My Secret I Never Knew

A Secret Told

Nikki’s POV

“You ok bro, what happened “ Eric asked helping his brother to his feet as I began to walk towards then

“They retreated I think we were winning so they ran” Anthony replied so proudly 

“No, they couldn’t get to Candice so they left. Probably to regroup, we need to go to the East Cabin.” I informed them, irritated at the fact this all just happened. Before the guys and I could do anything else a purple mist surrounded us, once it evaporated we were standing in the main conference room of the East Cabin. Candice was sitting at the head of the table while Neesh and Holly were on either side of her. Anthony quickly went to sit next to Holly giving her a gentle squeeze of the hand that he didn’t think anyone saw.

“Hhh how did you guys get here?” Candice asked in a stutter, making me extremely pissed at her parents because she should’ve been prepared for this world.

“Someone teleported us here, where are all the kids?” I responded 

“They are all around the cabin sleeping where they could find a spot, some of the older kids are on the hammock outside though.” Holly said.

“Good, good they’ll all be safe as long as they stay in the sanctuary.” I said before looking at Candice, I sighed it was time I told her I hate secrets. Eric must’ve sensed I was ready because he walked closer to me gently holding my hand.

“Candice, there’s something you need to know.” I began to say but she gasped and got all wide eyed looking back and forth between Eric and I.

“Are you two, are you two together. Like together, together” She asked 

“Eww no.” I responded pulling my hand from his quickly 

“A simple no would have been just fine.” Eric mumbled while shaking his head and punching the bridge of his nose.

I apologized and the others giggling 

“Candice. I’m a witch, most of the town are witches and most of the animals in the sanctuary are their familiars.” She looked around for a minute before responding “you mean like Sabrina the teenage witch or the charmed ones ?”

“Uhm yes similar to that except most witches don’t come into their powers fully until their 18th birthday and familiars usually come on the 16th birthday to begin forming the bond with their witch or if you’re a male warlock. Our familiars are able to communicate with us, uhm basically like a telepathic connection of sorts and we can travel long distances without them. We are just stronger together, and as long as our animal counterpart is alive it’s harder to kill us. Not impossible, just harder.” 

“So I’m a witch and no one thought to tell me”

“I don’t know, when we were younger I felt strange around you, like your energy was different but the same. My parents told me that you were human, that witch gene skipped you. I mean it’s possible but then, I never felt you were human, not really. I’m sorry I lied but I wasn’t allowed to tell you, first it was the stupid spell that was placed on me to keep from telling you that wore off when you tuned 18 but then I guess I didn’t want you angry with me.”

“I’m trying to understand but I don’t, if there are humans born to witches all the time why not just give me away or tell me”

“I don’t know, that’s something you’d have to ask your parents, but I don’t think you’re human, at least not fully. At your party the two guys with your brother gave off the same energy only stronger. I don’t know how to explain it. You guys are connected but not connected but I don’t understand, I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”

“But you saved me, I saw you, I heard your voice, you saved me. You’re not even 17 yet so how could you have powers, how did you do that. Why did you do that? You could’ve died, there were too many of them.” Her voice was full of raw emotion and cracking but before I could tell her I didn’t understand that either the door opened and Mrs Lee stepped in closing the door behind her. “MOM, YOU’RE OK!” Neesh screamed as she ran to her mother.

“Of course I am child, I just was a little busy disposing of some traitor werewolves. I believed that young Nicole would be able to follow my instructions and bring you all here safely, though I didn’t expect her to bring so many others.” She stated with a smile 

“I couldn’t just leave them to be hurt.” I said with a shrug 

“They wouldn’t have been, I had a protection spell over the children but you blocked it. You kept them from being transported to the safe house.” She said looking at me, I unconsciously grabbed Eric’s hand and he gently squeezed mine while placing his other hand on my shoulder.

“I….. I didn’t, I couldn’t have. I concentrated all my magic on the sanctuary, to make it safe. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.” I said confused and, did I really put so many innocent children in danger.

“Calm yourself child, you had a need so great to protect everyone that you managed to cast a protection spell greater than any I’ve seen in quite some time. Did you not find it strange that no child had injuries and they all made it to this location, even those taken into other parts of the town. You’re really quite powerful Love. I believe it may have to do with your father having royal blood.” Mrs. Lee said with a smile as she sat in the corner.

