AWAITING IN THE DARK

Chapter 3

Walking back home I can feel the weather start to change. It's as if the air is suddenly colder within seconds. A raindrop falls on my nose. I don't mind it though. It feels refreshing. I love the rain. It makes everything smell fresh. As if it's washing away everything to start a new day. I used to play in the rain a lot when I was a child. It drove my mom mad but it felt as if I belonged there. Under the rain. I can't describe the joy I felt in the presence ofc rain. 

Looking around I see the protectors casually following me with their eyesight to make sure I make it home safely. By now, I'm used to it. There have been protectors watching over the coven since I was in diapers. Nothing about it is new. Though I find myself imagining a life where I could live life without being watched. Just because I'm used to it, doesn't mean it does not make me uncomfortable. 

There have been talks among the witches that every family should be assigned a protector. A guard. Whichever word you choose to use. I've heard them called both. Although there have been talks of assigning one to each family, nothing has been finalized yet. 

I knew tensions were rising within our community but I was unaware of talks of a war until Noah mentioned it. I don't know if it was in the coven's newsletter or where he learned the news as I don't keep up with any of that. I suppose I should start. 

A war would be bad. Of course, us witches and warlocks would be the first to be called to help. I have no idea why there would be a war but the first thing that comes to mind is how the vampires and werewolves argue about everything these days. It's always the beliefs that clash. Another reason could be the argument about human life and its importance. In my coven, we support our local vampires and werewolves. We all believe we should live in harmony with humans.

When vampires feed they usually feed just enough to satisfy their hunger but not enough to kill. They bring a witch with them when they feed to erase the human's memories of the event. Some vampires outside of our community don't feel the same. They like they're on top of the food chain. Above humans. They believe humans should know of their existence and live their lives in fear. It's a disgusting point of view of life. One that many disagree with. 

As for the werewolves, they can't control when they shift sometimes. They prefer to live their life in secrecy. If they shift and a human happens to see them, the human could spread rumors. When there are rumors, there are hunters. Hunters are a danger to all of us. They see us as a threat. Although it's human life, we show no mercy to hunters. 

Before I reach home, the rain starts to pour. I hold my book over my head to protect my eyes and run home. A little rain is fine. A downpour is another story. 

I open the door to my house and run in. My mom is waiting in the living room to ask me about my day. After telling her about my day, she proceeded to tell me stories about when she went to coven school in the very same building. 

Things were different back in my mom's day. Our coven witches and warlocks didn't have protection from other supernatural beings. 

I think back to when my mom told me about her element. I long for the day I find mine. It's the one thing we witches have that separates us from the warlocks. Although warlocks have stronger magic, witches have an element. Something that they don't have. 

Our warlock population has outnumbered the witch population by a large margin for years. We have no idea why. It's concerning to the elders but they know there's nothing they can do. Why witches and warlocks are more likely to birth a male, remains a mystery. One they are still trying to figure out. Witches are becoming rare now. Soon, if an answer is not found, there will only be warlocks. 

Laying on my bed I start to listen to music. It's the only time I can feel my emotions. When witches get too in-depth into their emotions and don't have a handle on them, things tend to explode or worsen. It's a sad sight to see most of the time. 

There are some witches out there whose emotions can influence the weather. I have personally never met one, as that is said to be a rare occurrence, but it has happened. When I was younger , I thought I was one of those witches. When I was upset it would rain or snow. Just a weird coincidence but trying telling that to a young mind. 

Slowly I feel myself start to fall asleep. I have a whole day's worth of school tomorrow, unlike today, which was only a half day. I am excited to learn but I am also afraid I won't succeed.