Part 34
"I am still worried about them," I muttered to Queen Irna."Don't worry, dear, they will be safe. I promise," she assured me, her chin held high. I let out a weary sigh, acknowledging her words with a nod."Kristen," Stanley's deep voice resonated softly, his eyes reflecting a tinge of sadness as his hand tenderly brushed against my cheek. A rush of warmth enveloped me at his touch, and I found myself relaxing in his reassuring smile."Don't be sad. This is for the best, to ensure their safety," he whispered gently, his eyes searching for a way to comfort me. I smiled and nodded."I will take you to meet them and your family soon, okay?" He asked, his voice filled with affection and concern, to ease my worries. He asked gently as his eyes tried to look reassuring."Thanks," I said. The longer I thought about them, the sadder it made me. Now that I am sure they are okay, I have to focus on other things. I thought."The ministers must be waiting; we have to go meet them," Stanley said, and we followed the Queen to the meeting room.As we got closer to the chamber where the ministers were waiting for us, my heart began to beat quickly. My hands trembled slightly, displaying the anxiety I felt deep within. My eyes darted around the corridor, searching for a source of comfort."Stanley," I whispered, my voice quivering with unease. His gaze met mine, and I guess he could see the fear and uncertainty etched in my expression. "What if they don't like me? What if I say something wrong?"He took my trembling hands in his, offering a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be fine," he replied, his voice laced with determination. "They will see the incredible person you are, and they will be honoured to meet you."The weight of my worries pressed upon my shoulders, evident in the slight hunch in my posture while walking. For some reason, I wanted to hide and run away.As we neared the door, my breathing quickened, and my steps became hesitant. My grip on his hand tightened, seeking an anchor in the midst of my apprehension. My eyes flickered with a mix of fear and hope, mirroring the inner battle I was fighting. I never felt this anxious before, even with the vampires."Remember," he whispered softly, leaning closer to me as we stood outside the doors. "You are strong. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place." Stanley said this with a smileWith a final deep breath, I nodded, summoning the courage to face the ministers.The guards bowed their heads before opening the doors for us.The queen glided into the room with regal grace, her presence commanding attention. My steps faltered as I sensed a powerful aura of magic emanating from the witches seated across the long table. Each one exuded an air of importance, intensifying my nervousness. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized Linda and Peter among them, providing a small comfort amidst my anxiety.As the room fell into a hushed murmur of conversation, both men and women were engrossed in their discussions, their expressions serious and focused. When their gazes landed on the queen, their faces transformed, displaying reverence and admiration. With synchronized movements, they rose from their seats, bowing respectfully to honour her presence. The queen gracefully took her designated place, gesturing for me to sit beside her. I eagerly complied, seeking solace in her unwavering support. To my right, Stanley settled himself.Linda and Peter, seated across from me, beamed with warmth and reassurance, their smiles lifting my mood. Their presence offered a glimmer of happiness, easing the tension that had gripped my heart.As I settled into my seat, my gaze shifted between the ministers, their expressions and demeanours unveiling a mix of seriousness, curiosity, and expectation. The weight of their attention bore down on me, magnifying my nervousness. I felt their scrutinizing eyes, silently evaluating me as they anticipated my contribution to their important discussions.My mind raced with self-doubt. But I reminded myself to breathe, to trust the queen, and to draw strength from my powers."Are you okay, Kristen?" Linda's concern reached my ears, and I mustered a tight smile in response. The wounds from her decision to leave John and Lyn behind were still fresh, and forgiveness had yet to find its way into my heart. Stanley's gentle squeeze on my hand beneath the table offered me a silent reassurance as if he sensed the inner turmoil consuming me. Linda, catching sight of my expression, wisely chose not to press further.The room fell into a momentary silence as the queen's commanding voice cut through the air, capturing everyone's attention. She began the introduction, her words resonating with a mix of authority and intrigue."Allow me to introduce you to Ms. Kristen, the daughter of Sir Louis and Evanora." Gasps rippled through the gathered individuals, their reactions ranging from shock to surprise. Whispers filled the air, spreading like wildfire among the astonished onlookers."I can't believe it," a man seated next to Peter exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Evanora and her daughter perished during the war. How is this possible?" His incredulity hung heavy in the room, all eyes turning to me as if seeking confirmation of this seemingly impossible revelation.Inside, my emotions roiled, anger mingling with nervousness. The old man's words stung, and the urge to defend my existence surged within me. However, the weight of the moment and the overwhelming presence of those around me silenced my