The Change of Time

CHAPTER 10

Elizabeth P.O.V

I woke up with this feeling of dread in my stomach, and I couldn't shake it. Even after a long shower, it was still there. It’s possibly just my nerves talking. I mean, I am going to stand in presence of the Council of Hunters and demand they give me the seat at the head of the table that controls all Hunters. “Prue, you startled me.” “Sorry Darling, you need to work on listening to your surroundings, although your thoughts aren’t here.” “Ya, sorry, that is one of my many weaknesses.” “Don’t worry, kid, you will learn it in no time.” “What brings you here so early?” “A cup of coffee... of course.” “Of course... I will make us some.” As I was busying myself in the kitchen, I saw that Prue’s attention was also not all there. “Is everything okay, Prue? I mean, other than the loss of last night.” “Sorry, Darling, my head is just as full as yours. Listen here. Did you have an odd dream last night?” “Odd dream?” “Yes, about something that might happen in the future.” “Well, to be honest, I can’t really remember my dream from last night. Why, is there something wrong?” “No... no Darling. It’s just that I consulted the cards last night and as I was busy... I saw the Witch get into someone’s dream, I’m just uncertain who it was.” “How is that possible...?” “When I linked and discovered what was happening, the b***h linked herself to me and looked at you all around me. She probably figured that she can’t get into your dreams, so she might as well try someone else.” I remained quiet for a moment, withdrawing into my thoughts. That Witch could only see me, Eric and Jarred, as we were the only ones here. “So it has to be Eric or Jarred...” “Jip, it is one of them.” “Did the cards say anything else?” “You must understand something about the cards. They are... not always a hundred percent clear and that there are some elements that I’m not allowed to speak of.” “Not allowed or don’t choose to?” “Both... I can not inform you of events that will influence your fate. The only thing I can say is that... you are going to come to some sort of crossroads in your near future and you will have to make an extremely critical decision. Please, just think hard about the choice you make, because it will influence us all.”

I stared at her, truly confused at what she told me. I mean why... why can’t she just be straightforward and tell me? This is extremely frustrating. Near future... what... like when I get to the council or when I am at the head of the council? When... “Prue, can you please be a little clearer on that one for me?” “No, sorry Darling, but there are some things that you will have to figure out yourself.” “Urge, are you serious right now!” Prue went almost like a statue when a mysterious energy came over us. I don’t know why it had that reaction on her, as I felt quite safe with it. With that said, I should perhaps be disturbed now as the only dark energy I feel safe with is Eric’s energy, and this was definitely not his. “Prue, is everything okay?” “You feel that...?” “Ya... but it doesn’t appear threatening.” “O, Darling, we really need to work on your senses. The Alpha is back in town.” “So... why should I feel threatened by him?” “Because he is merciless and if you are not part of what he sees as his family, you are as good as dead if you only look at him in a wrong way. He is one of the strongest Alphas out there and even the Hunter council is watchful of him.” “Well... now I just want to meet him.” “You are one strange ass child, you know that? Just keep your mind and views on our mission for now.” “Fine, I will do as you say... mother...” “Ha... don’t get witty with me, Darling.” At that, we both laughed as Eric and Jarred entered the house.

“Well, isn’t this a jolly tea party? Morning Lady’s.” “Morning Jarred.” I said. As I was looking towards Eric, and he was defiantly not with us. I glanced over at Prue and knew that she was figuring out the same thing as I was. The Witch was in his dreams. “You okay babe?” “Yes... yes, sorry, morning Prue.” He said, as he moved around the counter and drew me into his arms as his lips found mine and it was a kiss as if there was no tomorrow. “Wow, dude, I could feel that all the way here.” Jarred said, and we parted for much needed air. “I missed you.” “Ya... I could tell. Are you sure everything’s fine Babe?” “Everything is okay now.” He said, as he looked deep into my eyes with a soft smile on his face. “O please get a room.” Jarred said, and he turned to the door with Prue following him. “Ya, guys, we need to get a move on. It’s at least a two-day drive to the council.” “You are kidding me right, can’t you just do a spell and poof us there?” Prue laughed as he looked at me and said. “No, Darling you will need these two days to prepare for what is coming.” “You mean my valuable decision?” “We’ll see...” is all she said, and left the house. The men just stood there, looking confused for a moment. But Eric picked up quickly as something triggered his brain and now I was the one that needed answers.

