The Warlock and The Werewolf

CHAPTER ONE

Reuben

I need to get out of bed. It’s almost time for the coven’s meeting. Today is the day, judgement must prevail.

I am Reuben and a warlock. The leader of a group of witches and wizards. There’s a war brewing presently between the witches and the wolves .

James, my next in command, has fallen for a wolf and this is forbidden. It is forbidden to love outside of your own. James is like a brother, so my mind is in conflict as to what to do. It’s a matter of us attacking before the wolves come in packs and destroy us. We hold our meeting deep in the woods in an old century cathedral building. It will be a massacre if the wolves find out where we gather. I think it is best we avoid a war and thread carefully.

The only thing we have got is our magical abilities- spells, potions and magic, and we must utilise them all tonight. We had spent a few nights interrogating him and got nowhere. I was deliberately dragging things to prolong passing judgement on a friend I love dearly.

“Reuben, we need to decide now.”

One of our powerful sorcerers, Larek said.

“You either break every tie with her or we purge you of her”, he said sternly to James.

“I will rather meet my end than live without her”, James replied.

“So be it, let’s get started”, he said.

We gathered around the fire. Herbs and crystals have taken their places. James was held down. Larek pricked him with a tiny needle and a strand of his hair was taken.

We didn’t need anything from the wolf. If we eliminate her, the wolves will find out so we had to deal with her through James, erase their memories and severe the ties. They both won’t remember ever meeting each other. Though their hearts are already entwined, she will forget him too. That is how powerful the effect of our spell is.

So we began with the chant. As the spell made its way around him in a red tiny strand of flame, engulfing him, James’s heart started to thump really hard, he felt his blood drying up. That’s the purging beginning,his eyes had started to turn white.

The louder our chants, the louder he screamed. No one will be able to hear our chants or his screams. This is our usual ritual before we begin any meeting; we cast a spell to seal the noise between our realm and the physical realm. The fire went out when it was over. He slumped and passed out. He will be fine in the morning, when he wakes up. The part of his memory that harbours her, would be gone and everything will be back to normal. He will remember everything else except for her.

I am an architect by day and a warlock by night. No one knows about this aspect of my life except for fellow members of our coven. I inherited it. It was passed from my generation down to myself.

No, I don’t wear a long hat and magical robes. That’s for the kiddies cartoons . I am not your typical warlock. I am marked, inked and branded with symbols that help me channel my power.

Women I have dated in the past call it a sexy tattoo but they had no idea who they were sleeping with. I use my power and magic only when necessary.

Our meetings are conducted fortnightly-that is our usual practice, mostly rituals and also discussions about issues in the coven. We are always at war either with the vamps or the wolf packs. So we try not to attract any unnecessary attention to ourselves.

Although some hags have been banished from the coven for trying to show off with their magic and spells, that is not what we are about. We maintain the tradition and protect our own.

Today is the day of my presentation. We have been contracted to build a state of the heart skyscraper so the discussion took longer than expected. By the time we were done, I was craving coffee. I sent my assistant to get some coffee. When she returned with it and passed it to me, as I put it to my lips, I realised it’s filled with wolfsbane. Who is trying to poison me?

Someone knows who I am.

I wasn’t scared but I was worried. Wolfsbane is poisonous,it can kill a wolf instantly as it spreads quickly.We do have a potion that can help to heal but the poison spreads like fire. Much as I should be immune to it, I wasn’t ready to test that fact out by drinking the coffee as I couldnt ascertain how much of it the coffee had been laced with.

I flushed the coffee down the toilet and called for my assistant.

“Kate,” I called her into my office.

Yes sir,She replied.

“Where did you get my coffee from?”

“The usual place,” sir.

“Okay . Do you remember who served you?”

“Yes, a slim pale looking lady with dark brown hair, her eyes looked yellowish, on her badge it said Luna.”

“Thank you Kate,” I replied .

I went straight to the coffee shop .

There she was at the counter, Luna. Slender, innocent looking with tiny slim lips. I could see the curve of her hips from her waist where the apron tied firmly to it. I found her sexually appealing.

‘Hello.’ She looked at me with her yellowish dog like eyes, my heart was pounding softly in my chest. She stared at me for a minute like she hated me but finds me appealing at the same time.

”What can I get you?” she said in a low but deeply feminine voice.

“An espresso would be fine. Don’t poison it this time,” I said.

She looked at me and smirked.

I didn’t want the coffee, I just wanted to know who Luna was and why she was after me.

I tossed and turned all night. First reason, she’s a wolf that’s for sure,I can smell it all over her and I can see her wolf growling inside her at me. But why? I have no business with Wolves. I can smell them from afar and can’t stand them.

But this particular wolf sends a shock to my system, she heightens my sexually feelings. Strangely I didn’t think about the consequences of associating with a wolf. All I could think about was being deep inside her, being one with her.

