I take Yiselda’s hand, and Kadva takes my other hand. Then, fern, May, Lilac, Ela and Ria join the circle. Once we are connected, holding hands, Yiselda begins the chant. We repeat the words repeatedly until our eyes start to glow one by one. I can feel my energy, my magic being drained from my body. I’m feeling overwhelmingly weak. The others are also struggling to hold their footing. Finally, Reaper gives me his power, helping me to regain strength. The portal begins to open.
‘I see it, keep going, Magnus,’ yells. The witches fall to their knees but keep a firm hold of each other’s hands. As the portal opens further, I see many people staring curiously at us. Some have different brightly coloured eyes, and then I noticed some are bulky with green skin and tusks. A beautiful young woman with long black hair and violet eyes approaches along with a large handsome man with brown hair. Another in armour approaches with scruffy black hair and a few scars on his face. Horses gallop by with the green-skinned riders carrying jousts. One has a broken tusk. There are purple and gold flags, and everyone is dressed in medieval attire. Then I realised the portal had opened in the midst of a jousting competition in Mysteria.
‘Magnus, get any surviving pack members to jump through the portal now and Alec, same with the vampires.’
Several dozen pack members, including my parents, Ryker, Astrid, Flint, and Josie, leap through. When we let go of each other’s hands, the doorway will begin to close.
I yell to the others, ‘We will be the last to leap over,’
‘Alec, Magnus, you must go. We will follow both of you,’
‘No,’ they both say together. ‘We aren’t going through unless it’s with you,’ Magnus says. Alec nods at him in agreement.
I let go of Yiselda and Kadva’s hands. ‘Quick! Go, it’s already beginning to close!’ I yell. Yiselda and Kadva jump through, then Lilac, May, and Ria with their familiars. Then Ela and Fern with their familiars.
Alec grabs my hand, and Magnus takes the other, and we leap through the portal together, landing on the grass in front of the beautiful young lady with violet eyes.
The gateway has been closed, and we take in our surroundings with wonder.
‘Is this Mysteria?’ I ask, gazing up at the stunning young lady.
‘Yes,’ she giggles sweetly.
‘I notice you’ve brought several companions?’ She gives a kind smile.
‘Be careful, Luna, they might be dangerous,’ the older man with untidy black hair in armour warns.
‘I can sense their wolves, Sir Hugo, which implies they are one of us. However, this one a wolf and something else?’ She says, lowering her gaze to mine.
‘You’re a Luna too?’ I ask. She nods.
‘I am Maia, Luna and Queen of Mooncrest, and this is my mate Damon, the King and Alpha of Mooncrest,’
I stand up with Alec and Magnus, and we shake their hands.
‘We are so happy to meet you, this is Magnus, my mate and Alpha of Shadow Crest, and this is Alec, my blood flame, King of vampires. My name is Nina, Luna of Shadow Crest and Queen of the vampires,’ I say.
Maia squeals, ‘Did you hear that, darling? Another Luna that’s also a queen,’ she says to Alpha Damon. He nods and smiles at us.
Reaper caws in annoyance.
‘Oh, and this is my familiar, Reaper,’
‘Charmed,’ she says to Reaper with a bow.
‘You came through a portal that hasn’t been open for over a thousand years. What has brought you back here to Mysteria? We could see a lot of destruction through the portal,’ Alpha Damon says.
‘Humankind found out about supernaturals. They refused to stop killing us until we were all dead because they feared our power. So they destroyed all the packs. Our only option to live was to try and open the portal and return here,’ I say.
‘You did the right thing by returning to Mysteria, where your origins began. Alpha Damon and I will see that you all have a place here to call home.
A red-headed, freckled lady jumps up behind Maia, ‘What’s going on?’ she asks.
‘Oh, Ember, you’re in for a treat!’ Maia says.
‘Oh?’ she exclaims. Confusion sets in as she takes in all the unfamiliar faces.
‘This is Nina, Luna of Shadow Crest, Queen of Vampires, half-wolf and half-witch!’ Maia exclaims.
Ember’s expression is a mixture of disbelief and joy as she sprints toward me and wraps her arms around my neck.
‘Another witch, and she’s my age as well!’ Ember joyfully screams.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ember. I am not the only witch here,’ I smile. ‘Acquaint yourself with May, Fern, Lilac, Ela, Ria, and Yiselda!’ I say.
Ember screams in joy and passes out.
Maia laughs, ‘Don’t mind, Ember, she is the oldest witch here. All the other witches are children,’ she explains.
A cute green coloured little boy with tiny tusks approaches us.
‘Hello there,’ I smile, ‘What’s your name?’
‘My name is Drudge, and when I grow up, I want to be a warrior,’ he adds, fist-pumping his chest.
‘Nice to meet you, Drudge. My name is Nina, and judging by the muscles you currently possess, you will be an excellent warrior,’ I grin.
Drudge triumphantly straightens himself and walks away.
‘Drudge is an Orc,’ Alpha Damon states,
‘Orcs! How fantastic,’ I exclaim.
I assist in reawakening Ember, and she sprints up to the witches, shouting, ‘Group hug!’ They chuckle, and joke at her antics yet appreciate the embrace.
‘How did you meet Alpha King Damon, and why are all the witches here, children?’ I ask.
‘It’s a long story,’ Maia shrugs. ‘The tale of the Alpha King and me,’ she smiles.
‘I’d be delighted to hear it,’ I respond.
‘Then I shall begin the story,’ Maia smiles
To Be Continued.
Book Four: The Alpha King’s Mate
