where she was waiting for me in the kitchen. I dont want to talk about it, not tonight. All I want right now is to sleep. Okay, I understand. she said. Ill see you in the morning. In my room waiting for me was Riley, he opened up his arms and I ran into them before we collapsed onto the bed. Is there anything I can do? he asked stroking my hair. No. Just stay with me tonight, please. Anything for you, Bill. At the sound of the purring engine that was my cat Midnight I thanked Riley for bringing me this extra comfort as Midnight leapt into my arms. Licking my face in his affectionate way I could hear his thought quite clearly.

Dont come back to the dorms. Its safer for you here. his little voice said through the bond. Why whats wrong with the dorms? I asked through the bond. The Hart boy has been watching for your return. Has he tried to get in? No, but I saw him talking to the blonde girl in your class. Erin? I asked worriedly. Yes. Be cautious, I think he intends on seeing her again. Over my dead body!

The dream began again, another change this time. It was still light from the sunshine pouring in but now the hospital was clean looking, still a mess but everything looked a lot cleaner. I sprinted down the corridor and then up to the coma ward, again my parents bodies were on the floor of the corridor on the right, the linoleum under me tried to trip me and pull me down. I ran down the left corridor before arriving at the coma ward where I heard the whispers again, getting louder all the time. The black wolf returned and faced down the Moon sisters with me once more before returning our attention to Ruby. I froze at the sight of the noose in the Reapers hand, the wolf jumped up and with his jaws took hold of the noose then ran away with the Reaper chasing after him. Rubys eyes were open and the black smoke around her bed grew darker as I stepped inside the open door. There was a broom leaning against the wall next to me, using it I swatted at the darkness in the room. While swatting at the darkness I knocked off the clipboard hanging on the end of Rubys bed. Lifting it off the ground a sheet came free from the pages within with a list of medicines on which were mostly scored out except for one Sodium Thiopental with a scribbled signature next to it that I barely made out due to the looming darkness coming around Rubys bed again. Swatting, I heard the wolf yelp as the Reaper returned with the noose in hand. Oh, we are not doing this tonight. I said before grabbing the noose myself as the wolf and I ran back to jump out the broken window into the welcome sunlight. When I woke I found myself still in Rileys arms and was scared still when I found I was clutching onto the noose Id taken from the Reaper in my dream. Getting o ut of bed I took the noose with me to see Riona, I couldnt wait till morning I was trying so hard not to freak out. How could a noose Id dreamed about manifest in my own hands? Before I made it to the stairs however a pining and scratching noise from the kitchen caught my attention. Noose still in hand I silently walked to the kitchen where the door to the basement rattled as something behind it tried to force its way out. Ready to avoid being attacked I started to levitate so if any unknown beasty tried to get me Id just float to the ceiling unharmed. My hand shook as I placed it upon the door handle and the door no longer took a beating from whatever was locked inside. The creature, obviously sensing my presence, stilled as I flung open the door and then just as quickly levitated to the ceiling. The black wolf from my dream stared up at me. Am I still dreaming? It cant be it feels to real. the wolf barked at me. Slowly I floated down to the kitchen table then the wolf went to the back door w hich led out to Rionas patio and garden. He scratched at the door just like hed done at the basement door until I came down next to him. You bite me Im going to knock you out with this torch. I said reaching for the thick chunky torch Riona kept near her back door and then reaching for an Athame from her magic cupboard. The wolf stared up at me patiently like a dog waiting to be walked until I swung the door open and the wolf bounded out into the garden, dancing in the moonlight. Stepping out into the garden I raised my head to the heavens and saw the full moon in all its glory shining down upon us. I left the noose on the kitchen

table and grabbed my broomstick as the wolf ran down towards the beach. Taking to the air I followed the wolf as it ran, howled and leapt towards Winter Island. Near here was where the young girl and man were attacked, allegedly, by a black wolf and where the foreign man had claimed hed chased a wolf out of his tent. It was so late and dark out that I didnt need to wor ry about being seen on my broomstick so I flew alongside the bounding wolf and tried to lead him away from Winter Island. The wolf delighted in my chase after him and I watched the glistening moon shine upon his raven fur. As I flew above the trees I saw the wolf come closer to the campers and try as I might I couldnt turn the wolf around. I could see the Kohler brothers tent near by but no sign of the brothers themselves. The wolf sniffed around their tent before heading off further into the trees, away from the innocent and unknowing campers. I stayed in the trees as the wolf continued to sniff the ground at his feet some more before sprinting off into the darkness, hitting the ground hard I attempted to call him back to me with no avail. Who are you? asked a man in a foreign accent. I turned to see the younger brother. I could ask you the same thing. Were you just flying that thing? he asked fearfully pointing at my broom. Quick as a fox I pinned him to a tree, Athame at his throat and hand over his mouth. You are going to tell me everything. Why are you here? I said removing my hand from his mouth. Please, dont kill me. This was my brothers idea, not mine. he said hastily. Tell me who you are and what you want. I said pressing the blade of the Athame to his throat. My name is Tortsten, my brother is Dietrich. he said in a rapid German accent. Please! It wasnt my idea! What are you talking about? What wasnt your idea? In the distance I heard the wolf howl. In an instant I was on my broom and swooped over the highest trees till I found the distressed wolf. I landed hard to find the older brother using a taser gun on the black wolf. The howls changed from the cries of an animal to a human. Although the wolfs body was still the fur began to shed and left behind bare human flesh, his body contorted and warped until the limbs were human, the snout was a button nose and the only hair left was the long raven hair that spilled down over her shoulders. Rowanne! I called to my cousin. Her eyes opened a miniscule before she passed out. You bring me father, I give you daughter. The older brother said covering my cousins body with a blanket. You let her go right now! I yelled. Father for daughter. he said. He turned his back on me and I ran towards him to attack but he turned in time and shot me down the same way he did Rowanne. Electric sparks ran through my body shocking me until I couldnt take it anymore. Halten Sie an! Sie ist nicht einer von ihnen. shouted Torsten. Sie ist eine Missbildung, gerade wie sie. Was wrde unser Bruder sagen, ob er Sie sah junge Mdchen wie sie foltern, egal was sie sind? Verteidigen Sie sie, Torsten? Sie sind Ungeheuer. Es nimmt, um ein, Bruder zu wissen. was the last I heard from Torsten before my eyes closed tight till morning. *************************************** The dappled sunlight broke through the trees and poured down upon me in waves of heat. The German brothers were gone and so was Rowanne. Rowanne! My theories about her were right all along, my cousin is a werewolf. I sat up straight to reach for my broom and Athame lying on the ground nearby. I couldnt submerge from the trees with a broomstick and dagger in hand, people would freak out for sure. Instead I teleported back to Rionas home where I was sure there would be people worried once theyd noticed Id disappeared. Id have a lot to answer for but so would my aunt Riona. ****************************************** Everyone was at Rionas, they looked like they were about to start a search party. Riona, Riley, Willem, Samuel, Marylou, Julianne and Chloe were all in the garden going over anything that could help them find both myself and Rowanne. I was surprised to hear Faiths voice nearby also.

I saw Christian last night. I heard her say. He didnt look too happy to see me, to say the least. Do you think he couldve taken them? asked Rileys worried voice. May be, Billie, but I dont see why he would take Rowanne. He didnt. I said walking into the circle of worried faces. The voices turned from worried to angry in a nanosecond. If youd let me explain Ill tell you what happened. I said then they all fell silent. Im guessing you all saw the noose on the kitchen table? A round of yes answered me. At the end of the dream I grabbed the noose and ran out to the sunlight, when I woke up it was in my hands. I came to speak to Riona about it but I got distracted with the werewolf locked in the basement. What werewolf? asked Samuel. Why did you have a werewolf locked in the basement, Riona? Julianne asked. I followed the wolf out to Winter Island and was confronted by the German brothers camping out there. As it so turns out, Rowanne is a werewolf. Everyone turned to Riona, shamefacedly she confirmed that her daughter was indeed a werewolf. It was an accident. Ulric attacked her when she was a child, he couldnt stop himself. He left after that, couldnt bare to look at what hed done to her afterwards. Youve raised a werewolf all by yourself, Riona? Why didnt you tell us? Julianne asked. I couldnt I wasnt alone, the other pack members would come at the full moon cycle and teach her about being a werewolf until she could do it without being babysat. Why didnt you tell us? I asked her. I was scared, I didnt know what to do. I was the coven leader, people already looked down on me for marrying a werewolf. What would you say about my daughter? We wouldnt have said anything! I cried. I love Rowanne so much, I couldnt care less if she turned into a troll once a month, shes family and family stand by one another. What about the attacks? Samuel asked. When she came into her powers she lost it for a day or two. She attacked the man, it was an ac cident. He scared her she didnt mean to attack. What about the girl? Chloe asked. She didnt do it! Riona said her head in her hands as she cried. The Germans have got her now. They want to trade Ulric for Rowanne. I said to them as Faith guided Riona back inside. Why would they take her? Riley asked. I dont know. I tried to get her back after she turned back to her normal self but the moron that had her attacked me with a taser gun. How do we get in touch with her father? Willem asked. Ulric is very rarely in the country. Julianne answered. But Ralph and Daryna are always in Boston. Marylou chirped in. Do you think hed come to help her? Riley asked. Of course he would. Riona said stepping back outside as Faith tried to drag her back in. Shes his daughter, regardless of their history hed come and save her. Okay, someone try and call them. Im going to Penn Gate to gather more troops. I said. Is that really a good idea, Billie? asked Julianne. The more help we get the sooner we find Rowanne. Nobody argued further with me before I went to my home in Penn Gate. Dulcies aunt Laura was there along with Leonard, Alexa Cain and her siblings Marlowe, Wynter, AnnDee and Gracen, were all grieving over the loss of Rosemary Nelson. Billie, dear, what are you doing here so soon? Asked Nana. Im sorry to interrupt but we have an emergency on our hands and I need all the help I can get. I said to the crowded room that also consisted of Brian, Dulcie and Matilda. Whats wrong? Brian asked. Rowannes been abducted by a couple of German bounty hunters. They want to trade her for Ulric. Why would they take her? Matilda asked.