No, this wasn’t just sexual. There’s more that is propelling me towards her. She’s not a witch so there is no question of her casting a spell on me, so what is this force pulling me towards her? I asked myself till I fell asleep.

I went back to the coffee shop. It was my day off.

’”Can we talk? I don’t want us drawing attention to each other. I know your pack won’t expect that from you. Irrespective of what we all are, we aim for peace so please can we meet somewhere else less obvious?”

“Where?,” She answered.

“If you don’t mind, at my place?”

“Are you on a suicide mission!” she exclaimed .

“No,I am not. It’s not full moon tonight so it’s okay. Besides, I will spell shield myself. I have enough protective barrier running in my blood and my house is infused with sage, if you are not allergic to sage then you should be fine.”

She looked at me suspiciously.

“I won’t hurt you.”

“If you make one dangerous move, I will rip you apart, I promise,”she said. “Text me your location. I will be there at 7pm sharp.”

She was so dominant. I like that in a woman.

True to her words, she was at my door at 7pm.

“Come in, please take a seat,” I said.

“So can you tell me why you want to kill me? Have I hurt you in any way? I don’t recall ever meeting you before.”

I threw all these questions at her, all at once.

“I don’t want to kill you, I just needed your attention. I know who you are and I knew you can smell wolfbane easily because of your nature. I just wanted you to find me.”

“You almost killed my sister with your stupid spell, instead the spell took effect on the baby,” her eyes welled up with tears as she growled softly.

“What?!” I exclaimed.

“Who is your sister?”

“Zelda,” she replied.

I felt like I had just been slapped in the face. Zelda. James’s wolfgirl.

Our spell didn’t work on her because she was pregnant but the effect of the spell affected and terminated the baby.

“I am terribly sorry,” I said remorsefully.

“We didn’t want to kill Zelda, we just wanted to erase both their memories. As you know, its forbidden to find a mate outside of your clan. If I knew she was pregnant I would never have allowed that ritual to go ahead.”

“What can I do to help.”

“The other wolves have no idea whats happening to her. She only confided in me about James and he told her everything about you and your coven. I have no intention of starting a war but she is not waking up. The pack people are starting to get suspicious. Can you help me revive her please?”

“I can, but it will be at a cost. I will lose my powers and be banished if I take a spell back. My bloodline will end with me.

If your sister doesn’t wake up, the pack will eventually know and start a war.”

I was dejected. Stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. This won’t be easy once this is done I can’t go back. Luna place her palm on my shoulder, am sorry she said. Its not your fault. I said, I started this. I should have defended James and stood by him.

I buried my face in my hands. She hugged me tight from behind, her breast rested on my back, I turned around and took her in my arms. From the moment we set eyes on each other we could sense the attraction. We burned for each other.my jaw clenched as I reach to kiss her . we kissed each other wildy and passionately, ripping each other’s clothes off . I lifted her, she wrapped her long legs around my waist. I parted her legs slowly until my body was between her thigh . I thrust deep inside her. We moved together in rhythm slowly at first then, she came on top of me thrusting deep, fast and erratic until we both exploded together.

When i woke up she was gone. what was I going to do? Give up my very existence as a warlock to save her sister, or refuse and we all perish in a war that will be bloody and extend from generation to generation. i consoled myself with the thought of our session last night. I wanted and needed her again. I had all day to think. I would rather give up my powers than start a bloody war that will kill us all. Word must not get out in the coven that am taking a spell back and giving up my powers. So I need to speak to my trusted allies. Larek and Vixen. Vixen has been around since the time of my mother. She was the oldest sorceress in our coven. She treats me like a son and I love her like a mother.i know what I need to do.

I went back to the coffee shop. Luna was there. ‘I need to see you again.i asked desperately. It’s the full moon tonight I cant risk it.’ I will be with you in two days . okay I agreed sensibly. There’s no need to be foolish and allow her eat me up like a piece of meat, I cautioned myself. of course she can devour me anytime like she did last night.Two days felt like two months .i missed her so much. My feelings were getting stronger by the day. I had just got home after a hectic day at the office. I didn’t stop by to see Luna because I wanted to give her some space. I poured myself some scotch and there was a knock on the door.

As soon as she stepped in we kissed each other deeply. ‘i missed you so much’. I miss you too she said, we couldn’t stop kissing each other, she went down on her knees, with her tongue sliding down my private part. I gasped for breath. She could feel and taste my hardness, she awakened my senses. I wanted her now. I got on the floor with her.kissing her hard nipples ,circling my tongue around until she growled for more then I parted her and thrusted deep inside .that’s where I want to be ,inside her . to be one with her. It was 2am when we both woke up.I told her my plans, ‘don’t do it please’ she said. Don’t give your life up because I asked. ‘ do you want your sister to be in deep slumber forever? No, she said. her eyes welled up with tears. But I love you; I can’t be selfish with you’. She took the words out of my mouth. I love you too Luna.

