The Mortal Goddess

The Wraith

CHAPTER 3

The Wraith

Maria had handed her bag as soon as they reached the room she was previously in. Without a word, she went to the bathroom she spotted on her way in. She was exhausted and needed a cold bath to cool her heated emotions. She locked the door and stood in front of the mirror on the wall with her hands on the edge of the counter supporting the weight of her upper body. Her grip tightened as she thought about the situation she was in.

Why, she wanted to know. Why? Why? Why? Could she not for once have a life of peace without the forces constantly battering her emotions? She felt exhausted. An exhaustion that runs deeper than the physical level. What was she going to do? She didn’t know anyone here. Who was going to help her?

Her wolf flashed an image of the man that pulled her out of her grief. What was his name? Zack… no, it was Zachary. He said he was going to help her find her daughter. She could see that he meant it too. Maybe she wasn’t as alone as she thought. There was Maria and now Zachary.

She watched as the last of her tears dripped into the empty white sink bowl and let out a deep sigh. She was going to be okay. She studied her reflection one last time, noting the mess of her dark waves and the sad state of her face in general. She looked utterly horrific, a look that she was accustomed to seeing now. Maybe she didn’t have to look like this anymore. After all, she was here for a new start.

Grace smiled at her reflection and watched as it mimicked her. She was going to make this place her home. She released her grip and stripped her clothes and dumped them in the trash. She searched the cabinets under the sink and gathered the things she would need. In the shower, she went straight to scrubbing and washing off all the dirt from yesterday before washing her waist-length hair. The thick waves shone a bluish colour under the LED lights as she combed her fingers through the wet strands.

With damp hair and fresh clothes on, Grace left the bathroom and met Maria at the entrance of the ward.

“Feeling better?” Maria inquired with a soft smile on her face.

“I guess so.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this. Don’t worry yourself too much.”

Maria threw her arm over her shoulder and guided her through the infirmary to the entrance. They talked about a lot of things on the way. Maria talked about her sisters and her life at the Academy.

“I didn’t know there was an Academy.” She was shocked by this new information. Why had no one ever told her about this school of magic? She had missed so much.

Her wolf sulked at all the fun and trouble they could have gotten into, not alone but with friends.

Shaking her head at the wishful thoughts that invaded her mind, Grace focused on the sway of Maria’s braid. The few strands that caught the light of the sun shone a fury red. She felt so lucky to find a woman like her. She was absolutely grateful for her kindness and company.

“Of course there is one. If you want, you can visit it with permission from a council member, of course.” Maria turned to her with a fond smile on her face.

“Why would you need permission from the council?” She replied with a frown. She knew about the council but didn’t know how many of them they were or who they were. They were secretive like that. She was most certain that they must be the very powerful supernaturals out there. How else can they enforce their authority on almost equally power beings?

“The school’s location must remain a secret and safety is their priority.”

“And it’s the coolest school ever!” a boisterous female voice yelled from the entrance.

Grace looked toward the woman. She was dressed in a short leather top and a long flowing skirt with bright floral patterns. At the sight of the approaching pair, she jumped up in excitement and ran straight to them. Specifically, Grace. Startled, Grace tried to dodge her extended hand but to no avail. Strong arms swept her into a hug, trapping her arms at her side. A strong burst of hay and freshly cut grass assaulted her olfactory.

The woman let go of her and studied her appearance critically.

“We need to go shopping.” She declared.

Grabbing her hand, she dragged Grace closer to the glass door.

“Where do you think you’re going, missy? Don’t you have work?” Maria said with her hands on her hips.

“I’m on lunch break.” The woman said, not looking at Maria.

“Isn’t it too early for lunch? Does Madam know you’re out gallivanting?”

“Its… its an early break and what boss witch doesn’t wouldn’t hurt her.”

Maria maintained her stern expression for a few more seconds before she sighed in defeat. “Just stay out of trouble and stop poking the beast. Adra can only tolerate so much. Next time she might turn you into a fly.” Maria took one more look at them before disappearing through a double door down another hall. Big red words shouted EMERGENCY UNIT on the wall.

“Would she really do that? Gosh, she probably would. I’ll have to watch my back from now on.” She said with conviction. “By the way, my name is Audra Grey. And girl, you are one fine woman. No wonder he was so flustered.”

