A witch among wolves

The Elders

Marie was escorted to the main meeting hall. It was located near the edge of the pack's territory and any member of the pack could attend any meetings or disciplinary proceedings taking place. Very rarely were the meetings closed to the general populous of the pack. This was saved for the more extreme crimes such as murder. There hadn't been a meeting kept quiet in four decades. The Alpha and Luna were aware of most comings and goings within the pack and managed the pack well. Most pack members were happy and reluctant to leave. Surrounding the pack territory was a huge, dense forest. Often the warriors of the pack would patrol the forest and deal with any rogue wolves that may pose a threat to the pack. Sometimes they would find rogue families who would be offered the chance to settle within the pack grounds. The forest marked the border between the werewolves and the Fae. It had been host to many fights and disputes between the wolves and the fae over the years but more currently the truce had seen teams of wolves and fae patrol together. The wolves were known for their speed, cunning and enhanced senses. The Fae were smaller in stature and hosted paler skin but their ability to manipulate their environment using the elements was matched by only mother nature herself.

As Marie approached the meeting hall she was greeted by the Elders. Elder Matthew and Elder Mary represented the werewolf Elders. Each had once been Alpha and Luna respectively of a pack once and were nominated into their positions upon retirement from their pack when a position on the council had opened. Each held a kind smile on their faces. Elder Matthew's shaggy white beard matching his unruly white hair. He had kind brown eyes that twinkled reassurance when he looked at Marie. Elder Mary had a thinner face. Her hair was greying but not quite at the shocking white stage that Elder Matthew's had taken suggesting she was younger than him. Both wearing the traditional white robes of the Elders which hid Elder Mary's figure. Her red lips were more vivid due to the contrasting white robe. Elder Louis was present from the Fae. The Fae's features were traditionally more angular than the others. Elder Louis had pointed ears and nose. His chin jutted out from his face. He had sharp grey eyes that were observing her every movement. He also had the same white hair associated with the Fae. Next to him was Elder Marvin. Elder Marvin was a wizard. He wore his blue wizard robe and his white beard came to the centre of his chest. His white hair was covered by a matching blue hat. He had matching blue eyes that seemed to be twinkling with glee. The last Elder to greet Marie was Elder Damien. Elder Damien represented the dragon kingdom. He had dark hair and dark eyes. He had an olive complexion which looked darker in contrast to his white robe.

Marie greeted each elder individually and then turned and made her way into the meeting hall with the elders following after and finally the Alpha and Luna. Thomas was still noticeably absent. Elder Marvin grabbed the attention of the Alpha prior to entry and whispered hurriedly to Alpha Mark "has she noticed any changes yet?" Alpha Mark shook his head to say no.

"She still believes she is human although I can feel her aura is stronger now. I believe the potion may not be as effective as before." Marvin nodded his head slowly acknowledging what the Alpha had said. Elder Marvin and the Alpha had worked hard these past 15 years to keep Marie hidden after the first attack from the Vampires that had killed her parents. She had been radiating power even at her young age and the Vampire King wanted it. Elder Marvin had been the one to rescue her from the Vampires that night although he had been too late to save her parents.

The Vampire King was notorious for drinking the blood of witches and wizards. It gave him additional powers for short periods of time, usually a few days at best. Elder Marvin had decided Marie would have been safer with her powers suppressed. He had spoken to Alpha Mark when he agreed to take her in and it had been kept a secret. Not even Luna Elizabeth was aware. Alpha Mark would share a cup of tea with Marie before bed each night. It was their tradition. It also gave him the time to ensure she drank the potion. By the end of each day Alpha Mark could feel Marie's aura screaming to be let out. It's purple hues were sharp and probing as if looking for a way through the potion. Marie was definitely becoming more resistant.

Elder Marvin produced a book from his sleeve and opened it to show Alpha Mark. "There is a prophecy about a powerful witch and the Vampire King." He stated. Alpha Mark frowned looking down at the page Elder Marvin had opened the book to. He read "The Vampire King is ancient. He is the first Vampire. He seeks powers of his own. There will be a child born to a witch and wizard. She will possess the powers the Vampire King so desires. Should he drink from her and drain her, his powers will be permanent. He will rule over the world of Grasshaven and all magical creatures will succumb. He will be able to walk in the sun and become immortal." Alpha Mark looked to Elder Marvin and narrowed his eyes. Marie he had loved like a daughter. If Marie was the daughter of the prophecy he would do what he could. "Should she not be trained to use her powers?" Alpha Mark angrily asked through gritted teeth not wanting to raised his voice.

"That may make her more of a target. I'm afraid we are running out of time." With that Elder Marvin turned and walked into the meeting hall where his peers were waiting looking at him quizically.