Embers & Spells

30 – Full Moon

When I was a kid and could not control my power, many of my friends were flustered and got scared for things that was happening when I was too happy or crying. Even I was confused, not really knowing it was because of me. I would always get a stare of fear from their eyes and they would not look at me the same way before.

“How’s the park, sweetie?” my mother asked the moment I walked inside the house.

I kept my mouth in a thin line, heading toward the stairs up my room. She followed me, peeking her head on the doorway.

“They don’t want to play.”

Her brows furrowed, the smile in her face melted away. “Did they say why?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “They say I’m weird and a freak!”

My mother approached, sitting beside me on the edge of my bed. She was quiet, not saying any words, and I felt the frustration inside me subside. She then stroked my hair, her warmth and the gentleness of her hands made me calm down.

“Not everyone is going to be our friend, Tana Axle.” Her tone was honey-like. “Not everyone is going to accept us for who we are. But it doesn’t mean nobody ever would. Sometimes, we have to really look for a friend who will not judge you and just accept you. They are rare, but they are worth finding.”

“But everybody don’t like me, Mama.”

“That’s not true at all,” she said firmly, tapping my nose. “It’s just that, some people avoid things they could not understand. You are different from them. You have powers. It scares them. You have to be understanding and show them you are nothing they should be afraid of.”

Slowly, I have realized that ordinary humans feared what they could not understand. I had no idea why that memory played inside my head, my mother’s words echoing.

Agatha stopped the car in front of my house and turned off the ignition. Gazing at her, awaiting her reaction, I find myself holding my breath.

I knew I would see the same eyes of confusion and fear, the same way the other kids gave me. But no. I saw understanding in her eyes, and she somehow felt relived.

“I know, Tana,” she said, tone low.

My drumming heartbeat eased. “I know I’m getting rumors about me being cursed or freak or witch but- “

Agatha shook her head, placing her hand on mine. “I’m not talking about the rumors. They have no idea what they are saying. But what I’m saying is, I know, Tana. I know who you are, what you can do, your… magic? If that’s what it is called.”

I felt like a cold bucket of water washed over me, my hands getting cold, my muscled tensed. How careless I could be? For a human to say that she knew I was a witch?

“You knew?” I asked, taken aback. “How?”

Agatha looked away, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. “That day, when I called you and ask for help, remember? That day in the alley when my mother’s ex-boyfriend was harassing me and you did something.” She shrugged, her eyes lost in thought. “You ask him to let go of me and when he didn’t, you did something, Tana. I don’t know what, but I saw something when I looked at his eyes. I saw reflections of monsters and beasts and… hell. I know it’s what he saw as well.”

“Oh God,” I murmured, closing my eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t usually do that, Agatha.”

She held my arm, assuring me. “It’s fine. Maybe he deserves that. But whatever. It’s done, Tana. He’s still alive, distancing himself from me and my mother and that is more than enough. Whatever magic you did there has done its purpose. I am still grateful.”

She looked really calm, the opposite of what I had imagine her reaction would be.

She then smiled at me. “Hey, itt’s fine. Whoever you are, whatever you are, it’s fine. I like that you are different from me. That you have your own distinction. Kinda makes you special, you know?”

A small smile curved my lips. I couldn’t help it. “And you are okay with that? With me being a witch? Because that’s what I am, Agatha. I am really a witch, you know, the kind that do voodoo and charms and cast spells. Are you really okay being friends with someone like me?”

“Did you hear me stutter?” She raised an eyebrow. “I know what you can do and I still insist being friends with you. It scared me for real, though. I could barely sleep for couple of days after that incident. But then I realized, you stepped in and saved me, and even punished that son of a b***h. I know you mean well.”

I laughed, shaking my head, my racing heart now beating calmly. “And here I thought you are going to get hysterical and just walk away.” I bit my lip, smirking at myself for thinking the worst way she would react. Then I cleared out my throat. “Did you tell anyone?”

“Of course not, are you serious? If I tell it to someone they would just think I’m spreading rumors. Besides, I told you I can keep a secret.”