“My father wasn’t royal, he was a Professor of Botany and a naturalist, not a part of a royal family.” I stated

“Dear child I didn’t say he was a part of the royal family, I said he had royal blood. You’re Great Grandfather renounced his claim when he met you’re Great Grandmother and fell in love. His parents would not accept that she was not a witch, she was a ware-Panther. So you’re Great Grandfather was banished from his birth place of Anguilla. They relocated to Taveuni an Island of Fiji and created a beautiful, loving home for themselves and their children. They led a peaceful community on the island for many years, they actually also helped with the building of our town after becoming friends with the then Mayor while vacationing here. Originally there were plans to destroy these woods to make more room for homes and businesses but your great grandparents saw the potential in this place. He acquired the deed to this land before passing away and leaving the land to your Grandmother. She loved Nature as much as her father and mother, but she also enjoyed the modern conveniences our little town had to offer. Every two years they traveled here and would spend three months here each time, mostly helping with food and spells. She decided on her 16th birthday that she would remain here instead of returning to Fiji. You’re Great Grandparents had 20 children and she was the third youngest, she was not known by her people or the people here for that matter because she would always keep to herself. So her parents had no problem with her staying, it was rumored that she even built a secret cabin somewhere hidden in these woods since she spent so much time here. The Eve of her 19th birthday was the best and worst night of her life, that morning she met your grandfather. She was thrilled and head over heels in love but that night she discovered her entire family had been murdered, considered an abomination by the Royal Family of Anguilla. My mother was the only one your grandmother trusted with her identity, your father was a big brother to me.” She said the last part as a tear fell from her eye. I never knew this about my family 

“So wait Nikki is basically a Princess and she owns the Animal Sanctuary? Is that what you’re saying mom.” Neesh asked

“I guess you can say that, yes she has a portion of royal blood in her so she’s a Princess and this land is basically hers. Her father is the one who decided to make it an Animal Sanctuary also, the familiars had already started making themselves at home here which was good because it kept humans from getting suspicious of certain animals roaming around. This place also protects our familiars from our enemies which keeps us safe.” She paused then looked at Candice. “You are more than what meets the eye. Everyone thought you were human but me, yet no one listened to me. Your parents are headed this way, listen to what they have to say and I will return tomorrow night.” 

I had completely forgotten about Candice and I felt horrible about that, but at the same time I was happy to learn about my family. I can’t remember much about my grandmother and Honestly I can’t recall if I ever met her but I do remember my parents clearly as if I had just seen them yesterday. Even with how many years have passed, I can feel their warmth and love. I still had so many questions, but I can see now wasn’t the time. I’ve never been a selfish person and I couldn’t start now.

Mrs. Lee opened the door to leave but then turned looking into each of our eyes and said, “I think you all should stay. Listen to them, support each other. I see such a strong connection between you all. Tomorrow night I will return.” She smiled one last time before closing the door and leaving. Silence filled the room.

“Candice, are you ok? You're going to have a breakdown aren’t you?” I asked breaking the awkward silence 

“Yes, yes I am,” she replied calmly.

Candice POV 

My best friend, the girl I’ve known all my life is a witch, and apparently one with royal blood. All of my friends witches, my family, everyone in this town and I’m just I don’t know what but I know I’m weak. Tears were gently flowing from my eyes in a steady stream, I have never felt so alone surrounded by so many people I love. I wanted to just crawl in a ball and cry, suddenly Nikki asked was I going to have a breakdown. Of course I was, my mind was just in too much shock to allow my body to break down. I knew it would happen so I told her yes, yes I am and I retreated back to the thoughts swirling in my head.

Why didn’t my parents want me to know anything, did my brothers know, were they teaching my siblings spells, is this way everyone would disappear without me sometimes. Did they really even love me, I was deep into my thoughts when I felt warmth embracing me. I was being hugged, I looked up to Nikki beside me, hugging me.

“You’re safe and surrounded by people who love you and just want to protect you. I am sorry we lied, I never wanted to. I know this is a lot to take in but I’ll always be here for you, please stop crying. You have to calm yourself, you're trembling, I know it doesn’t seem like it now but we’ll get through this.” She said to me, I hadn’t realized that I was shaking or crying, I just can’t seem to understand why no one told me anything.

