Chapter 10. The witches

I am so sorry for not updating for so long. I hope you guys can forgive me and keep on reading.

.....

It's been two months since the incident and Grace has not once tried to leave the house, afraid of what might happen. She decided to train harder so she can fight back when faced with such situations next time.

She's currently sitting at the dining table eating with the others when she heard Joseph sending Stave on an errand in the city.

"Steve, I want you to drop off something at the cafe when you're done with your meal".

"Okay," Steve replied him.

"And you can take Grace along with you".

Grace was surprised by what he said. She asked him again just to confirm what she just heard.

"You mean I can go with him?".

"Yes" came his short reply.

"Why?" Grace was surprised by his sudden change of mind.

"You don't want to?" Joseph asked her with a confused expression.

"No...no... I would love to" Grace said abruptly. "At least I won't be all by myself" she whispered to herself.

After breakfast, Grace quickly got ready and ran downstairs to meet Stave who was already waiting for her.

"Shall we?" Stave asked her.

"Yes". She followed him outside and there was already a car at the front of the house. Grace was surprised to see Steve get into the driver's seat. So turned around and entered the passenger side.

"I didn't know you can drive," she said teasingly to him.

"Do you think I'm nothing without my cute face and sword?" Stave asked her raising his brows.

" I didn't mean it that way. It's just that...." Grace was unable to finish her sentence because of the sudden movement of the car.

"Hey! Can you drive carefully" Grace shouted at him?

"Oh I was just getting started," he said with a smile.

"Gosh, he's so charming when he smiles". Grace thought to herself while blushing.

"So.. where are we going?"

"We are going to meet an old friend of Joseph to drop a message"

"Huh! I never knew he was the type to make friends " Grace chuckled.

"Surprising right?"

"Yeah " Grace replied and they both laughed.

They've both grown close to each within these past few months. Grace would always talk to him about many things and even jerk around sometimes.

A few minutes later, they got into the city. Grace was distracted by the beauty of the city. She was not able to see much the last time she came out because of the time. But now she can see everything. The tall buildings, playgrounds, and some other attractive views. Grace just loves the feeling of being out here and seeing a lot of people on the street going about their daily routines.

"It's amazing right?". Grace heard Stave's voice.

"Yes, it is " She replied with a big smile.

"Sometimes, beauty is not everything, " Stave said to her.

"What do you mean by that?"

"There are some dangerous creatures that move around in the city, living amongst humans. Waiting for the night to come so they can carry on with their deeds". Stave explained. At that moment, the incident that happened that night flashed through Grace's mind. She shivered just thinking about it.

"So... demons, they look like humans?" Grace asked him.

"Well that's what they want you to believe. But that's not their true form. And sometimes they can possess humans making it difficult to track them".

"Can they hide their true form from a guardian?"

"No" came his short reply.

"But, who or what can make a demon tremble in fear?"

"Oh! We are here" he exclaims without answering her questions.

They both came out of the car and Stave opened the backseat door and took out the package before turning to Grace.

"Let's go"

"Hmmm, okay," Grace replied hesitantly. She looked around the place and saw a sign hung up at the top of the cafe that says "Barry's Cafe". "I guess that's his friend's name?" Grace asked Stave.

"Yes. Now let's go "

The cafe was nicely decorated with a few tables and some customers around. Grace wondered how witches are since Joseph is the only witch she has met. But then someone suddenly blocked their way. Grace looked up and saw a guy in his twenties standing in front of them with green eyes.

"This is not a place for guardians so go back to where you belong if, on less you want a fight," the said with a disgusted look. Grace got angry and was about to retaliate when she heard a voice behind the guy.

"Let them through, they are with me," the man said.

"But..." The guy blocking them tried to refute.

"It's an order".

"Okay, sir" the guy finally gave up and step aside. "I'm sorry for the disturb," the other man said walking towards them.

"It's okay" Stave replied him.

"Please follow me" he led the way and they both followed behind him. There was a door at the side of the counter, he opened it and the trio entered one after the other.

The inside of the room, our old furniture gives off a wired vibe. a man was sitting there about Joseph's age drinking coffee. The first thought that came to Grace's mind was.

"That's him? Joseph's friend?"

"Come, you must be tired from your journey," the man said to them Cheerfully. " have a seat".

They both sat opposite him. Stave was uncomfortable being in their den. "Mr. Malcolm, Joseph asked us to give this to you". Stave then brought out the box and handed it over to him.

"let's see what we have here" Malcolm opened it and saw two black Pearls in the box and a letter attached to it. Malcolm read the letter and then motion Grace to sit in front of him.

Grace was baffled but still went to him.

"take my hand," Malcolm said reaching out to her. Grace looks back at Stave to get his consent. Seeing that he did not object, Grace took his hand.

"I need you to close your eyes and clear your mind".

Grace did as she was told and took a deep breath. The next thing she knew was finding herself in deep darkness alone. Grace looked around her but couldn't see anything.

"Hello" Grace called out but there was no response.