Calder and I have been summoned to our grandmother’s office. When we walk into the room our parents are there along with Griffin Woods, who is the leader of the Reapers. I’ve only met Griffin a few times. He has short blonde hair, brown eyes, sun kissed skin, and is about average height. Calder and I sit down in the two leather chairs in front of our grandmother’s desk. Our parents and Griffin are standing behind her, she is seated in her chair.
“Calder, Emmy, we called you here today to talk about your futures. I know it’s hard to think about your futures during this time, but something can’t wait till the war is over. Emmy, I want you to be the next leader of the coven. You have done such an amazing job with leading the team, I know you didn’t want to at first, but you’ve really grown into your role as a leader. I can’t think of anyone better to continue to lead the coven. Calder, Griffin wants you to take over for him as the commander of the Reapers. It will take a while to learn everything you need to know. You are smart, and a great in a battle, you have good knowledge when it comes to missions. You would be a great leader. You two don’t have to answer us now. We understand that you might need time to process this.” Grandma has finished her straight to the point speech as always.
Our grandmother is all business. She never beats around the bush that’s for sure. Everything is straight to the point, and of course everything she does is done with elegance and grace. I swear the woman was raised by the royals or something because she handles everything like a queen would, well I guess being the leader of the coven makes her some kind of queen.
Calder and I look at each other. We are both shocked but honored. I don’t know about Calder, but I know I want to lead the coven. It seems like a natural progression. It would allow me many great opportunities, I’d be able to stay home with my future kids if I wanted to, it would provide enough income for Carter and me, Carter would be able to do whatever he wanted.
“I want to lead the coven. It would be a great honor and carry on the family tradition. You’re right, grandma, I didn’t want to be the leader of the team, but with help from you, my parents, and others I’ve been able to grow in my role as a leader. I think taking over the coven would be a natural progression for me,” I state with great confidence.
“I agree with you. I think becoming the next leader is a natural next step for you as well which is why I choose you.” Vivian smiles at me. “You will start shadowing me as soon as possible. The sooner we get your training started the better. It will be at least a few years before you take over for me, but it’s never too early to start learning.”
“Calder, what do you think about taking over for me?” Griffin asks.
“I don’t know. I thought that I would just see the world after the war. I’ve been a prisoner for most of my life.” Calder sounds unsure.
“I understand. You won’t be taking over for me for some time, unless by some chance I die, but even then, you will be surrounded with people who will help you. It’s just better to start training you now rather than later. If you want to see the world, take some time for yourself, you can. Just because you agree to be the next commander of the Reapers doesn’t mean you have to start the second you agree.”
“Well in that case, I accept. I don’t know when I would want to start training. Is that okay?”
“Absolutely. We will keep in contact. If there is something that comes up that I think you will benefit from being a part of, I will let you know, but for now focus on getting rid of the Enchantress.”
Griffin and Calder shake hands. Griffin will be making the announcement soon to the Reapers that Calder will be their next leader. Calder will be great at leading the Reapers. He’s amazing as my second in command. I think this is the right move for him even if he seems not totally convinced himself, I know that will change with time. Calder signs the contract to take over for Griffin with more confidence than I thought he would show, perhaps he’s already coming to terms with his decision.
As for me I have to sign a blood contract, which my grandmother and I do now. My parents tell Calder and I how proud they are of us. I never thought I’d want to be a leader, the thought used to freak me out, but now I love it. I can’t wait to start shadowing Vivian. I know I still have to focus on the team and missions, but in between I will be learning the ropes of what it means to be the leader of a coven.
The team is very happy for Calder and me when we tell them the good news. We have a celebratory dinner. Jason and Kenzie are even there, they’ve been staying at the manor lately. It just makes it easier with the war going on, they’ve been helping wherever they can. Darren, Stella, and Ivy are there as well. Everyone congratulates us.
I’m glad to feel like I have a future after the war is over. I like having a plan. Carter and I will stay at the manor once the war is over, everyone else will most likely go and do their own thing. I think it’s good for us to think about having a future. It keeps our spirits high. War can be depressing and discouraging, so having something to look forward to is a good thing. There is no need to put our lives on hold because this is just a temporary situation, even if there are days it feels like it will go on forever.
…..
I’m outside in the woods with my own campfire going. I have a tent set up nearby. I needed some time to think to myself. Kyndle is perched next to me. I pet her from her head down her back, it’s soothing to both of us. I need something to soothe me right now. I feel edgy with all this talk about the future.
I know having a plan for the future is a good thing. It’s good to think about life beyond this war, but it’s hard for me. I keep thinking about my future with Lynden. I can’t get her words out of my head. I’m torn because part of me only wants Lynden. That part of me is convinced she and I are meant to be together. On the other hand, the other part of me knows it’s not meant to be, and that side is excited to find my soulmate.
Lynden said I already knew my soulmate, but that doesn’t make sense. The only single girl I know is Lynden. I haven’t had much of a chance to interact with anyone else. Unless it’s someone that I’ve met through the Reapers or Warriors. That’s the only thing I can think of, but it doesn’t seem right. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling I’m missing something.
I’ve been racking my brain out trying to think of Lynden’s cryptic message. I wish she would have given me a direct answer rather than some cryptic answer that is driving me crazy. She said I would find out soon, but I don’t know how much longer I can wait. I liked it better when I wasn’t concerned with finding my soulmate, life was much easier than, but being surrounded by couples, and then having feelings for Lynden it’s just completely messed with me. Plus, all this talk about the future makes me wonder who I’m going to spend mine with.
Kyndle nudges her head against me. I stopped petting her, and apparently, she didn’t like that.
I chuckle.
“Sorry girl I got lost in thought.”
I start to pet her again. Her feathers are like silk. On a positive note, Kyndle and I have been bonding, and getting along. She is a great animal companion, very loyal, and sweet. I feel like she always knows when I need her. I’m so glad I rescued her, because right now I’m not sure what I would do without her.