The Healer

Chapter 3

17 YEARS LATER

Windy Acres began as a small village and was basically cut off from the rest of the world. Lord Bolton set his eyes on the small place as a new beginning not only for him but also for William. The boy was still young and had a tough time to get to terms with the death of his mother and baby sister. Castalena was their home from the very beginning. The castle was huge and now, they moved into a small cottage on the edge of the little town, bringing only a handful of servants and a few Lycan guards as a precaution.

The local people approached Lord Bolton with a proposal to be elected as mayor and he accepted. That was about 250 years ago. Since vampires age at an entirely different pace as mortals, the Royal family saw the turn of the tides and changes over the years both to the little town and the civilization in and around it. Lord Bolton had a firm grip on his leadership, and he was respected.

Today, well… Windy Acres is a huge, thriving harbor town. A trading center for local and international companies. Growing from a small village to a business filled metropolis. But with all the improvements and growth, some crime families also moved in. Gangs were fighting over territory and trade routes and Lord Bolton moved a level up and got General Collard and the Castelena Pack to step in as the Elite Guard once again. The Lycans accepted without a blink and moved into the countryside, west of the town and began a fresh produce market. The women were eager farmers while the men formed part of the Elite Guard who serves as the police force of Windy Acres.

Sebastian, the General’s son and acting as second in command, was assigned to William as a personal guard and driver but since the two men knew each other since early childhood, friendship stayed between them. They were never seen as guard and master but had true companionship. He joined at a later stage however, because there were some issues to attend to in Castalena as Beta of the pack.

Most of the trading goods and equipment were brought in by sea and the huge freighter looms over the dock side like a ghost ship in the thick mist. The ship’s shadow gives an eerie feeling to the silent harbor yard. The SS Neptune came with a huge cargo not only for trading but also some orders for the Royal House and surrounding pack houses. But she also brought a passenger, someone no one would’ve thought to come back to Windy Acres.

CHRISTY SLATE

When I left Windy Acres seventeen years ago, my future was unsure and I took a step into the unknown, thinking that time would heal my wounds. But I was so wrong to hope that? Lord Bolton’s arrangements made things easier when I arrived at the Mage Academy. The Dean, also a Healer, took me under his wing and made me feel right at home. It was a tough training course, but I managed to pull through with his help. I was taught everything about the supernatural world, but I was still looking for more and I was becoming restless. After graduating, I took off to a town called Castalena which was situated in the valley of the Killard Mountains, a few hours north of the Academy. A small town full of history and ambiance but also known for one of the largest populations of Lycan. However, for safety sake, when night falls, it was best to stay indoors with barricaded windows. Sleeping with one eye open and an ear on the ground became a norm for everyday life. And it was not long after I arrived that the Lycans left Castalena.

All havoc broke loose. I was stationed at a local clinic under the watchful eye of the Lycan Pack’s doctor and saw horrors in the first weeks after their departure. The Supernatural world was tumbled into chaos and the human world was no better off. Gangs ripped through the town on a nightly basis, spreading terror. All the inhabitants were scattered. Men were murdered and the women taken as slaves in the Rogue Pack houses or sold off on the Black Market. Children were left to roam the streets and scavenge for scraps. I had a few close calls, but since I was a Healer, my fate was spared. Depending on the captors, at least that is what I wanted to believe. The beasts might consider me a bargaining chip, but the humans were out for blood. I witnessed the brutality and merciless killing of g**g life. I may have survived the first three years, but not unscathed. Broken ribs, bruises and near r**e were just some of the things that I’ve experienced. My body was covered in scars from stab wounds and the signs of a brutal attack when I was kidnapped at one time. I was saved by a Lycan who was still around at the time. I felt a connection to him and a tug in my heart, but he vanished without a sight or word. I could feel an emptiness in my soul when I got no word from him and I feared the worst has happened to him.

Luckily, I was able to get out of that dark hole and moved to a village called Hearth. Thanks to the Lycan’s assistance, but more his persistence before he vanished. Tucked away deep in the Killard Mountains, it was still untouched by the destructions of those violent times. I felt save and served as the village Healer for another thirteen years. The people of the village welcomed me with open arms. General illness to delivering babies was all part of the day job, but there was always something that pulled me back to Windy Acres. I belonged there and it was my home. So, after seventeen years of surviving, moving, learning, travelling and healing on all stages, I decided to return to my birth town. But planned to do so unnoticed. At least for the first week or two till I was settled.

It is said that the darker a mage’s hair, the stronger their abilities. At birth, my hair was already a dark brown but now at the age of thirty, my hair changed into an almost black auburn hue and my eyes from pale green to bright emerald. My body also changed. I was no longer the chubby thirteen-year-old girl, but a woman with all the right curves. Hopefully, that will be my saving grace to stay undetected for a while. At least till I am settled in. I was a woman with a mission that I planned to fulfill. With that in mind, I boarded the SS Neptune once again with only a suitcase in my hand, the clothes on my back and some cash in my pocket.