We hugged each other warmly. If you give up your powers I will leave the pack for you but we can’t reside in this town we need to leave this town forever. I can’t reverse and be human . so every full moon I will leave you for a day or two but I will surely return to you. i accept that with the whole of my heart. I said. like I was taking a vow.

You can reverse and be human. I will plead with vixen and Larek to work on a cure while we are gone . am certain we will find a cure . do not worry. I have to go now . we will live as soon as Zelda wakes up. Okay I said. ’ Zelda will wake up but she will still have no memory of james, I told her. That’s fine. They will find each other again if they were meant to be, she smiled and shut the door behind her. I felt selfish , I purged James of his love and now am running away with mine. But mine was a bigger sacrifice.my mother would be disappointed in me if she were still alive. Knowing am giving up my sorcery for love. It’s the very essence of my being. maybe this is my destiny.

Larek and Vixen looked at me with eyes wide opened. Are you mad? Larek asked me. Nope I replied. Would you rather I risk a war that would wipe us all out? That kept him quiet. Vixen spoke ’ Reuben you have the right to choose your own path and what you want to do is noble. I will stand by you as always. I felt relieved and looked at Larek for his approval, me too he smiled. And so we collected the necessary herbs, roots, stones, artefact, blood and hair .Luna had brought me a few strands of Zelda’s hair and so we began. we completed the rituals. on the next gathering of the coven.i announced my departure and gave my powers up. Larek took over as the leader and James as the second in command. The whispers in the coven soon died down.

Luna told me Zelda awakes, with no memory of james or the baby. A part of me felt relived that she escaped the grief of the loss of two loved ones. Luna told the pack she was leaving searching for a new horizon and will be back every full moon. We both know that is until Larek and Vixen finds a cure. We moved far, far away almost till the end of the world if there’s anything of such. I found work again and Luna started a catering Business. We miss our heritage as warlock and werewolf but we love each other and we a willing to love each other far away for the sake of peace. Once in a few years, we visited separated , she goes to her pack and I to my coven but not as a member. Larek and Vixen are still looking for a cure to help us reverse Luna permanently to Human. For now, we are mystically in Love.

its been a few years now since we have been gone. but the past somehow catches up with you, and that is exactly what happened to us. Our past caught up with us. After Zelda woke up, her body showed all signs postpartum. She was confused and felt run down. It wasn’t long before news about her condition spread within the pack, her heart began to fail and in no time she started to slip away. Their father sent word to Luna and how they found us is still a mystery. I have no powers anymore. I gave it all up, Luna is still werewolf. In the last couple of years Larek and Vixen have been working on a cure for her but have not had any success. ’What do i say Reuben? I can’t tell them about the spell, James and the baby, she cried ,i held her close to me feeling helpless. I didn’t know what to do either. But i think its time, so we packed our bags and returned.

We hugged and kissed each other as we went our separate ways for now. I felt my heart pounding. i went straight to Vixen to alert her about the situation of things, her wisdom and experience is much needed right now. I also sent for Larek. “this is all your fault Reuben, Larek started with his usual blame game, “you ran away and sacrificed your powers for her and to avoid a war, but now none of us will be able to escape this war! He said furiously.

CHAPTER TWO

“Quiet Larek! Vixen Yelled at him; this is not the time, we need to investigate the next few days, i will get my cards and the eye, the eye is a magical ball that allows us to see or sense future events. The eye is always in the possession of Vixen because she is our oldest surviving member. Vixen started the divination, laying her cards out and consulting the eye. After a few moments of incantations, followed by silence. She looked up “ we can prevent this war as long as we don’t admit to anything and stay away from the wolves, that includes you Reuben. “ she won’t make it, Vixen said. Who i asked? Zelda, from what i can see , she’s already dwelling in the shadows. I was dumfounded, this is all my fault, i can’t even imagine what Luna will be going through right now.

For now its up to Luna if she wants to tell the Pack about the spell and you, as long as we don’t admit or deny it, all will be well, The wolves don’t want war so they won’t be coming for us. But we need to be prepared should they find out and decide to retaliate. It is even more dangerous for you Reuben as you have given up your powers, you could be bitten or killed by a wolf so you really need to forget her and run far away from her . She said. I looked at her in disbelief.

