CROWNING A NEW QUEEN
CROWNING A NEW QUEEN
Delilah
I knew today was my coronation day as the queen of the Seven Zones and the Luna of the Shadow Claws Pack. What I didn’t know was that seven old women, each representing one of the Zones, would be the ones to attend to me. According to Maxwell, this tradition had been in place even before his mother was crowned, and he intended to honor it.
The women were kind, but they had put me through a whirlwind of preparations and teachings. There were so many things I didn’t know about being a female leader, and one of the women, Rebecca, the oldest and strongest among them, had shared wisdom that lingered in my mind. Her words echoed in my ears: “You are not ordinary, my dear queen. You are meant to protect, heal, and guide your people. That is your role as the queen of the Seven Zones.”
Her words resonate deeply within me. I had always felt different, but now I was beginning to understand why. My magical abilities had been growing steadily, and I was discovering new powers every day. I never knew I could heal, but my healing abilities were extraordinary, and I still didn’t know the full extent of what I was capable of. It was both thrilling and overwhelming.
As I stood in front of the mirror, I admired my reflection. I looked every bit the queen I was about to become. My gown shimmered under the soft light, and the crown resting on my head felt like a symbol of the weight I was about to carry. Just as I opened the bathroom door to grab a towel, something extraordinary happened. In the blink of an eye, I was no longer in the bathroom but standing in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by seven women.
I recognized them immediately. They were the same women I had seen when Farrell first hugged me in Maxwell’s office. They were also the same women who had appeared to me during the fighting ritual with Sandra when I was on the brink of death. Their presence was both comforting and mysterious.
“Do not be scared, Delilah. We are here to support you on your journey to fulfill your destiny,” the red-haired woman spoke, her voice calm and reassuring.
“Today marks the beginning of your true purpose. After today, you will discover more about who you are and what you are meant to do,” the brown-haired woman added, her eyes filled with wisdom.
The silver-haired woman stepped forward, her gaze piercing yet kind. “In case you’re wondering who we are, we are the seven witches, daughters of the goddess herself. Your journey is long, and your purpose is vital. Be cautious and trust no one blindly.”
Her words sent a shiver down my spine. The black-haired woman spoke next, her voice steady and firm. “Your magic is deeply connected to your mind and emotions. Learn to harness it wisely, for it is a powerful tool.”
The white-haired woman nodded in agreement. “Your magic responds to your thoughts and desires. Just as you wished to disappear and found yourself here, your emotions and intentions will guide your abilities. Use them well.”
The sixth woman, who looked strikingly like me with her blonde hair and familiar features, smiled softly. “Now, go. Your king is waiting,” she said, her voice gentle yet commanding.
The last woman, the oldest with greyish hair, stepped forward. Her presence was the most commanding of all. “Remember who you are, Delilah. You are the daughter of the moon goddess, and you are here to fulfill a destiny. Go now, and embrace it.”
Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. “Delilah,” it said, pulling me back to reality. I opened my eyes to find Rosa standing over me, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. I looked around and realized I was still in my bedroom, fully dressed and lying on the bed. How was that possible? I distinctly remembered walking into the bathroom, and then everything had shifted.
“My queen, it is time,” Rosa said, her voice trembling slightly. Despite her attempts to hide her thoughts, I could sense a strange energy around her. Something wasn’t right.
“Can you leave me for a minute, please?” I demanded, my voice firm. Rosa hesitated, clearly taken aback by my tone. She tried to mask her surprise, but I could see the flicker of fear in her eyes.
“You can’t hide from me, Rosa,” I said, my voice steady. “I can see beyond your mask. Just go. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Rosa immediately fell to her knees, sobbing. Her head bowed low as she pleaded, “I’m sorry, my queen. Please, don’t hurt me. I promise to serve you faithfully from now on.”
I scoffed, unconvinced by her words. “I will speak to you after the coronation,” I said coldly. “But let me make one thing clear: tell whoever sent you that today is not their day. I will not tolerate any disruptions to this occasion.”
With a wave of my hand, I bound her in place. She would remain there, frozen, until I chose to release her. She was no longer a threat, but I couldn’t afford to trust her just yet.
“I am ready, my king,” I spoke to Maxwell through our mind-link, my voice calm and resolute.
“The old women are on their way to bring you here,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. I cut the link and waited, my mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.
As I stood there, I glanced at Rosa, still kneeling on the cold marble floor. Her body was frozen, but tears streamed down her face, a silent testament to her fear and regret. I felt a pang of sadness but pushed it aside. Today was not the day for mercy or second chances.
“Enjoy your temporary break, Rosa, my dear friend,” I said softly, my voice tinged with both pity and resolve.
The door creaked open, and the seven women entered, their presence filling the room with an air of solemnity and power. They surrounded me, their eyes filled with a mix of pride and expectation. Today was the day I wo
uld step into my role as queen, and I was ready.