As I am standing on the bridge of the ship, looking out towards the harbor gates, something familiar is tugging at the back of my mind but more in my heart. Almost like a connection that has been re-established. The mist is dense and the sea breeze cool as I wrap my jacket tighter around me, pulling my beanie lower over my unruly hair and folding my scarf tighter around my neck. With one hand in my jacket’s pocket and suitcase in the other, I step off the ship and start walking towards town. It’s good to be back. My heart skips with joy and my soul is content. I’m home and the feeling’s just right.

I am at awe at how Windy Acres has changed. A massive harbor greets me and the whole town is developed into an industrial and retail mecca. Some of the old shops are still standing, though and the smell of freshly baked bread fills my nostrils making my mouth water. Mrs. Hudson’s Bakery and Deli is still in business. Oh, the memories. I used to come here with my mother to buy bread rolls and then Mrs. Hudson would slip me a Danish Pastry without Mom noticing. The bakery is located just outside the gates on the way to the main street. I enter the shop and it’s warm and cozy as always but also packed with customers. More like businesspeople by the look of dress code and talk.

Mrs. Hudson stands behind the counter. Her greying hair is taken into a tight bun on top of her head giving the impression of a buddha statue. She looks up at me with a welcoming smile and her eyes go wide and the shrill scream escaping her mouth causes me to wince and cover my ears. “Christy Slate! Is that you?” I cower into myself as I feel all the eyes turn to me. Hopefully nobody from the old days…

Great, now my cover is just blown. “Hallo, Mrs. Hudson. Yes, it’s me. I’m back.” I manage to get out before she wobbles out from behind the counter and grabs me into a bone crushing bearhug. I gasp for air. “It’s so good to see you again, my dear. When did you get here? How are you?” She loosens her grip as the questions pour out of her mouth before she pushes me back to scan me from head to toe. “Well, look at you. All grown up and a looker too.” She snickers as I feel a hot blush creeping up my neck. Please stop drawing attention. I am planning to keep a low profile for a while. More like “was planning”. Mrs. Hudson will let the whole town know now. She is notorious for being the gossip center. Always was… “I’ve arrived this morning by boat.” Is all I can manage to get out, looking around awkwardly, almost in a state of panic that someone might recognize me other than Mrs. Hudson.

I pull myself together and step back from the older woman, preserving my space and scanning the display rack. The Hudson Bakery has the best pastries and pies. “Mrs. Hudson, may I please have a fresh croissant or two? The ship’s chef took the day off.” I ask while walking over to the pay point, fishing for my purse in my handbag. With a broad smile on her face she packs the two croissants into a paper bag and hands them to me. “It’s on me. Welcome back, Sweetie. It’s good to see you again after all these years. I’ve missed that friendly face of yours. Don’t become a stranger again. Visit anytime you want.” She says as I smile back, take the paper bag and walk out into the street again. I think my first stop should be at the cemetery as I look up and down the almost deserted street. And then to get to my parent’s house. If it still stands, that is. A place to lay low for a while. I just need to get my directions straight. This place really has changed, and this town is huge.

On my way, I notice an abandoned hotel building. A huge five story building, but with some TLC, it would be a great business opportunity. I make a mental note to investigate the Estate Directory as I walk further down the street, while passing a few trading carts and sleepy shop owners on their way to start business for the day. A smile forms on my lips. I’m home.

I find the Royal Cemetery with ease. But it took me a while to find my parents graves. This place got so big. It’s amazing what difference a few years can do to a place. On my way I made a stop at a flower cart and bought two purple irises. They were my parents’ favorite. Especially Mom’s. “It’s the flower of love, Sweetheart.” She would always say. Oh, how I miss them. My chest clamps up and the tears roll down my cheeks. I may have been only six when they were killed, but it seems like it all happened yesterday, and my heart still longed to hear Mom’s voice or feel Daddy’s arms protectively around me. “Hallo, Mama. Daddy. I’m back.” I blink trying to stop the tears from rolling, but it’s useless. Once I am settled in, I’ll come to clean up a bit. With that decision in mind, I turn and took off towards the house. If I can find it.

Walking down the main street, I follow my heart and end up in front of the house. It looks stunning. The garden still maintained and the house itself is beautiful. A two-story Victorian style building, with a koi pond in front and huge porch. Lord Bolton stayed true to his word. I still have a home to return to. Even the spare key is still in place. How did he know I would come back? Once I’m settled, I’ll go and visit him. Maybe I’ll see William as well.

