Episode 10

...Amara Follen...

As Kyra and her mother set about what appeared to be a ritual, anxiety began to take hold of me, a circle of candles was meticulously arranged around a raised bed, an ancient book was opened, and Kyra readied herself to utter some magic.

"Amara, lie on the bed and close your eyes, do not open them under any circumstances."

"Alright."

"Kyra, begin the chant."

As Kyra began to utter some undecipherable words, I felt her mother's hand over my chest, and my mind slowly plunged into deep darkness, I felt strangely sleepy and eventually fell asleep. When I awoke, I found myself lying on the snow on a narrow road amidst the dark woods, confused as my last memory was being in the cabin. As I rose from the cold snow, my legs gave out, and only then did I realize I no longer bore a human form—I had transformed into a magnificent white wolf. Elated, I ran through the forest until exhaustion overcame me, stopped by a vast lake to drink, and gazed at my reflection—a beautiful white wolf with red eyes. In the blink of an eye, everything around me began to crumble, a snow avalanche started sliding towards me, I ran as fast as my paws could to save my life, the sound of destruction around me growing louder and louder until a red door appeared in front of me. As soon as I nudged my snout to open it, I was back in the cabin.

Kyra's mother looked at me, horror in her eyes and tears on her face, visibly shaken, and what she said next left me utterly confused.

"I'm sorry child, I am not permitted to help, please do not come here again."

"Mother?"

"Kyra, take her away."

"Yes, let's go Amara."

"I apologize, ma'am, if I have caused you any distress."

As Kyra and I walked down the road, she didn't ask about what I might have seen, nor did I dare to speak, only when the taxi pulled up did she break the silence.

"Amara, I'm so sorry, I apologize on behalf of my mother, she has never behaved this way before."

"It's okay, don't worry about it, see you at the academy."

"..."

...Kyra...

"Mother, why were you so harsh with Amara and forbid her to return?"

I thought our duty as witches was to assist those in need.

"Kyra, you must promise me you will never do anything to help that girl again."

"I cannot promise that, she is a nice girl who has become a close friend, never looking down on me for being a witch, I know she would help me if the situations were reversed."

"Kyra, just promise." The woman insisted, gripping her daughter's arms.

"I promise, as long as you tell me the reason."

"Kyra..." her mother sighed.

Knowing her daughter, she found herself cornered, feeling that she would eventually have to reveal the reason.

"Kyra, I do not know why, but this girl bears within her the ancient seal, capable of entrapping any being's soul, which is why she cannot transform, her wolf soul is imprisoned."

"But that is forbidden magic in our witches' clan, who could have done this to her?"

"I sensed the magic of your grandmother, Kyra."

"You mean grandmother is the one who did this to Amara?"

"Yes, I am certain it was her, and I am certain it cost her life. Yet there is something else that deeply intrigues me."

"What intrigues you, mother?"

"I may be mistaken, but for an instant, I had the feeling there was something else imprisoned with the girl's wolf, and that is why we must not interfere. We must allow her to find her path alone, or we could be punished by the Moon Goddess."

...Brandon Scott...

"Where have you been to arrive only at this hour, Amara?"

"Alpha Brandon, good evening!"

"I was at a friend's house."

"Do you realize the time it is for you to be out alone?"

"I apologize, I truly lost track of time."

"I haven't had dinner yet; join me."

"But I am not hungry, and someone might see us and misinterpret things."

"Everyone is asleep at this hour, and that was not a request, it was an order."

"Oh, of course, ALPHA."

Amara felt so annoyed with Brandon's request that she stomped towards the kitchen, unaware that Brandon was pleased to see her irritated like that, he was looking for a way to punish her for being late and making him worry for her whereabouts.

"Serve me dinner and sit beside me."

"Yes, ALPHA," Amara retorted angrily.

This idiot, just because he is Alpha thinks he can make me his maid, she murmured under her breath, forgetting that Brandon possessed sharp hearing and had just caught her words, a scornful smile formed on his lips, now even more satisfied to have irked her.

"Are you sure you don't want some?"

"I've said I'm not hungry."

After what felt like an eternity of a dinner, Amara began to clean up the kitchen and wash the dishes. She jumped when strong arms encircled her waist, the woodsy scent intoxicated her, causing her to freeze in place; her heart raced, her breathing became rapid, and a shiver ran down her spine as Brandon nuzzled her neck. He abruptly turned her around to face him, and before Amara could protest, he clasped her nape and pulled her into a fierce, demanding kiss. After struggling to resist, she gave into the kiss which became gentler and more passionate. When they both gasped for air, Brandon released her and left the kitchen, leaving Amara with a huge question mark written across her face.

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