Màu nền Màu tối Mặc định Xám nhạt Xanh nhạt Xanh đậm Vàng nhạt Màu sepia Vàng đậm Vàng ố

Font chữ: Palatino Linotype Bookerly Segoe UI Patrick Hand Times New Roman Verdana Tahoma Arial

Chiều cao dòng: 100 120 140 160 180 200

Kích cỡ chữ:

Thank you for 18K followers! I am shook! Thank youuu!

And also thank you for SO MUCH all the love on the last A/N. I really appreciate you all being so understanding of my circumstances.  

Dedicated to AwesomeJesus for the amazing support and love! Means the world to me hon!

A huge shoutout to Dreamzangel21 for being the best supporter and biggest fan-girl of my work. I love you!

Picture of the Luna of Intercession above! (Emma Stone as Megan Regalia)

PLEASE COMMENT LOTS ON THIS CHAPTER DARLINGS. I REALLY NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

This chapter is unedited so please excuse the grammatical errors. Enjoy!

____

Megan's POV

"Go"

"You have to go now honey..."

"I promise...I won't let them hurt you..."

"I promise I'll protect you..."

"And I'll always watch over you..."

"So please...stay strong baby..."

"...You will forgive me..."

.

.

.

"Won't you...Meggie?"

"Mom!"

I awoke with a start, gasping for breath. My heart was pounding against my chest so hard that it was actually a little painful, and I could feel my hands trembling. My entire body was drenched in a layer of cold sweat and I could still feel chills running down my spine. I always ended up like this every time I had that dream.

Even though its been 10 years already...

I blinked, trying to get my vision to clear as I searched my unfamiliar surroundings, almost panicking a little before realizing where I was. I then closed my eyes again and took a few deep breaths, placing a hand over my chest.

Calm down Megan...Calm down...

I took a few seconds to compose myself before opening my eyes and turning my head towards the window to the left of my bed. The curtains were drawn but I could tell that it was already bright out. It was morning.

Licking my lips, I swallowed hard. My throat felt completely dry and I wondered if I had cried in my sleep. It had been a while since I had had that dream...

I sighed tiredly, rubbing my eyes. My body still felt very sore, even though this was already the third day since I had teleported to Dublin. But at least I was getting better, thanks to the special medicine my friend was giving me. If it wasn't for her...I might have been dead by now...

I looked around the dark room wondering what time it was. There was no clock in this little cottage of hers, and I had forgotten my watch back in my room at the Annual Games, so there was no way for me to tell.

Either way, I knew it was morning and I needed to get up and eat something or I'd never regain my strength. And I needed to. I needed to, fast.

Because I couldn't stay here much longer. I couldn't risk putting my friend in danger. She had already done a lot for me and being around me would only make life harder for her.

I needed to get better quickly and leave.

I struggled to sit up, all my joints screaming in protest when I tried to move. I groaned as I sat up, before leaning tiredly against my pillow. This wasn't good. I was still very much exhausted even though I'd been in bed for two whole days.

I had started feeling much better yesterday. Especially when I saw Suzzanah through my Shadow form in this cottage and her eyes suddenly shot to mine, I was so shocked that I almost felt rejuvenated.

But shortly after I had been left completely drained again because we'd had to move the cottage to a different part of the woods using my teleportation magic. Still, it couldn't be helped. We couldn't afford to stay in the same place. We had been discovered!

Suzzanah...

I still remembered the look of absolute shock on her face yesterday before my friend Gaia had teleported her away. But then, I was probably just as baffled as she had been, if not more. With the amount of effort Gaia had put into making sure that I wouldn't be discovered, I couldn't believe that Suzzanah had actually found me.

But Gaia had briefly forgotten to put up the protective cover that kept the cottage from being easily discovered, so it was understandable that Suzzanah had found it.

But what had she been doing so deep in the woods all alone?

When I thought about that, I felt worry well up inside of me involuntarily. I couldn't help it, because no matter how much I tried to ignore it, I was fond of Suzzanah. I had spent only a few days with her at the Games, but I could tell that she was a good person and I didn't want any harm to come to her.

I didn't know how or why but Suzzanah...was different from the others. I had been forced to read her mind a few times during the Games in order to learn their motives and protect my identity, but whenever I had, her thoughts had always been pure and sincere, just like her.

I had noticed that she always tried to put herself in the others person's shoes before judging them. She tried to understand them and accept them for who they were.

And me...for who I was, even when no one else was willing to.

No one...

"Megan, you're talking about everyone else not accepting you...when you haven't even accepted yourself yet"

Not even myself.

She was right. Of course she was right. I hadn't accepted my powers, my abilities, my fate. I didn't want it. I didn't want any of it. And Suzzanah had read me like a book.