I dont know but I think its got something to do with the fact that Rowanne is a werewolf. What!? Said Nana, Brian, Dulcie and Matilda in unison. No time to explain. Whomever can come help Id appreciate it. Well come. said Dulcie and Matilda. So will I. Nana said bravely. Im not about to lose someone else. Me too. Brian said standing. No, Brian, you need to stay here. You and the Cains will look after Ruby in our absence. Agreed? Nana turned to them. So unfair. Brian muttered under his breath. ***************************************** After hours of Nana and Riona rowing about Rowannes true nature we settled down to devise a plan. Nobody could get in touch with Ralph Howell or his wife Daryna. The last time anyone heard from them they were staying in the Liberty Hotel on Charles Street in Boston. In the evening Id teleport to the hotel with Chloe, Marylou and Faith while Leonard, Riley, Willem, Samuel and Marcus would search the woods for her as Riona, Nana and Julianne would work their magic with the help of Dulcie and Matilda. At night we arrived in a parking lot across the road from their hotel in between the trees. Nobody was around or nearby at least to see us suddenly appear in the parking lot. Once safely across the road we entered the hotels main entrance and made our way to the reception desk. Wow! Impressive. said Faith behind me as we took in the luxurious interiors. After speaking to the polite lady on reception she wasnt going to disclose the whereabouts of Ralph and Daryna until Faith imparted upon her that we were in a life or death situation. The couple were on the fourth floor of the fabulous hotel. After two knocks Ralph answered the door with only a towel tied around his waist. Billie!? What are you doing here. he asked surprised. Can we come in to talk in private? I asked. Of course, come in. he said opening the door wide enough for us all to enter. What brings you here? Where is Daryna? Im here. Ralph, what is going on? Ralphs Ukranian wife asked wearing nothing but a towel also. I was just asking that myself. We need Ulric. I explained. What? Why would you need Ulric? We know about Rowanne. Marylou chimed in. Were all sort of cousins, except Faith, and Billie just discovered Rowannes true nature last night. Is she hurt? Daryna asked. No, shes been kidnapped by two German brothers. I answered. Why would they take her? Ralph asked. I dont know but they said to me Father for daughter. They want to trade? Daryna said. Ill call him right now. Do you know if the men who took her were werewolves? I doubt it. They dont seem too keen on them. If you can take me to where she was taken may be I can track her down. Weve got three vampires, a Witch and a Pagan doing the same thing as we speak. Faith added. Still it would be best if Daryna and myself try also. We are more attuned to Rowannes scent. Give me a few minutes to get dressed and make some calls then well come with you to Salem. How does that sound? he said frantically moving about the room. Sounds good to me. Well meet you in the parking lot across the road. I pointed out the window with the amazing Boston views. Great, see you in a few. he said disappearing into his bedroom. Ten minutes later Ralph and Daryna found us in the parking lot fully dressed and ready to go. I called Ulric, hes in England. Hell get the next flight over as soon as possible. Ralph said. Weve also called the pack members. Daryna added.

Yes, should neither myself, Daryna or Ulric find her we will go out in a collective to hunt her captors down. Good, the more the better I think. We first teleported to Rionas house for an update then I left again with Ralph, Daryna, Faith and Riona to advance the search. The search was tiring and we constantly questioned why the brothers would want to kidnap a werewolf. All night we searched fruitlessly, I returned my friends and family to Penn Gate and teleported Ralph and Daryna to my dorm room so that we werent all gathered under one roof. It would be too much ammunition for the Preachers if wed stayed together. Another coven wiped out of existence because of sheer recklessness.

I forced myself to stay awake to avoid anymore dreams that was just sure to send me around the bend. Riona found me in the living room at three in the morning while Riley still slept in our room. What are you doing up so late? she asked. I cant take another one of those nightmares on top of the real nightmare in the waking world. You need to sleep, Billie, you need your rest. But theyve not been very restful the last couple of nights. Tell me all about the last dream you had. What happened last night? she asked. The hospital was cleaner, it seems to change with every dream. I fought the demons ag ain, alongside the wolf, which turns out to be Rowanne. Do you think if you went to sleep again you could talk to Rowanne too? May be find out where those men took her? May be. But were not talking about that just now. Of course, tell me about the dream. I got into her room the wolf grabbed the noose and the Reaper chased after her. Inside the room was a broom that I used to swat the darkness away from Ruby then I knocked the clipboard with all her statistics off the bed and one sheet came loose. What was on it? Riona asked. A list of medicines. Most were scribbled out but there was one still intact along with some initials. What did it say? Sodium Thiopental. D.K. What kind of medicine is that? Whose initials are D.K? I dont know. I thought I might Google it tomorrow morning. Makes sense. But you really should sleep, Billie. I scoffed. Is that cause you want me to make contact with Rowanne or because you want more of Rubys message? Both. she said before entering the kitchen. How did this come to you? she asked holding up the noose. The Reaper came back with the noose, I grabbed it and the wolf and I ran out into the sunlight like the night before. So you just woke up with the noose in your hand? Yes. I freaked out and came to see you but that was when I discovered the wolf from my dreams in your basement. Interesting. Riona said pensively. *************************** Again I awoke in my hospital bed, just like in my other dreams, only this time the black wolf was waiting

for me to wake up. She trotted over to the open window where the dark dismal clouds hung in the sky. Nimbly I climbed out of bed to join her as she gave one long piercing cry, she turned to me and our eyes met. Closer I got to her, closer I looked into her eyes and there I could see Rowannes dirty brown eyes. Hello, Rowanne. I said acknowledging that I knew she was there. The wolf gave one happy bark before turning her head back to gaze into the skies expectantly. Barely a minute later the dark clouds parted and the full moon in all her glory shone down upon us from the heavens above. Rowanne howled once more before turning her back to the window and running out of the room. Following her out I noticed she wasnt heading in the direc tion of the coma ward but down to the main entrance. She was faster than me, her padded paws barely touched the floor. She got so far ahead of me at one point I only knew where she was because I could hear the clicking of her claws hitting the linoleum floors with every step she took. I found her just outside the main doors, under the nearest light in the parking lot. The tiny lit concrete field was lined with trees but I knew this was part of my dream cause there was no trees in the real parking lot, all you could see was the buildings on either side of the hospital. Rowanne stalked towards the trees where many animal eyes gleamed ever watchful of us. After stepping through the space between two oak trees I turned to see the hospital still visible beyond the green thickets of leaves. The scene around me was offsetting knowing I should have stepped out onto a small suburban street I instead found myself in an unknown forest. Quickly I followed her into a dream that was not my own but my cousins. Ruby was connected to me by dreams and now Rowanne was too, our minds were bleeding into each others these past few nights and god only knows the repercussions that would have on us. Dozens of oak trees hinged a small clearing where the moonlight licked the treetops and emerald blades of grass, red and yellow tulips swayed in the warm evening breeze as the sound of ducks and the trickle of water from a nearby pool reached us. It became clear to me that this was a werewolf haven as small rabbits hopped far away from the nearing wolves and the grazing dears roamed off to farther pastures. There was plenty animals to prey on, a pool of water to drink from and soft warm grass to laze upon. The wolves entered the forest from the west as we followed them to the shoreline from the south. Many of them gathered to lap up the clear cool water, while others swam and chased the ducks or slept on the pools banks. Rowanne squeezed between two large greying males to make room for us both by the waterside. I got a shock when I looked into the water to see the reflection of the wolves wasnt the animal reflection but that of the face of whom they really were. Rowanne in wolf form stood to my left lapping up the water while her human face smiled up at me from the reflecting water. The black-grey wolf to her left reflected her fathers, Ulrics, face and the black wolf with just a few wisps of grey fur on my right was Ralph and the dark tanned wolf with a white fur collar was his wife, Daryna. I looked all around me to the wolves near the water. A wolf entirely grey stood on Ulrics left, his reflection was of a man not much older than Ralph but with a head full of silver grey hair. Further to his left was a reddish looking wolf slumbering in a bed of fallen autumn leaves, she was close enough to the water for me to see that she had long curly scarlet hair with a long nose and a prominent chin. In the water three younger wolves chased the ducks, two were boys around my own age. One in wolf form was a deep chocolate brown with short fur which matched his military style haircut and the other was black but not as dark as Rowanne with a round face and a cleft lip. The third young wolf in the water with them was a girl, in wolf form her fur didnt differ much from her hair either, it was long, shaggy and a dirty sort of blonde. She didnt look much older than fourteen and as far as I could see she was the youngest of the pack. There many other wolves still in the forest chasing after their midnight meal or lazing around like the redhead. Why did you bring me hear? I asked as Rowanne and some of the nearby wolves turned to listen curiously. Rowanne grumbled indistinctly in her wolf throat before barking at something she saw in the water. A sheet of paper floated along the waters surface from the west to the east, stretching my arm out I telekinetically changed the currents direction and the loan sheet flowed to the bank where we sat.

It was the front page of yesterdays Salem Evening News with the picture of the small girl, Lydia Campbell, who was allegedly mauled by a black wolf. Rowanne was the accused wolf and I knew Id have to see the girl and find out what really happened to her. May be she could help me find Rowanne in the waking world. The crunch of leaves behind us and the wolves circled, snarling, on the alert for whomever was approaching. A shock of red on white and I saw my pale cousin Ruby cowering behind a nearby tree. She was ghostly pale and trembling as she struggled to keep on her bare feet. Hes coming. she whispered, a cloud of breath escaping her mouth. Who is coming? I asked. Hes going to put me back to sleep. What are you talking about? How did you get here, Ruby? I crossed over the dreams, just like you did. she hesitated. I waited for you to come to me just like you did before but when you didnt I had to come find you. I dont know what you want me to do. You send me all these cryptic dreams and clues but I dont know what you want me to do with them. Her head snapped back round to the direction shed come from before saying, I have to go. You should too, you dont want anything else following you through here. Wait! I called to her as she moved to leave. She quickly ducked down and rolled something towards me over the uneven ground before darting back to the hospital. At my feet she had rolled a small syringe and needle with its cap on. The syringe was full of a liquid that I was not familiar with and the small writing on the label read Sodium Thiopental. I turned back to Rowanne just to see she was no longer there either. Where did she go? I asked the circle of wolves. They all looked around the forest like they hadnt noticed shed gone either. Eventually the reddish one ran back to the shoreline and started barking at the short cliffs opposite us. There Rowanne stood on her own watching us in the darkness, suddenly her head turned upwards and she howled. Her cry was heartbreaking, twice more she cried before the darkness swallowed her whole. The wolves cried out to her but she wasnt heard again, after a failed struggle to get to her the wolves soon ran back to the west where they entered the forest before. I tried to follow them but they were to fast for me and eventually I got more than a little lost looking for them. After going round in another circle of dead ends I wound up at the clearing, behind a tree near the bank a figure stood holding something I couldnt quite see. Remembering what Ruby said Id guessed this figure had followed us from one dream to this one. Tentatively I stepped forward to get a better view of who stood behind the tree. Hello, whose there? I called. The head of the figure turned to look at me but its face was blocked by a low hanging tree branch. It dropped the bundle in its arm and kicked it down the small slope where it rolled down just a few feet from me. The bundle was a person a person I knew very well. Matilda lay still on the ground her eyes frozen open in fear and blood flowing freely from a wound in her throat. I ran to her, I tried to wake her but she stayed still. The image of Eve in her coffin still and dead came back to me as Matildas bo dy limply dangled in my arms. You did this! I shouted to the figure behind the tree. You killed her! And you killed us. Desiree and Astrid Moon said stepping out on either side of the hidden figure. You owe him two lives so hell start with your friends and family. Desiree said removing the tree branch to show her brother Christian standing there with blood smearing his mouth. Then hell come for you. Christian leapt off the slope and landed on me, pinning me to the ground. His face changed from the handsome stuck up boy Id first met to a monster. Blood covered fangs shot forth and his eyes went dark as the sky before he struck like a snake and bit me. Riley caught me in his arms as I launched out of my bed every nerve on fire as the dream came to an end. Its okay, Ive got you. Ive got you, youre safe. he said soothingly rubbing my back. I clung onto him for dear life so tightly he wouldve choked if he had the need to breathe. He cradled me in his lap and raised a glass of water to my mouth where I gratefully drank the cool water. He held me till I

