ARCĀNUM (DISCONTINUED)

➺ Chapter Five ፧ Tours and Magic

CHAPTER FIVE : TOURS AND MAGIC

They walked towards the destination, seeing some people greet them kindly, especially to the Alpha's of this village, Hunter Lupus. He is quite a star in this place, though he did not boast and rather, never said anything to make people unmoved and disrespect him. Even if he seemed like one to be forever cold, he had the heart to help the family's that lived here, just like what the people here has done to him and his elder sister years ago.

Houses were far from each other, unless it were shops, bars and market places. Some uncanny familiarity towards the previous village she was in and lived throughout all her childhood. "Alpha Hunter!" a girl said with a cheery smile, waving over to him as she ran over to them.

The said werewolf snapped his head towards the girl who looked as if she was older than any of them by a little raising his brows as if to say she has taken his attention immediately.

Athena averted her gaze from them, pursing her lips as she silently squirmed uncomfortably from this. An uncontrollable and unfamiliar feeling was flowing through her, it made her weirded out by her own self. She just couldn't put a finger to what it was.

Erina smirked at her actions, leaning over to whisper to her. She knew what she was feeling, the girl was just too oblivious and clueless to even notice it. "Don't be jealous, love. She's lesbian."

Her eyes widened, cheeks turning red as she turned to see that another female that looked like the other's age was walking over to them, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek with sweet affection. "I see you two have found out that you two are made for each other." Hunter chuckled lowly, crossing his arms.

The two she-wolves nodded as a reply, grinning ear to ear. "Yeah! Lucinda and I found out just the day you left!" They didn't know it was even possible, but it seemed like anything is, if werewolves itself were.

Nobody knew the twists of human or even supernatural life, but they went with it. It was unexpected, and that was the thing that made them excited of.

"Okay, Lucinda. Start using the magic you inherited from your mother to perhaps try and erase everybody's memories of Athena Hale in the village she lives in. They won't get suspicious about her being missing by the time Lorriane and Alice Hale died. Corinne, why don't you show her the village? Me and Erina will be placing the things we've brought to the pack house." Hunter ordered, eyeing the two behind him to give Corinne a sign that that was the guest.

"Alright! On it!" Lucinda pecked her mate's lips and went away, ready to do what Hunter told her to.

Erina skipped to the pathway, right after greeting Athena a goodbye, holding onto the stuff. Hunter rolled his eyes at her childish behaviour, slightly nodding his head to the she-wolf left as if to gesture that she should do it already. She was older than him yet she still acted like a child sometimes.

"Hello! I'm Corinne Williams, I'm gonna be your amazing tour guide for you to know the place by heart as well do! But we'll start simple, market to pack house.." She greeted, patting the girl's shoulder as Athena blinked many times until she came back to reality.

"Hey there, I'm Athena Hale! That's delightful! thank you so much." They chuckled, smiling at each other.

The she-wolf placed her hands on her hips, starting her walk towards the village as the girl followed suit, looking around at the places to memorize each shop built and stalls made. "This is the main square; or maybe the market place like the ones you've probably been at. That's the bakery, there's the bar, the fish stall, fruits and vegetables -- how is your um. . . mate a girl? Not that I'm not fond of it, It's adorable, really."

Corinne smiled, clearing her throat. "Well, anything is really possible, isn't it? Who knows. Your mate might be right beside you after all this time, just like what happened to me and Lucy. We were best friends, I felt completely attracted to her, and I didn't know if that was alright. It was then when in some point we got stuck in a hole we confessed our feelings, and everything changed to the fact that we found out we are mates. At first everybody judged us, but the more that they realized that we really love each other and don't give a damn about the consequences, everything was back to normal."

Athena gave a genuine smile, "That's beautiful."

Corinne chuckled, nodding her head. "I really love Lucinda," she then turned behind her to see the girl still having a puzzled look on her face, no doubt. "You still have a thought, what is it?" Athena was surprised for a second to the fact that she knew she was confused about one thing, but then remembered that they have good heightened senses; not only hearing, but knowing your mood; chemo-signals.

"Right. I'm wondering as to why is she half a witch, and half a werewolf. How. . . How is that even possible? I thought you only inherit one -- Well, That's what you thought. There's also some chimera's of half werewolf and half werecoyote wandering here. I'm still as satisfied about it until now." The she-wolf answered, her hand gesturing to some that walked past them.

"Her mother is a witch, father was a werewolf. Technically it was forbidden because of. . . history. But one faithful night they have created my now beautiful mate. -- Woah, It really gives off Shakespearean romance. . . Romeo and Juliet. . ." The brunette said to the platinum blonde werewolf, looking in awe of the information she has discovered.

"Indeed, it does. Except for the tragic suicidal events. Maybe more of war with the rogues; with Hunter and Erina's parents. They were the pretentious and high class. Lucinda's mother, in what Lucy told me is that her mum sneaked away and fought with them, ending with death." Corinne frowned, looking at the sky; the hues of pale blue. It seemed like it was going to go to sunset sooner or later, and she hoped her mate would atleast be safe going home.