A wry smile made its way to my lips at the thought of her. Suzzanah Winters...she really was a unusual human. Special. She had the ability to look right through the strong facades of people, and see them for who they really were, with all their weaknesses and fears.

In a way, she was even more formidable than the Supernaturals.

And even though seeing her in this cottage yesterday so suddenly had taken me completely by surprise, I couldn't help but admit...

That of all the people...I was happy it was her...

I'd rather be found by her than by anyone else.

Gaia had apologized to me profusely afterwards for her mistake which had led to us being discovered, but it wasn't her fault. I was already asking too much of her just by being here. I hated being a burden on her, but I was helpless. I had to ask for her assistance. I had nowhere to go.

Suddenly I felt like the young Megan from 10 years ago all over again- powerless, frightened and all alone as I ran for my life. And even then, Gaia and her mother were the only ones willing to take me in and care for me before my foster parents adopted me.

Even though a decade had passed since that day, I was still a mess. I was still causing trouble for everyone around me. I was still dangerous to those whom I loved.

I was still...guilty...

I shook my head, trying to keep the painful memories from my past from resurfacing. I didn't have time to wallow in self pity. Right now I needed to pull myself together and work on regaining my strength so that I could leave as soon as possible.

My gaze fell to the tray that was sitting on the make-shift table on my bedside made of a giant stack of wooden logs. It contained a jar of water, one empty glass and one lid-covered glass filled with a green liquid alongside a small note that read 'Drink me'.

I smiled at Gaia's antics. It was a miracle how she managed to bring a smile to my face even in such dire times. Albeit, that didn't keep me from dreading the idea of drinking this little healing potion of hers. It smelt like rotten vegetables and tasted like dirt. But I didn't blame Gaia for that though. I could understand its revolting nature, it was medicine after all.

Gaia had been giving it to me everyday ever since I had arrived here, and even though I hated it, I had to admit it worked like a charm!

She prepared it from an extremely rare and potent medicinal herb called the 'Sana Aurora' which she had grown herself using magic. In the years that we had been away from each other, she had gotten incredibly good at performing plant-based magic. I was really happy for her. This was what she had always wanted after all.

And I couldn't risk attracting danger towards her because of my predicament. I was already worried that the werewolves were pinning her down as a threat. She had used her spell on Suzzanah yesterday before I had had the chance to stop her. Thankfully it had only been a teleportation spell and not anything else that could have harmed her, but that might have been enough to make the werewolves wary of her.

And I was afraid that she would end up getting hurt...because of me.

Not that.

Anything but that.

Taking the lid off the glass, I held my breath and gulped down the green liquid in one go. It tasted so vile that I almost gagged but then forced myself to keep it down. Slamming the glass onto the log-table, I cringed and shivered in distaste.

Disgusting!

But it was helping me get better, and that was all that mattered. I quickly poured water from the jar into the empty glass and gulped it down too, trying to get rid of the horrid taste in my mouth before putting it aside and flumping back onto my pillow.

I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was sleep, but my nightmares and fears about being discovered kept me from being able to do so peacefully. Besides which I also felt extremely dirty and sweaty. I had been brushing my teeth but due to my bed-ridden state, I hadn't been able to bathe these past two days and my uncleanliness was getting to me. I really needed to wash myself.

The problem was that Gaia's cottage didn't have a bathroom. She only used this place to practice her magical pursuits so she didn't have anything electronic or particularly modern here. She gathered water from the streams in the woods and kept them in the kitchen for when we needed it.

Although she had told me to take it easy and not push myself, I was sticky and stank of sweat. I really needed to wash up or I wouldn't be able to get any sleep.

Gathering my strength, I managed to dangle my legs off the side of the bed before slowly getting up on my feet. After two days of being confined to bed, my legs felt weak and almost gave in underneath me, but I grabbed onto headboard to keep myself from collapsing onto the floor.

I closed my eyes, hating how weak I had become. At this rate I would become a huge liability to Gaia.

Pull yourself together Megan!

I knew that in a few minutes, the medicine would start to take effect and I would be better. With that in mind, I took a few deep breaths- through my mouth and not my nose to avoid smelling my body odor- and pushed myself up again.

A heavy spell of dizziness hit me immediately but I leaned against the wall and waited for it to subside before slowly making my way towards the door. It took me what I imagined could have been a good 5-10 minutes just to make my way out of the tiny bedroom and down one short flight of stairs to the kitchen, but by the time I was downstairs, I was feeling much better. The medicine had begun to take effect.

Everything downstairs was a mess of scattered papers and books, jammed furniture and stacks of weeds and vegetables sticking out of baskets that hung in random places from the ceiling, everywhere in the tiny room.

I had lost count of how many times over the years I had walked right into those darned wicker danglers and then spent days picking out the remainders of their leafy-green contents from my hair and clothes.