Confused, Grace stopped walking, forcing Audra to stop as well. “ What do you mean? Who did I fluster?”

“Girl, you are the talk of this town. Anyone can fluster poor mister-serious is my best friend.” She said, laughing like a villain that just came up with the best trap.

“Who-“

“Don’t worry yourself about that. You’ll get to meet the gang later.”

They continued to walk, falling into a comfortable silence. They stopped at the oldest looking oak trees Grace had ever seen. There stood a dark brown horse. It’s coat shimmers with an almost silver sheen under the dim light of the tree. It was chomping on some grass surviving between the roots of the tree but as it saw Audra approach, it stood straight and nickered at her happily. She greeted it with a pat on the neck before turning to Grace.

“This is Midnight Blue and she will be giving us a ride to town. Come on, hop on.” Audra said cheerily, waiting for her.

“I don’t think horses like wolves. What with the predator and prey thing.”

“Are you going to eat her?” She asked seriously.

“Of course not!”

“Good. Here, give her an apple.”

Audra handed her an apple from her skirt pocket. As its cool skin touched her fingers, she wondered why they couldn’t take a car or something. She’d never ridden a horse before and she figured that since she was a wolf she wouldn’t need to. She calmed her racing heart down and extended the apple towards Midnight. What felt like ages, the horse finally clamped its teeth onto the apple and pulled it out of her hands. In the background she could hear Audra cheering. Laughing, Grace rubbed the horse with its nose.

Do we really have to ride this beast? Her wolf protested. I can get you anywhere faster than any horse could.

You’re just being jealous. I’m too tired to run and I just want to eat and sleep.

Audra helped Grace on to the horse before she hopped on herself. She grabbed onto Midnight’s long wild hair, which was strangely similar to Audra’s own locks. They trotted out from under the tree onto a small parking lot at the front of the building. The gravel crunched as they moved through the empty parking lot to a worn-out cobbled path. It led away from the Infirmary.

Grace looked back at the mostly glass building that reflected the vibrant colours of the rising sun from the east. Trees that were slowly losing their leaves or had already lost them surrounded it. Their red and orange hues covered the ground like a carpet. The beautiful scene blurred as Midnight galloped down the path. Their hair flying in the cool breeze.

Grace could see why they both had such long wild hair. They were like spirits of nature moving with it like they were part of it. She held onto Audra’s waist and lifted her head to the wind. She could scent the town in the distance. An array of herbs, flowers and… food. Her stomach gurgled. Gosh, she was so hungry. Her wolf would need to hunt soon too.

They soon reached banks of herbs and flowers of all kinds on either side of the path. Their colours and scent were almost overwhelming. Grace relaxed at the beautiful sight. She could detect the magic emitted from the plants and she wondered how much magic it took to keep them so vibrant and alive. A cottage came into view as they slowed to a canter.

“Welcome to the Garden of Eden” Audra said dramatically. They stopped in front of the little stone fence that marked the boundary of the front yard. A tall iron gate covered in rose vines marked the entrance. It was almost noticeable if not for the cobbled path that led to it.

“It is Lady Elena’s garden. That garden that never withers. Cool, right? There’s another house at the back where you’ll stay. You’ll see.” Audra said, getting off Midnight. She held her hand out to help Grace down. She could have done it on her own but she was too tired and hungry.

“I see you’re getting better. You must be hungry though. I know shifters have a fast metabolism. Come on, Lady Elena must have something. She always does.”

Audra patted Midnight one last time before pushing the rusty gate open. It creaked like it hadn’t been moved for decades. She knocked on the door and they waited in silence. They opened within a minute, revealing a tall woman with copper hair styled to perfection. It sat on her left shoulder in waves. She wore a dress that hugged her bosom and the curve of her waist. Its burgundy fabric draped down her hips was plain while the top had other fabrics sewed into it for a classic style. Her soft grey eyes stood out, and her sharp features were odd but felt comfortable.

“Audra, I see you are not at work again. “ Before Audra could protest, she was handed a bag of steaming buns and a cup of tea. She was then, unceremoniously pushed out the door by an invisible force. “I will not have you disrespecting Adra like that. Go along now. You have duties to attend to.” Audra’s mouth bobbed like a fish as she tried to come up with something to say. As she realised that there was no fighting it, she stumped her way to Midnight and rode off.