was calm before letting me sit up in bed. What happened to you? he said brushing my hair aside and kissing me. What did you see? I saw the wolves, Ulrics pack. What else? The Moon sisters and Christian. He killed Matilda and then he attacked me. I cried. Shh he soothed me. Did they say anything? Desiree said I owed him two lives and that hed start with my friends and my family, then hed come for me. Willem, call her grandmother make sure everyones alright. Riley said to the open doorway where Willem and Riona stood. Thank you. What about Ruby? Did you see her? Riley asked. Yes, but not in the hospital. I crossed over from my dream to Rowannes and Ruby followed me there. I need to find out what Sodium Thiopental is. You said that last night, too. Riona said. You said you were going to Google it. I will, right now. Riley, could you pass me my lap top, please? Billie. Please, Riley. It might help me understand the reason behind these dreams. Alright. he said reaching into my bag for the computer. Your grandmother says everyone is well. Willem said with the phone in his hand. Can I speak to Matilda? I asked. Ill ask. Willem said returning to the phone. Hey, Mrs Black, can you put Matilda on? Billie wants a word with her. Here. he said passing the phone to me. Matilda? I asked taking the phone. Bill? Whats going on? Why are you calling so early? Matilda asked. Sorry, I had a bad dream. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. A bad dream about me? Was it the prophetic kind of dream? she asked worried. No. I lied. I dont know. Just let me know if you see or hear from Christian. Will do. Bye, Bill. Bye, Matilda. Handing the phone back to Willem, Riley passed me my laptop already loaded and on Google. I typed in the word Sodium Thiopental and it came up with a long list of results, one at the top was for an Encyclopedia entry. On the website was a contents table and the third on the list was written Medically Induced Coma. My gasp alerted the others that Id found something and gathered around my bed to get a better look at the screen. What does it say, Billie? Riona asked. It says Sodium Thiopental can be used to medically induce comas. Listen Thiopental was historically used to induce medical comas. It has now been superseded by drugs such as Propofol. Do you know what this means? What? they asked in unison. Someones been keeping Ruby in a coma. Drugging her, the coma is not real. Oh my god! Riona cried. We need to find the person who did this to her. D.K. were the initials I saw in my dream. Who do we know with those initials? Someone who knows medicine undoubtedly. A knock at the front door interrupted our new discovery as Riona and I went to see who could be visiting at three in the morning. When Riona opened the door there stood Ulric with his brother and sister-in-law either side of him. Hello, Riona. Ulric said in a gruff voice. Ulric. My aunt said in a hushed voice before passing out.

Ulric carried Riona back to her bed before returning to the living room where Riley, Willem, Ralph, Daryna and I waited for him. Billie, right? he asked. Youre your fathers double, Im guessing youre coven leader now that youre eighteen. Thats right. Where have you been? I asked angrily. Do you have any idea what you put your wife and your daughter through? I had to leave, especially after what I did to Rowanne. he said apologetically. Leaving wasnt the answer. I dont know much about being a werewolf but Im sure Rowanne could have used her father when she turned. She wasnt alone. Ralph said. Ulric sent us to her when she was ready to turn. Daryna explained. Its not the same. I argued. No, youre quite right. I was a coward, I still am. But Im here now and I wont go until my daughter is safe once more. Your daughter? You have no right to call her your daughter. Fifteen years youve been gone, you are no father to her. I understand your frustrations with me, Billie, I take full responsibility for my actions. My choice to leave wasnt easy. I thought I was doing right by Rowanne. I think what we need to focus on right now is finding Rowanne. Ralph interrupted. You saw the dream tonight. I was in a forest with Rowanne and your pack. I answered. They came here to help Ulric find Rowanne. Would you mind if they came in out of the cold? R alph asked indicating the back door. Well, its not my house but I cant see Riona having a problem with it. Sure they can come in. Daryna walked to the door her high heels clicking off the kitchen tiles as she crossed the floor. When she opened the door there was a small crowd of people in Rionas back garden waiting for permission to enter. She says you can come in. Daryna said to the werewolves. One by one they crossed the threshold and as each werewolf neared me Riley took another step forth till he was by my side. Uh uh, not him. Riley said as Kyle Reid came in last behind the young blonde with shaggy hair. He tried to poison our family a few months ago. Willem explained. Oh, so youre the vampires. Ulric noted. Cant say I care for your taste in men, Billie. Daryna laughed. You have no right to question my judgement. I said hotly and received several angry growls from the werewolves. Youre insulting their leader. Ralph explained tersely. I dont care who he is. He does not come in this house after fifteen years and pass judgement upon those that I love. You are all here as guests, I addressed the room, you all care about Rowanne but let me make one thing clear. I am the leader of my coven, I am more powerful than all of you combined. If you give my boyfriend or his family trouble, I will make you regret it. I said as Riley and Willem smiled on proudly, if not a little cockily. There wont be any trouble here. Ulric said aloud. We have no problem with the vampires, were here to save our own. Your own? Riona asked entering the kitchen. Being one of your own means you must belong. If anyone here decides where Rowanne belongs itll be myself or her coven leader. Riona nodded to me. Yes, I understand that, Riona, but our daughter is not just a witch. Our daughter is special. Yes and she has you to thank for that, Ulric. But instead of staying to help her control the inner animal you decided to run.

I never meant to hurt her. he said hotly. You know that well enough. Its not for any of us to decide whether hes guilty or not, Riona. I stepped in before the argument got any more heated. Its up to Rowanne. So lets remember why were all here. Perhaps we should start with introductions. Ralph suggested. Yes, would you do the honours, brother? Ulric asked. Of course. Everyone this is Billie and Riona Black and Riley and Willem Smith. This here is Aiden Young. Ralph said introducing the silver haired man. Sara ODornan. The redhead. Liam Dovey a nd Torrance Giffard. he said pointing to a large muscular dark skinned man and a short blonde woman. The youngest of our pack, Logan Lipman, Noah Harling and one Miss Peyton Newman. There are more on their way. If we require the help of other packs there are those that owe us favours. Ulric explained. They only asked for you. I said. The father for the daughter. Why would they want you? Do you know them? Not to my recollections. he answered. Now is not the time to sit around and ponder what their connection to you is. Riley spoke up. We need to take action if we are to stop them hurting anyone else. I agree with Riley. I said to the room. If youd like I can take you out to where Rowanne was taken. That wont be necessary. Ralph knows the way he can show us. We dont want you getting hurt in the crossfires. Ulric explained. I am more than capable to take care of myself. Im sure you are a capable witch, Billie, but youve never had to deal with an out of control werewolf before. Rowanne has been effected from the drastic changes since coming into her powers. Shes gone wild. said Ulric in his gruff disconcerting voice. If you dont mind wed prefer it if Logan, Noah and Peyton stayed with you while were in Winter Island searching for Rowanne. suggested Ralph. You dont think theyve left Winter Island? I asked. No, we believe they are fooling us by hiding in plain sight. Daryna added. Wait you really think theyd keep an out of control wild werewolf on a camp site w here there are families on holiday there? Its the perfect cover and if anyone else gets hurt do you really think theyd care? she asked. No, I suppose youre right. So its settled the kids will stay with you while we search for Rowanne. Ralph said . Come on, Ralph, we want to help Rowanne too. said Logan, the boy with the military style hair cut. Yeah, isnt there something we can do? Noah asked. Yes, you can stay out of trouble. Ulric menaced. Theres another bed upstairs in the room Willem is staying in and you can sleep on the couch or the inflatable bed. Riona said as the adults headed out the back door. You should go back to bed, Billie. Youve got school in the morning. You cant be serious, not after everything thats been happening. I argued. I am deadly serious. I may not be your coven leader but I am your legal guardian while youre under my roof. Youre going to attend class just like any other day. Come on, Riley said as he led me to bed, Willem will let us know if the wolves find anything. In high dudgeon I let Riley escort me to our room where he shut the door tight closed as Riona organised the cubs sleeping arrangements. Riley flopped down on bed beside me and hel d me close to him. You have had one hell of a night. You need rest. he said gazing into my eyes. Ive had a hell of a week Riley, besides if I go to sleep Im just going to have another one of those dreams. I dont think I can handle them anymore. Then what do you want to do? he whispered in my ear. Hold me tighter. I whispered back and he chuckled softly. Anything for you my love. **************************************** Erin was full of excitement the next day when she informed me that Lees grandmother was going to be reading our future that day. Although Rocket and I were feeling indifferent about getting together with an

unfamiliar witch we couldnt bring Erin down from her high excitement. Im a small town girl, Ive never had a Tarot reading before. I wanna go! she said happily. Shes probably just a con artist, Cash. Rocket said contemptuously. Why would you want to throw your money away on someone whom fakes being Psychic? Hey, my grandmother is good at what she does. Lee said upset. Listen, it may not be conventional but it makes her happy and it pays the bills so do us all a favour, Rocket, and get off your whiny judgemental high horse. May be she can tell me how my date on Friday will go. Erin said excitedly. You have a date? I asked interestedly. Yeah, with Drews roommate. Hes super hot. The roommate whose name you cant remember. Rocket noted. Oh, his name is Christian. Drew said indifferently. I stopped in my tracks remembering what Midnight said about the Hart boy intending to see Cash again. Christian? Christian who? Uh, I think the dude said it was Harold or Harris or Or Hart? I asked interrupting Drew. Yeah, thats it. Christian Hart. Do you know him, Billie? Lee asked as I caught up. Yeah, he came to my school in senior year. Erin, as your friend I beg you not to go out with him. Why whats wrong with him? He seems like such a sweetheart. Hes not. Trust me, hes the worst kind of bad there is. Jeez, what did he do? she asked worried. You dont want to know. Promise me you wont go out with him. Is he dangerous? Lee asked. Very. She sighed. Okay, I promise I wont go out with him. Thank you. I said stiffly. You will still come with me to see Madame Lavinia, wont you? she pleaded. Sure, we both will. I said looking Rocket square in the eye. I wasnt focused during classes, I was worried that Cashlin might just break her promise about not seeing Christian. I was worried about Christians plans and what Desiree had said in my dream. Could it be just coincidence that she said hed start by killing my friends and now here Erin had made plans to go out with him? Or could he still be the innocent I was sure he was before the summer? I couldn t stand the not knowing, whether he was good or evil I could handle it but this not knowing was insufferable. On top of my fears for Rowannes safety and this new found hope for Ruby I was now scared stiff that Cashlin would defy me. Later in the day Rocket caught me on my own to find out how the search for Rowanne was going and what made Christian so bad that I begged Cashlin not to date him. You remember those vampire sisters I told you about? I asked her. One of them was dating your brother and you had to kill them both. she answered. Yeah, Christian is their brother. They tried to resurrect the first vampire to take over Christians body. He was touched by a seriously scary evil and were just not sure if hes back to his usual obnoxious charmi ng self or Or if hes possibly turning into a Eve-Walker. Right. Oh, drama, drama, drama. I think we should keep a close eye on Cashlin. In my dream last night Christians sister said he would kill my friends and family before coming after me. B ut Im not sure if that was just my fears manifesting in my dreams or if I was actually foreseeing future events. Im afraid I cant help you out in the dream department. Ive never had prophetic dreams, that I know of. But I agree with you, we should look out for Cashlin at least until we can determine whether or not Christian has become an Eve-Walker. Good, we should take turns or may be I can find a spell to protect her. Yeah, she agreed, I mean as much as I love her we still have to study and look out for ourselves.