voice, rendering me unable to articulate my thoughts.Though my lips remained sealed, the anger in my eyes spoke volumes.I am alive and sitting right in front of you, old man. I wanted to say that but was too nervous to speak.Silence hung heavy in the room as the queen's voice resonated with an authoritarian tone, drawing everyone's undivided attention. The weight of her words settled upon the gathered individuals, eliciting a sense of shared tragedy and resilience."As you all know, our race was nearly eliminated during the war. At that time, Kristen was an infant," the queen began, her voice tinged with sorrow and remembrance. A collective hush fell over the room as the gravity of the past events became palpable."The fallen witches, in an act of sacrifice, bestowed their powers upon Kristen, unaware of the potential danger it posed to such a young girl. To safeguard her from this overwhelming force, her mother, Evanora, made the difficult decision to seal her powers and send her to the realm of humans for protection," the queen continued, her words carrying a sense of vulnerability.Linda's gaze met mine; her eyes were filled with love and the weight of responsibility she had borne in protecting me throughout the years. The lines of worry etched on her face spoke volumes about the sacrifices she had made to keep me safe.As the queen's words continued, a murmur of astonishment and empathy rippled through the room. The tragic tale of a young child burdened with immense power and forced into a life of secrecy stirred emotions among the people in the room. Some faces displayed a mix of sympathy and awe. Linda was looking after her and protecting her all this time until the vampires learned about her and were captured. Edmond wanted to turn Kristen against us and is now plotting another war. We saved her and brought her back." The queen informed.They all looked at each other, and one of the other ministers spoke beside Stanley."We are aware of their plot and have increased security at each border. They cannot penetrate or locate us." A collective tension filled the room as the minister's words hung in the air. Eyes darted between one another, exchanging glances laced with concern."But Edmond also has witches on his side, and even though they betrayed their own kind and joined hands with him, we have no idea what kind of powers they possess, and they will try everything to evade us." He said it casually like it was nothing."But why did they abduct Kristen? How did they find out about her?" A female with white hair in her 50s asked the Queen."We don't know how, but Edmond knew that she was powerful and made her unlock her powers with Linda's help. She went to them as an ally to protect Kristen and save her.""Were you able to find out how he knew about Kristen?" The queen asked Linda, and everyone's eyes were on her. "I don't know the exact source of Edmond's knowledge," Linda began, her voice carrying a tinge of frustration. "But it is clear that he possessed information about Kristen's powers and her significance in the balance of our world."I heard from other witches that a witch is having a major hand in helping him apart from me, but I couldn't find out her whereabouts. But now that they feel like I betrayed him, he will send her to find me and Kristen. I will take care of it." She said."I have promised my best friend to take care of her daughter, and I will protect her at any cost or die trying." She said that, looking at me. I stayed quiet as a tear fell from my eyes as I looked at her."Aunt Linda, you've done so much for me already. I've lost too many people, and I don't know if I can bear losing more. If the vampires want war, let them come. I won't be afraid of them. I trust in my powers and my people. There must be a reason why the elders passed their powers to me, and I won't let them go to waste by hiding. If they become a threat to my people, I'll fight them with all I have!" I said with a tone full of power. My frustration boiled over as William's face flashed through my mind. In my anger, my hands burst into flames, unintentionally setting the table on fire. My powers felt like a part of me, connected to my emotions. It could sense what I felt, and when I grew angry, it manifested, but it also helped me gain control.Everyone around me stood up and instinctively took a step back from the blazing table. Their expressions held a mix of shock and awe, captivated by the display of power before them. Yet, there was no judgment in their eyes. Instead, they seemed amazed and intrigued by the force that resided within me. Stanley, sensing my inner turmoil, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, gently turning me to face him."Kristen, please calm down," Stanley's voice carried a soothing tone, and the worry in his eyes instantly eased my racing emotions. As his words reached me, the flames obediently extinguished, leaving behind a silence that enveloped the room. All eyes remained fixed on me, waiting for the tension to subside."I'm sorry," I managed to say, my voice trembling with residual adrenaline. Taking a shaky breath, I offered an apology for inadvertently setting the table on fire.The man who had spoken earlier, resembling a character from Harry Potter with his aged appearance, caught my attention once again. His features spoke of wisdom and experience, with brown eyes and hair now touched by strands of grey. He came up to me and fixed his eyes on mine and only for a split second did a flare of amusement shine in his dark red eyes. A laugh escaped him as he embraced me tightly."Like