by Mela Zen
The rest of the world’s noise dies down, I only hear the breathes and hearts of Elijah and Anna. They book look at each other noticing the drastic effect of the spell, “What the heck Annabelle?” Anna says.
“He is the Lockwood descent,” I respond back.
“Fuck.”
“Yeah and?? That is my last name, guys,” Elijah says innocently.
“Earth to Elijah! The Lockwoods are one of the most powerful witches that ever lay their feet on this ground. The Knight family, Annabelle’s family, are a close second. You are from the Diamond Coven, the noblest, wisest, and feared coven. Also most hated because your recent ancestors began killing innocents but that is for later,” Anna gives him a brief pat on the back.
“Annabelle?”
“What she says is true, you are of Lockwood. And that last sentence Anna just explained is the reason why your powers have been locked. Your first Ancestor, Grace, feared that your parents influence may have inflicted on you. Clearly she was wrong, but she also wanted to hide your powers because other forces would use you. She is going to unlock them, though,” I sigh.
“That’s good isn’t?” Elijah sounds happy.
“Wait, you can only lock powers when they are not fully developed. Elijah is not fully developed, clearly. So that means he has to...,” Anna didn’t finish her sentence.
“Have to what?”
“You have to go through the witches trials.”
“The witches what?”
“The Witches Trials, it is sort of like the steps before your powers are set in stone. At night you go through this dream simulation, but its not really a dream. You have to defend, protect, and fight those who mean to hurt you or your loved ones. For example, its like that movie, uhhh Divergent?”
“So you mean I feel everything but don’t really see it?”
“Sure. A witch usually does this before they fully develop their powers, at a young to be exact. Typically before 18 years, youngest was twelve, which is me.”
“I went through mine at 15, my brother went through his at 16.”
“But since my powers were lock before I even had the chance to go through them, I have to go through them now if I want my powers.”
“Oh you still get them, but not as powerful as they should be. Its like you get to choose the strength of your powers. Sort of.”
“Can you take it again?”
“I have heard you can, but you lay in a coma for about two weeks in order for your body to recuperate.”
“Anything else,” Elijah scoffs.
“Everything will feel and look real, including your sister. This triggers your default protecting system you have built in you. It will basically feel like a nightmare.”
“Yeah and one that will haunt you for weeks, maybe even months,” Anna shakes her head.
“Was your bad?”
“Mine? Terrible. I held my niece’s dead body in my hand, I struggled with a spell and it was too late,” Anna says softly.
“You, Annabelle?”
“I killed both of my parents to save my brother, they turned against us. Then I let myself get turned into a vampire so my brother can kill me.”
“Wow. I am officially scared.”
“Don’t be. We will help you the best way we can. Now that you know what to expect, lets help you with basic spell techniques. That way it may go more smoothly,” Anna grabs Elijah’s hands in which I tense up.
“Annabelle?” Elijah looks at me.
“Sure. You will be sleeping in my guest room, in order to avoid complications. You might scream really loud so I don’t want people to think you have gone mad.”
“What about my sister? I can’t leave her alone.”
“Tell her to join us, like a sleepover. I will put a spell on room blocking the noise.”
“Wait will my sister go through with this?”
“How old is she again?”
“Ten.”
“We will keep an eye on her, although I started mine at age 12, it doesn’t mean she can’t get it. All set?”
“Yeah, of course,” Elijah nods.
“Good, see you tomorrow night.”
Chapter 9
Elijah
“Are you his girlfriend?” My sister asks Annabelle who is setting up her room.
“Ha. No,” Annabelle smiles at her, but I swear I saw some blushing. I didn’t know vampires can do that, honestly.
“Kenzie stop asking those silly questions. You are kind of embarrassing me,” I nervously chuckled.
“But why? I remember you went through three shirts so you can look good for Annabelle. I thought she was your girlfriend?”
“Three shirts?” Annabelle laughs.