Well work it out, start simple like make sure she isnt out of her dorm room alone after dark. Maybe we can talk Lee into helping. I doubt Drew would, he doesnt care about anyone but himself. So is it just the three of us going to see Madame Lavinia? I asked sarcastically. No, Lee says hell take part too and hes managed to drag Drew along also. This should be interesting. ******************************* When we arrived at Lees house, on Looney Avenue near Gallows Hill Park, there was as many cars parked in the drive as was physically possible. Mrs. Boom had transformed one of the bedrooms on the lower flower into a sort of fortune telling studio and had also arranged the hallway outside into a sort of waiting room/parlour by adding in chairs, some small coffee tables and a music system. There were a few people already waiting for their turn when we arrived and they were mostly women. Lee served us iced teas and sodas as we waited for Madame Lavinia to call our names from behind the curtained door. The house was small but not filled with a lot of personal items which made me wonder if Mrs Boom was ready to move away again at any given moment. The red curtain on the door to the roo m where Madame Lavinia performed eerily reminded me of the cloak Desiree wore to the ritual when she tried to raise the first vampire from the damned. The memories of that day came flooding back to me and cold sweat drowned me as the fear settled in. What if Christian was an Eve-Walker? What if I hadnt really saved Christian from the ritual? What if Hugo Moon still possessed his body? What if Im just going crazy and these dreams Ive been having were just dreams? I had a lot of what ifs? to ans wer but only in time would I learn them. Steadily I began to chew on my nails and tapped my heel off the floor constantly in a rhythmic pattern so much so it annoyed Rocket to the point of her slapping my leg and holding it in place to stop it bouncing up and down. Are you alright, Billie? Cashlin asked. Yeah, you seem a bit tense. Rocket added. Oh, uh, nerves getting the better of me. Sorry. What have you got to worry about? Drew asked. These things are not real you know. he said once Cashlin vanished behind the red curtain. Sure they give good show but thats all it is, a show. What do you know about it, Drew? Rocket asked abruptly. Its all smoke and mirrors, cold reading. he explained. Thats my grandmother youre talking about, dude. Lee said crossly. No offence meant, Lee. I just dont believe in this stuff, its not for me. Half the time theyre just guessing or trying to read your reaction to their predictions, thats what cold reading is. After I gave one long exaggerated yawn Drew asked, Am I boring you? Oh, no, Drew. Keep talking. I always yawn when Im interested. I said much to Rocket and Lees amusement. Fine, Im just trying to spare you some disappointment. Drew said caustically. Im sure you are, Drew, but do us all a favour and just keep your opinions to yourself. Or what? he asked angrily. Or Im sure your face will meet with Lees fist if you keep insulting his grandmother. Please. Bros before hos, man. Oh my god. I said implausibly. I swear if you were twice as smart youd still be stupid. Rocket and Lees burst of laughter was caught short by Cashlins reappearance. Well, that sucked. she said heatedly. My point exactly. said Drew proudly. Cash, what happened? asked Rocket. Dont worry, Bill. she turned to me angrily. Ill do as you say and be a nice little girl. What are you talking about? I asked upset. Miss Black. the voice behind the curtain called before I could get an answer from Cashlin. The room beyond the curtain was dark and filled with the heady scent of lavender candles. Madame Lavinia was sat in a small wooden chair behind a small circular table stirring her tea with a silver spoon.

Her hair was short and severely curly, she wore a black dress with scarlet sequins and beads, her lips and nails were black and around her neck, wrists, ankles and fingers she wore a lot of brash gold jewellery. Take a seat. she said soullessly. When I was sat in the chair opposite her she said, Ive been watching you for sometime, Miss Black. Its Billie. I said politely. No youre not. she said still stirring her tea. Yes, it is. Does Josephine see it that way? Look, you may be all seeing, but you are not all knowing especially when it comes to my ancestor and myself. I was her and now I am me, so dont act like you know better. You havent heard from Josephine for a while have you? You worry that youre losing her. Look, I only came here for my friends sake not to hear what my future holds. Only I have that power because I will be the one whom makes it. You wouldnt have had a future had I not warned the Smiths about the Moons. she said proudly. Except you didnt. You didnt see who the evil was, you just gave them enough information for them to believe it was me. If I hadnt discovered my powers in time Riley might have killed me. But it all worked out and now Riley and yourself are lovers, are you not? Listen unless you have anything useful to tell me I said getting up and heading to the curtain . How are the dreams, Billie? How do you know about them? I told you, Ive been watching you for a while now. What do you know about them? Not much, but I do know that you are beginning to doubt yourself, even questioning your sanity. Can you blame me? Dont doubt yourself, your instincts have never let you down before, have they? So, youre saying everything Ive been seeing in my sleep lately is real? Rubys coma is fake and Christian is evil? Do you believe it? Does it feel right to you? I dont want Christian to be evil, Id hate to think I saved him for nothing. Listen to your heart, Billie. What does it tell you about Christian? What does it tell you about Ruby? Well, if Im going by my instincts their telling me I was wrong to save him. But Im just not sure about Ruby. Its been three years since the crash and if her coma has been medically induced then how come were just finding out now? Why would anyone do that to her? Youll need to find DK and ask them why, my dear. Im afraid, as much as I can see, I dont have all the answers. Can you tell me how to stop the dreams? How to save my cousins and how to stop Christian? Take the wolves out to Winter Island tonight. To the place you lost your cousin, your going to find someone out there looking for you. Who? I cant see that far ahead Im afraid, I just see a person wandering around Winter Island waiting to be found. What about the other two? Like I said, I dont have all the answers but I assure you your young friend out there wont be seeing anymore of Christian. What did you tell her? I told her that he was responsible for your friends death. Eve? I asked and she nodded. But thats not true and it still doesnt explain why she got upset with me out there. I told her to heed your warnings, that you only have her best interests at heart. She did get rather upset but I think her heart was really set on this date because she was very attracted to him so I told her not to be so shallow in future. Yeah, well, that explains everything. Was there anything else you wanted to ask me? she asked as I stood unmoved. Yes, why doesnt Lee know about his lineage? Hes eighteen now, even if you raised him the same way I was he ought to have come into his powers by now. I bound his powers when he was young, he wont come into them unless I undo the spell. I can I assure

you I wont, the only way he will come into his powers is when Im on my deathbed. Thats not very fare. You cant do that to him, thats just cruel. Cruel? How is it cruel? she asked unperturbed. You wont tell him who he really is so instead youll let him find out on his own whilst still grieving you after your death. Where is the reason behind it? Its for his own safety. Ive seen what he will do if he has his powers. He will join forces with the likes of you to stop the Preachers. And thats bad? Yes. Why? Because hell get himself killed. she said heatedly. Either way, he deserves the truth. If you dont tell him I will. Youve done this before. I dont know what youre talking about. You made Leonard Smith tell his children the truth about his relations to them. Thats different. They deserved the truth. They didnt love him any less. But can Leonard say the same of you? Leonard is my friend. And so is Lee. Do you think hed thank you if you told him the truth. Its not about me. They deserve the truth. Why? Because I was raised with a lie also. I shouted. Its not fare, its not right to lie to the ones you love. I thought you said this wasnt about you. What would you know? I asked through gritted teeth. Youve never had the luxury of ignorance because you could always see the truth before you even heard it. If you really knew me then you would know thats not the truth. Liv called out as I stormed out the room.

I kept on walking out of Lees house never looking back as he and Rocket tried to find out what Id been told in my session with Liv. Out into the darkness I walked until Lee and Rocket could see me no more and when I felt sure I was safe I teleported back to Rionas house. On the TV the evening news was playing, when Riona noticed me standing in the doorway she said, You need to see this. The little girl that was allegedly mauled by a black wolf was sitting upright in her bed with fewer scars than she had before. Willem snuck into heal her outside of visiting hours. He healed her enough so she could talk but not too much so it would draw unwanted attention. I guess you mean Preacher attention. Exactly. Riona said. Listen. she said rewinding the news. Riona turned the volume up higher as I strode over to join her on the caramel coloured couch. It was a man. the little girls father was saying. She said she did see a wolf that night but it was a man who did this to her. he said through tears. Why would someone make it look like a wolf attack? I asked Riona. Keep watching. she said as the news returned to the studio where a balding man in a dark blue suit spoke to the camera. Earlier today Lydia Campbell reported that the man whom att acked her claimed that he did not wish to hurt her but it was necessary. he paused for dramatic effect. Miss Campbell also said that his accent was unfamiliar and not American. When the police were notified of this startling news they showed Miss Campbell this picture, a mug shot of a haggard looking Dietrich Koehler appeared next to the news readers head, and asked her if this was the man whom attacked her. We can confirm that this in fact true,

a charge has been made against Dietrich Koehler and a search is being made in the Winter Island area. In other news today, since the first sighting of the black wolf there have been reports of almost a dozen different wolf sightings in Salem. City officials are recommending that citizens of Salem dont go out alone after dark until the situation is in hand. Should the situation worsen then a wolf hunt will also commence. Why would he do that? Why would he attack that little girl? To make it look like it was a wolf attack. How do you make it look like a wolf attack though? They have claws and huge sharp teeth. I know.. It makes me wonder exactly what kind of arsenal he has that could make you think those scars were caused by an animal. Riona shuddered. Why would he want to make it look like an animal attack any way? He did it so that the police and any other city officials are left with no choice but to hunt them down. That little girl was so badly injured that she couldnt speak for pain. Look you can still see the scars where he cut into her throat. she said rewinding the news once more. If Willem hadnt healed her so soon the wolves would be hunted down already, wouldnt they? I believe so. Weve got to stop those brothers before they hurt anyone else. I said leaping off the couch. What are you doing? she asked as I reached for my cell phone. The phone rang several times before Ralph finally answered. Billie is that you? he asked. Yes, its me. Listen I know its not safe for you or your pack in town right now but we need to go to Winter Island. Why? Ive just come from the psychic Liv Boom, she says therell be someone, wandering around the area Rowanne was taken, looking for us. Its not necessary for the whole pack to go, just yourself and a couple others. Were already on our way to Rionas house and Ulric has been in Winter Island all day. Great, Ill see you soon. I said ending the call. Riona looked at me dumbstruck as I moved about the house gathering things I might need. My broom, my cloak, the potions and my athame. She could see that I was a woman on a mission and didnt try to stop me as I let Ralph and his friends in her house twenty minutes later. Hed brought the grey haired Aiden, the tall dark and muscular Liam, his wife Daryna as well as the red head Sara ODornan and Kyle Reid. The others are nearby. If we need them we can give them a call and theyll be here in less than an hours time if they run in wolf form. Ralph informed us. Thats great but the less the better. The news says that the police might start hunting for the wolves if there is another sighting. Yes, we saw the news tonight. Aiden said in his deep but smooth voice. Were the wisest and fastest in the pack. We can stay hidden if we need to. What about you? Sara asked in a thick irish accent. What will you be doing? Ill be in the sky. I said lifting my broom for their attention. If they get past you without your noticing Ill be able to stop them in their tracks from above. As we all piled back into the car Riona tried to join us. Riona you have got to stay here. I argued. Im coming with you. No, youre not. its too dangerous. Besides if there is someone out there looking for us then they might head here if we dont find them. We cannot lose this opportunity to save Rowanne. Reluctantly she sighed and nodded her head before returning to her couch. Ill call you if we find anything. I called to her from the car. So how do we travel with you? Daryna asked hesitantly. You all need to hold on to me and keep your eyes closed tight. If youre nervous take some deep breaths, you may feel a little ill afterwards. Ill? asked Ralph. It only happens the first time you teleport, if I ever teleport you afterwards youll feel fine. Just remember to keep a hold of me at all times. I warned them.

