Awakening

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The snake is a powerful symbol of transformation and regeneration, representing the potential to heal from within and emerge stronger than before. The symbolic meaning of the snake oscillates between positive and negative. Transformation and wisdom -- which can be seen as an empowering experience. It's also associated with fear and deception that can cause one to shy away from change or create mistrust in relationships. Ultimately, the snake is a powerful spirit that encourages us to take control of our lives and embrace change or growth. That was Maddox's familiar, which slithered and wrapped around it's wrist, tongue occasionally shooting out to taste the air, and it was a beautiful sight -- all white with black spots. Her name was Dottie, which seemed fitting.

The cat is a symbol of various connotations -- varying from negative aspects such as being linked to demons, witchcraft and darkness. Positive characteristics such as independence, liberty, spiritual enlightenment, intuition, balance and hope. The feline has been attributed to deities and had been revered in Egypt, as well as Greece. However, it gained an evil meaning with the latter, often believed to have magical powers to the extent that they could even bring the deceased back to life. For native Americans, general cat symbolism is about the mysteries and esoteric, independence and the guardian of energy. Monroe's familiar was a male black cat with the most beautiful blue eyes, who's name is Elias, always watching everyone, wanting to make sure his master was safe, which reminded Morgan of Sebastian and Zeus.

It surprised both of them when they saw a separate companion as a protector, especially the size of Zeus. Maddox's protector was also his mate, Wren -- who happened to be a werepanther along with Sierra -- and he was half shapeshifter. He could only shift into certain animals, mostly those with four legs, which Morgan still thought was cool. Monroe's protector was also her mate, Luke, who is a werewolf, while Priya is a shapeshifter like Sam and Raven, the witch being half werewolf. It felt odd for Morgan to be around other females, especially when she was only associated with around five or six her whole life, and she was also constantly surrounded by testosterone. Monroe could see that the young witch was a little nervous to be around other grays, especially since her encounter with other witches hadn't been all that great, with Marnie attempting to remove Eric's memories and then feeling excruciating pain when the spell was being cast.

Morgan sat on one of the long chairs by the pool, Monroe and Maddox sitting on their own chairs as they spoke, getting to know one another as their mates did the same. As it turns out, the two of them were much older than Morgan, since witches age much slower than average humans. They were both in their fifties, but looked to be in their twenties, which was very shocking to Morgan, who would live much longer than them. It was also shocking to them when they learned she was only twenty-two -- soon to be twenty-three -- only having her power for a little over a year and a half, which meant she was truly a baby in the eyes of the preternatural. But her knowledge of things clearly made up for it.

"You can wind strike?" Maddox asked, his eyes widened

". . Yeah . .?" Morgan replied, her eyebrows furrowing slightly

"We can't" Monroe informed, smiling in amazement 

"I thought it was a basic defensive move for witches" confusion in her voice

"It is" nodding her head "but it takes years to master and it normally has to be taught by an elder"

She also learned that gray witches were also half breeds, the two of them informing her that there were only five others scattered around the world and they were looking for them. But the spells and recipes in their grimoires were different, which is why Morgan was able to cast her own spell to summon both of them. So if she wanted, she could summon the other five, but she thought against it for now since they were scattered around the world and Maddox and Monroe had received Sebastian's feathers by pure chance. She really was lucky they arrived when they did, Morgan didn't know what would have happened if they didn't, there was a chance she could be dead if it weren't for them. But according to Maddox, the power Morgan had was very old, even older than Antonia, which is why she was in more danger if the deceased witch ever found out.

∆

"Are you fucking serious?" Morgan asked

"Your Grace, please" Bill said, looking at her "I am meeting with Antonia in the cemetery in Bon Temps, I need you there with me"

"She almost killed me!" glaring at him

"She would have died if we didn't arrive when we did" Monroe added

"They have strengthened her shields, she is safer here" Louis added, looking at Bill "my daughter is not leaving this house, or the property. Not until I know she is safe at all times"

"Which could also take some time to figure out" Maddox added

"You want peace, but you're preparing for war" Monroe added "a war you don't think you'll win"

"Well, war isn't about whether you think you can win, it's about being willing to die for something you believe is worth dying for" Bill replied, looking at Morgan "please, I need you with me"

". . One condition" Morgan said

"Name it" giving her a small nod

"Everyone goes with me" looking at him

There was quite a number of people in the large house -- Louis and his five guards, Maddox, Wren, Sierra, Monroe, Luke, Priya, five other guards, Alcide and Eric.

". . Very well" Bill replied, giving her another nod

He knew there wasn't much of a choice, not if he wanted her help, knowing there was a chance that she could put a stop to the madness Antonia was creating. But Bill was also surprised when he saw six new faces in the house when he first arrived, knowing two of them were strong witches, and easily figuring out that these were the guests Morgan was expecting. He just hoped the young witch wasn't making some kind of mistake by trusting them so easily.