“Yes and pick this most ugly one, with the black and red squares. I hate that shirt,” Kenzie giggles along with Annabelle.
“It was kind of ugly.”
“Ladies, I am right here,” I point my fingers at myself.
“Oh we know. Anyways Kenzie, do you read bedtime stories or listen to music when you go to bed?” Annabelle folds a sheet.
“Just a little music, mostly piano music because the piano sounds awesome. But I didn’t bring my CD player.”
“No worries, I have some. I play the piano and I have lots and lots of records.”
“Really?!”
“Yup, the old style records too. You know vinyl, the big round CD’s they used to sell back in the day?”
“The ones that have a big flower pointing to the side?”
“Exactly.”
“Can I see?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll be right back.”
Annabelle smiles at the both of us then leaves the room. Kenzie is grinning like a small child that she is, looking at me. I straighten myself up, preparing for her comments. She may be ten years old but she is too damn smart for this world.
“Why don’t you ask her out?” Kenzie climbs on the bed, making herself comfortable.
“I don’t think I am ready, yet,” I lie. I have been ready but I really haven’t had the courage.
“I like her, if that’s what you are waiting for,” she yawns, “Is she like us?”
“Witch?”
“Yup, like mama and papa.”
I walk over and sit next to her, letting her lean on my shoulder, “Very much like us. Powerful and willing to protect us from that evil man.”
“The one with sharp teeth?”
“Yes.”
“Does Annabelle have sharp teeth?”
My body stiffens at the thought, “Why do you ask that?”
“I don’t know. She has the same...feeling? Its okay if you don’t want to tell me.”
“I do,” Annabelle walks in with the vinyl.
“Annabelle...,” I say getting up.
“No. Kenzie deserves to know, I know she is young but I learned that young. Do you really want to know, Kenzie?”
“Yes..”
“Well,” Annabelle sets down the vinyl on the vanity, “I have sharp teeth and I am a dog.”
“A dog?”
“Like a wolf, technically. I am...unique in that way. Do you want to see me in my dog form?”
“Are you scary looking?”
“It depends.”
“I am a big girl, I can take it.”
“That’s the spirit, come follow me.”
I sigh, helping Kenzie off the bed and following Annabelle down the stairs. Danni and Annabelle’s brother are quite comfortable on the couch, but their heads perk up when they see us coming down the steps.
When Danny found out the Annabelle was helping me, I thought she’d be upset since we broke up about five months ago. And according to her, Danni was not over me at all, until she saw Zeke. I honestly did not pay attention, until I heard the Zeke was Annabelle’s brother. For a while, I tried impressing him, hoping I get his approval because I thought Zeke was older than Annabelle.
Then I found out the Annabelle is older than Zeke and I stop trying, kind of. From that day o
n, we all got along and I eventually found out that both Zeke and Danni were kind of getting it on. On the inside, I felt happy for Danni, she deserved someone who comforts her and loves her, something I did for awhile until I realized I didn’t.
“Where you guys heading off to?” Zeke asks.
“Annabelle is showing my sister her wolf form,” I sigh at the words.
“No way!” Anna comes out of the kitchen. She still hasn’t told Freddie, which Annabelle is upset about because if she has to rescue him, she preferred if he knew about what she was instead of it being a surprise.
“Thats cool I haven’t seen her in her wolf form. Come on Zeke, let’s go!” Danni gets up from the couch.
“Fine, but once I shift you all have to shift so Kenzie knows who is protecting her, alright?” Annabelle says sternly.
“Wait, Danni and your brother are wolves too?” Kenzie holds my hands tighter.
“Yes and if you don’t want to see it that’s fine. We can do it when you are ready,” Annabelle kneels down to reach her height, consoling her.
“No,” my sisters stands up straight, “Lets see it.”
Annabelle nods and gets up, walking past Anna and to the backyard. Danni and Zeke soon follow my sister and I, standing there on the porch, looking past the garden.
