Chapter 7 Hidden Secrets
Amara’s POV
Kian jumped on its back and stabbed it in the rear. It screamed, bucking madly, its bones trembling.
In my scream, I let all of my strength out. My hands exploded with light, slamming into the creature's torso.
Its eyes widened, and it froze. Like charred paper, the blackness separated from its flesh.
It gave a final screech and died, its lips gushing smoke.
There was a half-hearted silence.
Then Rowan gasped and fell to his knees.
Kian hobbled away from the body. His eyes were burning with something other than rage as he turned to face me.
Pride.
"Amara," he remarked in a raspy voice. "You succeeded."
With tears running down my cheeks, I collapsed to my knees. My entire body trembled.
I cried, "I can't do this forever."
Kian came running over and embraced me.
Pale-faced, Rowan stumbled to his feet. He extended his hand but paused. I wanted to turn my head away from the agony in his eyes.
He rasped, "You shouldn't have to do this."
I took a swallow.
I whispered, "They need me."
Kian gently brushed my hair off my face and corrected me, saying, "They need us."
Rowan dropped his hand to his side. His jaw clenched as he turned aside.
However, before any of us could say another word—
A gust of wind sliced across the smoke. Chilly. Not natural.
After guttering, the fires flared. The shadows moved as if they were alive.
I went cold.
I heard a voice coil like a snake into my ears from the shadows behind the bodies.
Amara.
I gasped.
Amara
My blood became icy.
Give your soul to me.
I heard giggling. Low, ruthless, and female.
Or I'll set fire to all you hold dear.
I tried covering my ears with my hands, but it didn't work. I heard the voice in my head.
Rowan's eyes widened. "Amara?"
Kian gave me a shake. “What is it, Amara?”
But I was unable to respond.
Because I could hear her voice.
"The Hollow Witch"
She was conscious.
She was also familiar with my name.
It was heavy in the room. As if the air were heavier than it ought to be. As voices swelled all around me, I sat on a stool in the vast hall of the Obsidian Pack, trying not to shiver.
The council was debating. Quite loudly.
One elder said, "She's dangerous!" and gestured at me. There was fear in his eyes. "Everyone witnessed the events at the border. Wolves turned into monstrous creatures. That girl is doomed!”
An additional elder folded her arms. “By providing for her, we put everything in danger. It's the Hollow Witch. She is wanted back by the Lichen Pack. Should we sacrifice ourselves for her?”
I took a deep breath. I pressed my fingers into the wood. I felt so insignificant. So despised. Under my sleeve, my mark was burned on my wrist.
With his palm lightly resting on my shoulder, Kian stood beside me, his jaw clenched. It was warm enough to feel through my clothing. Glaring at the council, he turned.
"Enough," he said quietly in a firm yet low voice. "We are protecting her. She is not the adversary.”
An older warrior struck the table with his fist. "Kian, your emotions are causing you to become blind! The Hollow Witch is after her! “Death follows her everywhere!”
My heart twisted. My mouth felt dry, yet I wanted to talk.
Mira then moved forward. Despite her calm demeanour, she had keen eyes.
"Silence," she commanded. Even though her voice wasn't loud, everyone immediately halted. That was her power in this situation.
Mira gave me a look. Afterwards, at the council.
She said, "You want the truth?" Are you curious as to why she is marked? Why is she desired by the Hollow Witch?”
Nobody said anything.
Mira approached me carefully. Carefully, she pulled the cloth back to reveal the bright mark on my wrist. It was etched with symbols older than any language spoken today, and it glistened in the faint torchlight.
Mira asserted that she was not cursed. "She has been selected."
There was silence in the room. The elders themselves were at a loss for words.
Mira inhaled deeply. "She is the reincarnation of the Moon Priestess."
The words were like a slap to me.
Moon Deity.
It sounded like a great title. Strong. However, I didn't experience any of those emotions. I felt insignificant. Feeble. I'm scared.
