The Second Mate

FIFTEEN

"Son of a --" Duke didn't finish his statement as he snapped the wizard's neck.

"Keep them coming and the Grand Coven will be added to our history book." Axel watched as the dead body of the spellcaster sank into the soil.

It was a precautionary measure by the Grand Coven since the body composition of witches, wizards, and warlocks had magical essences, it become part of the Grand Coven's initiation to cast a spell amongst themselves that would be stimulated once dead. A magic circle carved within their bodies that would make the decaying process faster.

After the pack had learned that Marianne is the vessel of the moon, they had strengthened their defenses and kept Marianne away from any activities. She was secured in a room at the pack house that was embedded with various protection spells by Nefera.

The light knock on the door made Marianne lift her eyes from the book she was reading and sit up.

"Hey, I came to bring you tea." Gwen entered the room with a tray on hand.

Marianne smiled and turned the book over on her bedside table. She didn't withdraw her hand as the moonlight grazed her skin. She turned to the window and saw the full moon. She didn't know if it was because she never noticed it but the moon seemed brighter tonight.

She still couldn't wrap her head around the thought. She is the vessel of the moon goddess. It was laughable. She didn't want to believe it but what she believed didn't matter because a majority of the supernatural world believes she is and they are now searching for her.

Gwen followed Marianne's gaze and looked at the moon.

"It's Cara's birthday next weekend. I'm so excited but I'm not even sure if I can be there." Marianne frowned.

"Of course you'll be there. It won't be a big party so there's nothing to worry about. We can even have it in your room." Gwen laughed at the idea before her smile fell to a frown.

"What's wrong?" Marianne placed a hand on the redhead's shoulder.

Gwen sighed and plopped down onto Marianne's bed. "I just miss Zeref."

"Did Remus do something? I understand he's being protective of you but I swear if he did anything to--"

"No, no. Calm down." Gwen sat up and held Marianne by the elbows.

"Well, fighting isn't the only thing Duke is training him on. He's teaching him all about the business world and I'm happy for him but I just..." Gwen sighed.

"You just miss him." Marianne finished for her.

Gwen groaned and dropped on the bed once more. "This is ridiculous! I need some air."

She leaped out of the bed and pulled Marianne to stand. Marianne looked at her and shook her head. She knew what the teenager was planning and she is not going along with it.

Gwen laughed. "I'm supposed to be the kid between the two of us."

"I know what you're thinking, Gwen. We're not doing it."

"It's only the balcony and I know Nefera laced it with protection spells as well."

Marianne acceded to Gwen's request and accompanied her out to the balcony. Once again, the moon caught Marianne's attention. Gwen placed her hand atop hers and gave her a reassuring smile.

"For the record, I think--"

No one knew what Gwen's next words were as the two women collapsed to the ground. Gwen, having more resistance to magic, weakly flattered her eyes open. Her sight was blurry but she could make a figure standing before her.