BEWITCHED

15. Hunting Grounds

The next day felt longer than usual as it dragged out the hours to see Godric again. Dallas was bustling with tourists as Octavia watched from a coffee shop, sipping on a latte. The sun was shining brightly with little to no clouds in the sky. The warm rays of golden light illuminated her skin that was exposed from the umbrella that didn't shade the hybrid well. At times like this, she felt lucky to be different; otherwise, she'd explode into flames. Despite the bustling crowds around her, Octavia felt at peace with her life at the moment. The night before had been an eye-opener, especially after learning about Cameron. Before last night's events, Octavia hadn't known much about Cameron's true backstory other than the importance of helping Octavia out of harm's way when Godric and Eric hadn't been around. 

Glancing around the streets full of bustling people, Octavia waited patiently for an old friend. With witches being attacked in Dallas by the creatures humans were known to fear in older centuries, there weren't another supernatural species she couldn't trust other than the creatures who walked in daylight. If Dallas wasn't a safe place for witches to live and prosper, then maybe it was time for them to leave the city for good, a request that would be difficult to reason with. Octavia felt the magic around her rise in the air as she stood and turned on her heel, her violet eyes watching an old friend come into view. The woman with auburn hair and green eyes greeted the Sera witch with open arms like a mother would see a long-lost child. The hug was full of warmth and joy, but the situation was far from this comfort. 

"Still as young as ever, Octavia. It's so good to see you again." Marriana spoke to the hybrid as to older witch was guided to her seat by the hybrid. 

"Not getting any younger, I suppose. Although you've changed your hair color a thousand times by now, I like the auburn blonde. Makes you look as young as I." Octavia complimented her tone with a hint of humor. Ordering a few more drinks, some food, and their coffee, both witches fell into a natural conversation about recent events. Witches allying with Octavia had heard various rumors about her maker's capture as Octavia spoke the truth of what happened with Godric, leaving Marriana in shock. 

"I can't imagine a vampire as old as Godric would just give in to humanity willingly like this. Godric was titled as something to fear with all the stories you've spoken about and other myths I've heard since childhood." Marriana spoke with a heavy tone of disbelief as Octavia poked her tongue against her cheek and looked down at the table. 

"Anything can happen after a 2,000-year lifespan, and honestly, I don't know if there's truly anything I can do for him at this point." Octavia didn't find it hard to tell her truth as she stared at the empty latte cup. 

"I don't doubt he won't take the time to listen to you, Octavia," Marriana assured the hybrid as something about this subject made Octavia's magic spiral. It was something all witches could feel in the air as Marriana questioned the change. 

"Speaking of vampires, something else has happened. Witches were attacked last night by vampires under Godric's county." Marriana grasped the chair's forearms as horror washed over her expression, which surprised Octavia. 

"Which one?"

"Elizabeth's coven. Also, your daughter was targeted." Marriana's heart dropped into her stomach as Octavia couldn't hide the pained expression on her face. Even talking about it hurt like hell. 

"Sammy-"

"She's at my apartment sleeping off a healing potion I brewed last night. Also, Elizabeth and her small coven are staying on the same floor." Octavia reached over to calm Marriana down with just the touch of her hand, allowing magic to slip onto the other witch's skin, her hand glowing a faint green. Octavia only wanted to calm her emotions down.