How ? I asked myself how do i live without Luna? Our desires burn hotter than this ancient rivalries between our people, but this love that i gave up my everything for will consume me, what do i do? I thought. I went back to my old apartment; it was my mother’s house that was left for me as part of my inheritance. I wish i had my powers back maybe there might have been something i could do. There has to be something, so i went into my mother’s study and started to look through and read some books on her shelf, mostly they were about spells and potions, my mother wasn’t only a witch she also worked as an herbalist when she was alive, she specializes in healing . Hence the book of spells and potions. There was a knock at the door, it was Vixen. “is everything alright? I asked. “Reuben there was so much i couldn’t tell you because of Larek, when i looked into the eye all i saw was Larek’s betrayal , it was more than the rage of the wolves, i didn’t seen any war coming from the wolves but i saw Larek stab you deeply in the back. Trying to rule the throne permanently. That is the least of my worries right now Vixen, i cast a spell that ended the life of Luna’s sister, Luna the only woman i ever loved, the woman i gave everything up for. She must hate me now that Zelda has passed on.

Reuben? Do you know that Zelda and Luna’s father is the Alpha? Vixen asked. I was shocked to hear it, “Luna never mentioned it. I said. Well he is and should he find out about the spell ,the baby and james? Am sure he will be happy to eat whoever is responsible for the plight of his daughter for super. My eyes twitched fearfully at the words of Vixen. “ i buried my face in my hands and fell on my knees, i have lost everything vixen and it feels like life is asking for more from me. Reuben we can get your powers back. Vixen said as she pulled me off my knees and back on my feet. What?! I asked curiously . Really? Yes really but are you willing to do what it takes to get it back? Vixen asks. i will give anything to get my powers back ,before Larek sells me out to the wolves, i need to be ready.

“Vixen tell me what do i need to do? You have to be joined in a binding ceremony to a witch as soon as the binding is consummated your tattoos will start reappearing and so will your powers. But it has to be on the night of a blood red moon, Why i asked? Because you have intersected with a wolf.so the moon will have to witness your union with a witch one of your own, to release you from everything binding you to Luna. I felt my world crashing down and shattering, why do i always arrive at this junction of making difficult choices in my life? I thought out aloud. “This is your destiny Reuben. “i must go now, let me know what you decide so i can assemble objects needed for the ritual. wait Vixen, even if i agreed to this, who will agree to be bonded to me? “ you are more popular than you know son, she said . Good night.

It was about 2am before i got to bed, i was ransacking through my mother’s library, hoping to find a way of getting my powers back without having to marry someone else. Someone who isn’t my Luna. Speaking of Luna , i haven’t heard from her since we departed. My heart was so anxious for her, the life we have built all these years seem to be falling apart around us, i don’t feel at home at all without her , i wish i could hold her close and tell her everything will be alright. That bastard Larek is planning to get rid of me, i clenched my fist angrily. A position i gave him willingly, now he wants to make it permanent, Greedy Bastard ! But what do i tell Luna? That i need to marry someone to get my powers back, sleep with another woman, my heart wouldn’t stop pounding . Just as i was about to nod off, i heard a knock. It was Luna , we held each other close in a warm embrace , she cried , i could feel her pain physically “ am so sorry Luna, please forgive me , i begged her. I know this is all my fault. No its not she said looking at me, you didn’t cast a spell to kill, your intention wasn’t out of hatred.

Please do not blame yourself Reuben. Come here she pulled me to the couch, we sat down and she spoke first “ Reuben our love cannot save us it will only consume us and we cannot be selfish , “ when i got back home to my people, Zelda was already gone , passed on to the great beyond. my father had no words , the pack believed she was hallucinating and got sick, so the truth died with Zelda and i will take it to my own grave as well for the sake of our love. Am next in line to give my father an heir, now that my sister is gone. My marriage has been arranged ’ i felt like i had been struck by lightning ’ . She continued “am the only one he has left and i cannot refuse so please understand, we can’t run forever . I ran away with you the first time because i love you and you had given so much up for me, but now my family beckons and i can’t say no ,i know am selfish ,please forgive me Reuben. i didn’t know whether to feel anger or relieved that we are even now, a mixture of emotions was running through me , i muster up strength and spoke “ i forgive you Luna ,my life will not be the same but i will find peace knowing that your marriage and future children will fill the void that your sister left in your life ,all because of the stupid spell i casted.

Vixen told me that i could get my powers back but it comes at a cost, Luna’s eyes brightened up , really she asked excitedly with tears in her eyes, that will be great Reuben you can truly feel at home and be a part of your people again. “ yes but it’s at a cost of binding to a witch forever” her eyes welled up with tears but she still managed to smile and her tears spoke of genuine happiness for me. “ do it Reuben, she said. I can’t Luna, i can’t love another, how do i live without you? I asked as i moved my face, lips closer to hers, she moved away from me “ you must Reuben she said. You need to get your life back and as time goes on you will come to love her, “i don’t want to i yelled angrily. “ i must return now, i will always love you Reuben till the end of time. She kissed my head, I was on my knees with my head bowed, before i could call out to her, she was gone.