A few minutes later we arrived at the outskirts of Winter Island and we all poured out of the vehicle. Liam and I will stay here and keep an eye out on this area in human form. The others will all circle Winter Island and report with us every thirty minutes if you think this will take all night. Ralph added stripping down to his underwear. If youre not going to change why did you strip? I asked. I may need to change if there is trouble. he added simply. Right, well if you need me just call me down. I said grabbing my broom. I will and youll let us know if you see anyone beneath you. he called as I walked off into the trees.. Yes, of course. I called back. The others changed into wolf forms immediately and sprang passed me into the darkness. I saw Liam and Ralph hide in the trees so that they were not discovered on the roadside wearing nothing but their underwear. I was just about to hop onto my broom when I saw a figure drifting between the trees ahead of me. Running flat out I caught up to them. Stop! I called. Catching my breath in time I looked up to see Christian gazing at me. You? Good evening, Miss Black. Christian said bowing slightly in his crisp grey suit. What are you doing here? Why arent you getting the help you need. Leonard made special arrangements with three different Shaman for you. Why arent you with them? I had a change of heart. All that work they made me do and it didnt make the slightest difference. The darkness still follows me, Billie. Youre still Hugo Moon? No. he said surprisingly pleasant. Youre spell worked. You sent him away again. But I was touched by such darkness. he said almost rapturously. Then why are you here? You killed them. My only family. They didnt leave me with much choice. You couldve saved Astrid. he said the first trace of anger finally showing. If I couldve, Christian, I assure you I would have. But Desiree had convinced her that I needed to die. If anyones to blame here its Desiree. No, you killed her. Yes, I did. But killing me wont bring them back, Christian, and it wont do you any good either. Go back to the Shaman, let them help you. You have so much potential to do a lot of good with your life. Why throw it away? Because Im not good. Im very not good. Even when I had my soul I was shallow, shameful and cruel. You dont have to be, you know. I do, but I choose to be that and so much more now. he said approaching me. Stop! Dont do this, Christian. I was probably wrong to save you after the ritual but Id still like to try. No. No second chances for me. No. I said head held high. There isnt. Christian revealed his fangs before making his move. Throwing my right arm out he went flying into the dirt while I held him there against his will. Now you will listen to me. I am giving you a choice, a choice I know Im wrong in giving. I said removing my hand. He growled as he tried to get up. STAY STILL! I said and he cowed at a sound in my voice. No longer needing to hold him down with my powers he stayed in the dirt while I spoke. You have a choice of two roads. One road leads you back to the Shaman where they can help you. I said throwing my left arm out. Or this road, I said throwing my right arm out, keep going down the road youre on. Hurt me or any of those I hold dear and you wont like what you find at the end of that road. More empty threats, Billie? he hissed. No, this is a guarantee, Christian. If you stay, if you hurt anyone I guarantee you will meet the same fate as your dear sisters. He sprung forth and I leapt onto my broom. Above him I gave my final warning. Do not mistake me for a hopeless maudlin fool, Christian. It will be your end. With one last hungry glance in my direction he took off to the outskirts of Winter Island.

******************************* The hours passed tediously by as not a soul was seen wandering through the trees other than the campers of Winter Island. Three in the morning Ralph called the other werewolves to take over from those tiring from constantly circling the dark trees. Ulric and Kyle waited for the younger wolves to arrive as Ralph and Liam scoured the land to pass the time. I didnt tire as quickly as the wolves did, hovering on my broom in the indigo sky, but an hour after the cubs arrived I felt my eyes begin to droop and as my eyes dropped so did the broom. The sudden drop shocked me into awareness and with that charge of adrenaline my broom shot back up again. My feet almost caressed the treetops as I flew silently over them. It wasnt until an hour later did I see someone wandering towards that patch of trees all dressed in dark and camouflage style clothes. Speedily, yet stealthily, I flew towards Noah and Logan whod taken over from Ulric and Kyle at the patch of trees we arrived in hours previously. Boys, incoming from the east. I said as quietly as I flew above t heir heads before flying high up once more. Noah and Logan seemed to vanish behind the tree Id seen them at as the wanderer strolled from the opposing trees. The man put his hands high in the air as if someone had stepped up behind him and put a gun to his back. I know youre here somewhere. Torsten Kohler called. Please, I do not wish to harm you, only to talk. The wolves had heard him and through the darkness they came to circle round him. Noah and Logan came forth from their hiding spot in wolf form also joining the circle of younger wolves. The largest of the wolves was a fair coloured wolf and with every circle she drew closer and closer to Torsten. He couldnt see as well as the wolves but from my vantage point in the sky I could tell the fair furred one looked like she was ready to take a chomp out of him. Landing hard I found myself face to face with the large threatening wolf and my back to the devious man who helped kidnap my cousin. You dont get to toy with him. I said looking the fair one squarely in the eye. Gripping Torstens upper arm in my right hand I told the pack, Call Ulric, tell him to meet me at Rionas house. Torsten shuddered at the sound of my voice as I teleported us back to Rionas home. Riona! I called. Youd better get something to bind this bastard with. Pushing Torsten roughly into a dining chair Riona arrived with Riley, Willem, Leonard and Faith at her tail. What is he doing here? Riona asked as we both telekinetically tied Torsten in the ropes Riona had brought with her. Hes the one that was looking for us. Please, this is not necessary. Torsten pleaded. I do not wish to harm any of you, I only wanted to talk to you. Riona slapped him hard across the face. What about my daughter!? she yelled shaking him. You took her! Where is she? I want my daughter back! Riona, control yourself. Leonard said pulling her off Torsten. Get your hands off me! Let me go. she said trying to shrug of Leonards iron strong hold of her. Dont make me tie you up. he threatened her as he pulled her towards the kitchen. Let me go! she continued to yell. I want my daughter -, the rest of her yells were muffled as Leonard continued on through the kitchen. Thats much better. Leonard said returning. What did you do with her? I asked. Oh, not to worry, Ive simply locked her in the basement. he answe red. You -? Oh, never mind. I said turning back to Torsten. Where is Rowanne? I asked him. She is safe, unharmed, I promise. he said. That is not the answer I was looking for. I didnt want to take her I swear. My brother planned it all, not me. he said as the front door swung open. Where is he? Ulric growled.

Ulric, keep a calm head. I informed him. Leonard has already locked Riona in the basement. Just stay calm. Or Ill put you in the basement too. Leonard said smirking. Id like to see you try, vampire. Ulric said towering over Leonard. Ulric! I shouted. Sit down. Im in charge here and you will do as I say. Or what? he said so close to my face I could smell his dirty breath. With one hand I shoved Ulric into the wall much like Id done hours before when Christian attempted an attack. When Ulric was pinned against the distant hall wall he squealed, Let me go! Ok heres whats going to happen. You are going to sit there quietly and listen to what he has to say. Youre going to keep control of the animal within you as well as the rest of the pack. I said as Ulrics followers burst through the front door. Is that clear? I asked turning back to him. Yes. he said defeatedly. Ill say the same to the rest of you. Sit, listen and dont bother attempting to chomp his arm off. I said turning to the fair haired girl called Torrance. Turning on my heel to return to Torsten I saw Leonard smirking cockily in the corner of my eye. You! I shouted at Leonard. Wipe that smile of your face. Youre only making matters worse. Leonards expression changed from mocking to flabbergasted and he ducked his head as though he was embarrassed by his behaviour. Stomping back towards the living room where Torsten still stood I pulled out chairs for the Smiths and the Howells and left the rest of the wolf pack standing. You, speak. Tell us why you took Rowanne and tell us where you took her. I said to the trembling stranger. When I was younger my oldest brother, Harman, would take Dietrich and I on camping trips. We took at least one trip each year out to this forest in Belgium that our parents used to take us to when they were alive. This sounds rehearsed. Ulric muttered under his breath. Shut up. I said digging into his ribs. Go on, Torsten. Three years ago we went to the same forest in Belgium, on our second night there I was cooking our dinner and Dietrich was listening to the portable radio when I heard Harman scream. Dietrich didnt hear anything when I went to see why he yelled. He wiped a tear from his eyes. When I found him he was dead and there were wolf tracks leading away from our campsite. I returned to get Dietrich, he brought weapons and we went after the wolf. We searched for almost an hour when we found it licking the blood from his fur about eight miles away from where my brother lay dead. Dietrich gave me a gun and loaded another for himself, he almost pulled the trigger when the wolf changed into a man. You. He said nodding at Ulric. My brothers been killing any and all werewolves since we discovered what you were, all the while searching for you. About a year ago he got lucky, found out who you were and so we come here. I didnt want to kill, I dont want to hurt anyone. But Dietrich was always angry, always hateful of anything different since he was a boy. I tried to stop him from taking the girl, from hurting you. He nodded to me. I just wanted to get on with my life and to mourn my brother. Harman hasnt even ha d a real funeral yet. Since Dietrich started chasing you I had to follow him and try to stop him. But now hes here and he has my daughter. Ulric said sadly. Do you remember attacking his brother? I asked. It was an accident. he addressed Torsten. Sometimes when were in wolf form we tend to think more like animals. I was hunting some rabbits that were near your campsite, youre brother snuck up on me from behind and frightened me. Before I knew it he was lying dead on the ground in a pool of hi s own blood. he sighed. I intended to try to revive him or call for help but then I heard footsteps and I had to run, he was dead and there was nothing I could do to help him. Im sorry. Ulric said sincerely. Thank you. Said Torsten weeping. What about Rowanne? Is she safe? I asked. She is safe and unharmed. Where is she? Ulric asked gently. Shes not in Winter Island weve gone over there with a fine tooth comb and have not found anyone there but the campers. Ralph spoke up. Torsten wiped more tears away. Weve been squatting in an empty house on Pickman Street. Youre girl

shes been using her witch powers to mess up our minds. Dietrich wanted to take her out of town but whenever she touches him she influences his mind to do as she wishes. Untie him. I said to Ralph. How do we know we can trust him? he asked. What if hes lying? What if shes hurt? She told me if you didnt believe me I was to tell you. When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning or in rain? She said youd know what it meant. Torsten addressed me. What the hell does that mean? Faith asked, Its from Macbeth. Leonard added. And its Rowannes way of telling me I can trust Torsten. I said aloud to the room. With one quick movement I slashed my hand through the air and felt my power untie Torstens restraints. You and I are going to retrieve my cousin. What about the rest of us? Ralph asked. Youll all wait close by in case you are needed. Ulric informed his pack. I will go w ith Billie and Mr Kohler to save Rowanne. I ran to the kitchen excitedly to find Kyle Reid and the hunky dark skinned Liam holding the door in place each time Riona tried to unhinge it with her powers. Shes barking mad. Liam said in a surprising Welsh accent. What has she done? I asked looking at the splintered bits of wood hanging from the door frame. Shes gone off the deep end, love. Kyle answered. She keeps trying to blow the door off to get out. Riona, calm down! I shouted as she pounded on the door. Listen, hes told us where Rowanne is and were going to get her, Riona. Were going to bring Rowanne home.

Torsten entered his brothers cell number into my own and hit the dial button before both Ulric and I came close enough to listen to the call. Dietrich? Torsten asked as his brother answered. Torsten? Where are you? Dietrich asked. Taking the cell from Torsten I answered, You are speaking to Billie Black. I believe youll remember me, Im the one you zapped with an illegal tazer a few nights ago. Why are you with my brother? he asked urgently. Well, seeing as you took my cousin I figured why not take your brother? An eye for an eye. I lied. If you want to see your brother again youd better bring my cousin unharmed to the spot where you kidnapped her in one hour. I already told you. You dont see your cousin again until you bring me her father. Im here. Ulric said into the mouthpiece. Dietrich was silent so Ulric went on, If you dont do exactly as Miss Black instructs youll never see your brother again. If you hurt him Dietrich began. Who said anything about hurting him? Ulric snapped back. I can do far worse things to your brother than hurt him. You bring Rowanne exactly as my niece has instructed you. If you try to flee, kill my daughter or hurt anyone else I can assure you that I will hunt you to your grave. Is that understood? Yes. One hour in Winter Island. I will bring your daughter unharmed and you will bring me my brother. Dietrich demanded before ending the call. Well, that was productive. I said half heartedly. I dont understand why you didnt tell my brother that I came to you willingly. Torsten said. Its simple, if he thinks youre working with us, working against him, he could hurt Rowanne or worse, kill her. I explained. Oh, I see. All you have to do is play along until she is safely away from him. Then we can take him to the police. You ought to take me with him. he said under his breath.

