DARKER ( Supernatural Beginnings) Book Two

Council Rules

Moriss

The fact that Stella had an office here within the Cree Council estates that I hadn’t even been aware of went over my head. How long had she had a seat on the council? And who exactly was Lily Moon? Under Vincent's supervision, he went over extensive resources and information regarding the current council members and where they each stood in terms of power and influence.

I didn’t take his words to heart back then, as I had some dealings with these people over the years, so I thought I knew them quite well. However, my original assumptions had been blown out of the water by many of the members of the council. This did not exclude the shocking demise of the head of the Cree council, Egan Mane.

“But time, you showed up! How many heads would you have had to roll before you laid down the gauntlet? I have to say it was indeed timely.” Wolfram huffed while walking leisurely into Stella’s office chambers and making himself comfortable in one of the high-back chairs at the large circular table in the room. A cluster of dense blue smoke rose in front of him and then dispersed. Now sat before him was an enticing array of dishes, which he happily dug into.

Shaking my head, I followed Stella and took a closer look at my surroundings. The room was bathed in a soft ethereal glow. Emanating from floating crystal orbs that hover at the corners of the room. The light dances in various colors, creating a soothing ambiance. Elaborate runes, intricately inscribed on the floor, lit up in response to Stella’s presence, guiding us to a specific point in the room, straight to the circular table.

“Seriously old man, like you missed the part where I was held captive by a madman and in a coma for several years. How was I supposed to do my duty? I had no choice but to leave the fail-safe in place,” Stella said. She took a seat in another high back chair-as did I at the table. The fog appeared in front of each of us and then dispersed, leaving behind our favorite foods as well. I didn’t stand on ceremony and dug in just like Wolfram. We needed energy for what the three of us were about to discuss later.

Stella turned toward me, and I felt her emotions instantly. She felt conflicted with me as her mate not knowing about this. I could sense there were circumstances that prevented her from telling me and that somehow involved Suxhen. She needed time and that is what I would give her. I hadn’t waited this long to finally have her back by my side. What were a few more minutes and if she needed a couple of hours?

Meanwhile, I couldn’t help reverting back to Vincent’s warning with my tasks to do in his place. Had he somehow seen these beforehand? It explains why he wanted me to follow the research he had obtained. These people had hidden in plain sight and we still had to investigate whatever had happened to Egan. It was a good thing that Kana and Jair were veterans in this particular field and hopefully, by tomorrow, we will have some solid information on the matter. Now, without a head member to lead the council, who would be the next in line to take charge?

In a secluded corner, a scrying pool begins to light up, the source of the Moon family's witches and wizards' power was mass. Stella had always been a testament to that. Something that she had been searching for had been found. Three pairs of eyes all directed our sights on the pool that was alerting us to its presence. She placed down her fork and stood up. Moving toward the pool, me and Wolfram were not far behind her. Soft whispers echo throughout the chamber, carrying ancient incantations and long-forgotten secrets. Her office chamber was a haven of knowledge, power, and beauty and a complete replica of who Stella was as a person. The air in the office is suffused with a subtle calming fragrance of exotic herbs and incense, that helps to enhance one's focus and mental clarity.

“What do you think it found Ella?” I asked. We all approached the scrying pool. She turned to me with a small smile on her face. Then she looked down and frowned.

“I don’t know, whatever it was looking for must have been cast by my predecessor, this seat was passed down to me only after the one before me went missing. That is also how Alpha and I met. I have to cast another spell over this one before it shows me what it found.” she said. Placing both hands on the rim of the scrying pool surface, she closed her eyes and I felt the pull of our bond and her magic connect. Wolfram and I stepped back a few steps so as to not experience any backlash from the two different spells that were cast. She opened her eyes, which were now dark yet shining like the moonlight.

"Through swirling dreams and astral flight,

I seek the knowledge of the night.

With every vision, insight bright,

I embrace the magic's might."

But heed this wisdom, witch beware,

With scrying's gift comes weight to bear.

For truth unveiled, handle with care,

And in the end, show love and care.

So in this rite, let wisdom guide,

With open heart and spirit wide.

With scrying spells, let worlds collide,

And journey to the other side.

Ancient spirits, hear my plea,

Grant me visions, set them free.

Through the mists of mystery,

Unfold the realms unseen to me.

Hear my call, so mote it be!”

An intricately crafted hourglass magically appeared on a pedestal, its sand defying gravity as it floats between two glass bulbs. It marks the passage of time in a realm beyond. The water's surface of the scrying pool ripples with newfound insight.

We looked down to see what was found. We saw the images of Mila, Mariana, and Phoenix.

Then it shifted to another location. Why was it showing inside a cave? This place before became a safe base used to house artifacts that hold immense power, and they have been safeguarded here for generations, ensuring that they do not fall into the wrong hands. The magic of the cave itself keeps the artifacts in balance, preventing them from causing chaos and ensuring they are used responsibly.

The Henrys still used a part of the cave to house them and others as a safe base. It had been shut down, but it appeared those three would be involved in whatever the pool was about to show us. The pool’s water shifted again and went deeper into the cave. A magical quill was displayed before us, there was writing but we could not see what was written.

The Quill of Infinite Tales the artifact was called. A magical quill that writes on its own, chronicling the stories of the world, both past and present. It records the deeds of heroes and villains alike, preserving their legacies. Stella looked up in surprise. Had she discovered something?

“We need to get to this cave as soon as possible,” she said.

“Is there something on that quill we should see?” said Wolfram.

“If my assumptions are right, this was the last thing in my predecessor's possession before he went missing. What happened to him or who was behind it?”

“Okay, let's head out soon. We have to get back before Kana and Jair’s debrief,” I said.

We walked quickly to the door. Right when Stella touched the doorknob, there was a click sound followed by a blaring warning alarm.

“Warning! Poison has been found on the premises, all members are now on quarantine lockdown. I repeat! All members are now on quarantine lockdown!” an automated voice magically spoke into the air.

“Damn! I knew it!” yelled Wolfram. He punched the wall to no avail.

“Seems it was the right move to bite his head off then,” I said.

“ It appears that whoever was behind Egan’s demise, wanted all the other members dead as well,” Stella said, heading back to the table to sit. We would be locked in for who knew how long, but we needed to find the quill first unless we could get a message out to Phoenix, Mariana, and Mila. We had to wait and see now, to learn what our restrictions were and if magic could now be used. When the alarm here went into defense, they were all basically human and all the more vulnerable.

“Guess I’ll sit here and eat another plate then,” said Wolfram, another fog appearing and dispersing. More food met his ever-ravenous eye and he ate with relish and delight.

Stella shook her head and smirked, a new set of food appearing before her too. She didn’t get to enjoy the last one because of the call of the scrying pool. I didn’t want anything for the moment, but I was left wandering in my thoughts. What was on that quill? And who was Stella’s predecessor? Why did he quickly go missing back then? All the bells in my mind rang toward Suxhen. Just how many things had he put his hands on?