Chapter 81
Sleep did not find us easily last night. I lay curled up into Jaxon’s chest just basking in his comfort and trying to forget about the potential terrors just outside our walls. Violet could have been anywhere, she could have been right outside our door for all we knew. I hated the not knowing, it was the worst part of it all and it felt like a deliberate action on her part- she wanted
me to sweat
in, I wasn’t sure what time I fell asleep but by the time I woke up, the sun was out and I cursed because I never slept especially not on a school day. I rushed down the stairs only to ser that Jaxon had already handled everything and was serving breakfast for the kids. My steps faltered as I took in the scene and by the time I finally got over to where he was, he pulled me in for a soft kiss
“You looked like you needed the rest,” he told me before placing a plate in front of me too. “Eat, we have a long day ahead of as today.” I scrunched my brows in confusion and he dropped his voice to a whisper. “The witches finally got back to me. They’re coming to see Kiara today at the palace
1 glanced at my daughter innocently eating cereal like a major decision about her life was not about to be made. I leaned over to ruffle her hair and she smiled. I decided to let breakfast be peaceful and explain later that she would be going to the palace with us. We deserved a simple breakfast as a family
By the time we were done eating and getting dressed. I could see the confusion on everyone’s faces as we piled in the same car, Kieran was usually dropped off by guards and not us personally but Jaxon was determined to drop him off today. I didn’t want to push or ask any more questions than necessary. The entire ride was quiet and when we got to the school. Jaxon got out of the car.
“I’ll be back very soon,” he assured me then held out his hand to Kieran who was staring up at him with awe and astonishment. “If we don’t go in now, you’re going to be late.
That seemed to snap Kieran out of his stupor because he waved to us and rushed out of the car. I watched as they walked hand-in-hand into the school. All eyes were on both of them but Jaxon didn’t seem to mind. He walked forward like he usually would with his head held high. I glanced over at the car behind us where I knew the guards were waiting in case something happened.
“Mummy” Kiara spoke up making me turn to her. “Will you and daddy walk me into school on my first day too?”
“Of course we will, I wouldn’t miss it for the world”
A sharp knock on the door had me jumping. I could already see the guards rushing to action but it was just a little girl so 1 rushed out and assured them it was fine. She looked to be around eight years old and I was sure she was just curious and meant no harm.
“Did you need something?” I asked and she shook her head. She rummaged in her pockets and brought out a piece of pape “Did you make that?”
“No, there was a lady over there who asked me to give it to you glanced over at the guards and nodded and they immediately rushed over to the area but I knew Violet would be long gone. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, you’re not.” I assured her as I took the paper from her hand, “You should go to class and avoid taking things from strangers next time. Thank you”
She nodded and rushed into the building The guards returned just as Jaxon was making his way out of the building and they shook their head to inform me that they didn’t find anything just like I knew As soon as Jaxon got into the car, I briefed ham on what happened and opened up the letter
It was short just like the last time, it was just three words It’s Almost Time
“What’s that mummy?” Kiara piped up and I turned to her with a smile
“It’s nothing important, sweetheart Don’t worry about it”
III
Chapter 81
I could tell the contents of that letter weighed heavily on Jaxon’s mind as we drove. He asked for the letter and I gave it to him because I planned to throw it away anyways. I helped Kiara out of the car and we were greeted at the door by Aiden. Kiara ran up to him and he wasted no time in picking her up.
“I missed you,” he told her. “Your dad won’t bring you around anymore and look at how much you’ve grown.” She practically flourished under the praise and he turned to Jaxon and 1. “They’re waiting for you.”
Jaxon kept his hand in mine while Aiden carried Kiara all the way to the room. She was oblivious to everything that was happening as she told Aiden everything that she felt he had missed. When we got to the room, I regret to say that I expected to see an old woman wearing a large coat with an abnormally large nose. It was the stereotypical image of witches that we had been fed as children.
Instead, standing in front of me was a young woman with brown curls that fell to her back. Her eyes were a bright amber color and she was dressed in jeans and a wrap top that made her look beautiful. She was seated when we entered and she quickly stood to her feet and bowed.