“I am going all the way to the back, it’s kind of gruesome to see me shift. I will be okay, alright?” Annabelle looks at my sister with soft eyes.
“Yeah. I am ready,” my sister laughs.
Annabelle lets out a soft sigh, smiling at my sister then walking away from us, going down the steps. She takes off her shoes and socks, continue to walk deep beneath the woods. Soon, she disappear into the darkness, leaving nothing but silence behind. Anna, Danni and Zeke all sit on the steps, looking towards Annabelle’s direction. Kenzie and I follow behind, sitting in the quiet woods.
“What’s taking so long,” Kenzie asks.
“My sister is making sure that no one is around. She doesn’t want people to know what we are or lets the enemies see who is close to us,” her brother responds.
“Enemies?”
“Bad guys. We have bad luck with them, we are always a target. Sometimes we are never safe, but we always had each other. Well, mostly my sister has my back. She protects me with such passion and care, sometimes I take it for granted. Plus, when we shift, all of our clothes rip, so we like to take them off before we do so. Saves the fabric,” Zeke chuckles.
“I guess so,” Kenzie says then she gasps, “Look.”
I look where she is pointing, two burning, red ember eyes looking at us in the shadows. I must admit, I felt my heart race and goosebumps going up my spine looking at those eyes. My mind reverts back to the time where I first saw those menacing eyes, when Annabelle saw my blood in the palms of her hands.
Soon the eyes became closer to us, follow by a snout and to pointy ears. Then her whole body, tall and big body, came out in front of the light, her fur shining against it. Her fur, her coat, is black, deepest of the blacks you can see. If anything, it blends in the shadows showing no signs of light. The closer she came the more big she look, her tail swinging gently side to side.
Everyone sit there amazed, including me. I have never seen a werewolf before, let alone a wolf apart from the internet and zoo trips. Suddenly my sister gets up, letting go of my hand and walking towards Annabelle, slowly reaching out her hand to touch the fur.
Annabelle, meanwhile, sat there waiting for Kenzie to touch her. I see Annabelle’s red eyes looking to the side as Kenzie’s hand made contact with her fur. When Kenzie got comfortable, she attempted to reach for Annabelle’s head, giggling in the process. Annabelle lied down, allowing Kenzie to touch her ears, snout, and head.
“Your sister’s form, its...stunning,” Danni looks at Zeke, “I am so jealous right now.”
“Whatever, I like my form,” Zeke takes off his jacket going down the same way Annabelle did. Soon Danni followed suite, still eyeing Annabelle’s magnificent coat.
“Kenzie, Danni and I are going to shift as well, I look like my sister with black fur while Danni is brown. Don’t be afraid of us,” Zeke shouts as he disappears.
“Okay!”
Sure enough, two wolves appears, one brown as promised. Danni is a little bit smaller than Annabelle, but still big enough to attack me down. Her brown coat is also beautiful, but not as great as Annabelle’s.
Then came another black wolf, but Zeke has strays of white or grey fur around his paws while Annabelle does not. And his eyes, unlike Danni’s pale yellow, the eyes have yellowing around the pupils but once it reaches the edge of the eyes, its red. I remember Annabelle telling me that Zeke is a vampire and a wolf, so it kind of makes sense that he looks that way.
For awhile, they all circle around Kenzie allowing her to touch them all. Soon Anna and I followed by feeling their fur and gazing at their formidable size. When I touch Annabelle, despite being in this form, I still feel electric sparks flowing through my veins. Even looking into those scary eyes, I could feel her watching me with care.
We were in this trance for a moment or two, ignoring everybody.
It was a beautiful moment.
If she were in her human form, I would kiss her right now.
I was about to say something to her when her head suddenly jerks to the side, her body risen as if she was preparing for an attack. And sure enough, another wolf, also brown, comes flying through bushes attacking her and knocking me out.
Annabelle
It was a beautiful moment. I felt his eyes pouring love against mines, if I was in my human form I would totally kiss him.