“Grace, you must be hungry. Come on now child, there are more buns and tea in the kitchen.”

“These children will give me grey hairs before my time.” She muttered under her breath.

Grace bit her lip and followed Lady Elena. Their interaction reminded her of her and her Grandmama. How she misses that woman. She would stop trying to find the missing part of her after her death. I will live for me.

They acted like mother and daughter. But they were no resemblance. She would have to ask Audra.

The way to the kitchen was only a few steps from the left. The first thing that stood out in the kitchen was the tall shelf on the wall that housed numerous bottles and books. The bottles were filled with a variety of dried leaves and the books were small but thick with pages and leaves sticking out of them. It stood on the left wall, away from the counter and cupboards. The upper cupboard doors were made of glass while the lower levels were wood. A small window stood above the sink. Herbes grew from the sill and a white blind tied with a red ribbon fluttered in the morning breeze. A small dining set with four chairs occupied the center of the kitchen. Plates of biscuits, buns and a pretty pink kettle took up the center of the table. She noticed that all of them were china wares. Pink with white patterns that sparkle like glitter.

Lady Elena poured the tea, which smelt like mint and rosemary, into her teacup and they ate in silence. Grace coated her buns in more jam with a knife and stuffed the whole thing in her mouth. She was so hungry it felt like she was losing her mind if she didn’t satisfy it as soon as possible.

Ten buns or more later, she lost count after the first two, she sipped her tea leisurely, relaxing as the warm liquid heated her insides. She could feel the majority of tension lifting from her shoulders. She could finally breathe properly. She set the empty cup down and shook the sleepiness from her eyes. Covering a yawn, Grace looked around for somewhere she could take a quick nap.

Noticing her sleepy look, Lady Elena showed her the backdoor where another cottage was. Its chimney puffing out smoke happily. The lights were on and the front door was open wide. . As soon as she entered through the door, the heat from the fireplace warmed the exposed areas of her front. A side table sat next to the coat hanger by the entrance with several colours of roses arranged haphazardly. The walls were painted in silver grey with odd paintings of battles fought in another century and children’s drawings stuck to them with tape. A dark burgundy carpet covered the floor with faded marks and scratches everywhere. She spotted some toys lying on the floor here and there. She already liked this place. It was a homey.

To her right a fireplace blazed, lighting the comfy red couches facing it in orange. Double doors stood open, revealing a veranda. As she made a full circle to her left, she noted a small kitchenette and a four-post bed. She ran her fingers over the soft sheets and the polished surface of the wood before heading for the door to her left. The bathroom was almost half the size of the bedroom, which included both a shower and a bath tube. The shower curtains were plain and the sink held a lone bar of soup. She walked through another doorway where she suspected the toilet was behind and let out a short scream. On the closed toilet seat sat a petit woman that seemed to be in her twenties, in a knee-length lacy dress. Her long hair floated around her like it was underwater. Startled, the woman jumped up, running for the door screaming as if she was being chased by hellhounds.

Grace shook her head in confusion. Was she seeing things? She watched as the figure disappeared through the wall next to the fireplace. What? How is this…?

I believe that it was a ghost. Her wolf said, scratching her head. She was just as confused as Grace was.

You know what? Let's just sleep. She jumped onto the bed and hugged the soft pillow to her chest. She instantly felt relief. She stop resisting the heavy weight on her eyes and fell asleep.

“lady Grace”

She removed her face nestled between two pillows. Cold, soft hands shook her shoulders urgently.

“What…” Grace grumbled. Who was calling her?

“Shhh, the monster might hear you.”

The sleepiness of her eyes cleared. The ghost from earlier huddled next to Grace’s side, trembling with fear. Her pale figure glowed and her wide eyes shone with a blueish colour. The room was also pitch black. What? This does not feel natural. Why is it so dark? She was a wolfshifter, she could see in the dark, but not this one.

“What do you mean the monster?” she whispered, rubbing the grit from her eyes.

“The creature by the door. It’s… it is hungry.” The ghost said, biting her lips.

