Ithika: Into The Forest

Chapter 23

You need us!" One of the campers yelled through violent gusts of wind. "We can help you!" Anne turned to Juniper who nodded slightly in agreement.

Anne sighed heavily. "Esthony, if you are in there please come out now! Esthony, I love you!"

Tears streamed heavily down her soft cheeks while she stepped closer to Annastella. Annastella's eyes flashed brown and her face softened at Anne's response.

"Esthony! Spenser roared. "Come out! You can do this, Esthony."

The wind suddenly died down and Annastella's expression changed slightly. She stood motionless, her eyes now a deep brown. Her lips quivered as she whispered, "Mom, please help." And suddenly her eyes changed back to a vivid emerald green.

Anne gasped. "Esthony!" She cried. Spenser's eyes slivered into cat eyes. He crouched low to the ground. "Don't make me fight you Ann," He groweled.

"No you can't!" Anne screamed through sobs. She turned to Spenser. Juniper and Gregory eyed Joel cautiously.

"You can't hur her! Esthony is in there somewhere. We can't destroy her!"

Spenser's features softened. He knew he couldn't hurt her. How could he? He loved her. His jaw tightened as he spoke. Esthony, I know you are in there somewhere. You must fight Esthony! You must overcome the Queen!"

Annastella laughed wildly. "Always the hopeless romantic," she purred. "You do remember those long summer nights we spent in Elkwood, gazing at he stars?" Her eyes glowed vividly.

Spenser looked away. How could he not forget those nights with her in the forest? He'd loved her with all of his heart. But she had betrayed him for the dark coven. "Yes I remember," he breathed.

"Do you remember our last night we spent together." Her voice quivering with emotion. She walked slowly toward him and held her hand out to his. "We could have those nights again," she whispered gently.

Joel's eyes darkened. He turned to her, surprised. His wolf form jolted with rage. He glared at Spenser then at Annastella. His body tensed. Annastella noticed his changed stance and turned to him. "Now now... my darling. Lets not get jealous." She smiled alluringly and turned back to Spenser.

Spensers jaw clinched. He gazed into her emerald eyes. Her red lips pierced together. She leaned in for a kiss. Her cool breath entered his chest like a rush of cold water. Her soft lips brushed his gently and lovingly.

Spenser sucked in a deep breath as old memories flooded his mind. He'd loved her so much. And here she was, kissing him. Spenser's body loosened to her touch. Her dress stirred around his body.

He nearly forgot where he was. Then his brain caught up to his body. Her eyes darkening with rage at his sudden stop. "It is that little grand daughter of mine isn't it? It is her you want not me!" she cried. Tears streaming down her cheek.

"You never loved me," she whispered. Spenser's eyes deepened with remorse.

"You know that is not true," he breathed heavily. "It was your lust for power you left me for. Let's not forget that!"

Annastella's eyes narrowed. Her face hardened. "We could have ruled Ithika together, you and I! We could have had it all!" she cried.

Spenser bit back a quiver. "And I wasn't enough."

Annastella's face formed a harsh smile. "No I guess you were not," she turned to Anne, Juniper and the others and back at Spenser. It seems you have made your decision...I must make mine." And with a small flick of her wrist, tree's violently tore from the ground and moved toward them.