A Witch's Confession

7

January 13, 1928:

My excursion is taking much longer than I anticipated. It is quite frustrating, considering the fact that it is a desperate attempt for me to save my own family. However, after speaking with my brother, I am now realizing the threat has spread to most witches in the area. I am afraid for what may come of Joseph's small clan. They mean peace, yet the Boston Clan is causing a newfound rivalry between witches and werewolves. A war that has not been seen since the Trials...

Joseph had to take a detour to a familiar clan to pick up more supplies. The werewolves attacked and destroyed many of our supplies. We would not make it if we didn't stop. The clan is much like his own, very peaceful and keeps to themselves.

Joseph got word that their clan is under threat from the government. Their land is being threatened. They may have to relocate, and he is distraught.

Though I wondered if Kessem had a point to his request of taking a break from traveling today, I only had two things on my mind: saving my family, and cleaning up the mess I had created.

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Kessem tried to reason with me as we began walking.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you sure you aren't being anxious?" I crossed my arms and stared up at his tall stature.

He frowned at me. "I think you would be wise to follow my intuition, Zoe. Sometimes, we must stop for a reason beyond our current knowledge." He responded.

"Kessem, if your family's fate was on the line, you'd do the same thing." He rolled his eyes at my retort.

"Fine, let's see how far your stubbornness gets us today." I didn't reply to his snide remark.

We crossed another bubbling creek, and I decided to stop for a small lunch. Kessem seemed starving, and scarfed down his food in minutes. He sat silently next to me, probably still seething after our tiny bits of bickering that happened throughout the morning. He pestered me to convince me to stop, for whatever reason.

It was frustrating me because we were running out of time. I didn't want to catch word that my family had died. I'd never be able to forgive myself if I let them die. The Cleveland werewolves were hot on our trail, I knew it. I didn't want to stop and give them a chance to attack us. And besides, we had enough random events happening that put us behind schedule.

It was turning into a bit of an awkward day. And to think, yesterday Kessem was saying words that warmed my heart. I thought about our destined fate that Zephyr and Lily told Kessem.

"You know, I don't see how we're meant to be destined for each other when we argue like this." I finally broke the silence that had carried on for hours.

Kessem looked back in my direction. "I think we both want what's best for each other, but our idea of what's best is different." I blinked at him.

I walked up to be closer to him. "I want to save my family. And I understand your point. I'm tired too." I said as tears gathered in my eyes. He put his hand on my shoulder.

"You have a big heart, Zoe. I think your heart is in it for the right reason. It's why I chose to keep walking with you." I looked at the snowy covered ground. I wiped a tear from my cheek and sniffed.

As we continued our trek into the late afternoon, the hairs on my arms began to stand. An uncomfortable chill settled down my spine. "We're being watched." Kessem casually said.

"By what?" I whispered.

"Another clan." His eyes were scanning the trees ahead. He pulled me in closer to his side. I plotted how we would escape if we were surrounded.