But no matter how much I begged Gaia to just store all her plant-life in the shelves, she refused to do so, saying that she found them much easier to find when they were hanging around her all the time.

I frowned at the mess around me and resisted the urge to clean, simply because I knew I barely had the strength to clean myself, let alone this disorderly abode. Taking small steps, I made my way into the kitchen towards the large earthen-pots in which she stored water.

I removed the lids covering the earthen pots and to my dismay, two of them were empty and the third one had just enough water to fill one glass, maybe two. Gaia must not have found the time to fill them up before she left this morning. The poor thing was overworked as it is even without me in the picture, and normally the jar of water she had left next to my bed upstairs would have been enough for me till she returned home this evening, but today...

I sighed before pouring the water from that pot into a glass and grabbing my toothbrush and paste from the shelf overhead before cautiously walking out of the back door to the small enclosed wash area behind the cottage.

Thankfully I had enough water to brush my teeth and wash my face. When I was done, I turned to look into the woods. There was a stream not far from here where Gaia usually went to draw the water. She had made sure to encase this entire area in a protective cover that camouflaged our presence so going out wouldn't be too dangerous, but one could never be too careful.

Especially one in my position.

Deciding that my bath was not worth risking my being discovered, I began my dejected walk back into the house and upstairs when my gaze flitted towards Gaia's disorderly study. Gaia had said that Suzzanah had come in through a window in that room yesterday.

Nervously I made my way into the study and looked around. Lots of papers and books lay in stacks and scattered everywhere which made it hard to walk around the room without stepping on them. After making sure that all the windows were tightly closed, I was about to turn around when my eyes fell to the potted-plant left on the window-sill.

The Sana Aurora

My eyes immediately widened in alarm at the sight of the cracked and hard soil in which it was planted. Its stem looked dry and even its leaves were beginning to shrivel and crumble.

Oh no!

I hurriedly picked it up, removing the plant from the sunlight and bringing it to the table where it was cooler. Gaia usually left the plant by my bedside before she left, but today she had obviously forgotten a lot of things in her hurry. She had left it in the sun for too long, and she must have forgotten to water it because of all the commotion yesterday! My fingers grazed the dry leaves and I gasped when one of the leaves broke off and fell away from the plant.

This isn't good. The Sana Aurora is wilting!

Turning around, I rushed upstairs as quickly as I could, ignoring my dizzy spells. I couldn't let that plant die, it was too important to Gaia. Grabbing the jar of water beside my bed, I hurried back downstairs and poured it to the plant. I watched worriedly as the dry soil soaked up the water like a sponge and within seconds, it was like I had never poured any water into it at all.

I licked my dry lips, hoping it had done at least some good and much to my relief, the dry leaves soon began to gain color and look healthy again. The stem too seemed hydrated and I let out a heavy sigh.

That was close!

Still breathing heavy from having run up and down the stairs, I wiped my brow. Great! More sweat, I thought in annoyance as I continued to stare at the plant. The plant looked alright now but its soil still looked parched.

The Sana Aurora was an extremely powerful medicinal herb, and very hard to find. It was essentially a plant that grew underwater yet close to the surface where it could receive sunlight, but a species or two could survive on land provided that it received enough water.

The herb was said to contain magical properties that could cure many ailments and even grave injuries over time, provided there was enough of it. It was also said to help strengthen a person's soul, whenever it was weakened in any way.

Gaia had spent nearly a decade of her life learning how to grow it, and had finally managed to do so last year. Ever since then she had watered it religiously every day, as though it were a member of her family. She had never let it dry out because it held great sentimental value for her.

The only problem was that because it was such a potent plant, it also required a lot of care, and it wilted very easily. It needed to be sufficiently watered every few hours which was why Gaia usually left it by the stream when she went out, but because I needed it right now, she had been leaving it at my bedside for the past two days.

She didn't let it show, but if she had forgotten to water the Sana Aurora then Gaia was really stressed out. The pressure of having one of the most powerful Supernatural species' on our tail must have been getting to her, but she hadn't said a word.

And at this rate the Sana Aurora wouldn't last till she got back.

I sighed again, tying my hair up in a bun as I made my way up the stairs a second time to grab a change of clothes. Guess I was taking this risk after all.

___________

As I walked through the thick woods with my clothes in one hand the Sana Aurora in the other, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. It took me just a few minutes to reach the stream where Gaia collected water from everyday, but it had felt like much longer because every step of the way, I had had my guard up as I watched to make sure that the coast was clear.

With all my senses on high alert, I searched my surroundings, even using some of my magic to sense if anyone was nearby. But the minute I did, I immediately felt exhaustion wash over me and I breathed deeply, trying to keep my vision from blurring.

