The Rogue Queen

Chapter 9 - The Witch -Calliope

He didn't know, but I could hear Alastair begin to cry. My heart went out to him and the pain he was going through. Cindy was a wonderful person, someone I had known and grown up with, but he never had a chance to get to know her, let alone receive her kindness and love.

I debated for a moment whether I should say something, but I couldn't stand his pain any longer. I silently moved into his office, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I am sorry for your loss." I told him. There was no way to take away the pain of losing your mate, but I hoped to ease it.

"Cindy was a good person, the kindest and sweetest person anyone could know. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, always seeing the best in everyone. Healing came naturally to her."

I began to share my memories of her. I hadn't had a chance to mourn my friend, and tears began to flow down my face as I talked about our shared history. We had become friends in grade school when some other girls were bullying her, and I stepped in to defend her. A few fights later, and no one dared to pick on Cindy again. We had become fast friends after that. Cindy had taught me how to be patient and how to learn to bend and not be stubborn. Later on, she stood next to me at my mating ceremony.

Alastair listened intently as I went on, soaking up each word. When I had spoken all I could, I led him to my truck and rummaged through my things. I had many pictures of her, Anderson, and me. I found one of just the two of us and handed it to Alastair.

"There's nothing I can do to bring her back." I told him. "I am so sorry, Alastair. I know you don't blame me, but I blame myself. Please take this picture as a memory so you can mourn your mate properly. I know she would have left with you. She had waited for you too, dreaming of the day she met her moon-bound mate, her person to love unconditionally."

Alastair took the picture and held it as if he could will her back with the way he hugged it. His voice cracked as he managed a low "thank you" to me, then he retired to his room, leaving him to mourn.

Afterward, I found myself in the kitchen, where I met Simon and Mirya. Mirya was in line to be his new beta and had stepped up in the wake of the betrayal, taking charge while Alastair was mourning to ensure everything continued to run smoothly. She introduced me to everyone and gave me a tour of the lodge and pack grounds.

We eventually ventured back through the woods to a cottage, where I got to meet Greta. Greta was a witch, referring to herself as a light witch, indicating that she didn't harm others unless in self-defense. Greta also had the ability of precognition, allowing her to see into the future. She knew I was coming and had been expecting me.

Mirya left us to talk, heading out on patrol. I shared my story with Greta, explaining my magic and asking if she could help me.

"I cannot help you other than to guide you on the path you want to take." Greta answered. "While I'm sure you'd like to stay here, this pack is not for you, at least not currently. You need proper training and guidance from someone who can teach you effectively. You won't find that here. While I believe you are good for Alastair, I don't think staying here would be beneficial for him or for you."

The weight of her words hit me. I had planned to stay, but she was right. I needed a proper teacher, and I was torn on what to do.

"When you feel it's time." she answered vaguely. "But don't stay here for too long."

"Would it be so bad if I stayed?" I asked. "I have just lost everything, and to think about going out on my own again..." I worried about being alone.

"Yes, I know it's challenging, but you are more than capable," Greta replied. "Yes?"

"I will think about it. I was hoping to stay here."

"Don't take too long to think. You don't belong here. You belong elsewhere." she stated.

We talked a bit longer. She gave me some books to read that were the foundations of magic. I accepted them before I left her cottage and walked back to the lodge, pondering everything on my mind.

"Saga, what do you think?" I asked her as I sat by the river, the weight of my decisions heavy on my mind.

"I think her words are worth considering. I, too, wish to stay. I feel so connected to Rusten, and I really want to get to know him better. However, we need proper training. The last thing we want is to harm anyone else due to a lack of training." she replied. "But no matter what you decide, I am with you, Sister of my Soul."

The decision was hard to make. I would take some time to weigh my options. I knew Anderson would follow me no matter what, so it came down to my own decision. I wanted to believe I didn't know why it felt so hard wanting to leave, but I knew what it was, or should I say, who it was.

It was Alastair. I didn't want to leave him.