Amelia choked on her tea, spitting most of it on the table. After a minute of coughing to clear her throat, she could speak again.
-I am sorry, what are you? - She asked Alice, who was watching her with amusement.
- I am a witch.- The woman answered loudly and clearly.
- A witch. Like the real witch? Do they exist? - Amelia remembered bedtime stories that Luna was telling her. Stories about ghosts, witches, and fairies. But those were just stories, right?
- Werewolves exist. I am looking at one, so why not the witches? - That was a tricky question, but Alice had her point.
Most people think about werewolves as non-existent supernatural creatures, but here we are.
- You don't look like a witch.- Amelia pointed out, and Alice burst into laughter.
~ Really? That was all you could come with?~ Shadow sounded amused. The girl ignored her sarcastic remark
- Oh, so you met one before? Like a minute ago, you were asking me if we exist.- Alice enjoyed this conversation.
- I meant stories...- The girl had no idea what to say. She felt embarrassed by her previous questions.
- Hmm, yes, pointy hat, nose like a hook, and not a very friendly black cat on the shoulder? Am I guessing right? - Alice looked at the girl with a raised brow.
~You are so screwed! ~ Shadow was laughing out loud in her head.
- Thanks for your support.- Amelia snapped at her. It was an awkward moment, and her wolf was not making it easier.
- Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not a cat person. - The woman replied dryly.
The girl blushed and looked at Alice to notice she was grinning from ear to ear.
-You are making fun of me!- Now, her face was in all shades of red.
- I wouldn't dare!- Alice was openly laughing right now.
- You are mean!- Amelia pouted.
- So, just like a witch should be. - Alice retorted mercilessly.
After a few seconds, both women couldn't conceal their laughter any longer
When they finally calmed down, Amelia asked.
- So this blue light in the forest...?
- Actually, that was just a simple trick. Magic, yes, but not too advanced. I did not want to hurt them badly, but after your story, I probably should.- Alice replied, and her face darkened at the memory of Hank's cruelty.
- So what were you doing there? - Amelia changed the subject, sensing how angry the witch was.
-I was picking my herbs. Medicines and healing potions that is my specialty. Then I spotted you and those bastards, and after seeing them threatening you, I decided to help you. - Alice retorted coldly.
~For what we are eternally grateful.~ Shadow said in Amelia's mind, and the girl decided to share those words with Alice.
- You are very welcome, Shadow. It was a pleasure, I must admit,- The witch said and asked Amelia about her plans.
-Uh... - The girl was not sure what to say. Right now, she was unsure if her plan wouldn't sound childish to Alice.
- Spill the beans. I am not getting any younger.- The witch was definitely in a good mood today.
Amelia took a deep breath.
-We had a plan to go north. My Luna was telling me stories about the powerful pack from the North. So, I thought I would try to get there.
-Crescent Moon Pack? At Silver Lake? It is pretty far from here. Who was their Alpha?
Oh, I remember it was Alpha Maximilian.
But wait, no, it has been a while since I was there last time. I am pretty sure he had a pup. That doesn't matter. - Alice absentmindedly waved her hand, dismissing the thoughts.
- You were there? Have you seen this pack? - Amelia felt hope in her heart when she heard those words. So there is a pack in the North, for sure. Her happy place?
- I was there many times. My healing talents were needed there from time to time. But it was a long time ago when I was there last time. We didn't part on good terms.- The witch spoke quietly.
- What happened? -Now it was Amelia's turn to ask Alice about her past.
-It is a story for another time, but I promise I will tell you one day. - The witch dodged the question.- Now, we should focus on getting you back in shape. Your body is weakened after the time in the woods, and you still have some bruises and cuts I would like to take care of.
Amelia realized that today, she would get nothing more from a witch. It was frustrating, but she decided to give Alice some time.
So she finished her tea and followed Alice to her healing room, which looked like a laboratory full of dry herbs and jars with creams and powders.
There was also a shelf with bottles filled with liquids in any color you could imagine.
- I will give you a cream to help your cuts and bruises. Shadow can also help you speed up the healing process, but she must return to a suitable form. So the cream it is. Use it in the evening after your bath. They will look much better tomorrow, trust me. - Alice explained and forced a jar of cream into a girl's hand.
Amelia looked suspiciously at the green thing in the little jar. The witch immediately noticed her hesitation.
- Hey, it doesn't have to look nice or smell pretty. It is a medicine, so suck it up.
- I never had any treatment before. Usually, I could clean my cuts with water when I had a chance. But I am sure it will be more helpful.
- For sure.- Alice replied. -Now, if you want, we can go outside. I need some more herbs, and it will be good for you, a little walk in the fresh air.
Amelia was more than happy. As much as she loved Alice's home, she was a werewolf and loved any contact with nature, and being in the open space was what she loved the most.
Fifteen minutes later, the women were ready to leave.
Alice's house was in the middle of the lovely clearing, surrounded by the woods. It was a peaceful and quiet place. Even if Alce wouldn't be a witch, this place was magical. At the back of the house was a little area covered with wildflowers, but obviously, they were planted there. Alice was good with any plant.
There was also a narrow field with vegetables, carrots, pumpkins, cucumbers, and beetroots.
Amelia was looking around when she heard Alice calling her.
-Let's go! Soon, it will be dark, and I won't be able to find anything.
- I am coming! I can't stop admiring this place. I could live here forever. - The girl shouted back and rushed to Alice's side.
- So, now you are telling me I won't be able to get rid of you? Maybe saving you was not such an idea. -Alice joked, but she noticed that Amelia's face became dark. She regretted her words instantly.
- I was kidding. Could you not make a sad face and go? We must hurry, and then we will have a nice dinner.
- You have a strange sense of humor.- Amelia couldn't get mad at her.
- I am a witch. What do you expect? Come on, let's go.- Alice winked at her.
Picking herbs was not very exciting, as it took ages for Alice to get the best of them, but Amelia enjoyed being outside with the witch. Alice tried to explain what every herb does, but soon, she realized it was not an exciting subject for Amelia.
An hour and a half later, she was finally ready to go home. On the way back, Amelia noticed someone sitting on the bench in front of the house. The well-known fear spread to her body when she identified that person was a werewolf.
-Don't worry, it is an old friend of mine. - Alice quickly explained, sensing the girl's tension.- Uninvited "quests" can't pass my magical borders. So please relax. - She said, grabbing Amelia's hand.
-This is Sebastian.