Then I heard it, multiple paws hitting against the earth’s body, leaves and twigs crunching underneath it. My ears perked and my body instantly stood upm preparing for an attack.
Zeke, Danni, something is coming. Protect Kenzie at all costs.
Sis, who is co-
I didn’t received the ending of that message as a brown wolf attacks me, scratching the side of my body. I rolled over, hearing Kenzie scream as well as Anna, getting back up on all fours. I snarl at my opponent who returned the gesture then attacked me again, but this time I dodge.
When he hit the floor, I bit him on his back and swinged him to the side causing him to crash against a pine tree. I walk slowly, stalking him, trying to ask him questions.
Why are you attacking me? Alpha James said I could live on his territory.
You have someone that belongs to us, filth.
I would watch your tone with me, boy. I am not the one to be messed with.
Enough, Keizer. Let me talk to the Alpha.
I look to see the same elder wolf who I met a few weeks ago in these very woods coming out of the distance. His coat is covered in white and greying fur, barely any brown peeking through. I bow my head, showing respect as he is an elder. I may be cold but I know place, sometimes.
Alpha Annabelle, I am sure that you are aware that my daughter, Danniella ? belongs to me.
Of course, Alpha...
Alpha Balin. My daughter needs to be returned to me in order to resume her duties as upcoming Alpha. I am sure you know the process.
No, Annabelle, don’t send me back.
Danni, there is nothing I can do, it is the way of law. If I don’t return you I can face death. You have to make this decision. You have to decide whether or not to leave the pack.
Do not dare to put nonsense in my daughter’s head! She is of the Crescent Pack and she will become Alpha.
What happens if I leave, Annabelle.
You will be disowned. And if you want to cement yourself into another pack, you have to call a meeting of all the packs, put in your claim and they will decide.
I want to be disowned. You were never my father, you always treated me like dirt, tossing me until you need me!
Not true!
It is! Ask anybody amongst our family and they’ll agree!
You will pay for this, filth.
If you were perha
ps a better parent, then none of this would have happen.
That earned a mean snarl from the Alpha, turning himself around and walking away from us. I hear Danni whimpering in the back as Zeke tries to console her. I stood there, looking at the shadows of the wolves until I felt that they are indeed gone.
I think I just added another enemy to my list of ever-growing enemies.
Chapter 10
Annabelle
With no time to waste, I hid behind the stairs and shift myself back to my human form. I then ran to my room and into the bathroom, examining the three lines going across my side. If I were a regular old schmoe, I would be severely bleeding. Thankfully, my vampire healing abilities would prevent that.
However, I was scratch by a purebred wolf, and the wolfsbane on a purebred are impactful. Purebreds are generally wolfs that have been in the same pact for centuries, never marrying into another. Some are very hard to find, it has actually been the first time I have been bitten by a purebred. My blood only does so much, I would have to be resting.
However, there is no time for resting due to the fact that Elijah will be under trance for the next few hours going through his trials. I will need to be there for him, in case anything goes wrong.
“Annabelle?! Annabelle!” Anna calls out my name.
Finally putting on a loose t shirt, I ran back downstairs to see a crying Kenzie and a shaken Elijah. Danni and Zeke probably went back to change into their clothing, smart idea.
“Hey baby doll, you okay,” I look at Kenzie.
She shakes her head no, “How about I make you some tea that will make you very sleepy so you can sleep well.”
“Yes, please. Are you okay? I smell...blood,” she looks at me with worry eyes. This observation forces Elijah to look at me.
“Just a small scratch, nothing I can’t handle,” I laugh.
“Okay, I am ready for bed,” she gives a small smile.
“Good, Anna,” I get up quickly, regretting it as soon as the pain shot through my side.
“You are not okay,” Elijah whispers at me, hoping Kenzie wouldn’t hear.
“No I am not, but don’t worry about me, I will be fine. Just help me make the tea and we need to get started with you,” I lean against the counter, helping myself across the kitchen.