As we got into the SUV that Jarred took from the pack, I glanced over at Prue and she just shook her head at me... no, but I couldn’t. I needed to know. This feeling in my stomach is just becoming more and more intense. Something was not right. “Babe... we know.” He looked into the mirror above him, all bewildered. “We know the Witch send you a dream last night and...” “There is nothing to worry about love, I can’t even remember most of it.” “Eric if you don’t want to tell me its fine, but you will not lie to me.” Jarred and Prue just remained there in silence and I could see the concern on Jarred face about what he just heard. He is also probably wondering about the dream. “Sorry love... It’s just that I’m not bothered about it, you will never...” “I would never what?” I looked at Eric, expecting, but he could not speak at all. I glanced over at Prue. “What are you withholding, Prue? Let him speak!” “The future needs to stay in the future. That dream is not set in stone and you need to make your decisions yourself.” “You are f*****g deluding me right now!” “Calm down, Elizabeth. I’m sure she has her reasons.” “O, what do you know, Jarred? It’s not like the fate of everyone is resting on your shoulders.” “Beautiful, that was uncalled for. I know you are under a lot of pressure right now, but if we all fight with each other, we will not have a chance.” I took a deep breath, calming myself down as I looked at Jarred. “Sorry Jarred, I didn’t mean to...” “It’s alright I know.” We all remained there in silence for what seemed like forever, and I withdrew back into my own concerns.

This is so-so frustrating. He knows, Prue knows, why can’t I? Is it that terrible? Am I going to lead them to their deaths or am I going to die... I wish they would just speak to me. If I knew, I could make the right decision. “Stop tormenting yourself, Elizabeth.” Prue said as she turned to me. “We have to get you ready for the Council.” “I know what the Council is and who is present at the table. What more do I need to know?” “Don’t, Elizabeth... just don’t.” Prue said and was looking at me as if I just cursed at her. “You need to learn how to be gracious and strong at the same time. They will ask you questions and try to make you feel you don’t deserve your birth right and they will even try to assassinate you.” “I am gracious and...” Everyone snickered and I couldn’t help this dark feeling swelling in me until... “Sorry Love, it’s just that when you decide on something you genuinely don’t pay attention to what other say and that will not work with the Council.” “He is right, Elizabeth. The Council will need to understand you have their best interest at heart, but you need to manipulate them in thinking they have all decided that the rules you establish are for the greater good.” Jarred said, as he was looking at me through the review mirror. “Jarred, why don’t you pull in by the next gest house so that we can rest for the night.” Prue said, pointing at the little town in front of us.

We stopped at a cozy little cottage with white painted walls and colorful flower gardens all around. After booking in, we had a quiet supper. Everyone was busy with their own thoughts. I can still not shake this feeling of something serious is going to take place. Then Jarred’s phone rang. He left the room and as he came back, there was this expression on his face. Something happened, and it wasn’t good. “What’s wrong, Jarred?” I asked. “The pack... Hunters… attacked them.” We all just sat there in silence, hoping he would say more. “Lucky Alpha was back, and they fought the Hunters off.” “Did anybody get injured?” Prue asked. “Yes, twenty of our worriers lost their lives and seven of the Hunters got killed.” “O... this is going to be bad. Darling, you better be ready for a fight. The Council is going to want our heads for this.” “I... I don’t understand. The Council knew the pack did nothing wrong. Why would they send Hunters there?” “They didn’t send the Hunters.” “Eric, what do you mean?” “The Hunters don’t get sent by the Council. They do whatever they want until...” “Until what?” “Until they get in trouble, then only do they ask the Council for help and ask for the top Hunters to come and assist.” “But that is so unacceptable!” “Elizabeth, keep your voice down.” Jarred said. I took a deep breath and looked at all three of them. “We can not let this continue on any longer. We are going to the Council now.” “Darling, you are not....” “Do not even think of saying that. I’m ready and I am going to fight this, whether or not you are with me.” I stood up and left, took a hot shower, put on clean clothes and waited by the SUV for them. As they arrived one by one, I could see the doubt in their faces. They think I can’t do this, but I will prove to them this will become a better world for all humans and Shadow people.

Prue appeared last and as she walked around the car, I noticed her throwing flower pedals all around and in one swoop a heavy wind came and before I could even figure out what was taking place, we settled in the midst of a forest, on top of a mountain so high you can actually see the clouds when you look down. “Where are we, Prue?” “We are on the Council grounds. You wanted to be here, so here we are and we will always be behind you Elizabeth. Just... just think before you speak, please. Your filter doesn’t always work so good.” “O wow, thank you Prue, for the vote of confidence.” “It’s my pleasure.” “I was being sar...” “I know.” Prue said, as she summoned another spell forming a light around us. “So where do we go?” Eric asked, whale glancing around him. “This way.” I said and walked in between the trees and on a pathway to what looks roughly like a castle. “So... this is where the Council lives.” Jarred said. “Not just the Council, but also the best Hunters you have ever seen.” Eric replayed. I could see Eric not being too convertible. He is ready to fight at any moment and Phantom is upfront with him. “So, how do we get past those guys along the gate?” I asked, and Prue just surged. “This was your plan, remember Darling.” “O aren’t you just a ray of sun-sign.” I said. Prue just smiled at me as we were watching the gate from far enough so the Hunters would not notice our presence.

“Well, I think we must just walk up to them and introduce ourselves. I mean you are a Williams.” “O wow Jarred, aren’t you the smart one? They will kill us as soon as they see us, idiot.” “I don’t see you coming up with a plan, Eric.” “Guys, please, it doesn’t help if we fight. I will first show myself and introduce myself, then you guys can come out behind me as I introduce you.” “Well, I can’t see that there is another way unless Prue can get us in.” Eric said, as we all turned to her as she was observing the surroundings. “Nope, no can do. This place has been spelled. My magic won’t work.” “So... technically... you are...” “I can still hurt you Jarred.” “Ya, I love you too.”

