Witch Betrayed

Chapter Six

Jasmine

My tea has turn cold now, small pieces of the leaves have settled on the bottom of the cup. I stare at it, as if it's going to give me the answers I seek.
Like some magical reading, I'm sure I've heard about somewhere. Probably just read that in a fantasy book, although with the information we were just told, I wouldn't be surprised if that actually happened.

"You mentioned guiding us to the next person who will help" I say to Griselda "is this another member from your coven?"

"Our coven" she quickly corrects me
"and yes. We have been waiting for this day for some time. Everyone is ready to assist you on this journey. We will be with you every step of the way. Our biggest regret was not being able to help you sooner, or that night. No matter how much we wish those events didn't take place, we will do everything we can from this point forward to make sure you succeed"

I glance back down into my cup, wishing for those stupid leaves to swirl into some kind of message. Letting out a frustrated sigh, I turn my attention back to Griselda.

"When will I meet this person?" I ask.

"I've arranged for them to arrive tomorrow. We do live close to one another , however, we still try to maintain distance since the most recent movements of our enemy. Yolonda and her wife, Emerson will be arriving around noon. We will meet back here to discuss this topic further and make our plans for the next step in your journey" she tells me.

"Now, let's get you two fed. I've made a rather large amount of Spaghetti Bolognese, if you'd be so kind to help me eat it. It is far too much for me to handle on my own" she says "oh, would you be a dear and grab some plates from that cabinet behind you?" Pointing to the wooden hutch that she retrieved the box from earlier. She makes her way into the back to grab our food.

Since I'm feeling famished, I get up and go to the hutch in the corner. The plans for Italian today were postponed due to the unexpected stop here, so spaghetti sounds perfect right now. My mind is still racing, trying to make sense of the new pieces, in this very elaborate puzzle.

Opening the door, I grab three plates and then some silverware. As I'm closing the cabinet back, a tiny shimmer catches my eye. Tucked in the corner of the hutch, a small sliver chain, that I wouldn't have even noticed, if the light didn't hit it. I reach in, taking it into my hand. A rush if familiarity hits me, the small pendant shaped exactly like the design trademarked all over this store.

"Gavin" I call out, shaking, as I turn around to face him

"I think this is my mothers necklace" I say

Gavin gets up and rushes over to me, I feel like I could collapse from the flood of emotions hitting me. The necklace feels like it's vibrating in my hands. Like, a surge of electricity is generating from it and pouring into my body.

Griselda walks back into the room, taking a quick glance at us from the corner of her eye.

"I see it's finally found you" she says, looking right at us now. She walks over to the table and places the food down. The aroma hits me, sending my stomach into a growling frenzy. Griselda let's out a small laugh, scooping huge helpings onto our plates.

"Relax, my dear, come and eat. I'll explain what I meant" she tells me, pulling out her chair to sit down.

Gavin and I both walk towards the table, pulling our own chairs out, to join her. My mouth begins to water, so I don't even hold back as I stuff my face full of the delicious food.

"Mmm, this is delicious Griselda, I didn't realize how hungry I was" I tell her, as I reach for a piece of garlic bread.

"I had a hunch, however, I'm glad you are enjoying it. This recipe has been passed down through our coven for generations. Don't worry, no magic involved, just a bit of love. Although, that itself is pretty magical. " she says, letting out another small laugh.

"You two remind me of your parents, so in love. I can see the threads between you, tiny hues of violet, dancing throughout the aura that emanates from the both of you. Deeply intertwined, two souls, bound together for eternity.
Probably why that necklace found you so quickly, for a witch, love is the most powerful magic of all. Your parents had those same love threads, this necklace was indeed your mothers. A small piece of her own magic, sealed into this. The last spell she was able to cast, sending it away till you were ready to find it. During the next full moon, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle, this necklace will release her last spell. I don't know what it will be, but usually it's a memory or a prediction of the future"

"A final spell" I say, questioning what she's telling me.

"Yes, my dear, love is very powerful for us witches. All those cliché things you've heard over the years about witches, more than likely true. We do pull a great deal of energy from the full moon, we are stronger together and we absolutely are most powerful when using love as the foundation of the spell" she replies, giving me a soft smile as she continues to eat her food.

Turning to look at Gavin, I see he's already on his second plate of food. He shoots me a quick wink, reaching for his 4th piece of garlic bread. Griselda let's out a small chuckle, encouraging him to eat as much as he wants. Now, I'm concerned since his appetite can barely be satisfied. Wolves eat like bears going into hibernation, constantly shoveling something down but still in the best physical shape I've ever seen.

Clasping the necklace around my neck, I give it one last squeeze with my hand. Excitement and anticipation are bubbling inside of me, I'm so curious about what my mother has left behind for me. So close to finding a piece of me that I've longed for. Everything is falling into place but that sense of dread carefully lingers in the back of my mind, as if it is patiently waiting to rear it's ugly head.