I took a deep breath, thankful she had an open mind. “You know some kind of beast attacked Claire, right?”

“Yeah? Is it really a beast?”

I nodded, looking around the surrounding of my house. “It’s a werewolf, Agatha. They’re real and they exist, walking and blending with us here. They have adapted the human ways and hard to pinpoint who they are. So, I want to protect you, give you an advantage in case you encountered one and tried to attack you.”

Her eyes were wide now, her posture angled toward me, listening intently. “Are you sure, Tana? About them really co-existing with us? Because that’s hella scary!”

“And dangerous, I know. But I am sure.”

She blinked, biting her lip, lines of worry reflecting on her face.

I brushed my hair back, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Do you trust me?”

I smiled inside, remembering Arawn Rhys’ words, the same exact question he asked me.

Agatha nodded. “Yes, of course.”

I noticed the silver bracelet she was wearing, shimmering under the light. I pointed at it. “Can I borrow that for a moment? I’ll put charms on it, so you’ll know when some beast or evil things are just around the corner.”

She hurriedly gave the bracelet. I took it, feeling the jewelry against my skin, whispering the charm. Agatha was quiet, trying to be silent as possible, not even asking what I was doing.

I handed it back to her. “It’ll light up and you will feel it warmed when there’s danger. Danger like some other beast are within fifty meters radius. When it alarms you, you gotta run, hide, or seek a place to protect you. Understand?”

“Thank you, Tana,” she murmured, wearing it securely in her wrist. “I got it.”

“It’s full moon tonight, so you better go home.”

“And you will be safe in your house alone?” she asked, looking at the empty house.

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself.”

When she nodded, I waved a goodbye and climbed out of her car.

****

I turned off the shower, filling my hunger for the hot shower I always have when exhaustion took over. Wrapping myself with a bathrobe and my wet hair with a towel, I hurried outside, running toward the front door. The incessant ringing of the bell might be the pizza delivery guy.

I waved my hand, summoning my wallet, catching it in midair. Unlocking the front door, I saw Arawn standing outside, wearing his usual bucket hat.

“Looking fresh,” he said, the corner of his lips turned up.

I rolled my eyes, hugging myself. “Do you need anything?”

“No,” he replied. “But I think you need me.”

“Did something happened?” I asked, realizing the seriousness of his face.

“Yes.” He then nodded his head toward inside the house. “Can we talk inside?”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his stern gaze. I unlocked the chains, motioning for him to get inside. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.”

He just shrugged, as if bored already.

“A werewolf attack, that is how Rico David would describe the scene when he passed by at 10 pm, here at the corner of Farma alley way near the Tip Café. The victim, whose name will remain confidential, was found dying in the dark alley way. As per the authorities there is no sign of robbery and will further investigate at what happened. This is the third attack, with similar style, and people starts to speculate if it really was a werewolf attack or South Lox town now have a serial killer roaming around.”

Arawn lowered the volume of my television. He was sitting crossed-legs on the sofa, his shoulder composed, his eyes focused on the reporter. I could tell it wasn’t the first time he saw the news.

But what really made me anxious was how closed it was in where we were not more than three hours ago. I suddenly remembered Carmela and Therese, wondering if they made it safe in their homes.

“Who’s the victim?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

“They can’t name it yet. You heard the lady reporter- “

“Yes, but I need to know!” I started to pace the living room and pulled out my cell phone to call them. But then I realized I didn’t have their numbers. “s**t! How will I know they’re safe?”

“Who?”

“I’m with the Agatha and the girls at Tip Café earlier. We sneaked in the ruined building of that old school and got caught by the guard. He chased us and we flee and parted ways. What if the werewolf got Carmela or Therese? What if they are the victims this time?”

“The victim was a man, Tana Axle. For sure, those two girls are safe.”

I felt guilty at the relief that settled in my stomach. I couldn’t help it. These victims were hurt because me, because I couldn’t kill their alpha. Or maybe, the one who was attacking was the alpha itself.

The image of Inigo hurting humans didn’t sit well with me. But he told me that it wasn’t his pack who were doing these casualties. If it was not them, then who?