I was up all night, my heart shattered into pieces knowing that Luna will never be mine, she must be feeling the same about me. I knew i had to pick myself up and accept my destiny. I swore to myself that i will never let desire distract me from purpose anymore. I know now that my power is my only shield, that is all i have left. Now i realized that it’s only in the embrace of a witch that i could get my powers back and be whole again. But i will not love her, i just need to marry her to get my powers back. And i must try to forget luna. Luna the love i lost, the one i am forced to forget. from this moment on , This thought of mine felt like salvation but it also felt like surrender, binding me to a fate i never chose. I closed my eyes, behind it, a lingering face of Luna. The cost of getting my powers back was greater than the gift.

“Reuben? Vixen woke me up from my sleep it was about 12pm noon. You can’t sleep all day even if you wanted to, there is no time to waste. We must get your powers back before Larek starts his evil campaign against you, get up Reuben ! She yelled, i startled out of my slumber. There’s is a full red moon in a week, i think it’s about time that we find you a bride.

“this is my heart Vixen , i said . how can i forget Luna in week? I asked her. Well you will be dead in a week if you don’t get your powers back to fight son, Vixen said .concerned for me. My mother had made her promise to protect me at all costs. Do you have anyone particular in mind that is crazy enough to marry me, knowing fully well ,she will not be loved back in return? Vixen looked at me and smirked “i just might know someone. Really? I asked. You seem to have all this planned out, No she replied, i didn’t but your mother did before she died. Before i could tell you about her wishes, you had fallen for a wolf, so i let you be. What ?! You knew about this? Did my mother know about this so-called crazy witch that am supposed to be bonded with? Yes she did. And Aggie is far from crazy. She replied. Aggie? Her name is Aggie? I asked. Yes Vixen said. She is the most innocent, loving, kindest witch , she’s powerful but also full of compassion and wise just like you ,she genuinely loves our people. She nurtures, She’s a healer, just like your mother. She uses her magic to soothe the afflicted and spreads joy wherever she goes.

Her mother was a witch as well, your mother looked after her during her pregnancy, Aggie was delivered by your mum. Her mother passed away right after her birth. her father raised her but your mum taught her everything she knows and how to harness her healing power. Your future has always been tied to Aggie, we were foretold your union will prolong your lifeline, and your reign will be fruitful and a blessing to our coven. You were destined to meet luna and to give up your powers for her and loose her. It’s all a lesson to teach you what truly matters, Family first. .it’s all starting to make sense to me now. Why didn’t you tell me Vixen, I couldn’t son? You were meant to go through it and arrive at this crossroad to full fill your destiny. So, all my love for Luna was nothing? After years of being away in what seem like an exile, i found myself back here again with my people to take my rightful place, is that what i was born for? Yes Reuben, you were born for this, it’s not your destiny to be tied to a wolf. You were born a leader.

Larek is evil and greedy. He wants to misuse his power and magic to control and distraught our peaceful kingdom. He just wants to accumulate power, wealth and influence in the neighboring country. He wants to be feared by the wolves and the vamps alike, and you know that is not what we are about. We are not a generation of evil witches, we are kind, peaceful and healers of our people and land, Reuben you were born to save us and fight this battle, the battle of good against evil. When i got home i wondered about the events that have unfolded in my life lately , i have always loved Larek like a brother and willingly gave him my throne, all the while he only ever wanted advancement, power and opportunism .he sees me as a threat, he prioritizes his desires over our brotherhood and now he wants to be rid of me? My eyes welled up in tears as i realize the difference between Larek and James. James never showed interest in my throne, not for once, he loved me like a brother and that was all. Its time i claim back what is rightfully mine. Its time to meet Aggie.

Aggie Owned an alternative therapies clinic in town where she uses her powers to help our people. When we arrived she came out to meet us , she was of an average height and quite slender. With shoulder length blonde hair. Vixen introduced us, “i know who you are , she accorded me respectfuly , her eyes shine really bright, her skin Tanned. “please come in. She welcomed us into her world of the mystical. She looked at me lovingly like she had loved me for ages, i met her gaze without tenderness, only hunger, the sort of hunger born not of desire, but of survival. To me she is a key to survival. Am not sure if she could sense it . I will excuse you both ,leave you to talk , Vixen said and excused herself. Before i could speak , she said “ Aunt Vix already spoke to me about you, about everything , about your destiny, our destiny and our people. I am ready to walk that path with you Reuben if you would have me. Her words meant nothing to me. Thank you i replied. The wedding will be just you, me and vixen. She will be conducting the red moon ceremony.

