Losing The Light Of The Moon

Danger Zone

Chapter 30: Danger Zone

MATTIAS

I felt a throbbing pain in my head so intense, my whole body hurt—even bringing my hand up to my head was painful—what happened? My brain was fuzzy and I couldn’t focus...slowly opening my eyes, I was glad the light above me was dim, but the ceiling looked weird—where the heck was I?  I groaned out in pain as I pushed myself up...on a cot? My eyes slowly taking in my surroundings, I was suddenly fighting for air as panic set in...

“Guntur!” I breathlessly exclaimed, memories of the Forest of The Vines returning—Guntur unconscious, his head soaked with blood—as I frantically looked all around the small cell I was locked up in.  Wincing as I turned my head to the left, I finally found him, my fingers desperately grasping the thick cold bars that stopped me from getting to my best friend’s side. He was still unconscious, lying on a cot by the far wall—too far away—his head thickly bandaged with several large blood stains that had soaked through the gauze. Guilt-ridden, I begged him in a hoarse whisper, “Guntur? Guntur! Please—Please be okay! Come on, wake up for me!”

“Oh, I’m afraid your friend is going to be resting for a while,” a woman’s voice called out, but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from in the darkened, dingy space, “Our men were a bit more aggressive with Guntur—our fault, really—they were ordered to kill him, but then we changed our minds...he is the Beta’s son, why not use him too? Two future leaders of Howling Wind are better than one, especially when you are both potential Alphas in the future depending upon how fate’s cards play out. It will take a bit more healing, however, before he wakes.”

Adrenaline brought on by my instant fury pushed heavily through my veins as I forcefully pushed myself off the cot to storm towards the front of the cell. I noticed that there were four other cells besides mine and Guntur’s and dirt walls all around me—are we underground somewhere?  My tone fierce as I furiously spat, “Who are you? What do you want?”

“Foolish in choices, but brave in the face of fear, I see!” she lightly laughed, finally revealing herself from the shadows of the dim light. Her black hair heavily mixed with grey and her darkened eyes full of venom, she raised her hand to slowly send a stream of yellow light towards me, sweetly stating, “Let’s keep it simple, young man—my name is Amelia and I want vengeance—but for now, I think you need another nap. One more should do it. We have big plans for you, Mattias!”

I felt my body lifting against my will before I was forcefully placed back on the cot, unable to move as I saw the cloud of yellow descending upon me, my last thought sent another heavy wave of guilt flowing through me as her words resonated in my mind—foolish in choices—my last act of rebellion—my stupid, foolish choice—it could not only cost me my life—but cost Guntur his life as well—I had put us both at risk! I wasn’t sure how I could get us out of this mess, but I had to figure out something...I wasn’t going to give up until we both made it back home to Howling Wind!

************

TATIANA

After my reply, everyone’s startled eyes were on me, while Soren’s gaze filled with fury, his jaw locked tight as he glared up towards the trees, loudly warning, “Frieda, if you know anything about Mattias and Guntur, you had best—”

“SILENCE! I never have enjoyed talking to you, Soren, so take your ridiculous blustering somewhere else!” Frieda angrily boomed out before she humorously continued, “We both know your threats mean nothing anyway. You have yet to find a way to rid yourself of me. Besides, I would think your main concern would be finding the only option you have to continue your legacy at Howling Winds—young Mattias. He’s quite handsome and manly for a young lad. Fortunately for him, he favors his grandmother more than you.”

 Always thriving on needling the Howling Wind Alpha, Frieda lambasted, “Too bad he has no respect for your authority, not that I blame him. Perhaps you should have retired long ago if you weren’t smart enough to give him the necessary knowledge the future Alpha should be entrusted with—for instance, explaining to him why he shouldn’t have come here!”

“Enough of your games! Just tell us what you know, Frieda, or I’ll be happy to pay you a visit!” Umar murderously spat, “It’s obvious you were watching! Tell me Mattias and Guntur are alright!”

“While I feel for your unfortunate circumstance, Umar,” Frieda warned in a deadly tone, “Provoking me in such a way will not bode well for you—your son’s blood will not be the only red pool left on my land today.”

“Umar,” I quietly advised, watching as her words washed over him, brutally destroying him inside as his pained face lost all color, “As we have a long history, perhaps its best if I talk with Frieda.”

Her tone darkened as Frieda shakily hissed, “Yes, so before they decide to interrupt my conversation, those traitors Persephone and Reina need to hold their vile tongues as well! Tatiana is correct—I’m only interested in conversing with her. My prize that chose the wrong road—such a waste!”

Suddenly humored, she kindly stated, “Now that we have cleared that up, I’ll continue my lecture by saying so much of your suffering could have been avoided had you chosen the right road, Tatiana, instead of using those silly little lanterns and foolishly thinking wolves could ever truly care about or trust any other witch than the Mystic Fire’s magical wolf, the Firebird Phoenix. Look at how many powerful witches they have destroyed over the years and what you could have done to stop it!”

