Unleashed

Closing In

Aliyah

It was another day before I was allowed to resurface from the dungeon, with the instructions to bathe and prepare for the coven meeting within the hour.

My body had all but healed and I slowly sipped the water Ralph had ready and waiting for me in my bathroom, to avoid nausea from dehydration.

 Washing off the dirt and grime from my body, I let my mind drift off to what it would be like to be a normal human. Hanging out with friends at the mall, getting milkshakes and talking about our crushes. That overprotective brother who tried to scare off my date or a father who says those four little words every girl is so desperate to hear from their dad, “I’m proud of you.”

Opening my eyes, I’m catapulted back into reality and quickly turned off the shower and prepared to head out for the meeting. Making my way down the hall, I ensure to greet my associates along the way. Head held high and confident as though nothing out of the ordinary happened, as though I wasn’t locked in a dungeon for the better part of a week.

Opening the door to the auditorium, the hum of conversation infiltrated my ears as I scouted around to find Krista, Maz and Ralph standing at the back of the room, in right hand corner. Walking towards them, I hear the excited squeal as Maz spots me and they rush over to fill me in on the latest gossip in the coven.

Half listening, half wondering if Krista will ever stop for a breath as she excitedly waved her arms around while describing the newest piece of gossip at one hundred miles an hour. I could feel Maz’s infectious smile as she laughed along, but I knew Ralph was eyeing me carefully, as though looking for any hint of the events that had occurred. I refused to succumb to the tears that threatened, knowing he’d seen my greatest shame and my fathers’ callous behaviour.

Tuning back into the conversation, I laughed as I placed my hands on both sides of Krista’s face, “Sweetie… breathe.”

“We better take our seats,” Ralph interjected, and I saw the council members take to the stage. Moving quickly, we found four seats together, towards the back.

“Silence.” The Chief Council commanded, and the room became quiet instantly.  As the rest of the council members finished taking their seats, his commanding presence proceeded with the session.

Throughout the council meeting, I found my eyes wandering to a new face beside my father on the platform, as I’m sure most others in the room did. I was about to nudge Maz beside me to ask if she’d heard any gossip about a new recruit or visitor from another coven, when the Chief addressed the very man in question.

“I would like you all to make welcome a visitor from the New York coven,” the Chief announced, and I felt everyone shift forward in their seats, their interest well and truly piqued. “Mr Black will be leaving tomorrow morning, however, in the meantime, I expect you all to show Mr Black the same courtesy bestowed within the coven.”

*

The Chief was closing the council meeting, when the doors slammed open making me jump, and a small messenger wizard came running into the church, eyes wide and hair dishevelled, running towards the council members. I could smell his fear, something that always puzzled me because witches were not known for their sense of smell.

The room erupted in concerned chatter as everyone tried to sneak a glimpse of what was happening up ahead.

*

“I have just been informed the Masked Bandit has been spotted two towns over. I need not remind you of the devastation that was caused to the Coven 18 years ago.” He warned and I felt a chill run down my spine.

We’d all heard the stories of the great war that was waged between our species, the wolves and the witches, with too many of deaths on both sides. A she-wolf was driven mad at the loss of her child, exiled by her mate, she now seeks her revenge on all magical beings.

I looked over to my father to find him staring intently at me with an unreadable expression, but knowing that frown between his eyebrows, one thing was for certain; all my training was about to be put to the test.

*

I was at the back of the auditorium talking to my friends when I heard a throat clearing behind me. I turned to find Michelle, my father’s assistant, nervously fidgeting. Addressing me and ignoring the others, she stepped forward and lowly whispered, “Aliyah, you are expected in the council chambers in 5 minutes.”

Giving me a sad smile, she scurried off to prepare tea for the council members in their chamber.

Admittedly, I liked Michelle. She was a hard worker and when I was younger, she’d always sneak me a chocolate or two when I left my father’s office after a dressing down.

“Apparently, I’ve been summoned,” I exaggerated to my friends with an eye roll.

“Good Luck with that,” the girls said in unison with a snort of laughter.

“I’ll walk you,” Ralph insisted, leaving no room for argument.

Giving a simple nod, I signalled with my thumb the direction we were heading, and he moved towards me. With his back now to the girls, they made a swooning motion with their hands, Krista pretending to faint while Maz caught her dramatically. Rolling my eyes at their antics and suggestion of Ralph and I pairing up, I shook my head and followed him towards the chamber doors.

“I have a bad feeling about this, Ally.” He stated firmly, eyes trained firmly on the chamber doors.

“Ralph, I-” I began, but he cut me off as he stopped and grabbed my elbow.

“I’m serious.” His eyes searched mine. “Whatever it is, I’ve got your back.”

“And I’ve got yours. Always.” I replied and releasing a sigh, I gave myself a mental nod of encouragement and pushed the doors open.