Uncovered

Chapter Thirteen:

(Anne's POV)

I grinned as Micheal and I continued sparring. His face was quickly turning red. He wouldn't be able to defend himself much longer. I was finally back to my old strength. It felt good, almost too good.

"How're you feeling with that defense stance?" he held up a fist, signaling for a break.

"It's still really uncomfortable. I'm going to read through my notebook over breakfast. Maybe there's more techniques for Storm Voices. Do you want to stop and get something to eat?"

"Sure, we can do that. What did you say to the Gazer over there?"

"I saved his life. I think he's trying to come to terms with it."

Micheal smiled, shaking his head while we walked across the training hollow. I could see Lily attacking an older boy. My heart filled with pride over the girl's power.

"That girl is doing very well for her age. She's one of your students, right?" Micheal followed my gaze.

"Yes, she's one of mine."

"Who's her mother?"

"Her mother died. Lily was adopted into the coven."

Sadness flickered through Micheal's eyes as we went and sat at a nearby table. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, toast, and orange juice. I ate slowly, not wanting to waste this peaceful moment. Micheal was studying the room layout, probably making a plan. There was a rumor about an attack coming in a few days. A lot had changed overnight. Barricades were in place already. I could see spear points peeking from the top.

"Have you heard any updates?" I looked at Micheal.

"I've only heard that the attack is in full-swing and they're coming here in two days. We should be able to hold our territory though. Defenses have been upgraded. Jeremiah's called a meeting after breakfast."

"Who's trying to attack us?"

"An old coven who was pushed out of their land when you guys expanded. Their best warrior has issued a challenge to Benjamin."

I pushed my plate away. Micheal followed me into the council room. We were always briefed before everyone else if there was a threat. I sat in my usual chair. Kimberly's was empty. The rest of the council appeared and waited.

"I'm sitting next to you, Anne," Benjamin's voice was raspy.

"That's not your spot."

"Maybe if you hadn't given me a life debt, I could be against the wall where I belong. But now I have to protect you all the time. Apologies, darling, but you're stuck with me."

I glared at him until Jeremiah strode in, gesturing for silence. Everyone stopped moving.

"Good morning. I'm sure you've all heard about the attack en route. The rumors are true. We have war on our hands in two days," Jeremiah looked slowly around the room.

A couple people groaned or got angry. My hands shook despite being told earlier. Ben's head was down, his shoulders hunched.