Hidden Truths

Chapter 1

Prologue

The night was crisp with the smell of pine and the musk of rotting leaves. It was unseasonable warm for a late september night, the perfect temperature for tonight's ritual which was best achieved skyclad.

Our coven was preparing for the Autumn equinox. A time to invoke the Goddess Hecate.The other members of the coven were preparing . Amitola our coven leader helped me set the circle for tonight's ritual.

This year was to be special for me. It would be the first time I would lead the ceremony. Normally all ceremonies were lead by the wise woman or wise man which we haven't had for nearly a century. Amitola Ravenwood, my soon to be mother in law, has been teaching me to take over for the last few years. Normally the wise woman role would pass to Amitola's daughter but since she has only a son she has chosen to pass this honor to me. Tonight would be my first attempt at leading. My first chance to prove I was worthy of the honor she has planned to bestow upon me.

Elemental candles were placed at the five points of my pentagram. A circle of power was traced in salt to ward evil from entering.

As I call forth power I ask my fellow coven members to join me in the circle. As Our powers join I feel something that is just a bit off. Like a peak in power. Initially I attempt to rein it in assuming I've reached too far in an attempt to prove myself, but I quickly realize the problem isn't me but there is definitely a problem. Power is being pushed into my circle the likes of which I'd rarely seen. From that moment forward things become fragmented. Flashes of lightning, thunder, and rain followed by blood and pain. I'm trying to level out the power in the circle but it's no use. Strangers appear around our circle. I don't think the power isn't coming from them but they are not here to help they feel like pure evil. The circle begins to pulse. The area so steeped in power that the night is bright with energy that I'm nearly being blinded .Amitola and Etan are trying to help me control the surge of energy and hold the circle to no avail . The power continues to build overwhelming our circle until it's too much and the circle can't hold any longer. Mora the covens newest addition is the first to break . Everyone else quickly follows. The circle members are thrown in every direction from the force. Evil is like a blanket coating my senses as l lay on the ground surrounded by the newcomers. I attempt to recover and defend myself but the strangers are on us before I can begin to defend myself. They are fast and strong. Taking down member after member. Amitola lay bleeding a few feet away Etan stood over his mother throwing fire balls the size of small suns to keep anyone from reaching his mother.He is so focused on the threat in front of him that he is unaware of the threat coming at his back. A large globe of energy is heading straight for him. All I can think to do to help either of them is put myself between the threat and them.Energy hits my chest. My first thought was " that's not so bad just numb is all." As I lay on the ground feeling something warm and wet soaking the ground beneath me feeling quickly returns to my body, letting me know my time here is short. I prayed to the goddess that Etan and Amitola will be spared for our daughter's sake. She deserves to be raised by one of us.

1

I woke to the sound of my pounding heart and the song "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes playing on my cell phone. One glance at the bedside clock told me it was Three in the morning so the chances were pretty good I knew who was on the phone.

"Analese what's going on? Are you alright?" Seslie demanded.

Seslie is my younger sister and a clairvoyant, but more than that since we were children we have had this bond that can tell us when the other one is in trouble and if close enough where they are. So my recent nightmares are not only affecting me ,but her as well.

"Just the nightmare again, Ses" I attempt to reassure her.

"Did you get anything new this time? Any clues as to what this all means or what the warning is about?" she asked.