I walked out from behind the trees and raised my hands to show that I was not a threat. “Stop right there!” The one guard screamed as they pointed their guns at me. “Who are you?” The other guard asked. “I’m Elizabeth Williams.” Is all I said as I wait to see if they recognize my surname and I could not help but to wonder... Why did my parents not live here? I mean, it is the home of the Council and they were the leaders of it? “Williams, you say.” “Yes, and I have three friends with me. Do... not... shoot... them.” I said, and I put as much authority in my statement as I could. They raised their guns higher as the three came out from behind the trees and abruptly the gates opened. The guards looked in bewilderment at the gate, but only for a moment. A man appeared at the gates and he was dressed in a black suit that almost made him look like a butler, but there was a darkness enveloping him that had me almost shuddering. “Miss Williams, we were expecting you. Please, you and your friends can follow me.” He said, and it almost felt like we were walking into a trap. I peered over at Prue and she had her head bowed to the man. “He is not a Hunter or Human, is he?” I asked her. “He is a Warlock of ancient.” “Warlock of ancient...?” Erick asked as he looked at the man. “Yes, the oldest Warlock we know about.” “But he doesn’t look older that twenty-six.” Jarred said. “Ya, he is about... nine hundred and fifty, I think.” “But I understood only Hunters were allowed here.” “Well, Darling looks like times have changed and that explains why I can’t use my magic.” Prue said, but all the wails touching the trees and flowers as we walk.

When we came closer to the castle, you could see it was ancient, but it was marvelous. It had towers all over, and the walls looked like they were never ending as they just go on, on both sides. It looked like one of those Dracula castles. That’s all freaky on the outside. An icy shiver went down my spine as my body reacted to my thoughts and Eric moved closer to me as to protect me at any minute. “Guys, just think of how many people could have gone lost in this place.” “Seriously Jarred, I’m already skeptical.” “You should feel attached to this place, Darling.” “And why is that?” “Your great, great, great, great grandfather built it.” “How would you know that, Prue?” Jarred asked. “I may not use magic, but I can still read the energies around the place.” “O that is why you were all touchie-touchie.” “You are playing with my last nerve Jarred.” “Awww.” “Now I know why my father did not stay here.” All of them were silent as we went into the enormous place. The place looked a lot better on the inside. The floors were made from Marbel, and there were two rows of pedestals on either side with torch holders in the middle of them. “No electricity I guess.” Eric muttered. At the end of the hall, it opened into a big room with stairs in the middle and next to the stairs on either side there were big wooden doors. There were also portraits of men on the wall and the one I recognized as my father. “I presume that these are all the men that were leaders of the Council.” “Yes, and were known as royalty. You’ll be the first female to receive the seat.” All the wail that we were talking I could see that the man in front could hear us, but he said nothing and just led us up the stairs. At the top of the stairs we went to the passage on the right. There were door after door, as it looked like it would never end. The man suddenly stopped making Jarred knock into him. “Why... what?” Jarred mumbled as his face turned a little red. Luckily, we could keep our laughter in, as we were afraid of disturbing anyone. It was so quiet in here and so mid evil, you'd think they would redecorate after a view years had passed.

“These four rooms are yours. As it is late and the Council members are sleeping, you can rest here for the night. Your chambermaids will be in tomorrow morning to help you get dressed.” The man said, as he stepped aside for me to enter. All I could think to say about that was thank you as I passed him and entered the room with Jarred and Eric following me in. We just stood there, absorbing it all. It was as if the room was its own apartment. Decorated in silver and gold and silk everywhere. “That bed is so big we can all fit on it,” Eric said as Prue entered the room and closed the door behind her. “That is for me and Elizabeth. You guys are taking the couches, unless you want to sleep in your own rooms.” “Nope, the couch is fine with me.” Jarred said, as he jumped on one of them. “Seriously, are you four?” “You have to feel how soft they are, dude. You will also want to jump.” We all laughed at him. He has changed a lot since we left the pack. No longer having that responsibility, really drew out the kid in him. “What did you and butler guy talk about?” Eric asked. “Ya, and what is up with that? He is one of the oldest, but he is a butler?” Jarred interrupted. “He came to work here when Elizabeth’s great grandfather took the seat and he would inform people of the shadows when Hunters were on their path.” “He is the eyes inside.” “Yes, Darling, but when your grandfather took over, the Hunters went rough, and they could kill as they wanted to.” “So there was a rule that they have to work through the Council.” “Sounds like it.” “Well, we should all get some rest. Night guys.” Prue said, and I also bid them goodnight and followed her. But before I could get too far, Eric pulled me in for a kiss and hug. “O please get a room...” Jarred said. We pulled apart with broad smiles on our faces. “Good night Love.” “Good night Babe.”