Chapter 125: Witches' Sanctuary

The sun beat mercilessly down, while Reika and Kael struggled onward with nothing but slow and labored movements. Reika buckled at the knees and would've crashed to earth if Kael hadn't steadied her just in time. "We cannot continue this way," she whispered hoarse and hardly audible. Kael nodded grimly. "We must seek shelter. Somewhere safe." From a distance, Kael noticed a glint of something - a movement, a shape, or something. First, he took it to be a mirage, but as they moved closer, shapes of trees with a small building became clearer. "A village?" Reika asked in her small voice. Kael shook his head. "Nay, 'its too seclusive. But let's go check that out." As they drew closer to the edge of the settlement, it became clear this was not any ordinary village: strange symbols pointed from the sand, glowing faintly in the dying light, surrounded the area, while inside the circle stood a small cluster of stone huts with smoke rising from the fire pit. Kael's bristled, hand resting on the dagger at his side. "These markings. It would seem this place is protected by magic." "Witches?" Reika said. "Perhaps. Stay near me." With a sudden whoosh of sand, a circle of wind rose from nowhere. Before they could even think, some figures in cloaks stepped out of nowhere, faces covered. 'Who dares enter the sanctuary of the Sable Coven?" a woman's voice commanded. Kael stepped in front of Reika. 'We mean no harm. We're just travelers seeking refuge." The figure in the lead threw back her hood, revealing an arresting woman with raven-black hair and piercing emerald eyes. Her gaze darted between Kael and Reika, narrowing. "You are no common travelers," she said, with an assuring look. Reika stammered then said, "Please, we have been running for what feels like eternity. We have no home, no allies. We need help." The woman's eyes softened slightly as she examined Reika. Then her gaze dropped to Reika's hand, where a scar in the shape of a crescent moon was faintly visible. 'You," the woman whispered, her expression shifting to one of shock and recognition. 'You're the Luna. Alpha Lleus' mate." Reika stiffened, her breath catching in her throat. Kael tensed beside her, his hand tightening on the hilt of his dagger. "I don't know what you're talking about," Reika said boldly with fear. The woman laughed, a low knowing sound. "You can't fool me. The mark of the Alpha's bond is unmistakable. And you," she added, turning to Kael, "you're his beta. I recognize you both from the party you know." Kael's jaw clenched. "If you know who we are, then you know we're in danger. Are you going to help us or turn us in? She regarded them for one long, silent moment before nodding. "Follow me." The witches led Reika and Kael to one of the stone huts-its interior surprisingly warm and inviting. The head of the coven then introduced herself as Elira; her sisters moved in closer, their faces riddled with curiosity. "You have many enemies," Elira said, extending Reika a cup of herbal tea. "But you shall find no enemies here." "Why are you helping us?" Kael asked warily. She leaned back in her chair, not once removing her gaze from his face. "The Alpha Lleus might have been divisive, but the Sable Coven owes a debt to him. Many years ago, when a group of dark sorcerers posed a danger to our coven, he had come to help us. He wanted nothing from us in return but the promise that at some point, as and when that need arose, we stand by his kin." Reika exchanged a look with Kael; there was the barest breaking in tension through her glance as she was clearly relieved. "Thank you," Reika whispered. Elira nodded. "You are most welcome to rest here. Of course, though, you must acknowledge that your pursuers are neither patient or relenting. Their coming here remains a possible, we're very sure" Reika and Kael got to know the witches-from very young apprentices, the membership age ranged all over to some fairly older spellcasters-who became warm towards them with time. She had always remained charming and obedient; and helped the witches with their brews and herbs of many types. Softness within her nature won enough trust from the witches enough to melt even those cold emotions hiding within the skeptics belonging to that very coven. "One naturally has this touch," said one of the younger witches, Lira, as Reika began mixing a potion for her. "I've had practice," Reika said with a small smile, thinking of the desert and light pack village. Kael remained more suspicious of the world around them. He helped the witches build up their defenses. A warrior by trade, he added his own advice about the layout of the various protective wards to help the witches reinforce them. "You're quite the strategist," Elira said one evening as Kael was making rounds along the boundary markings. "It's what I was trained for," Kael said simply. The night wracked on and placed the coven around the fire. Elira approached Reika with a sad look on her face. "There's something you should know," she said. Reika frowned. "What is it? She followed her deep inside, far away from the middle of the village, as Elira took her to where there was an ancient stone mounted on the ground, with runes inscribed upon it, shining so bright within the light of the moon. "This is a prophecy," said Elira. "It speaks of impossible trials that have been faced by Luna, how with strength within, and a broken packs shall be joined together once again and the realms restored into balance. Reika's eyes stared from the tablet at her, her mind racing with thoughts. "You think that is me?" "I know it is," Elira said. "And your child. He is going to hold the key to this prophecy's being fulfilled." Fears started settling upon Reika, who never asked for the responsibility, though if this would be her fate, she was up for it.