Chapter 16

Savannah's POV

“You think I didn't know what you were thinking, Dalia?” You could never hide your thoughts well enough. You want the position? Fine. You have a week to prove that you won't cause our demise. You start tomorrow. I won't interfere with your decisions. My focus will be solely on helping Savannah.”

“I'll prove that I'm worthy too, mother.”

Everybody was silent and shocked. I didn't expect the situation to escalate like this. Even though I didn't know these people, I agreed with Martha's decision. I had a bad feeling about Dalia. As I was looking at the others, they emitted a peaceful aura or something like that, while Dalia's was darker. I had a feeling that she might cause trouble in the future.”

“I'm sorry that you had to witness this drama, dear. She was always like this, but at least she admitted her thoughts. Don't pay attention to her. She'll calm down eventually. Now, let's put this matter aside and tell us how we can help.”

“I don't even know where to start? So many things happened in the last few days. I want to learn how to control my powers before I destroy something else. There was a little accident earlier, but nobody got hurt. There's also a mystery about a grimoire Iris was using when she was alive. I need to find that, but I have no idea where to start. There's also a curse Iris put on the families who killed them. I have to decide whether I want to lift the curse or not.”

“The curse is not important now. I'll train you, starting tomorrow and we'll see what we are dealing with. As for the grimoire, it belonged to the coven leader, but Cecilia took it with her before she left and nobody noticed that it was missing before it was too late. We can try and help locate it, but I don't think it's here. It has a certain power that can be felt by every witch. If she left it here that'd be a suicide. Anybody would have found it.”

“But it's not on earth either. I spoke to a witch and she said it got lost. They would've felt the power then.”

“Then we're missing something. Once we discover the missing piece in the story we'll find the grimoire.”

“And how can we discover the missing piece if I don't even know how I'm connected to this family in the first place? All I know is that Iris had a child, but she gave her up in order to protect her.”

“That part is problematic, but I don't think she left the grimoire with a newborn. She wouldn't risk leaving it in the wrong hands. But enough for now. We start tomorrow with your training and the research. Let's enjoy today and worry about everything else tomorrow.”

The others were observing us, but they weren't hostile. The maids brought out the food and we ate in silence. I was still thinking about Dalia and her outburst. There was something that was bugging me, but I didn't want to bring it up. I could feel Martha's stare and eventually she had enough.

“What is it, dear? I can feel that you want to say something, but you're holding back.”

“It's just something about Dalia. I don't want to pry.”

“What it is?”

“You said that she can prove herself. Will you have to temporarily give up your power that comes with the position?”

“Yes, but it's not permanent. I can take it back anytime I want, but there's a risk. That power is different and it's hard to control when you give it away and want to take it back. That power is alive and has free will. It can choose the next leader. There've been no problems so far, because usually the firstborn of the current coven leader is the strongest witch and it's natural for the power to choose that person. With you in the picture I'm not sure that everything will go smoothly. If the power chooses you there's nothing you can do, but accept it.”

“I don't want that, but thank you for telling me this and trusting me. If we're talking honestly, I got a bad feeling from Dalia earlier. I can feel the peace every single one of you present, but in Dalia I sensed something dark. Is that natural?”

“I want to say yes, but I can't. Witches haven't been able to read auras ever since Cecilia. You have the ability as it seems. I don't like that you sensed something dark, but given the fact that you can means that your power is settling down. Dalia is all talk, but no action. She won't do anything stupid or she would've done it already.”

“We should be careful, Aunt Martha. Dalia has always been sneaky. Sensing something dark in her can be a concern and we shouldn't ignore it.”

“I know that, Emilia, but I don't think she has the guts to go against me. Anyway, you'll stay here for your training, dear. The maids prepared you a room.”

“Thank you, but I have a small problem. I couldn't bring anything with me.”

“Don't worry about that, we also prepared some clothes for you with toiletries. Rest up, because tomorrow will be excruciating otherwise.”

The rest of the day passed in a blink of an eye. The guest room had everything I needed. I was totally worn out, and by 9 p.m. I was out like a light.

*“My sweet girl, I am so so sorry. I do not want to give you up, but I have to. It is not safe here anymore. The humans discovered our secret. I know you will not remember any of this, but I had to tell you. The family I chose will take care of you and love you. I know I will die in a few hours, but you have a bright future ahead of you. Do not forget who you are. A baby will be born from our flesh and blood who will be stronger than me. She needs to find the grimoire. Once she is strong enough to withstand the force of the veil that is when the grimoire appears.”

*“Iris, we have to go now. They're coming.”

*“Keep her safe until you reach your destination. By the time you come back I'll be dead. The coven will be yours to lead or at least what will be left of it. Do not leave Salem. This is your forever home.

*“I won't let you down, Iris.”