The day arrived. Vixen owned a chamber deep in the forest in a small town a little outside of ours. Aggie and i had been to the courthouse earlier in the day to legally formalise our union. She wore and olive-green dress made with lace it adorned her body like she was born with it, her lips red like crimson. Her eyes smoky, enough to entice and drown any full-blooded man, but to me that meant nothing.i wore a shirt and trousers, i kept it simple. I just wanted to get this day and night over with. This night was salvation, yes it was but it was also surrender, binding me and Aggie forever, i cringed, the memory of Luna hunted me. i told Vixen to go ahead with Aggie, we didnt want to draw any attention to ourselves, all these was without the knowledge of Larek and our entire coven.

When i arrived ,it was almost a red full moon. Vixen had soaked the chamber in a spell so no one could hear or sense us. The chamber felt colder than the flames that lined its walls. As soon as the moon turned red, Vixen began with the ritual. I had no choice i moved closer to Aggie, slowly and gently undressed her . Her touch was the key, her body the vessel through which my power would return. As we kissed magic surged, i kissed her fiercely and yet unyielding, flooding back into her with every stolen breath, i parted her, though my body claimed her, but my heart remained elsewhere, her breath mingled with mine as i thrust deep inside her she moaned deeply, her body has never known a man before me. every thrust was magic laced with grief for me and then her body called me back to life, power returned to my veins like wildfire, all of a sudden my tatoos started to appear and spread over my body, i was relieved but with relief came the cruel reminder, salvation has won, but at the price of lost love.

Aggie gave herself totally to me, while my soul wept for Luna. her touch unlocked the storm brewing within me , as i thrust deeper and deeper, she held on to me firmly, to me this was not love, or even passion but necessity. What i didnt realise was that every touch bounded me tighter to her, chains forged with fire. When it was over i felt stronger than ever before but emptier, my bond with Luna has broken. A few minutes later Vixen spoke, Reuben ? Aggie is your wife, she will reside with you from now on. Larek planned to be coroneted on his birthday in a few weeks, all the while that you were away , he was never coroneted ,i tried to delay his coronation with the hope that you will come back to your senses and return to claim your rightful place. We can’t dethrone him Reuben, this wouldn’t sit right in the heart of our people, especially those who love and support you, so we will wait for him to announce his alliance with the wolves and the vamps, then we will take advantage of the situation.

The coven is already divided with people who love and want you as their leader the other half support Larek but i have no doubt that, his supporters will switch their loyalties after he announces his alliance with the wolves and vampires. So do we just wait? Until he takes me out? I asked angrily, no calm yourself Reuben, Vixen said . we have a lot to do but first we must retrieve the cursed blade The What? Cursed blade? I have never heard that before. Its a long story, more that 70 years ago the cursed blade belong to the witch hunters it was branded and soaked in spells enough to strip any warlock or witch of their powers.a ritual dagger.it pulses when a witch is nearby.it was the witch hunters way of making sure the witches why under control mainly the evil witches. and then it vanished and got lost in time, the wolves claim the land and chased the witch hunters into exile.

We need this blade to strip Larek of his powers, This blade will severe him of his sorcery , he wont be able to get it back at any cost. Even if he takes a witch for his bride? I asked , yes not even if he bonded with a witch, your case was different, you never betrayed anyone Reuben and you don’t have evil intentions towards anyone.

But Larek harbors evil, greed for power and control, if its not taken away from him , our coven will be wiped out and soon we will be eating out of the hands of our enemies, the wolves and the Vampires. This blade has no effect on the innocent. I tried to locate it, but its buried beneath the territory of the lycans, right under an oak tree. Lycans? The Wolves?! I asked. Yes Vixen replied. This is just great! The wolves will tear me apart before I venture into their territory I said. “Who said you would be going alone? No single witch or warlock can retrieve this dagger, three must gather under a full dark moon. one to bleed for the ritual, one to bind , while the other, to chant.

Who is crazy enough to put themselves at risk? “ I will. Aggie Answered, I am with you all the way , she said holding on to my arm. Its settled then said vixen, the three of us shall retrieve the blade, for now Reuben go home and bond with your wife.

It’s been 2 weeks since we got married, Aggie has been a good wife, she supports and looks after what we have made of our home, but I can’t get myself to love her, I haven’t laid with her since the night of our union, she never complained no matter how bad I treated her, am sure she knows now that ours is a marriage for survival, in which am the only beneficiary. Thoughts of Luna filled me most nights . when Aggie touches me I pretend to be asleep , still she clung to me in bed without complaining, my arms and sometimes, my chest drenched with her tears. but my heart belonged wholly to Luna .

Aggie was in pain ,I could tell. But I was helpless, lately I found myself struggling to resist my wife, it wasn’t like that before I find myself drawn to her after our first night, knowing that I was the first man to ever lay with her, it felt like I am trying to fight or stop myself from falling for her. The hallow in me has started to soften. Was it her kindness; was it the binding of our first night? I kept asking myself, till I fell asleep.