Absolutely not! Ulric argued. None of this is your fault, son. When Rowanne is where she belongs and Dietrich is where he belongs then Im sure there something the Witches can do to clear your name if there are any allegations against you. For most of the hour we tried to convince Torsten not to give himself in before he pointed out that we ought to get to Winter Island before Dietrich does in case he attempts to sep up traps. I grabbed a small back pack and filled with a few Rowannes clothes and some food in case they had starved her while held hostage. Again it didnt take long for us to drive to the outskirts of Winter Island where we were all prepared with necessary weapons should we come to blows with Torstens hostile brother. The birds sang high in the trees as they soaked up the first few rays of sunlight as they hit the towering trees. Accompanied by Riley, Willem, Faith, Leonard, Torsten and Ulric we waited in the clearing as the werewolves hid in wolf form close by. Silently we waited for Dietrich to arrive yet all we heard was the twitter of the birds or the sigh of the wind, no crunch on fallen leaves, no scattering of stones and so sign whatsoever that Dietrich was here. Almost half an hour later we finally heard the tell tale signs of someone approaching from the south. Dietrich stepped forth from between two wide trees with Rowanne in wolf form on a chain leash as if she were a dog and not a wild dangerous and deadly animal. Thats close enough. I said when he was about ten yards or so from us. Take her chain off and let her come to us. Dietrich vigilantly did as I said and when she was free Rowanne turned round and growled at him. Dietrich with shaking hands withdrew a pistol and pointed it at her head. Rowanne sighed contemptuously and trotted over to my side where she took the ready made bag full of her clothes from my loose grip. Once the bag was secure in her jaws she ran off behind some trees to change and dress in private. You got your cousin back, now let me have my brother. Dietrich said now pointing the pistol at Ulric. Dont you find it strange that we havent gone to the lengths to restrain Torsten like you did with Rowanne? I dont understand. he said disbelievingly. They didnt capture me, Dietrich. I went to them. Torsten explained. Youre lying. Dietrich yelled swinging his arm round till the pistol pointed at his brother. Youre my brother. Youd never do that to me. Im tired of watching you kill so many innocent people, Dietrich. Its not who we are, its not how we were raised to be. TRAITOR! Dietrich snapped pulling the trigger. Miraculously I was quick enough to send the bullet into the trunk of a nearby tree as the white wolf Aiden sprang forth from his hiding spot and removed the pistol by chomping on his wrist as three other wolves pinned him to the ground. Let him go. I said before they could do any da mage. When the wolves flocked to Ulrics side Dietrich leapt up and as he sprinted away from us he reached within his jacked for another weapon. He didnt get a chance to shoot before I sent his gun flying from his trembling grip. Levitating towards him I raised my palms to the sky Dietrich left the ground to dangle upside down in the air wriggling and kicking in attempt to break free of my powerful hold on him. Levitating high enough till I was face to face with Dietrich I said, Quit fighting, youre finished. Im going to take my cousin home and then Im going to drop you off at the police station. They already know that you were behind the attack on the little girl and trust me theyre already out there looking for you. You little Witch! he shouted his face turning purple. Heres whats going to happen, I said ignoring his rants, Im going to lower you back down and you are going to stay still and quiet while we tie you up. But if you dont I said as the pack of wolves circled the ground beneath Dietrich. Well, Ill let you guess what happens if you dont play nicely. Once back on solid ground I saw Rowanne enter the group whilst the others restrained Dietrich together. Are you okay? I asked. Yeah. she said timidly. Whats wrong? Its just I guess you know everything now. The truth about what I am.

Youre a Werewolf, theres nothing wrong with that. Its who you are and I wouldnt change a thing about you, Rowanne. Really? she asked perking up. Yes, you mean so much more to me than just my cousin. I love you as a sister, Row. Oh, I love you to, Bill. she said hugging me tightly as we laughed. What are we going to do with him? she asked pointing at Dietrich. We are going to drop him off at the nearest police station. What about Torsten? Hes not that bad a guy, actually. Hes tried to sneak me out when Dietrich went to sleep but he kept catching us. He says hes going to turn himself in although your Dad and I have been trying to argue him out of it. My Dad? she asked stunned. Hes here? Just then Ulric approached Rowanne and placed his large left hand upon her left shoulder before she turned to see him. Dad? she asked. Hello, darling. he said wrapping his arms around her and pulled her into a bone breaking hug. Tears swam in both their eyes when they turned to me and smiled. Ulrics face had transformed from that gruff dirty, menacing face Id become familiar with to someone warm and welcoming. Riley snuck up behind me and wrapped his own arms around my waist. Finally, a happy ending. I whispered in his ear. Lets wait till Dietrich is safely behind bars before we truly believe in that, ok? he whispered realistic ally into my ear. Sounds good to me.

When Ralph and I dropped Dietrich off at the front of the police station, still roped up and gagged, we left a little note for them on a square piece of cardboard taped to his chest, Take me to Phillip G. Shaw. Hes the chief of police here in Salem. Ralph explained as he handcuffed Dietich to the metal railing outside the station. Beneath that note I added Your search is over! When notifying the public that Dietrich Koehler has been captured please lead them to believe that you caught him yourselves. We do not wish to be recognised. Ralph looked from me to the note until I explained, We are supernatural beings. If they learned how we captured him it would raise brows and also alert attention to the Preachers. Besides, do you really find it hard to believe that they would take credit for his capture? I guess not. he answered. Ulric and some of his pack stayed in Salem for a while as Ulrics relationship with hi s daughter grew stronger by the day. Even Riona couldnt stay angry at him forever and it certainly seemed to the rest of us that the family were back together again. Torsten kept on insisting on turning himself in and the few times he actually attempted to do so we had to hold him hostage till we talked him out of it. But we werent always there to stop him. One day as Rowanne, Riley and I walked home from the grocery store Midnight approached us on the street. Hey, what are you doing out of the house? I asked angrily. I slipped out as Master Torsten made his escape. His escape? I asked aloud. I think hes on his way to the police station to turn himself in. There was nobody in the house to stop

him. Where is he? I saw him last at the end of our street. If you hurry up you might be able to catch him. I explained to Riley and Rowanne what Midnight had told me as my cat leapt into Rileys arms while I spoke. Riley told us to go ahead and stop before taking the bags from our clutches. When we finally tracked Torsten down we saw he was indeed headed in the direction of the police station. Ready? I asked taking Rowannes hand. Ready. she answered before I teleported us to the police station. We appeared at the front desk just as a large grey haired man turned to see us standing there. Ahh Where the hell did you two come from? he bellowed. Almost gave me a heart attack. Rowanne put her hand on top of the mans own porky, hairy hand. Tell us who is in charge here? she asked meeting his eyes. Philip G. Shaw. Philip G. Shaw. I whispered. Rowanne hadnt had to use her powers much before she was kidnapped and steadily she learned how to control them. I can work them ok if I make eye contact with someone but its more powerful if Im physically touching whomever it is I wish to influence. she told me. Yes, Mr Shaw is our chief of police. Hes got someone in with him just now but if youd like to take a seat Ill take you through when hes free. The man said dreamily as his eyes clouded over. Thank you very much. I said kindly. We were nervous when we waited. Nervous because we feared Torsten would get here before we got the chance to help him redeem himself. The elderly man behind the front desk signalled us over to him. Hes free but youll need to sign in. he said sliding a clipboard over to us with a long sheet an d pen. Before he could remove his hand Rowanne stuck hers upon his once more. No, we wont. she said calmly. Its not necessary. Oh, no, thats not necessary. he said taking the board back as if a memory had just come to him. In fact, Rowanne carried on keeping eye contact, you wont remember us after we leave. If anyone asks we were never here. This way. he said opening a small door at the end of the desk. Mr Shaw is free now. We followed him through the grey and white corridors that all looked the same until he stopped in front of a beige door with the name Mr Phillip G. Shaw written upon a small brass plaque on the door. The front desk man wrapped his knuckles on the door three times before pushing it slightly ajar. Mr Shaw, there are visitors here to see you. Shall I send them in? Have you signed them in, Peter? asked a throaty voice from behind the door. Of course, sir. Shall I send them in? Yes, Peter. Please let me know if the county jail calls. Of course, sir. Peter said hobbling out of the door frame to let us in. Hell see you now. Peter said before making his way back to the front desk. Good afternoon, ladies. Mr Shaw said friendlily. Please, take a seat. How may I be of service to you? We wont be long, Mr Shaw. We just wanted a quick word. Thats fine as long as you let me get away for four oclock. I have a media interview this afternoon. We promise not to take up too much of your time. We understand youre a busy man. My cous in, myself and a few of our friends are responsible for the capture of Dietrich Koehler. I calmly explained. You? What? he spluttered. It was you who captured Mr Koehler? he asked stunned. With the help of some of our friends. Why come forth now? From your note I gathered you didnt want recognition. We dont and thats not important at all. Its not? No. Rowanne said making eye contact while sliding her hand across the desk to touch his. See its not important because youre not going to remember us telling you that.

I wont? he asked questioningly looking at her hand on his. No. Whats important is this. she said taking a firmer grip of his hand. His eyes clouded over, just like Peters did, as if he had cataracts. Dietrich Kohlers younger brother is on his way here. He believes he too is responsible for the deaths caused by Dietrich. He isnt, hes innocent. Hell be here soon. I joined in holding Mr Shaws other hand in hopes to add more power behind Rowannes own. When he arrives youre going to let him go free. Youll tell him he is not a wanted man and that he is not responsible for his brothers actions. Of course he isnt. Mr Shaw said dreamily. There will be no arrest. Good. Rowanne said. You also wont remember us. Youll remember that Torsten is innocent but you wont remember seeing us today. And remember, I said catching Mr Shaws attention, it was your professional and efficient trained team of police officers whom caught the murderer Dietrich Kohler. Of course they did. Theyre fine men and women. he said proudly. Thank you, Mr Shaw. Rowanne beamed. Youve been most helpful. Youre very welcome. he genially added beaming right back. Keep up the good work. I added as we closed the door behind us. We breathed I sigh of relief as we joined hands to teleport out of the maze-like station. At the side of the building we hid as we saw Torsten approach the front entrance. Through the windows we saw Mr Shaw approach the front desk where Peter sat working at a computer drinking coffee. The closed windows blocked the sound of conversation between Torsten and the chief of police but we werent waiting long before Torsten turned, with a confused expression upon his handsome face, to see us gawking through the distant window. Gasping we leapt down from our position as Torsten strolled out of the police station to find us cowering behind a hydrangea bush. What did you do? They think Im innocent. he said neither angrily or happily. Well, never look a gift horse in the mouth I say. I said nervously. When Torsten crossed his arms and continued to stare at us disbelievingly I explained, Torsten, you dont really want to go to prison do you? Itll ruin your life. I deserved to be punished and locked up alongside my brother. No you dont. Torsten, if it werent for your bravery I might have been killed. Rowanne explained gratefully. Torsten, we are not about to sit back and watch you throw your life away. Why would you do this for me? he asked, tears welling in his eyes. You dont know me and the others would prefer it if I were in jail, too. No, they dont trust you, Torsten. But work with us, gain their trust and prove to them that you are the good person that we both see. Rowanne said placing a hand upon his shoulder. He winced. No magic tricks. No, I wasnt going to make you choose against your will. she said throwing her hands in the air. I only meant to comfort you. Please stay, Torsten. If you stay you could help us stop others like your brother. I pleaded. It would give you an opportunity to redeem yourself if you feel you need to. It would give your life meaning. But mostly we just want you to stay. What would Harman say if he could see you now? Rowanne asked. Hed tell me to stop being so foolish and to grab this opportunity with both hands. he laughed. Oh, Harman. I never got to say goodbye to him. Do you want go see him? I asked apprehensively. Yes, but I have no money to take me home. No need. Rowanne brightened. We can fly Air Billie. You can take me home? he asked wiping the tears away. I can but we have to plan it carefully. I said firmly to them both. We need to look at a map to find where the safest place is to teleport to. I cant blindly teleport across the world until I know where were going is somewhere we wont be witnessed. I can show you where to go on a map, if that helps. Torsten offered. Yes, that would be great. I said as we headed back to the house.