After Frieda’s outburst, I found myself incredibly touched—my sisters and I all brought to tears, in fact—as Lorenzo stepped back to pull me close to his side again, while everyone that we held so dear quickly walked towards where Persephone, Reina, and I were standing, defensively positioning themselves all around us. Jace and Horacio’s expressions were both filled with intense anger and spite as Jace positioned himself firmly in front of the Power of Three, while Horacio came tower over me, encasing me between he and Lorenzo, his firm body pressed hard against my right side. 

Clearing my throat, I mockingly enthused, “Again, Frieda, I feel less is always more! I went down my road and as you can see, I chose very well despite what you believe. Now, why don’t you tell me what happened here this evening? Perhaps if you cooperate, we can figure out some sort of treat for you.”

“I already know what treat I want, Tatiana,” Frieda’s cold voice chillingly stated, “If you want to know who the witch is you are dealing with, you will have to come get the information in person from me—ALONE—no one else—just you. Those who are attempting to shield you now in my forest are not invited. Otherwise, I tell you nothing. It has been so long since you and I have had a private chat...we are long overdue!”

After hearing Frieda’s expected request, I exhaled out a deliberate breath. I knew what I had to do—I knew Frieda—I had to go see my greatest adversary—the leader of The Coven of The Chosen—and I had to do it her way. I didn’t need a vision to see that coming...and I was prepared for it. It wouldn’t be the first time Frieda and I have had a little chat alone...

Persephone spoke up then, harshly whispering, “Tati, NO! I know that look! Don’t you dare agree to this!”

MOTHER—! TATI—! Jace and Horacio’s voices loudly resonated in my head, about to tell me their oppositions to her request, but were interrupted by Frieda...

“I believe I said for you to hold that vile tongue of yours, Persephone!” Frieda voice viciously seethed out, as a thick branch broke off the top of a tree directly above my sisters, causing me to shout out, “RAVEN!”

Immediately throwing out a ball of her power amid several gasps expelled into the air, Raven caught the branch just as Persephone and Reina glanced up in shock. Cutting my eyes towards them, I slowly and authoritatively ordered, “Not another word, sisters.”

“Oh, Tatiana, the tight rein that is required with those two! Quite exhausting, isn’t it? Funny how the youngest turned out the be the smartest and most powerful,” Frieda tauntingly stated, “Why you continue to fight for those sisters of yours has always been such a mystery to me—you are so immensely talented and could have utilized your gift of combining powers with those who were truly worthy. As I told you before, we could have figured out the path to that together, you and I. It’s rather limiting—the familial factor.”

“Enough of your taunting and your flattery, Frieda,” I knowingly sighed out, my eyes staring straight up to avoid all the ones currently on me, “If you wish for my sisters’ silence, then stop provoking them. Besides, I have already decided to honor your wish. I will see you shortly—alone.”

THE HELL YOU WILL!  Horacio immediately seethed in my mind, followed quickly by Jace’s reaction, If you think I’m letting you do this, you are sorely mistaken, Mother!  You will NOT be seeing her alone!

“Wonderful! As always, you are so kind and amenable, Tatiana!” Frieda cooed out, as the blackened leaves in the trees above us shook in response, “Even when you bested me...but after many years of reflecting upon such a dominating display of sorcery, especially at such a young age, I have more respect for you than anger! In fact, I will even extend the same courtesy of kindness to you now!”

Her tone sugary-sweet, Frieda kindly said, “While you have visited me here on several occasions, you have ever been in the house. I’ve allowed you access now. Why don’t you take a little tour before you come to see me? I believe you will be particularly interested in a little treasure hunt I left for you on the trophy wall in my bedroom. And your sisters can take their trunks with them that are in the living room—I could do with some decluttering. Come to see me directly after if you will! Making your departure from in front of the forest, of course!”

“I will be there soon, Freida,” I returned, watching as Jace snapped his head around towards Persephone and Reina before I turned my attention towards Raven, “And don’t take this personally, but I am having a shield put in place to prohibit you from further eavesdropping, including over your house.”

“Again, the smartest of the sisters,” Frieda impressively stated, “No offense taken as you are indeed a masterful opponent, my dear. Just remember our agreement. You come alone!”

Nodding at Raven, she quickly placed a shield around us, her usually stoic demeanor gone as she said with great unease, “Auntie, I don’t like this—any of it.”

“For good reason!” Persephone harshly stated as she and Reina turned to face me, “Tati, you know Frieda—she has always—”

“She has always wanted me,” I harshly interrupted, breaking away from Lorenzo, Horacio, and Jace’s shield, pushing past her and methodically walking over towards the edge of our protective circle of loved ones, before turning back, angrily continuing, “And as you well know—she is locked in a cell with no use of her powers, other than her mind games, which I am well versed in and have always been able to handle.”

