Uncovered

Chapter Nine:

(Anne's POV)

Jeremiah left me when we got to my room. I went and lay down. Silence hung throughout the fortress. I sighed into my pillow. Ben's absence made our bed colder. I couldn't get comfortable. Hours passed before I threw my pillow against the wall.

"Anne?" Tobi was outside my door.

"I'm awake. Come in," I quickly threw jeans and a sweater on.

Tobi wearily glanced at me through the doorway. He wouldn't fully come in. His hands were still red as blood dried. My stomach churned.

"What's up?" I smiled weakly.

"Ben is responding to the treatments. The curse on his armor was really strong, but he should pull out of his coma without much damage."

"Damage?"

"There's a small chance that he'll have a bit of brain damage. We don't know for sure though, so don't worry. Jeremiah is summoning the council. His friends came earlier this morning. Do you need more time to get ready?" his gaze switched to the desk.

"Let me clean up a little more. You can stay here. I don't want to be alone," I stood, gesturing to a chair.

The healer's cheeks blushed but he sat, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. I went into the bathroom and quickly washed my face, brushed my teeth, and tied my hair back. Hope was in the air while Tobi followed me to the council room. We immediately sat in our spots. Energy swirled around my feet. I knew my hands would never be the same, but I was okay with it.

"I'm glad you and Tobi made it. The others will be here shortly. Keep quiet and calm during this, Anne. No fighting since your power is about the same as a child's right now," Jeremiah whispered in my ear.

"Don't make me laugh, Jeremiah. I never lose my temper."

"Sure you don't."

He moved away before I could retort. What had caused such a bad mood today? Kimberly finally arrived and sat beside me. Grinning, I flung a small energy ball at her. Her eyes widened.

"I'm so glad you can cast again. Who are we waiting for now?" she scanned the room curiously.

"Zach and Marcus, I think."

"Zach's usually early. I wonder if something happened."

I shrugged. Zach had never been on friendly terms with me. He was against having Kimberly and I brought into the council, simply because we were women. I must have fallen asleep because Kimberly was shaking my shoulder. I flinched, rubbing my eyes until they focused.

"They're covered in blood," the healer whispered before getting up.

I went with her as she looked at both warlocks. Marcus' right near was gone, burnt skin around the exposed hole.

"What happened? Where were you guys?" I demanded, supporting Zach.

"We were on patrol. This guy appeared out of nowhere and attacked Marcus without warning. I swear the guy was a demon. His fire was as black as his aura. We barely got away," Zach said quietly, shakily.

"I'm glad you're both alive."

"There's more. He said that he'll be paying us a visit to meet you, Anne."

"What? I don't know anyone with black fire. Let the healers check you guys over while I speak with Jeremiah."

Tobi took Zach's arm while I walked over to the group of men.

"What's going on?" Jeremiah's eyebrow raised.

I told him about the warlocks.

"No more patrols then. No one leaves this fortress without my permission," our leader declared stiffly.

"We aren't going to protect our resources then?" I asked hesitantly.

"No. Go take a seat."

I did as I was told. His friends watched me closely. Everyone took their seats. Jeremiah stood in the center.

"As you all know, war is on our doorstep. Some of my friends have come to help us. This is Angel, one of the best defense builders in our kingdom. She'll be working with a team starting tonight," Jeremiah gestured to his left.

Angel was dressed in teal chainmail, matching her eyes. She nodded at us, one hand on her sword's hilt. I'd never seen a witch or warlock carry steel weapons.

"Moving on. Micheal and Holly both specialize in training. Anne, make sure to work with them," the warlock barely glanced at me.

"Of course," I said, keeping my voice even.

Micheal was tall. His green eyes were on my hands. I hid them in my pockets. Shame swept through me. I was considered the weakest link.

"We're going to get through this, everyone. Get some rest if you're able to," Jeremiah said, ending the meeting.

Everyone left besides Micheal and I. Jeremiah slumped in his chair, his hands covering his face. I knew he was exhausted already. I felt bad. His shoulders stiffened when Micheal sat beside him.

"Anne and I will be in the training hollow if you need anything. All of us support you. There won't be an end to your coven, mate," Micheal said before turning back to me.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you back to being a warrior," the man grinned.

We left for the training hollow.