Settling in, I make my way to the lounge to plan my next move as I notice a black SUV parked in front of the house. Visitors? Can’t be…No one other than Mrs. Hudson knows I’m back or news travel at an alarming speed in this place. I run into the kitchen as the back door is flung open and I find myself staring up at a huge Lycan. His eyes golden and his nostrils flare. My heart leaps in my throat. Though not shifted yet, the man is towering over my and ready to kill anyone stepping over the line. He starts to stalk towards me like a predator. His whole demeanor oozing power and dominance. I not going to wait and see what is going happen next or find out who he might be. I turn around and make for the front door. Upon opening it, I run into a solid rock-hard wall of a chest, losing my balance. Instantly, there is a pair of strong arms catching me. I grab onto them to stay upright, snapping my head up towards my captor. “Christy?” That voice… My heart stops and the air leave my lungs… How is this just not my day for blending into the crowd? Looking up, my eyes stare into the ocean blue gaze of William, looking down at me as if he was sent by the gods. My knees buckle, threatening to give way as my whole body goes into panic mode.

WILLIAM BOLTON

It’s still early in the morning and I have some business to attend to in town before the sun starts to beat down with a vengeance. Vampires are sensitive when it comes to the sun but it’s not deadly as some of the history books state. We won’t be turning to ash, but the stinging is unbearable at times, leaving a mark or two. Luckily, we heal at lightning speed. A very handy vampire perk, if I could say so myself…

I stand by the window overlooking the ocean. We had some renovations done to the mansion, giving it a more modern feel. The sun starts peeking over the horizon ensuring a display of yellows, orange and red on the mist. The mansion is situated on the cliff overlooking the bay with a private beach. The creeper mist rolling in from the ocean gives the place a peaceful aura.

My father is sitting on the couch, paging the morning newspaper while sipping his tea. He’s retired and enjoying every moment of it. I oversee all the duties now. He is, however, still the chairman of the Supernatural Council. There is still a certain level of respect in that aspect and I can ask for advice when needed.

“I’m off. I still have a few things to attend to at the office.” I say as Father just nods and continues to read. I turn on my heel and start for the door. Suddenly, I sense something in the back of my mind. Almost a familiar sensation, but it can’t be. The last time I felt this was when Christy Slate was still living in Windy Acres. But she is halfway across the world. Who knows what she’s up to? There is no way that she’s back. I shrug it off and walk out the door. Our butler, Vince, waits for me at the door: “Good morning, Master William.” The old butler nods as I walk past him. I nod in response. He’s been around since the Great War and experienced many horrors and happiness along with the family. Sebastian waits patiently in the car. His silence catches my attention, but I ignore it. He is a man of few words.

Since the Lycans came, there is some level of peace in the town. The gangs and rogues are kept at bay with their presence. “To the office, Sebastian.” I say as I get in the backseat and rest my head on the headrest, staring out the window with an audible sigh. “Tired, William? Had a long night?” Sebastian’s deep voice invades my thoughts. I just catch his eye in the rear view, arching an eyebrow. Why is that feeling still lurking inside my chest. “I’m home…” A women’s voice echoes inside my mind. Who are you? I notice Sebastian clench his jaw. “Something wrong, Seb?” He gazes at me before stating: “I don’t know. Something’s up…”

We cruise down Main Street as the buildings slowly pass in different shapes and colors. The people start to wake, and the business doors begin to open for the day’s trading. Passing the old hotel, I make a mental note to have a meeting with my Estate Manageress about this property. We pass the Slate House at the end of the street. My father stayed true to his word and looked after the house. Maintenance was done on queue and he even hired a gardening service. “Sebastian, pull over at the house, I think I am seeing movement inside.” Sebastian parks the car and gets out, scanning the area. Jax, his wolf is on full alert as he sniffs the air. “This smell is familiar,” he says as he gives me the clear, I get out and walk up to the front door, Jax’s statement is still registering in my mind. Why would he say that? The spare key is not in its usual hiding place and a frown form on my forehead. What is going on here? I motion to Sebastian to go around the back and try the backdoor. He’s frowning as well, and his body is tense. Wonder why?

A familiar feeling hits me like a freight train once I stand on the porch. I am still in a daze as the door flies open and a young woman comes charging out the door and straight into me. Her dark auburn hair falls in waves across her shoulders and down her back. Her face an ashen color from fright. I stare at Sebastian who’s walking over like a tank. He stops short of the door as his eyes go wide in recognition, his nostrils flare. “Can this be?” he states as I feel the woman cringe, her hands still gripping my upper arms to keep her balanced. Her nails almost digging into my skin through my jacket. Her back is turned to Sebastian and she looks up at me and I stare into a pair of bright emerald green eyes. “Christy!” She stares at me wide eyed. Her whole body shivering. Her knees almost giving way from under her. I hear her heart hammering against her ribcage. I feel her fear. How can this be? I thought I lost her for good and here she is in the flesh, staring up at me. My emotions are going haywire as I look over at Sebastian and note his drained face.