Athena observed the whole village, seeing the houses from afar; unlike the past one she has always stepped foot at, these didn't have stables, carriages or more likely even the horses itself.

There are a thousand reasons as to why they don't even need it, being another answer to why the houses are far away, giving off the "sides and conquered property" type to the place. She then saw an awfully familiar person leaning on a tree with crossed arms from afar, looking at the distance with his coat.

"Hey Athena! You coming? I'm sorry, I'm not able to showcase you to the lake, and some other spots. As you can tell it will turn to dark soon, and I wouldn't be the person to tour you in the brink of night, well, also because Hunter wouldn't probably let me." She snapped back to reality, eventually her grey eyes meeting bright green ones; it was Jonathan. Her spine shivered uncontrollably from that, walking away to catch up with the she-wolf.

Corinne Williams grabbed her wrist, pulling her to the alpha house; it was quite big, actually. Three floors, if counting the rooftop where there was a safe spot made of cobblestone bricks called the watch tower.

With the help of Lucinda, that place can be turned invisible so they can look at the view if there are any enemies or even intruders. Though that would be only used when really needed to. When invisible, it would look as if there is just a roof, but really there is the rooftop and the watch tower planted on there.

Donovan was talking to Erina with a serious look on his face as his hands made animatic movements as he spoke, but their emotions swiftly changed when seeing the girl. They waved at her, a joyous smile on their faces. "Hey there Athena!"

They rushed towards her, letting out laughter. Erina first asked, "Your done already?"

Athena rubbed the back of her neck, looking left and right. "Well, we didn't go through everywhere, but around the village square, and we may or may not walked too slow because of me babbling around with questions."

"Awh, That's alright! Corinne, you better head inside; we'll just wait for Lucinda to come back. Love, We'll be showing the place inside, probably also your room. . . In honour of becoming our amazing guest." Erina winked, Corinne rolled her eyes playfully and grinned, greeting them a goodbye whilst the trio were left outdoors.

"Alright I'm getting weirded out by Jonathan. . . For a little, no offense Ofcourse." Athena bit her lower lip, blurting out those words.

"Jonathan is just shy, he'll maybe. . . Let you in sooner or later. C'mon, let's go inside and start on with the tour love." Donovan reasoned, walking over to the front double doors that had some type of crest on it. A symbol of a wolf with a moon.

Erina opened the door, showing immediately the staircase that was not that far, but in the front. A rug was settled between the opening to the stairs, to show some homey atmosphere. "Here to the left doorway, is the wonderful living room, leading to the library. The doors right next to the stairs leads to the training room, where our gamma is always at." Erina said, letting her go inside first. Athena looked up meeting the sparkly chandelier, a smile on her face from the crystals that was visibly shone to her, being held by bronze.

"And to the right, is the dining room, doorway to the kitchen, a small room which holds the pantry. Hunter is not only a great alpha, but also a cook -- In some type of way." Erina added to the dirty blonde's statement, they letted out a breathy laugh.

"I mean, his food is splendid. Deliciously made." The thick british accent of the brunette has echoed in the room, audible for the werewolf of the topic to hear.

"I swear if he had a job, and isn't some Alpha, he'll be a cook!" Donovan exclaimed, clasping his hands. "Anyways, why don't we show you the upstairs?" She nodded as a reply, hesitantly holding the railings as they made their way up to the second floor.

The first thing she notices is the fact that there is these double doors right infront of them.

Athena narrowed her eyes, "What is that place?"

"This is the Alpha's room, totally unfair. It's gigantic I must say, and from all those large spaces, he doesn't do anything at all but look at the window. What a waste!" Erina commented, scrunching her nose at the thought of her own brother just reading a random book and wasting his time to not even enjoy everything in there while it lasts.

Donovan then flickered his eyes to the left, seeing the hallway to their rooms, "Oh! This is where my room, Erina's room, Jasper, the gamma of this pack's room and your room are at. The other hallway is just for his betas; Aaron, Elijah, Katherine, Corinne and Lucinda."

Though it may seem just a few, they have high potential, and besides, the fact that the whole village supports the all mighty alpha brings it of to a certain loyalty like what a beta gives to an alpha.

"Wait, I need to go to the bathroom and fix my stuff; there's one to each room luckily, and there's a storage room in our side for some of the things we use and keep in." The Alpha's sister shyly said, running over to the place whilst Donovan hears somebody call his name downstairs..

"Coming! - Sorry Athena, I must go and -- It's alright, Donovan, I'll wait for Erina." She nodded watching him give her an apologetic smile before going down. She waited patiently, looking left and right and staying in her position for some minute or two.

Athena glanced at the balcony, and then upwards to see the windows that showcased the view of the forest, and the village, that was far away. There was also a way to go to the windows, a place for the staircase to the upstairs, where the watch tower was at by the sides. A smile lifted up her face, and she turned around to see the tall and brooding alpha staring at her.

