Little witch

Confront the Past

Adeline's POV

Another month had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. My life had found a new rhythm, a mix of work at the diner, my online classes, and the growing connection with Titus and his wolf, Blaze. The days blurred together with a comforting predictability, and despite occasional anxiety about my uncertain future, I found a semblance of peace.

Titus and I had continued our casual conversations, our interactions growing more relaxed and familiar. His texts were a constant throughout my days, a reminder of the bond we were building. Sometimes, he would even pop into the diner, his presence a bright spot in my routine. Blaze, in his more dominant form, had also become a part of my life. Our interactions were less intimidating than I had initially feared, and I began to appreciate his straightforwardness and the security he provided.

I had come to look forward to both Titus and Blaze, each in their own way. Titus brought a sense of excitement and hope, while Blaze's presence was a grounding force, a reminder that I wasn't alone. The balance between the two of them helped me feel more secure than I had in years.

One evening, as I was finishing my shift at the diner, Titus texted me with an invitation that made my heart skip a beat. He wanted me to meet his mother, Blare. The thought of meeting her filled me with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. I had heard a lot about Titus's family, especially since they had become an important part of his life, and I wanted to make a good impression.

The day of the meeting arrived, and I spent the morning preparing myself. I wanted to look presentable but not overly formal, striking a balance between respect and casual ease. I chose a simple yet elegant dress and did my hair and makeup with a light touch.

When Titus arrived to pick me up, he was as charming and enthusiastic as ever. He greeted me with a warm smile and a gentle kiss on the cheek, which made my heart flutter.

"You look beautiful," he said, his eyes soft and sincere. "Ready to meet my mom?"

I nodded, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "As ready as I'll ever be."

We drove to his family home, a place I had only seen from a distance but had heard so much about. The house was elegant and welcoming, nestled in a beautiful part of town. Titus's excitement was palpable, and I could tell he was eager for me to meet his mother.

When we arrived, Titus led me inside with a reassuring hand on my back. The interior was warm and inviting, filled with family photographs and tasteful decor. His mother, Blare, a graceful woman with a kind smile, greeted us at the door. Titus favored his mother, the same black curly hair, and nose.

"Adeline, this is my mother, Blare," Titus introduced, his voice filled with pride.

Blare extended her hand with a welcoming gesture. "It's lovely to finally meet you, Adeline. I've heard so much about you."

I shook her hand, trying to keep my nerves in check. "It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Hunt."

We sat down for tea in a cozy living room, and the conversation began pleasantly enough. Blare was charming and easy to talk to, and I found myself relaxing in her presence. We discussed various topics—my life in South Carolina, my work at the diner, and my plans for the future. Blare seemed genuinely interested and supportive, which helped ease my anxiety. Looking at the pictures that hung up I found a family picture of Titus, his mom, and a man that looked familiar, but not in a good way. My magic tickled my neck, raising as I felt unease. My ancestors trying to tell me something, warn me.

As the conversation flowed, Blare mentioned a topic that made my heart skip a beat. "You know, I was so devastated when we lost River. It's still hard to believe that our son could have been involved in something so tragic."

I froze, my mind racing. River? The name was familiar, and as Blare continued speaking, the pieces began to fall into place. River was Titus's late father, and the mention of him brought back painful memories of the fire that had destroyed my coven.

My breath caught in my throat. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand. What happened with River?"

Blare's expression shifted to one of sadness. "It was a terrible accident, a fire that spread and caused so much harm. I've always wondered if there was something we could have done differently."

My heart pounded, the realization hitting me with a jarring clarity. River Hunt was the man who had set the fire that killed my family. The weight of this knowledge felt like a crushing burden. I struggled to keep my composure, my mind reeling with the implications. My magic sparked again, telling me I was right.

Just as I was trying to process this, the door opened and another man walked in—a tall, imposing figure with a familiar face. My blood ran cold as I recognized him: it was Aspen, River's brother, the man who had been responsible for the fire that destroyed my coven. I saw the moment his eyes locked with mine, and the recognition flashed between us.

A chill ran down my spine as Aspen's gaze lingered on me. He looked surprised but quickly masked his reaction. I could tell he had recognized me too.

Titus noticed my sudden distance and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Adeline, are you alright?"

I forced a polite smile, trying to maintain my composure despite the turmoil inside. "I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed. I think I need some air."

I excused myself from the conversation, offering brief but distant responses as I made my way to the garden. The evening air was cool against my flushed cheeks, but it did little to calm the storm inside me.

When Titus eventually found me, he looked concerned. "Adeline, what's going on? You've been distant since Aspen arrived."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in all at once."

Titus didn't press further, and we finished the evening on a polite but strained note. After the visit, Titus drove me back to my motel. The drive was quiet, and I could sense his concern but also his understanding that something was troubling me.

When we arrived at my motel, Titus walked me to the door. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'm here for you."

I nodded, my emotions still in turmoil. "Thank you, Titus. I appreciate it."

Once inside my room, I felt the weight of the day's revelations crashing down on me. The realization that Aspen, the man who had set the fire, was now so close to my life was overwhelming. I paced my small room, tears streaming down my face. The idea of staying in a place where Aspen might find me felt unbearable.

Determined, I began packing my things, my movements frantic as I gathered what little I had. I needed to leave before he could find me, to escape the painful connection that had been forced upon me. As I packed, I vowed to leave South Carolina behind and find somewhere safe, away from the shadows of my past and the echoes of a tragic history.