Grace couldn’t see the front door even with her enhanced vision. She threw the covers off her legs and grabbed the robe she’d left on the headboard. When it was secured with a knot, she took a step in the general direction of the door. Was the creature in the house? Its influence on the atmosphere must be powerful to cover everything in darkness like this. She'd take it on if she had to. Nothing was holding her back. I am stronger than I used to be.

“Lady Grace, please, don’t go. It will kill you or lure you with its voice if you get too close.” The ghost said, gripping her hand tightly.

Mmh, Miss Pale, here, knows what kind of mythical creature was haunting her. “What is it? The creature?”

“A… a Wraith.” She whispered, her voice trembling.

A wraith? Why was a wraith here?

Just then, a voice called to her.

“Grace.”

It sounded like her grandmamma. The tone was filled with urgency, as if it wanted to tell Grace something important.

“Oh Goodness, it's trying to lure you.”

A wraith. It can lure her with its voice and when she is close enough, it will insert its claws into her skull and drain the life energy from her. She would lose her animal spirit and all connection to magic, leaving her vulnerable. I can’t let that happen.

How is she going to escape? There is no other exit other than the windows and the veranda. She would have to shift. Risking the creature finding her location. It’s a risk I will have to take. I can’t stay here any longer or the Wraith might actually succeed.

“Miss Grace, you can’t,” Willa persisted. Her iron grip was unmoving.

“Girl, we can’t stay here.” Grace said, pulling her robe off. It was no use wearing it if she was going to shift. It would just get shredded.

Willa shook her head, mumbling ‘no, no… keep them safe…’

“Come on, girl!” Grace whispered fiercely, “Listen! We are going to leave here together. I will shift and we are going exit this void at the same time to throw the Wraith off a bit. I’m going to find somewhere safe and you’re going to get help. You hear me. You can pass through walls, right? Think about it. You can do this.”

The grip on Grace’s hand loosened. Her eyes drifted to where the Wraith continues to call for Grace. Her mind was deep in thought.

“Come on. You can do this.” Grace whispered to her. Hoping she would snap out of it soon. She didn’t want the wraith to follow either one of them.

The girl’s eyes snapped back to Grace’s, a look of determination firmly in place, “Let us go.”

“Okay. As soon as I shift, we have to leave.”

Grace pulled the sleeve from her now free arm and dumped the robe on the bed. She crunched and let the power of her wolf consume her and take form. As her paws touched the floor, a terrifying roar shook the apartment.

“Go!” The ghost shouted.

They took off in different directions. The ghost girl ran to the fireplace and Grace to the bedroom window. Grace caught a glimpse of her disappearing through the wall from the corner of her eyes as she broke through the window and landed in the backyard. Glass shards tumbled onto the ground, scattering dry leaves everywhere. The cold air from the late afternoon ruffled the furs on her back, sending shivers down her spine to the tip of her tail. She suspected it was from both fear and the cold.

She jumped over the short fence separating the forest and the yard. She dodged brambles and thick tree roots sticking out of the ground while simultaneously sniffing the air. She sorted through it, finding the scent of baked bread. There must have been a bakery nearby or someone was baking.

Grace followed in the general direction and came across a story house with two kids playing in the backyard. There were no fences or banks of flowers and herbs like Lady Elena’s. One kid was on a platform built onto a big oak tree and the other was on a swing under it. Both girls were arguing with each other.

Grace crept closer to the house. She saw that the yard had neatly trimmed grass and it was scattered with all kinds of toys. Without warning, her wolf pushed her to the back of her mind, taking control. Hey! Knock it off! What are you up to now?

Smirking, her wolf let out a pitiful howl, whimpering as she headed for the clearing. The girls had stopped arguing and were now staring at the big grey wolf in front of them. She sat her rump down and let her ears flop down the side of her jaw. She gave them a pitiful whimper again, dragging herself closer to them.

Grace rolled her eyes at this display. What are you up to?

They have those delicious buns we had at Lady Elena’s house. I’m hungry and this is a perfect opportunity to fill my hunger. Her wolf replied, docking her head to receive the affectionate pats from the children.

Grace rolled her eyes again. You could have let me do that.

You’re not very skilled.

Says who? Grace said, taking offense.

Says me. Her wolf said with smugness.

Grace wanted to ring her wolf’s neck if that was even possible.