“My name is Este,” she said as way of greeting and she turned to Kiara. “I assume she is why I’m here.” Jaxon nodded. “The witches apologize for their late response. We are having issues of our own that needed handling. Can I hold her hand?”
I nodded to Aiden, and he put her down. He held Kiara’s hand and took her over to Este. He held one hand while Este took the other because Kiara didn’t want to be left alone. I gave her a small smile to remind her that we were here and nothing was going to happen to her.
“Do you remember when you used your powers?” Este asked in soft voice and Kiara hesitated before nodding, “Do you know how to use them?” she shook her head. “This will just tickle a little.”
She closed her eyes and began a chant. It was soft so I couldn’t make out the words and I watched Kiara carefully because if I saw any sign of discomfort then I was putting an end to it but Kiara looked fine. She looked slightly bored but otherwise fine and unharmed.
Este’s eyes flew open with a gasp and her eyes shot to mine then Aiden’s before finally going to settle on Jaxon, She pulled her hand away from Kiara’s and offered a small smile to my daughter.
“You were so brave,” she told her and I saw Kiara flush under the praise. “Her powers were premature when they came out. She was under a lot of pressure. She isn’t a witch but I won’t tell you if she’s a wolf or a lycan yet. You will find out in due time. Her powers should not be a bother to you until her true form takes hold. Whenever that happens, I would be more than happy to help her train.”
“Thank you,”
Este smiled and wiped her hands against her trousers. “I shouldn’t be saying this because witches are forbidden to interfere directly in matters concerning other super naturals but I think it goes without saying that you all need to be careful. There so much happening in this palace that could prove detrimental if not stopped.”
“Why can’t you just tell us directly?” I asked and she smiled ruefully.
“I would die,” it was simple. “I will be seeing you again in a few years.” She bowed and started to walk away but when she got to my side, she dropped her voice to a whisper. “Do not trust anyone with anything.”
If I had not heard her voice clearly, I would have thought I imagined the entire thing. As she walked away, I was left staring blankly wondering what had just happened. I could see both Aiden and Jaxon watching me carefully so I flashed the brightest smile I could muster and turned to Kiara.
“Do you want to go see mummy’s office?”
Este’s words repeated in my ears throughout the day. I wanted to talk to someone about it but I didn’t know who I could talk to. She hadn’t minced words when she said don’t trust anyone. Was she referring to the fact that there was a mole in the palace? Did she know who it was? Was that why she said that she couldn’t interfere or she would die?
2/3
O
Chapter 81
I was thinking of all the possibilities because her words had only left me with more questions than answers. I wasn’t sure of what to do or where to go from here but I knew I would figure it out. Kiara was currently curled up in my lap and sleeping while I tried to finish up some of my work. She refused to sleep on the couch and decided my lap was the best place.
I didn’t mind it because her presence kept me calm. I was working when there was a knock on my door. Aiden walked in with a takeout menu in his hands. “Do you want me to order something for you or would you like something from the kitchen?”
“I’m fine right now, don’t worry, Aiden. Thank you.”
He looked over at Kiara. “I could take her from you.”
“It’s fine.” I didn’t realize how hard my voice was until it came out and Aiden took a step back. “I’m sorry, I’m just stressed right now and I want my daughter with me
“You don’t have to explain. I’ll just leave the take out menu here for whenever you’re ready,” he assured me. “Is it because of what Este said? Kiara will be fine.”
“I know that, it’s not it.”
“Did she say something else?”
For a split second, I debated telling Aiden what she had said but it was like there was something stopping me. It was like the more I tried, the further into my throat the words retreated so I settled for shaking my head. I could tell Aiden didn’t believe me but he nodded and stood to his feet.
Well, I’ll tell Jaxon that you’re both fine seeing as he’s the one who asked me to check up on you,” I laughed because I wasn’t shocked. Just as he got to the door, he paused and turned to me. You know you can trust me, right Freya?”
I smiled and nodded because my words wouldn’t work. The truth was, I didn’t know who I could trust anymore.
SEND GIFT