************************************************* Riley sat with us as Torsten brought Frankfurt up on Google Maps. There is a side street quite close to the cemetery. Riley pointed out. Yes, but its just off a busy street and wed most likely be witnessed by people passing by. Torsten added. If we have to wait a little longer till its dark it couldnt hurt. I commented. Yes, but by then the cemetery will be closed. Torsten said. Thats ok I can teleport straight in from there. Yeah, but you have to be careful not to outdo yourself, Billie love. Remember what happened the last time. Riley reminded me. A chill ran down my spine as the memory of running from the demented Desiree sprang back to my mind. The constant teleporting weakened me but I figured it was mostly the blow to my head was mostly responsible for that. Yeah, but I had also taken a pretty hard blow to the noggin. I said tapping my forehead. Just dont over exert yourself. he said pulling me close to him. I promise. the sound of gagging interrupted our drawn out kiss. Do you mind? I asked turning to see Rowanne and Torsten sticking their fingers down their throats. We were just about to ask the same. Rowanne added humorously. Have you found somewhere safe? I asked Torsten. Yes, I believe I have. he pointed to a small street on the map. Its a bit out the way but you can still get to the cemetery easy enough without being spotted. Good, lets go then. I said standing up. Would you mind if I went to the florists first? So that I may put flowers down at his grave. As the words left Torstens lips a large bouquet of red and yellow tulips tied together with string was placed in front of Torsten, handed by Riona. I picked them myself. she said before departing. That was very kind of her. Torsten flushed. Shes either too proud or too embarrassed to apologise to you. Rowanne explained. Im afraid this is as close as it gets for now. No, I appreciate the gesture very much. Ok, if were all set we should be on our way. I said checking my watch. In the hallway Riley and I shared one last kiss as Rowanne hugged her parents before she and Torsten took my hands in theirs. We wont be gone long. I promised my worried boyfriend. Well be back before you know it. Blinking I found myself in an unfamiliar street in a foreign land. Torsten walked out of the little lane onto a busy road where he joyfully smiled like Id never seen before. He grabbed our hands and pull ed us along with him as we ran to the cemetery where his brother was buried in. Passing many headstones Torsten ran in front to lead the way to Harmans grave. He apologised several times for leading us through a labyrinth of headstones as he struggled to remember the exact location of his brothers grave. Its somewhere nearby, I know it is. I remember seeing the tombstone of a child nearby the grave. he said pointing to a headstone shaped like a teddy bear. Here. he said running twenty yards down from the youngsters grave. Torsten stopped in front of a short square shaped black marble headstone with his name, birthday and date of birth upon its face. Harman Kohler, 26 th May 1968 - 27th October 2007. There was no son of; or brother of, nothing personal. Dropping to his knees Torsten placed the thick bouquet of tulips into a small glass vase tucked neatly into the earth at the base of Harman Kohlers headstone. Torsten whispered in his native tongue as he spoke to his dead brother. Can we -? Rowanne spluttered. What? I asked. Do you think we could write him a spell so that he could actually talk to his brother? Isnt that dangerous?

We wouldnt be raising the dead, Bill. Just and echo of his brother, so Torsten can get some closure and move on with his life. Ok, lets think, with caution, of a spell to help Torsten move on. We spoke as Torsten wept at our feet. After almost an hour of contemplation I finally took my notebook out to write a spell Id come up with in my head. I think Ive got something but youll have to help me out. Ill do my best. Rowanne said after reading the notes Id taken. End his tears, end his fears, bring Torstens brother Harman here. No words of hate, no words of fate, only words of love and elate. Rowanne added. And together we concluded in unison, His time to go, should bring no woe, give only chance to live and grow. Torstens weeping ended with a sharp intake of breath as the blurry vision of an older man who looked a lot like Torsten appeared before us. Harman? Torsten cried. Hello, brother. Harmans voice faded in and out like a radio with bad reception. Is it really you? Its me, Torsten. I havent got long before I have to go again. What are you talking about? Its my time to go, Torsten. To move on and you should move on too. But youre my brother. Yes, I am and I love you very much, Torsten. But you cant keep living in the past. Its time for us both to move on from here. What am I supposed to do without you? Live. Make a life for yourself and help you new friends. There are other men in the world with just as much darkness in their hearts that Dietrich has. With them youll find something worth living for again. And you? Torsten weeped. Its my time to go. I wish it wasnt, I wish I could be here with you but we all have a time, Torsten. Remember me, brother. Harmans voice faded out as the vision of him blurred completely before vanishing altogether. Torsten wept harder as the after image of his brother left him forever. He placed his fingers to his mouth where his lips barely brushed them in a tender kiss before placing his hand on his brothers name. Rowanne and I kneeled down beside him before we each put an arm around his shaking body. Im sorry we couldnt keep him around a little longer for you. I apologised. No, that short visit from him was a blessing. I am very grateful for that. Tell us about him. Rowanne said crossing her legs. What was Harman like in life. In life? Torsten said staring off into the distance. He was my role model. A genuinely good person through and through. Did he ever marry? I asked. He was married for almost ten years. He and his wife Esther had a baby on the way when he died. Oh, gosh, have you ever seen the child? I met him once when he was born. Esther named him after Harman. She moved to Estonia several months ago for a job. I try to send the boy letters every now and then. To le t him know his fathers family is thinking of him. Would you like to go see him? No, not just now. Ill help you do whatever it is you are faced with and if I survive then I shall go see him then. Sounds like a plan. Rowanne smiled. Tremblingly his tall legs straightened him out as he lifted himself off of the ground. Standing between Rowanne and I he let out a long sorrowful sigh. Are you ok? Would you like to stay a while longer? I asked sympathetically. No. he said softly. That wont be necessary. Ill miss this place but I dont think Id be able to move on with my life if I stuck around here any longer.

Are you sure? Rowanne asked. Torsten, if you need some time we can give you some space and come back for you when youre ready. I offered. No, thank you. I appreciate your understanding but Id really just like to go back to America with you. Youre one hundred percent certain? asked Rowanne. Yes, Im certain. My brother would not want me to sit around here when I could be helping you. You dont even know what were up against. I added. Then tell me. he said leading us over to a small wooden bench. Frustrated I sighed and turned to my cousin who shrugged her shoulders and said, Dont look at me, youre the coven leader. Its up to you. Did you really have to remind me? I said irritably. Do you really need reminding? she smirked. Ok. I said sitting next to him. There are these men who are very nasty. For want of a better word. We call them the Preachers. Rowanne added. Why? Torsten asked. From what we know of them they are very religious men who believe that Witches are servants of the devil. I explained. And they want us all dead. Theyve started a sort of vendetta with us. Theyve kil led dozens of innocent men, women and children already. Some of us believe they wont stop with Witches, that theyll move on to people like me and my father. You never told me that. I said. Can you blame me for thinking that way? Anything they see as different they see as evil. They wont just stop with Witches and Werewolves she began. No, if they go on to kill Werewolves also then theyll carry on killing Vampires, Pagans and anyone in our company will be guilty with affiliation of us. Exactly. Rowanne agreed with me. Besides there are more than just Witches, Pagans, Werewolves and Vampires in the world. There is? I asked shocked. Rowanne grinned half heartedly. Billie be our leader but she is new to the magical world. Rowanne explained to Torsten. There are also other magical beings such as Faeries, Trolls and Gnomes to name but a few. Do you think they know about these other creatures? Torsten asked. We cant be sure but if they know of Witches then the rest wont be far behind. Not to mention the Others. Rowanne added. The Others? asked Torsten. Like Billies friend Dulcie. She has Empathic powers but she is not a Witch or otherwise. Then what is she? he asked. Some people believe they are descendants of Witches where the magical line in their lineage has died out. I explained. But a spark still survives in some of their descendants and is somehow brought to life. And you want my help? It would be much appreciated if you joined our cause. I added. What exactly is your cause? To stop them. answered Rowanne. To kill them? he asked shocked. No, we would never do that. I jumped in. Unless in self defence. Rowanne added darkly. So how do you plan on stopping them? We have to find them first. Every time we find a new kill they move on without a trace. Which leads us to believe they might have some other power of their own. said Rowanne. Oh, you mean the power of money, dont you? he said rubbing his thumb and middle finger together. Exactly. Rowanne nodded. How will you find them? We can use various types of magic plus we have friends all over the country thats keeping an eye out for them also. Rowanne answered. Are all your friends Witches? he asked. No, we have my fathers pack and Rileys family and their friends. Our friends have friends. Were all

working together for the greater cause. And they all stand with us. So where do you stand? I asked him. I stand with you. No more deaths, I say! Exactly. I said. If we all work together therell be no stopping us. So what do we do now? he asked. Well, first of we have to celebrate Samhain. Rowanne answered. Oh my god, I completely forgot about Samhain. I said smacking a hand to my forehead. You FORGOT!? Rowanne cried out. Billie, this is a very important celebration that you cannot forget. I know and I did. What am I going to do? I said hopelessly. What is Samhain? Its a night where we cast a ritual and celebrate. Youll know it best as Halloween. Weve got to get back right away. I said urgently. This is my first Samhain and I cant let it fail. Youve only got two days to arrange it all, Billie. Rowanne reminded me. Well, Id better get a move on. I said grabbing their hands to teleport b ack to Salem.