A whisper was heard, "What does that mean?"
Mira didn't turn her head. The lunar magic was channelled through the Moon Priestess. A healer. A protector of equilibrium. Centuries ago, she was the one who sealed the Hollow Witch away.
The room echoed with gasps.
Mira firmly said, "She didn't bring the curse." "Only she has the power to put an end to it."
I started crying. I had a constricted chest.
"This is not what I want," I said. "I have no desire to be anything."
Mira's look grew softer. "I understand. However, Amara, you have no say over your destiny. All you can do is decide how to handle it.”
An elder struck the ground with his staff. "The Hollow Witch will pursue her even if she is the Priestess. For it, we'll all perish!”
A second argument was, "She's one girl." "The whole pack shouldn't be at risk for her!"
Kian had a thunderous voice. "You're no better than Lichen Pack if you throw her out. She will be given to death by you, or worse.”
There was uncomfortable stillness in the room.
It was broken by Rowan's voice. "Allow me to talk to her. By ourselves.”
I winced. He spoke in a gruff tone. Uncooked.
Kian gave him a fierce look. "No."
Rowan didn't flinch as he looked into his eyes. "Before she became yours, she was my partner."
Not a word.
My heart was beating. My wrist's mark pulsed.
Mira glanced from one to the other. "Kian. Let her choose.”
Kian looked across at me. He had beseeching blue eyes. “Don't. Don't put your trust in him. It was he who caused you pain.”
Rowan stepped forward, staring at me. "Amara, please. Listen to me.”
I took a swallow. I trembled when I spoke. "I'll speak with him."
Kian crossed his arms, walked back, and watched like a hawk while muttering a small curse.
I followed Rowan outdoors to the clearing's edge. It was cold and gloomy in the forest.
I shielded myself from his look by wrapping my arms about myself.
He appeared disoriented as he stood in front of me. He didn't appear to be an Alpha for the first time since we initially met. He had the appearance of someone who had lost everything.
"Amara," he began in a hushed voice. "I have no idea how to resolve this. I'm not sure if I can.”
I wiped my eyes violently and sniffed. "You can't. I was turned down by you. You exiled me to perish.”
He winced. "I understand."
Not a word.
He moved in closer. Lilith told a falsehood. She tricked me. In order to prevent you from challenging her, she wanted you to leave. I couldn't see. Too proud to notice.
My heart ached. I wanted to believe him.
However, I was unable to.
I said, "You watched them drag me away." My voice cracked. "You allowed me to be beaten." You didn't flinch at all.”
His voice broke. “Every time I close my eyes, I see it. I despise myself for it.”
I looked away.
He pleaded, "Please." Let me attempt to put things right, please. Now let me keep you safe.”
I gave a headshake. "I'm not sure if I will ever be able to trust you again."
He fell silent.
"I'll wait as long as it takes," he finally said.
I didn't respond.
The cold pricked my flesh as we stood there in the dark. Painfully, my mark throbbed.
Kian was waiting with his eyes searching my face when I eventually returned inside. I said nothing at all. I simply moved past him and took a seat by the fireplace.
It was now quieter in the council. In said tones, Mira explained the legend.
I wasn't listening, though.
I was exhausted. So shattered.
I hoped to find serenity when I eventually dozed off beside the fire.
However, the dreams arrived.
I stood in a pitch-black emptiness.
She was also present.
"The Hollow Witch"
She had long, night-black hair. A sickening green fire flared in her eyes. A smile curled her mouth.
She growled, "You're mine, little Priestess." "You were always."
I attempted to retreat, but the shadows encircled me like a cage.
Her fingers resembled claws as she extended her hand.
You're going to kneel. Or I'll set fire to all you hold dear.
I let out a yell.
I awoke with a start, panting and drenched in perspiration.
From opposite sides of the room, Rowan and Kian were observing me with anxious and terrified looks.
And the mark was hotter than ever on my wrist.