Conquest of Magic

Part 16

Waking up from a deep sleep, there's a rare moment of peace where your mind feels as clear as a cloudless sky. But as soon as you open your eyes, that calm can quickly dissolve into a flood of emotions and concerns. This is especially true when you find yourself in a strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar and potentially dangerous beings.

As I woke up, I shivered from the cold and discomfort. My eyes fluttered open to a room that wasn't the garden with Stanley. Confused, I searched the room for him but found no trace. Memories of the ball and Stanley overwhelmed me, leaving me feeling drained. I sighed and shuffled to the bathroom, where I faced my disheveled reflection. A hot shower brought some relief, easing the tension in my muscles and washing away my exhaustion.

Stanley's words about my witch bloodline and the prophecy echoed in my mind. The vampires who had kidnapped me felt menacing, and I couldn't shake the feeling they were up to no good. Uncertainty and fear gripped me. Was Stanley truthful, or was it all a ruse? The thought of being a key player in a prophecy involving both vampires and witches was daunting.

I rested my head on the bathtub's edge, trying to sort through the confusion. Meeting someone in my head seemed impossible, but the vividness of the dream left me questioning reality. My thoughts drifted back to the accident I had been in, where I saw a wolf jump in front of my car. If wolves are also searching for me, what does that mean? My mind swirled with questions, leaving me feeling lost and uneasy.

My gut told me that the vampires had sinister plans, and I needed to uncover the truth about myself before it was too late. Unsure if what I was told was accurate, I felt unprepared for what lay ahead.

Shivering as the water turned cold, I got out of the tub and chose simple black yoga pants and a loose T-shirt. After drying my hair, I let it flow down my back, my mind still restless.

A loud knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. Startled, I opened it to find William standing there with a grin. Though he towered over me, his warm smile eased my nerves. I smiled back, relieved to see a friendly face.

William looked casually handsome in his white T-shirt and beige trousers. "What's up?" I asked, puzzled by his appearance.

"It seems like you're ready for the day!" he said, eyeing my casual outfit.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curious yet hesitant.

"Let's go!" he said, taking my hand.

"Where?" I asked again.

"Relax, it's a surprise. A change of scenery might lift your spirits," he replied, his smile reassuring.

I smiled and walked with him, eager to see what the day would bring.

As we walked, I noticed the hall was mostly empty, except for a few vampires who bowed to William but glared at me. I gripped his hand tightly, uneasy under their scrutiny. One woman even bared her fangs, causing my heart to race and my body to tense with fear. Seeing fangs up close for the first time sent shivers down my spine.

William noticed and growled at her, making her retreat. I sighed in relief, though the encounter still unsettled me.

"Don't mind them," William said sincerely. "They don't trust you yet, but they will." I walked silently beside him, not eager to get close to them.

"No one will harm you here," he reassured me. I nodded, trying to shake off the unease.

Stepping outside, the crisp autumn breeze was refreshing, and I couldn't help but smile. The stone garden and fountain were stunning in the daylight. Without thinking, I ran to the fountain, splashing water around in pure joy.