Eternal Oaths: Book One

Chapter IV

Solene, Zephyrine and the Athena stepped through the grand archway of the Luminara Coven's community, the scent of blooming nightshade and lavender filled the air.

The witch community was a hidden oasis, with sun-dappled pathways lined with vibrant plants and flowers, sheltered by lush greenery that cascaded down stone archways.

Nestled deep within the forest and protected by ancient wards and powerful enchantments, this place was where the magic of the witches was at its strongest—a place of refuge and power.

The pathway to the heart of the community, where the Queen often meditated, was paved with cobblestones, flanked by flourishing flowers in full bloom. Tall trees provided a canopy of shade, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

As they walked, Solene couldn't help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia. It was here that she and Zephyrine had spent their childhood, learning magic, playing among the enchanted trees, and haggling in the marketplace.

This was home, where she had been raised by Amari and Eldrin. But her parents weren't here now. They set off traveling to celebrate their 1200th moon cycle of love – it was a ritual for mates to celebrate milestones of the life they shared. Her parents deserved that love and happiness.

Memories flooded back—running through these very woods, the joy of mastering a new spell, the warmth of communal gatherings under the ancient tree.

But there were also memories of struggle, of trying to understand why her magic felt so different from the others. No one here could mindweave like she could. She didn't know anyone with this gift. Mindweavers were put to death if discovered, a law starting in Dusk and making its way to the Triumvirate.

It was also in this place that Solene failed the Athena Trials to become a blood sworn witch warrior always at Zephyrine's side.

Zephyrine's Athena transcended a protective detail. They were a legendary cadre trained in magical and physical combat, dedicating their lives to the protection of their Queen. Their presence was both a statement of power and a symbol of unconditional loyalty.

They would never know the pull of a mating bond, thus would never be mated. But it was a life they chose willingly and with honor.

All of the Athena respected Solene, the four that guarded the Witch Queen Elara and the four that protected Zephyrine. They did not pity her for failing the trials. It was an honor to even be chosen in the first place. The final test of the Athena wasn't about worthiness. It was about choosing what mattered most--a test of the heart.

Solene's internal conflict that led to her failure was not with severing her chance to find a mate, but from an ancient pull that existed outside of the witch community.

She hadn't figured it out yet, but she would, Skies damn her.

As if Zephyrine sensed her inner thoughts, she grabbed her friend's hand and interlaced her fingers with Solene's.

As they reached the central clearing, they stepped into the inner sanctuary. It was a beautiful courtyard surrounded by elegant, white stone buildings adorned with intricate carvings.

At the heart of the courtyard stood a grand, ancient Sequoia tree, its trunk wider than ten adult witches, its branches spreading wide and roots digging deep into the earth, connecting the sanctuary to the very essence of magic.

At the base of the tree sat a stone altar, adorned with crystals and offerings from the coven.

The Witch Queen Elara, Zephyrine's mother, stood before the altar, her eyes, a striking shade of emerald, in a deep trance. Her long, auburn hair flowed like a river down her back to her knees, and. She wore a flowing gown of gold, the fabric glittering with enchantments.