Lorenzo was obviously dead-set against this as well, sternly warning, “Even without her powers, she is still dangerous, Tati. Frieda is up to something. You’re not doing this.”

“I agree with Lorenzo, Tati. We will figure out another way to find the boys on our own,” Soren grievously breathed out, “That damn witch has caused enough devastation and ruin in our lives.”

“I have no doubt Frieda is forming some kind of plan, which is another reason for me to see her,” I calmly replied, “I can figure out what she is up to, so we can quickly put a stop to it.”

“You are not going to see her alone!  Especially before we get some answers from you three!” Jace protectively snapped, looking between me and his aunts.

“I’m afraid that will have to wait. It is a long story, and we don’t have time,” I stoically stated, taking a few more strategic steps back.

Swallowing hard, Persephone’s tone instantly changed as she quietly argued, “If you insist on going, Reina and I are going with you.”

“No, you aren’t, Persephone,” I adamantly argued back in a rare cold, hard tone, “and you know why. You saw what she did just now! Your presence will only infuriate her, making it impossible to obtain the information we need! Do not push me on this—especially not here—it will not end well—for either of us.”   

Her face falling into despair, Persephone’s eyes glazed over as she dejectedly looked over at Reina, who was unable to hide the guilt and shame from her downhearted expression.  

“Take all the steps towards that house you want to, Tati,” Horacio knowingly grinned, “If you intend on going in there, which you obviously do—it won’t be alone, if at all.”

Furiously folding his arms in front of his chest, Jace reprimanded, “Whatever this treasure hunt is of Frieda’s, it’s out of the question. None of you are going in there!”   Turning towards his aunts, he accusingly asked, “Speaking of that, why do you have trunks in there?”

Annoyed at what was unfolding, I pursed my lips as Lorenzo’s grin matched his Beta’s, calmly stating, “I understand your frustration, Jace, but as Tati said, it is a long story to be told a bit later. But I do know your mother well enough to know that there is something of importance to her somewhere on that trophy wall. Why don’t you tell us what that is, Tati, and we will figure out how to find it. You know you are vulnerable here with no powers.”

I closed my eyes tightly again as I heard Jace’s aghast response, “You have no powers—I’ve been trying to figure out why—dammit! It all makes sense now!”

As intuitive as Raven is, I wasn’t surprised when she quietly responded, “None of the Power of Three can use their magic here.”

“That’s what Lorenzo meant,” Nicholas reasoned out loud as I opened my eyes, sorrowfully meeting his gaze, “Frieda has a spell in place.”

“Yes, she does,” Persephone reluctantly confirmed, walking over to stand in front of me, “It was her last spell before Tati was able to hand her over to The Council.” Her next words were directed towards me, “I find myself quite curious—what do you think is on that trophy wall, Sister?”

As she slowly came towards us, I saw Reina’s eyes glistened over as she hesitantly began, “Wait...Tati...you don’t think—”

“I suspect she has Mother’s necklace there, Reina,” I quietly broke in, “It would make sense to lead me to it in her current little game.”

“I know how much it meant to you, Tati, but Frieda destroyed that necklace,” Persephone gingerly countered, “Reina and I saw her send it up in flames.”

“You just said it yourself, Persephone,” I tactfully returned, “You know how much that necklace meant to me—Frieda did as well—do you really think she would destroy something that could be of use to her later? In particular something so important to me?”

“She wouldn’t,” Soren delicately said, “As usual, I have no doubt that Tati is right—that’s the treasure hunt—and we will find that necklace—together.”

The wrinkles around his despondent eyes deepened as Soren steadily came towards me, his lofty frame standing directly in front of me now, peering down into my eyes that I made sure reflected my unfaltering adoration for him. 

Reaching out to take both of my small hands within his enormous grasp, I saw Soren’s jaw tick before he cleared his throat and remorsefully declared, “I’m sorry for my outburst earlier, Tati. I—well, I think we can both agree, every word I said was spiteful and wrong—and never should have been said to you.   My emotions got the best of me—especially as I feel responsible for what’s happened—I had no idea that Mattias knew of that secret passage he and Guntur took in the library.   As Frieda said, it is one of many pieces of knowledge I had not entrusted my grandson with...and should have.”

Closing the distance between us, I gently soothed, “You and I made a promise long ago, Soren—we would stop one another if it appeared Frieda was getting inside our head—it gives her too much pleasure. So, I want you to focus on the fact that we are going to find Mattias and Guntur and bring them home—alive. I can wholeheartedly tell you that while there is no vision, I feel that deep inside—that intuition of mine that you have always had faith in—intuition that I need you to have faith in now. As far as your outburst, it was not taken personally and already forgotten. So, let’s get to this treasure hunt—together—so I can go get the answers to help find our boys!”