mother, like daughter," he said, his voice filled with affection and amusement. "The words you just spoke echoed your mother, Evanora. It's as if I saw her once more. It has only been a day since you arrived, yet you already address us as your people. I couldn't be prouder of you. Welcome back home."In his dark brown eyes, I glimpsed genuine happiness—a joy that resonated from deep within. His embrace conveyed a sense of acceptance and belonging, enfolding me in a warmth that reached beyond the physical.With wide, nervous eyes, I observed as everyone slowly approached me, their smiles beaming with warmth and acceptance. Standing before me, they expressed their initial doubts about me, having heard of my upbringing in the human world. "We were not sure about you when we heard that you were raised in the human world, but what you said just now proved us wrong. You did not fail to recognize your people, and you didn't hesitate before pledging to fight for us. For that, you have our respect, and we accept you as one of us. We are your family, and we all pledge to return your kindness by extending our protection to you. Another man said with dark eyes and pale skin close to porcelain and he looked like he was in his 50s. He stood proudly beside me.A wave of emotion filled me from the inside, mingling with a genuine smile for them. They assured me that I had their full support, accepting me as one of their own.My gaze flickered towards the Queen, who nodded in approval, radiating a sense of pride.I thanked each of them for embracing me as a part of their family.The man who said I reminded him of my mother introduced himself as Aron and asked me to call Grandpa which I accepted gladly. The other man who spoke after him was called Theo and then the beautiful ladies who looked just a few years older than me were called Jasmin, Terra and Amrin. The queen came toward our small group and spoke."You all know who she is now. I expect her to be treated with respect and loyalty which she already gained from all of you." Her voice was strong and rang throughout the room with authority. They all placed their hand on their heart and spoke in unison."We accept Kristen as one of us, and we shall do everything in our power to protect her.""Kristen did not get enough time to know about herself and learn about her powers fully. I want you to train her and teach her more about controlling her powers." She said that, and the group of girls nodded with smiles."I have some important matters to discuss with them," the queen informed me, her voice filled with gentle reassurance as she lovingly stroked my hair. In her presence, she felt like a grandmother to me, and a deep affection had already blossomed within my heart."Stanley will take you back to your room. You must rest and put your worries aside," she continued, her concern evident in her words. With a comforting smile, I nodded in understanding."Thank you all for the warm welcome," I expressed with genuine politeness to the assembled group. Turning my attention to Terra, I offered a smile when she said she would meet me the next day. Taking my hand in his, Stanley guided me out of the room, his presence a soothing anchor in the midst of the swirling emotions that had unfolded within me. As we departed, I couldn't help but look forward to the days to come, filled with new encounters.Stanley held the door open for me to walk inside and stood by the door. He just stood there and looked at me like he didn't want to leave yet, and I felt the same but couldn't bring myself to ask him to stay."Rest well, Kristen. I will see you tomorrow." He said."I am not tired. Can we talk for some time if you don't mind?" I asked him hesitantly.He smiled and walked inside, closing the door behind him. We took a seat at the coffee table, and I just stared at him. He reached over, grabbed the glass tea kettle, and poured tea into my cup, having a firm hold on the lid so it wouldn't fall off. I thanked him as he set the kettle back down on the table."What's wrong, Kristen?" He asked in a concerned tone. "I want to ask you something, but I am not sure how to ask it in the right way," I said and picked up my cup, letting it warm my hands before taking a sip."I'm your mate, Kristen. There's nothing you can't ask me," he said. He made it sound so simple. "Alright, then." If he said I could ask him anything, then I was going to take it literally and ask the question that had been bugging my head for a long time. "Earlier, when I met the Queen, she mentioned that you were imprisoned by Edmond. William said his mother was killed, and they wanted revenge against witches.What really happened? And why are they trying to fight against Queen Irna? I want to know the truth, and why am I involved in all of these?" I asked softly when I saw him stiffen from my questions.He stopped sipping the tea and looked at me with suddenly glowing blue eyes. Something I noticed they did naturally whenever he was feeling emotional. After he drank his sip, he wiped the corners of his mouth and sighed. "If it's too much for you, then there is no need to answer," I said calmly. His shoulders were so stiff that they strained against the fabric of his clothes.He paused for a moment, his blue eyes flickering at mine in uncertainty, before glancing away."No, it's fine. You have the right to know." He said, his eyes downcast looking distant as if reliving his past. I placed my hands on his and squeezed lightly. I wanted to show him that I was there for him and that he could trust me. He gave me a tight smile before starting.