“You all lied to me for so long, why?” I asked 

“Holly, Eric, and Anthony are not of our coven and could not speak of it. So it was not their place to say anything, they couldn’t interfere. My mother and the elders forbid everyone in town from ever telling you, saying that your parents made the request and it was to be honored or else. Only…. Only a stubborn Nikki kept trying to tell you, she’s never liked secrets her parents couldn’t even stop her. She succeeded a few times and you would always have a physical reaction to the news like body shakes and nose bleeds. The worst was that day in Ms. Jewel’s class when everyone went out for recess but you stayed behind. We didn’t make it outside before realizing you were with us, and when we got back to the classroom Nikki was standing over you, your body was shaking and your nose was bleeding. Even your eyes were pure white, I had nightmares for weeks. Anyways your memory was erased yet again and Nikki was spelled preventing her from telling you again, her parents didn’t agree with a spell being placed on her but there was nothing they could do. It was like you were dying every time you were told, so no one wanted to keep putting you through that. Nikki’s father had come to mom for advice because Nikki had told him that you needed to know your truth. He wanted my mom to explain to her that you couldn’t because it hurts you, but Nikki would say….” Neesh’s story was interrupted by Nikki’s voice

“You weren’t dying or being hurt, your mind was opening. My parents wanted you to know the truth as well but wanted to wait until you were a little older. They also didn’t want me hurting myself trying to fight the spell so my father went to Mrs. Lee for help.” Nikki’s words seemed pained but I don’t understand how she could be in pain when she almost killed me multiple times. I moved from her embrace and stood.

“If the entire town decided it was too dangerous why didn’t you leave me alone, just keep the secret?” I asked her, but before she could speak the door opened and my parents came in closing the door behind them.

“We always wondered the same thing, you’ve always been an intelligent girl, why didn’t you stop?” My mother asked.

“I felt she had to know it was important, it still is important. I still feel that strongly, just like I have a strong feeling you’re still keeping something from her.” Nikki said with fire in her eyes, I sat down and looked towards my parents. 

“Well, do you have something else to tell me? Let’s get this never ending night over with and just tell me so I can rest. Please.” I’m trying to hold my emotions together at this point.

“Well, long story short we are not your biological parents. We found you when you were about three months old while we were vacationing in Florida.” My father started to explain. “We had gone swimming one day and when we returned to our room you were there on the bed wrapped in a blanket that had your first name and date of birth on it. A note sat beside you that just said while watching us for the past week it was clear we were the best fit to love, care for and protect you. That was all nothing else besides a few items in a diaper back on the floor. We brought you home and met with our elders as well as the elders of Crystal Heart, where they tried to perform a mind read. Which is basically looking into your memories for answers about what your parents and home looked like, but every time it was tried there was nothing but ocean shown. Even at three months you wouldn’t seen your parents and around your home but none of that would show and when they elders tried to push deeper, you would begin to tremble scream and cry.” My father said with pain in his eyes. My mother gently squeezed his hands and continued to speak for him. “We realized it was a powerful spell keeping us from seeing anything and if we continued to push, we feared it would kill you. A month later we found that doing magic around you had a similar effect as trying to see your memories, that is why the elders forbid anyone from telling you. It was our request because we loved you and didn’t want you hurt. We are sorry but after so many years we didn’t think it mattered where you came from, it still doesn’t you’re our daughter and always would be.” My parents had to adjust their whole life around me to keep me safe even though I was not related to them by blood. They kept me happy and healthy. They loved me, I thought as I walked over to them and hugged them. 

“We think now that you're 18 you’re strong enough to handle everything and although we don’t want to, maybe we should find out more about your parents. Honestly we’ve been looking since you were 13 and started having those nightmares.” My father said 

“Sweetheart we believe you may be a descendant of the lost Princess, and we also believe that Athena is your familiar.” My mother said, causing me to look at her with furrowed brows.

“Excuse me,” I said, “what lost Princess. 

“All of you take a seat, this is important.” My father said as he and my mother sat down together. I sat near them as Nikki went to sit near Eric. I hadn’t realized that Neesh was even standing until she sat on the opposite side of Anthony from Holly. We all looked at my parents, I don’t care if I’m not blood relation to them. They are my parents.