The Protector of the Covenant: Volume Two

Chapter 7

Luna was actually excited to go to the WSA (Witch's Society of America) building. Violet had promised her last week they would practice her favourite spell, smoke and fire divination. Violet remarked, "I'm impressed, you're early!" as Luna jumped off her broomstick. The two of them walked to a nearby forest so Luna could begin chanting. She said, "As I call upon the power of the flames, I ask humbly for friendship and understanding of the scarlet flames." and a huge fire started. Violet cautioned, "Make sure you contain the fire, we don't want to create any danger.". Luna knew her biggest problem was not overpowering things so she tried to be gentle. Luna thought, "Ah! These flames are so beautiful. I know it's bad but I love playing with fire.".

Holly, Violet's assistant, was running towards the two of them. She had tears in her eyes and was yelling, "Violet! Violet!". Luna extinguished the fire and Violet said: "What is it? What happened?". Holly took a few seconds to catch her breath then cried, "Oh Violet, the w-w-worst t-t-thing. Isabelle has been murdered!". Isabelle was a twenty-year-old witch who had recently completed the Protector of the Covenant and received her certificate. Luna didn't know her but Violet had developed a close relationship with Isabelle. However, being the head of the WSA she knew she had to stay poised. Violet inquired, "Who did it, where and when?". Holly shook her head and replied, "The details are still coming in but from what our WSA crystal ball shows-" then Luna interrupted her: "Wait, you guys are watching us?". Violet sighed, "Of course we do, we have to make sure you're all representing the WSA well.". Holly continued, "From what our crystal ball shows it was definitely murder. She was perfectly healthy an hour ago then I see she is bleeding and lying unconscious on her kitchen floor.". Violet sent Luna home but all Luna could think of was the murder.

Venus felt like she wasn't doing enough to try and bond with Luna. When Luna got home Venus said, "It's Friday night, let's do something together. Unless you have something with your boyfriend, that is.". Luna responded, "Actually David is on a road trip with his dad so I am free. I'm a little shocked you want to hang out though.". Venus wasn't an expert in having fun so Luna picked what they should do. She decided the two of them would play board games and get take-out from their favourite Chinese restaurant. Luna had originally thought she would have an awful time because the two of them usually don't have fun but her older sister was actually nice. Luna said, "You know when you're not yelling at me you're actually pretty awesome." as they continued to play chess. Venus replied, "I know I can seem stuck up but it's because if I let you do whatever you want you'll become a mess. I wish we could be close and act like we're best friends but I have a responsibility to fulfil.". The two sisters played board games late into the night then went to bed.

When a witch dies who was a part of the WSA all the witches come together for a large Wiccan funeral. Luna and Venus attended Isabelle's funeral but Nova found the trip from Ireland to America too far. Their aunt Stephanie also couldn't attend the funeral. Wiccan funerals were somewhat different from traditional ones. The ritual space was in a forest and all the witches were gathered in a circle. The high priestess did a couple of ritual chants then each person in the circle spoke to Isabelle, the recently deceased. The high priestess gave her closing lines then wrapped Isabelle in biodegradable cloth for her to decompose with nature as all witches are supposed to.

There was a picnic afterwards for all the attendees in the same forest that the funeral had been held in. Luna was happy to see her witch friends, Sybil and Pandora. Luna asked them, "So who do you think did it?". Isabelle's autopsy results revealed she was definitely murdered but they still didn't know who did it. Everyone was asking each other who they thought murdered her. Pandora replied, "I don't know, I feel like it could be a lone crazy. I mean, we do live in America.". Sybil argued, "Yeah but shootings happen outside. Why would this person be inside her house?". Venus was eating sandwiches with Holly, she felt like she could get some insider information with Holly being so connected with the WSA. When Venus asked her if she knew anything else Holly replied, "I've found out nothing. Whoever this person is has done everything in an extremely calculated manner.". Venus was flustered but she knew she would have to let go of her curiosity.

Venus was happy to go back to her more seemingly normal life at university. Her English professor greeted the class and said, "We will be going on a field trip to England. I've been trying to convince the dean for years to let me do a special literary tour where we can see the home of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and all those amazing writers but it took a special donation from our alumnus to get it.". Venus felt happy but her mind also went to "who's going to take care of Luna?". She decided she'd have to ask the Zamolodchikova's if they'd be willing to let her stay over.

The field trip forms had to be signed quickly so Venus went over to the Zamolodchikova house that night. Alexei was making blinis and Vladislav was helping Victoria with her homework. Venus anxiously knocked on the door, she really wanted to go on the field trip but she knew she couldn't leave Luna home alone for a week. Vladislav exclaimed, "Venus! What a pleasant surprise! Alexei is almost done making dinner, do you want to stay?". Venus shook her head and replied: "Oh no, I'm just here to ask you something. I know Victoria and Luna don't have the smoothest of relationships but I was wondering if Luna could stay here for a week? I have this amazing field trip coming up but I can't just leave her.". Alexei thought for a couple of long seconds then said, "She can stay-" then Venus interrupted him to say "Oh that's amazing! Thank you!". Alexei retorted, "I wasn't done! She can stay but there is one condition, she must be on best behaviour! No magic, we get enough of that with Victoria! And if she touches so much as a hair on Victoria's head there will be consequences!". Venus nodded her head and went home to tell Luna. When Venus told Luna she cried, "No magic? Oh, come on! That's ridiculous! Do you have to go on this trip?". Venus responded, "Luna! This is an amazing experience for me! It's for one week, you'll live!". Luna sighed but did realize she was being selfish and agreed to Alexei's terms.