I was a mess when we got back. I grabbed as many books as I could find to learn all about Samhain that I didnt already know. Rowanne really came through for me and helped me get more organised by making lists of what I needed to get from Rionas magic store as I read them out of each book Id read. There were two very vital parts I still had to fulfil after buying all the goods Id need from the magic store and the grocery store. One, I still had to write the ritual for well, the ritual. Second, I still had to pick which ancestor(s) I wished to summon through the ritual. Riona gave me the book filled with all our ancestors portraits in it once more to help me decide upon whose soul I should summon. Any time I asked Riley for ideas hed say, Its your ritual, your ancestor and your choice, my love. All day and all night I sat and wrote ritual after ritual till I came up with the perfect spell to go with it. Everything was ready all I had left to do was get everyone here, prepare the altar and choose which ancestor to summon. How can I choose just one when there are so many to choose from? I yelled frustrated in my empty dorm room. Who says you have to pick just one? said a familiar voice from the bathroom. I got up to investigate and when I pushed open the door I saw no one except my reflection staring back at me in the opposite mirror. Of course the reflection wasnt just mine but the ancestor who resurrected herself to become me. Josephine, how long has it been? I said leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. Not seen you in months. I thought I was finally rid of you. Josephine laughed as if I had told a great joke. Oh, Billie, you know I can never truly leave. Perhaps not. But you wouldnt just reappear now for no reason. Why have you reawakened? To help you with your first Samhain ritual. Help me? Help me how? I asked. You dont have to choose just one ancestor, Billie. As long as it ties in well with the ritual then you can summon more than one soul. But whose? Behind me the pages of the book turned as if caught in a wind. You already chose when you first saw this picture. Josephine said as I walked back to the book of portraits. A picture of Josephine looking barely ten years older than I am now sitting with her three children. Simon, John and Aloise Black. I felt something tug at me when I set eyes upon this picture, a feeling of longing to be with them. You feel the connection. Josephine still spoke out from the mirror in the small bathroom. You we

were their mother. You feel the longing to be with them, I know you do. Simon, John and Aloise. I said stroking their faces. You know their names. she said surprised. Of course I do. Its in the book. I said pointing to the caption beneath the picture. The Black family it read surprising me. But thats impossible. How could I know their names if I hadnt read them? Like I said, you were their mother. That kind of love doesnt just die with you. You could never forget them, never stop loving them even in death and rebirth. I think this is the closest Ive ever come to feel what this must be like for you. But if I summon them, how could I ever let them go. How could I let them go back to where they came from? Because you must, because you love them. Everyone has a time, Billie. Theyve had theirs and ours will be over permanently when youre gone, too. So youll never rest until Im gone too? I asked upset. Ive rested for centuries, Billie. Besides we have things to do, you and me. Innocents to save and evil to undo. You and me, Billie, weve barely just begun. she smiled. I sighed. I guess Im ready then. Id better get moving. I said looking at my watch again. Ive still got to carve four pumpkins. Well, I wont hold you back. Do what youve got to do. she said before my own true reflection stared back at me in shock. ********************************** The two days passed in a blur after I finally finished all my work and didnt teleport all our guests in until I was absolutely certain of what I was doing. There were more guests than usual, according to Riona. Normally it was just the Black witches and a few close friends from the Sister Clan who would attend this ritual. This year we had all the Blacks including Riley and his family, Ulric and his pack, Dulcie and Matilda, Chloe Foster from the Sister Clan and Sadie Blair. Brian had been learning a lot about the magical world from Nana while I was here in Salem and I saw an overwhelming difference in my brother, again. Every time I see him since our other grandmother dropped him off on our doorstep he has matured each and every day since. So what are these things for? he asked pointing at the Jack O Lanterns. Well, we carve them with scary faces to scare bad spirits away but the glow from within, I said whilst lighting a small candle inside, guides the welcome spirits to us. And all this food? We have a big table of food to come out, whats all this for? he asked pointing to the squash, corn, carrots, parsnips, gourds and leaves. Offerings to the spirits. As I set out all my altar tools, black candles and cloths he asked, So have you decided upon whose spirit youre going to summon? I have. Well? he asked curiously. Its a surprise. I cant believe theyve been having all these gathering behind our backs. I cant believe this is my first one. Yeah, this is my first one too and I am effing hosting it! How do you think I feel? Really nervous. Sorry. Thats ok. So why did you decide to have it here on the beach? he asked looking up at Rionas house. Because I thought it would be nice and also because we are going to have a huge bonfire. But what if people see? What if the Preachers find out? Rionas taken care of it. She already has the house protected and she has done the beach as well for me. If anyone were to pass through they wouldnt see or hear any of us. What if they walk into the bonfire? Its taken care of, Brian. You dont need to worry about it. Just relax and have a good time. Im surprised youre not wiped out from all the teleporting youve had to do today. Well, Ive had about a half a dozen red bulls and three espressos so Im definitely not going to pass out on the altar.

So when does it start? When its dark enough. Why dark? Because thats how I want it to be. Now come on inside, it wont be long I promise. The house was cramped with all the guests waiting to attend the festivities. Id set up tables for crystal ball, runes and tarot card readings as well as tables to keep the younger guests amused. In the trees Id hung ribbons and candle filled lanterns that barely moved in the evening breeze. We had one long table in the centre of it all draped in sapphire and silver cloth where we would eat a feast fit for a king. Behind the head of the table is where the altar had been set up. As soon as the sun set and the moon rose high into the sky the dozens of guests poured out onto the beach to find their seat at the table. Everyone was here, nobody wanted to miss my first Samhain ritual. Nana, Brian, Riona, Rowanne, Ulric, Riley, Faith, Willem, Leonard, Dulcie, Matilda, Ralph, Daryna, Julianne, Marylou, Marcus, Alexa, Marlowe, Wynter, Torsten and all the werewolves. But to my surprise there were three other guests wandering towards us on the beach that I had not been expecting. Rocket!? Whats going on? I asked staring back at Liv Boom and our friend Lee. You would not believe it but Liv begged me not to go back home to Arizona and asked me to help break the news to Lee that hes a Witch! Oh my god. I looked back at Lee who was slowly taking in his surroundings when he came into the perimeter of the spell that had stopped him from seeing all the festivities around him moments before. How did he take it? Hes still processing it. Liv said stepping forth. So what changed your mind? Our conversation. After you left I considered what you said about him having to cope with his new found abilities when the spell breaks on my death. Its not just that. You saw something didnt you. She haughtily stared on, averting my eyes, as she said. If he does not come into his powers now he will not be able to defend himself in the days to come. So I assume youre here because you require my help also. No, I just wanted him to see how much good magic can do first hand. You werent invited. I said hotly. I know, but I foresaw that you wouldnt den y Lee the chance to see you perform the Samhain ritual if he agreed to come along with me. Fine. You may stay. Lee? I said and his eyes landed on me. Would you like to follow me please? Lets see if theres room at the feast for you. I said taking his hand. Whats going to happen? he asked almost fearfully. You dont have to be afraid. This is all very new to me too. I explained. She said that. he said indicating his grandmother. Why did they raise us this way? They have many different reasons, Lee, and Im sure, at the time they made the decision to raise us such a way, they thought they were making the right choice. He hasnt come into his powers yet. Liv spoke up. I unbound the spell but since our coven leader is dead and the Boom Craft perished with them then Then you thought that I could do it. Yes. she said cowed. I dont know if its possible to do it for someone outside the family but if I succeed you realise he wont be a Boom any longer. I explained as I changed course and led them to the house. I understand. I just want my grandson to be able to protect himself. Inside the house I asked Riona to stall the waiting crowd on the beach as I attempted to bring forth Lees powers. Liv and Rocket stood to one side as I pulled out the brass stand and Black Craft. Is that your spell book? he asked. This is my family legacy. It has been passed down throughout the generations. Your family would have had one too. Does your family have this too? Lee asked Lexie. She nodded. The Union Craft.

After I gave a brief explanation to Lee of what he should expect he said, Thisll change everything, wont it? Yes. I said. But itll be a good change, I promise. Itll be hard at first but Ill be here for you whenever you need me. Thanks. When he placed his hands upon the book I started the ritual that would bring forth his powers. It wasnt like when I did with Rowanne. It was with her, it felt right. When I tried to connect with Lee I felt like I was forcing myself into a place I didnt belong. It felt intrusive but when I finally found his spark it was hard to uproot. I gave it my all but it wouldnt budge. Then I remembered why. He wasnt a Black. He will be. I said to myself. I will love him like a B lack, I will be there for him when he needs me. I will show him the goodness the magic and the wondrous things he can achieve from magic. Finally, his spark came free and I was finally able to get a glimpse at Lees power. Hes a shape shifter. I said coming back to myself after the ritual. It worked? Liv Boom asked disbelievingly. Amazingly, yes. Hes a Witch.

*********************************************** After explaining to Lee what to expect he calmed down long enough to let his grandmother and I guided him to a chair at the table on the beach where my crowd of friends and family were waiting for me to start the Samhain ritual excitedly. Once they were all in their seats I nervously took to my altar. Merry meet! I called. Merry meet! they called back. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate and love you all and since Im not so good at speeches, the crowd laughed, I think Ill get on with it. My guests stayed silent as I lit the candles within the Jack O Lanterns and the black candles upon my altar before beginning the ritual. In life and death we are still close, in life and death Ill be your host. Samhain is here, so here we are, weve travelled here from near and far. They feast with me, they dance with me, my ancestors I call to thee! Tonight our worlds veils are thin, come join us now my now dead kin. With head held high and hand on heart it brings me pleasure when festivities start. Tonight Id like to welcome back Simon, John and Aloise Black! The crowd applauded as the ritual ended and they gasped when they saw the tell tale signs of company joining us. The faint sound of childrens laughter reached our ears and footprints in the sand quickened all around us. The lanterns swung side to side as the spirit children jumped and knocked them playfully. The children Black have arrived indeed, they said in unison standing in front of the altar, were glad you called youre all in need, of good times and laughter, we can assure, thats what youll have on this sandy moor. Youll soon see we like to play, alas, all night we cannot stay. So lets make our time last, join the party well have a blast! The crowd laughed and applauded the children they couldnt see as they ran and skipped around the table causing havoc here and there. They danced with us, sang with us and played pranks on us all night long while we enjoyed the food, the bon fire, the tarot readings and even just each others company. Even Lee managed to enjoy himself although I was sure his troubles we re far from over. I didnt want the night to end. My first Samhain ritual went off without a hitch and I couldnt have been prouder of myself and I felt certain my friends and family felt the same. The tug Id felt before when looking at their picture w as still there whenever the children passed by me but it wasnt a painful tug or a sad tug, but a happy and fulfilling feeling to know theyre with me for a while. When the bon fire was almost out we all gathered around it to keep warm and make smores. Riley wrapped his arms around me tightly while we sat with a blanket around us. Just when I felt like I was dosing I felt the tug of three sets of arms upon me. Mother, come with us. they pleaded.

Alright, Im coming. I said getting up. Following the footprints in the sand they left as they sped away in front of me I caught up with them closer to Rionas house. Were sad to say were leaving now. they all spoke in unison again, we wish you love and give a bow. But know were always here for you just like you were for us once too. But on its way to you soon, mother, is a choice from which you may just suffer. What are you talking about? I asked the invisible children. We cannot say. Said Aloise. And we cannot stay. Said John. But well support you in every way. Said Simon. Thank you. I said. Good bye, mother. We love you. they said in unison. And I love you all too. I said breaking into tears. Only I knew they were really gone because I no longer felt their presence. I still felt the connection, the love, the bond. But no longer their presence. Billie, are you ok? Riley asked behind me. When he saw me turn to face him with a tear stained face he rushed to my side. What happened? They just wanted to say goodbye. I sobbed. Is she ok? Torsten asked heaving the long table into the house with Kyle Reid, Willem and Brian helping him. The children are gone. he explained. You ok, sis? Brian asked. Ill be fine in a minute. Just leave the tables and go back to the fire. Ill deal with them in a little while. I answered. As Torsten, Kyle, Willem and Brian meandered back to the beach Riley took my left hand in his and kissed it. Do you want to go back or would you rather go to bed? Riley asked. No. When the fires out Ill go to bed. He wrapped his arms more tightly around me. Weve got a lot of work to do ahead of us so lets just enjoy tonight while we have it. You have a plan? he asked. No but I have a plan to make a plan. I said to which he laughed. We need to take good care of Lee also. He needs to be around us a lot until hes confident in his new life. How did you manage to bring forth his powers without the use of a miracle? I had to make him a Black. He is family now, so we all must treat him so. Do you understand? Yes. I giggled as Riley lifted me off my feet and carried me back to the fire where we sat under the blanket once more. So what now? Riona asked and the others turned to face me. Now, we stop the Preachers. I answered. How? asked Rowanne. First we find out where Sophia and Vincent are and then find whomever it was that put them into false comas. And how do we do that? asked Nana. Well, its simple really. It is? Rowanne asked disbelievingly. What do we have to do? At this point I had absolutely everyones attention at the bonfire. Were going to wake up Ruby.