Only a few more weeks for Larek to take my throne and we were still trying to come up with a plan to locate the cursed blade. I need Luna, maybe she would help me for the sake of the love we shared. So my wife and Vixen soaked me up in a protective spell while I venture out into the den of the wolves, a suicide mission I call it.as I was about leave, I looked at Aggie and told her I will be back soon, she didn’t finch, she looked defeated but still strong. She knew I was going to Luna. I couldn’t imagine how she felt. But she remained composed.

Vixen hugged me “ we will be waiting for you in the chamber, we need to keep the fire burning and the chants going until you return back to us safely. So I set off. The stunk of the Wolves was real ,it felt like I couldn’t breathe but I kept going .i spotted a little wolf and enquired about Luna. He smiled and pulled me by the finger and led me straight to Luna. As soon as she saw me she ran straight for me forgetting every other thing around her but she had to stop herself. “Reuben what are you doing here as she pulled me to a corner of a little cabin within the den, it was empty. What are you doing here?! My father will flip if he finds you here.

I explained my destiny and mission to the Den to her. “I will help you but how do we locate it, Vixen said its buried beneath these very lands under an oak tree. she said it will pulse when a am near .i have my powers back , I will be able to sense it. Luna looked tearfully at me when she heard I got my powers back . she held me close and hugged me tight. How is she? She asked of my wife. I didn’t realise when I answered “beautiful, I replied ,I seem lost in her . My heart bleeds but am Happy for you Reuben , I hugged her tight. How is your other half I asked her. “gentle and dutiful. That’s good. Quick she said we have no time. The only Oak tree is right under the ultar and we gather tonight because of the dark full moon. I need to get it and be out of here before you gather, I said.

Larek isn’t Knowledgeable but he is instinctive, he could sense the silence on my part so he got a few of his supporters and they set out to find me but instead then found Aggie and Vixen at the chamber, waiting for my return. They wouldn’t turn me in or speak about my whereabouts. This angered Larek so he gathered his fellow witches and warlock to combine a sealing spell around the chambers and set it on fire so that Aggie and vixen won’t be able to get out , that was the height of his callousness. Back at the den of wolves Luna was digging right under the wolves ultar trying to help me retrieve the cursed blade while I stood a few meters away, if I had been spotted by any of the wolves , that would have been the end of me, I could feel that my protective seal had been broken, I was worried.

Was Aggie mad at me did she stop chanting for my safety? Vixen wouldn’t let her stop chanting, I consoled myself.

All of a sudden I could feel my pulse strongly, so strong ,when I looked up ,Luna was waving what looked like a pouch at me covered in black cloth. She ran over breathing heavily and afraid for me, she gave me the pouch. It pulsed as it touched my hands, You need to leave now Reuben we gather in five minutes, please go and before she could yell run ,she transformed and a pack of wolves came after me all at once, I ran for my life ,I ran for a long time and never looked back until I couldn’t hear their howls anymore, it seem to fall silent all of a sudden, more like a diversion. i could sense my mother’s spirit so strongly within me.

By the time I got to the chambers it was on fire, I mixed some sand and bled myself a little with my pocket knife and chanted, as I walked through the fire it doused, i kicked the door opened, Vixen was kneeling beside Aggie on the floor, patting her head gently, she was covered in blue flame like a protective shield. vixen was too powerful to be affected by the fire but she wasn’t physically strong enough to lift Aggie’ who clearly has passed out on the floor.

“Reuben ! Vixen was happy to see me, I carried Aggie off the floor and we headed over to my house, vixen helped me undress and bath her, she was breathing but wasn’t waking up, my eyes were red with Rage “ who did this ?! I asked angrily. Larek did, vixen said. He found out about your powers.We can’t wait till the coronation Vixen, it has to be done now

We need to catch him unaware, but we need to unseal the dagger. Lets get started, she said. What about Aggie? I asked. We will bleed her, you will bind and I will chant. Before we start, I must tell you something about Aggie , Reuben “she’s pregnant. That’s why she was covered in a blue flame ,the fetus formed a protective shield around her when it sensed danger around its mother. He or she is just as strong as you are Reuben. I fell on my knees and wailed quietly holding on to my wife, how could I mistreat her when she gave me a second chance to fulfill my destiny and true purpose. She only gave.

She only ever wanted to love and protect me, she gave me her everything willingly, now she is carry our baby, conceived on our first night together. Vixen pulled me up gently, Reuben if we perform this ritual now ,she may never wake up. You need to choose who to save, your throne or your wife and child? No Vixen ! Please save my wife, we live to fight another day. I can’t lose her ,I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to her, I know my people need a good leader and I will do my best to give them a good leader and save them from a dictator like Larek, my fight will have to wait. Not today. Vixen looked at me proudly that’s why you will always be our one and true leader. Because you lead with love and wisdom.