"Ah!" She squeaked, walking backwards and almost falling if it weren't for the werewolf grabbing her wrist and pulling her against his chest so she won't fall down the staircase.

"Maybe it was a horrible plan to put it there." He murmured, rolling his eyes at her clumsiness.

Letting go of her, he gave an amused smirk to see her furrow her brows at him and give a frown. "Yeah, definitely. You made the most stupidest choice to do that, or if you did not think of it, Pick it." Athena spat.

"Mhm, right." he scoffed.

Hunter gave her a last look before walking over to the hallway that lead to what is supposed to be their rooms. She immediately followed, the guy giving her a side eye and cheeky smirk. "Here's your room, princess." he stopped at the last room by the left, opening it to show a room full of boxes and wooden shelves.

Athena had a smile on her face, until she reached the doorway standing next to him. Her face fell.

"W-what. . ."

He letted out a bemused laugh, covering his mouth with his fist as his free hand was against his stomach. She fell for it.

Erina opened her door, finished cleaning her things and going to the bathroom. She noticed it and narrowed her eyes at them, trudging towards the two figures. "Hunter, why the f**k are you showing her the storage room? -- Well, I just told her that this was the room she'll be staying at." She pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head in disappointment.

"Seriously? Come on, Athena. Let's go to your room. Hunter, go downstairs and do your crap" The elder Lupus sibling ordered, letting out a sigh. "The spare bedroom finally puts to use."

Hunter walked away with his hands on his pockets, giving the duo a smirk. Another personality trait yet to be seen by the girl.

Erina walked far from the storage room, Athena closing the door and followed her to see the first door by the right, close to Hunter Lupus'. "This, is your room!"

The door twisted open, showing the room; it was just right, all perfect and snug. There is the pampered and prepped bed, the pillows fluffed, a blanket settled on top. The walls painted in the shade of navy blue, an interior shadow box frame trim in a pure white as it's baseboard. There was a wardrobe against the wall that halfed a portion of the place near the door that leads to this room. It was the bathroom. Paintings placed, and a vanity by the corner by the curtains of the windows. And lastly a carpet.

"Wow. . . this is beautiful! Are you sure I. . . -- do it before Hunter changes his mind and literally makes you stay in the storage room!" Erina elbowed her lightly, laughing whilst the girl looked the opposite, terrified and just dealt with it. Yet her cheeks are red as a rose.

"Thank you, you guys." Athena clenched her fists, looking at the mirror to see her reflection; she was still as pale, but she's not gonna be the teary eyed, self-defenseless nor the one that can't do anything.

I'm not gonna waste this opportunity, and start to avenge.

***

It was already nightfall, Lucinda was passing over the forest, her hands cradling herself. She is in need to just be in the arms of her she-wolf, her mate, Corinne. She conjured up a figure of the girl right beside her with the help of some dried leaves of red to yellow with just her bare hands, smiling when she saw it next to her. "I already miss you, love."

The fake figure of the werewolf slowly held her hands, the chimera doing it slightly so she won't break. It mouthed the same words, making her come to an halt. The moonlight has shone over them, the moon goddess feeling appreciative of the feelings they have given to each other. They were just made for each other, they were true soulmates.

Lucinda and the leaf version of her lover starting to run, and dance playfully under the stars. The girl was laughing out of joy, feeling some parts of home already to her because of this.

She didn't know that she was being followed.

By the darkness, in the shadows that crept closer and closer to her now walking figure. She was getting near to the village, and the pack house. If it weren't for the sound of some twig snapping, she wouldn't stop from getting over to the love of her life. "Who's there?" she growls, her eyes flashing a light yet bright yellow to the person following her.

She wasn't that capable of her heightened senses, it wasn't as pure as her pack mates because of being half a witch. Speaking of that supernatural side she is at, she can't help but know some stuff about magic, but not enough since she's just self-taught with the books her mother left her with.

The sly unknown rushed to the other side, making her confused and frightened. She letted go of her magic, the dried leaves falling down graciously. Running with her speed, she moved to the right, seeing a familiar small abode of one of the villagers, the one that showed that she was close to home. She just needs to snap to back to the left safely and run back to her mate's arms. She was too terrified and new to getting this experience to know what to do.

She saw a figure with an axe, and before ever calling their name, the mysterious stalker pushed her harshly, sending her to the ground. Lucinda groans, slowly healing. She slowly muttered a spell, her hands glowing as the same colour of her beta eyes to see little of the colour of the person's clothing; dark blue, but not the face for they are wearing a golden mask. The chimera threw it to them, making them go far from them. She threw a stone as if to make it sound like she went there.

Running back to the pack house with tears in her eyes, she felt weak from doing a spell she didn't really practiced for.

She felt pathetic, feeling weak. Like she didn't know what to do. She should've listened to what Corinne suggested, learning self defense as well. . . But how can she know? She never felt this, she was more into being the caster, the Merlin, the one who does the erasing memories and all those stuff except killing spells. She wasn't at fault, some books were missing. And she was more with ease to using her witch than her wolf.

She just needed help.

She just needed Corinne.