The Scarwoods

Chapter 4

Eli

"A witch?" I looked at Amelia. We hadn't heard of a witch in over a hundred years. They were powerful, smart and rare.

"Yes Eli, a witch. We will care for her. We will show her the world if she's unfamiliar. We will show her love and compassion. We will treat her as one of the family until we learn more about her." I nodded. A witch. I couldn't believe I found a witch. Does she know she's a witch? Surely not if I found her in the Silent Woods.

"Mother, I'm going to grab a drink. Can I grab you one as well?" She smiled. I could tell she was starting to decline in strength.

"Yes please Eli. I would appreciate that very much." I gave her shoulder a tight squeeze as I stood up and walked to the door.

"Keep an eye on her mom. Please." She nodded, and gently rubbed her hand.

I walked through the hallway, stopping and placing l my back against the dark wall. My body falling to the floor, and my head landing into my hands.

"Why Eli. Why. Why do you feel connected to this girl. This...this witch? Why did you find her in the woods. Why is it always you." I felt a few stray tears. They think I hurt her. Xavier would always think I did this. Whether he believed the truth or not. I didn't hurt her.

"It's alright Eli. I know you didn't hurt her." Seth placed his hands on my knee, as he crouched in front of me. "You didn't do this. Stop letting Xavier get to you. He knows you didn't, and is choosing to ignore it. He knows that this hurts you, because of what happened with Serena. He knows you wouldn't touch another human even if it meant your survival."

He wasn't wrong. Serena changed everything for me. I am disgusted with myself for how that happened. She was kind and smart, I made a mistake and it costed her life. That was a mistake I would never make in my life again.

"Okay." I wiped my face.

"Aren't you supposed to be the tough one E? The great Eli Scarwood, the next heir to the manor, and voice of the hybrids?" He chuckled, and I gave him a slight push before he helped me up.

"One day, I will be the ruler of the manor, and voice of the hybrids. One day, I will train the new, and aid the old." I smiled, "Thanks Seth."

"Anything for my king." He bowed and chuckled. I again pushed him. This time, he went over the banister down to the first floor. I rushed down the stairs to make sure he was okay. He laid there, still. Panic, overcame my body.

"Seth. Seth. Are you okay? Seth! I'm sorry Seth!" I shook him, and a small smile appeared.

"GOTCHA!" He let out a howl, and hopped up.

"I hate you Seth." I scowled at him, before a small smile creeped onto my own face.

"No you don't. You loveeeeee me." He sang. I rolled my eyes.

"I need to get Amelia a drink, before she's too weak to help the girl." Seth nodded.

"I'll come with you. I haven't seen Mom today." Seth is a complete Mommas Boy. He has been with the Scarwood's for almost 100 years, since he's also a hybrid, he gets the fun of not aging, and the menace of howling at the moon. A gift and a curse, as I like to call it.

We walked to the kitchen, laughing, joking and bonding. Seth and I, we typically get along really well. Since he's 'stuck' at 16, he essentially goes through puberty forever, which is a complete pain in my ass, but I wouldn't trade him.

"How is Tyler doing?" Seth smiled. I've always wondered what it felt like to find your mate. Seth has Tyler, Emily has Alex, Amelia has Dad, but Xavier, Jeremiah and I have yet to find ours. I'm not convinced Jeremiah wanted one, or is in a rush to find his. We only joined the clan, around 50 years ago, and are still considered new turns. Xavier had been there for around 150 years. He has been here the longest, but has also left more times than I can count. He's erratic, a bully, and aggressive. He wanted to be King shit, and refused to acknowledge that he needs to stop being a dick before he could get anywhere, which is why when Dad retires, or leaves us, I would be getting the Manor.