Aggie will be awake in a few days don’t worry just look after her. I need to go home now, this old bones of mine need some quality rest. Thank you so much Vixen I hugged and kissed her head. Good night son. I held on to Aggie, touched her. Begged her to wake up but she sleeps, I know that I didn’t love her at first, but now I must confess and stop fighting my feelings for her, to tell her that I have come to love her, not because she replaced Luna, but because she stood by me, loved me, sacrificed her all for me and asked for nothing in return, tears fell from my eyes. It’s been 3 days now and she still not awake but breathing. I had only just given her a bath and laid her in bed when I heard the call to gather for an urgent meeting. I put my shirt on , sealed our bedroom with a protective spell and left for the gathering.

“James was at the Altar ,that’s unusual I asked Vixen who had arrived also and was standing beside me smiling along with the entire members of our coven, the atmosphere seem solemn, there was a mixture of deep sadness and of joy at the same time, I looked at Vixen “am I missing something? Where is Larek ? she shrugged. James spoke. My people, am here to announce that our high priest Larek met an untimely sudden death at the outskirts of our Land, he and a few members of our coven we torn to pieces in what seem like a wolf attack a few nights ago, there were sudden murmurs within the coven, my jaw dropped, I looked at Vixen, shocked. I tried to recall what happened when I went to the den of wolves to retrieve the cursed blade I remember running like mad and at some point the wolves howls seem to fade away.

Vixen intercepted my thought and said “ you escaped Reuben ,you ran out towards the right, Larek and his fellow warlock were coming for you, they walked right in and ran straight into the wolves who were after you, death came swiftly, I saw the entire attack unfold in a vision last night. You mother’s spirit never left you. She’s always with you. It’s not a wonder that I felt her spirit strongly within me that night, it felt like my strength doubled and like I was on a speed of light ,how else was I able to escape the wolves. I was startled back to reality out of my thought when James called out my name.

“ Reuben ? Please can we have your attention at the Altar? I walked up to the Altar. James spoke to our People, My brothers , my sisters we have always had one Leader, who was fair, loyal and true to us , we will always cherish the Memory of our high priest Larek but Reuben has always and will always be our Higest priest not only because he is kind and protective of us but he is the rightful heir to the throne.

Are we in agreement to restore him back to the throne. Everyone hailed in agreement. Vixen was overjoyed that I got my throne back without a fight, Nature took its course and repaid Larek back . I extend my gratitude to the people for their support, it was obvious that a great deal of our people were not in support of Larek, and the ones who supported and stood by him all perished with him at the hands of the wolves. Luna, I thought, was she amongst the pack who tore Larek apart? I thought, I will forever be grateful to her but now I have amends to make, first to James. I pulled him to the side of the Altar and confessed my part in the purging of his memory, Zelda and their child. I begged for his forgiveness, I couldn’t take the throne without James and I know that I needed to come clean to him. I forgive you Reuben, he said I believe that is my destiny.

I remembered you saved me once when I was bitten by a wolf, you were up all night , casting and binding spells to keep me alive, I know whatever you do Reuben is never born out of an evil intention, you always try to make things right and I understand why you purged me of Zelda, because family first, our people, our land first and we can’t afford to be selfish. We hugged each other and shook hands.

It was time for me to return home to my wife, before I left I hugged Vixen and cried, “She is not waking up Vixen, I said sadly. Don’t worry Reuben , she will wake up .go home to her now. When I got home she was still asleep in bed, I couldn’t keep my emotions to myself anymore. I am willing to sacrifice my power, pride and even my very life force anything just for her to wake up.

I knelt at her side, my hands trembled as I brushed off hair from her face, for the first time in my long, cursed and troubled life, power meant nothing to me, spells, charms, ancient chants none of it compares to her,” she never wanted anything, she just wanted my heart, my love and I was too blind to give it”

As my tears fell on her skin, I clutched her hand, pressing it to my chest where my heart was pounding with regrets. “I was cruel but you gave me kindness, I was empty, you gave me love and now finally i get it and i see it.

Please don’t leave me , I pleaded with her, Aggie don’t leave me in this silence. It’s killing me. Then gently her finger stirred and her lips parted, her eyes opened “ Reuben she whispered my name softly, her breath was fragile, she looked at me , her eyes filled with a love that forgave. I broke down weeping against her hand. For the first time , my tears were not of despair for a love lost but of a soul reborn.

I never deserved you, I said. I thought all that I needed was to get my powers back, my strength was in control, in fear of falling for you but still you loved me anyway and what did I give you in return? Pain and rejection. I pressed my head against her, my tears soaked into her skin, “baby am sorry, I see it now and I see you now and god I love you, and I will spend the rest of my life loving you and our child, I touched her belly, she got up gently and slowly .she reached for me and spoke softly “there’s nothing to forgive. I love you Reuben, always and forever. She parted her lips and I claimed it with mine. This was love, our love. The promise of a second chance.

The End