Once I was sure no one was around, I set the plant into the stream, wedging the pot against a rock so that it wouldn't move. I sprinkled water onto the stem and leaves too, making sure not to miss a spot. I would have preferred to bring one of the large earthen pots to fill up too, but they were heavy and I knew I didn't have the strength to carry them back.

A short distance away there was a small pond into which all the water from different streams drained. Breathing raggedly, I quietly made my way towards it. I could feel my heart hammering against my chest in anxiety, as though I were in the middle of trying to steal something or commit a grave crime, and it made a bitterness seep into me.

So this is what it has come to...

I can't even breathe without the fear of being found anymore...

Once I was certain that there was no one around for a good distance, I warily removed my clothes and sunk into the cold water of the pond. At first I felt like I would freeze but after giving it a few seconds, I started to feel better. Despite the obvious threat, it felt good to be outside again.

Honestly there was a moment when I had been afraid that if I spent one more second cooped up in that tiny room, I would lose my sanity. Because all I could think about laying in bed was everything that was going wrong with my life.

All I wanted was to live my life in peace, as a normal human, rid of the cursed abilities that had brought me nothing but misfortune all my life. And now, I was nothing short of an endangered animal being hunted wherever I went, for these very powers!

I felt a sting in my chest as helplessness began to wash over me, but I quickly composed myself and concentrated on washing my skin clean. I didn't have any soap but I had taken some of the scented herbs Gaia had said were good for the skin and soreness of limbs from her hanging baskets before I had left.

Using them, I scrubbed my arms and legs, all the while making sure to stay behind the cover of large leaves and shrubs around the pond. I knew that Gaia's protective cover was still up, and although it was a huge comfort, I still didn't feel completely safe to be honest. Especially not when there were people like him on their side.

The Alpha of Mazes

The Alpha of Mazes was renowned amongst the Supernaturals all over the world for his inescapable mazes and unbreakable defenses. Not only was he the master of illusions and creating protective shields, he was also known to have an impeccable eye for barriers or illusions created by others in order to camouflage or conceal their presences.

And also, a great talent in destroying them.

My stay at the Annual Games really had been a 'Game' in the truest sense. A game to see how long I could manage to avoid his mazes. Initially it hadn't been so bad, but once they had their eye on me, I was literally playing cat and mouse with him. I had to watch my every step before taking it lest I mess up and fall into his trap.

The treasure hunt had been my biggest struggle. It was only thanks to Suzzanah that I had made it through without being discovered. Whenever there was a maze around me, she was thinking about it and exactly what the maze was supposed to show me if I was the Luna of Intercession.

And of course I had seen it all, but because I had read her mind every step of the way, I had known that they were all just illusions and I had but to act natural and they wouldn't find out the truth.

That had been until we got to that chalk mark on the tree towards the end of the hunt. I had been reading Suzzanah's mind to find out whether or not that chalk mark was incorporated in their plan somehow but her thoughts had suddenly taken a different turn and I had been unable to find out whether or not I was supposed to be able to see the chalk mark.

And I had touched it.

That had been the beginning of the end for me.

Marco Ronaldo, aka the Alpha of Mazes was the one I was afraid of most right now. Back then I had at least had the ability to read minds to stay on guard, but in my weakened state, even doing that was difficult for me.

If only they left me alone...

If only they understood my reasons...

My desperation!

I covered my face with my hand, trying to hold back tears. Why didn't they understand? I didn't mean them any harm. I just wanted to live my life...and get it over with. I wouldn't ever get in their way or cause them trouble. So why couldn't they just let me be?

Pain and helplessness welled up inside me. Why was this happening to me? What had I ever done to them? To any of them. What had I done to validate being orphaned? What had my parents done to deserve being killed? Why was fate so cruel?

Why...

My eyes burned with unshed tears and I quickly shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This was not the time! I sniffed and threw some water on my face before quickly getting out of the pond, drying and dressing myself. Then I hurried to the stream where I had left the Sana Aurora.

I had only left it in the water for about 6-7 minutes but it was already looking much healthier. Even though it was essentially an underwater plant, this variety had the ability to store water for when there was none around, like desert plants often did.

Gaia had once told me that when it had sufficient water to last it a few days, the tip of the stem shone like an emerald. When I got back to the stream, the tip of Sana Aurora's stem had already started to glisten a deep stony green and it seemed to just need a few minutes longer.

Searching my surroundings, I cautiously seated myself down by the tree next to the stream. I was still anxious about being found but the bath had helped calm me down a little. Raising my head, I looked up at the sky, or whatever I could see of it through the thick canopies of the trees around me. I didn't know the time but I guessed it was quite late in the morning.

The sky was cloudy today, but it wasn't raining like it had been last night. It seemed to me that the weather was rather unstable nowadays, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was natural.

Probably not...

Pulling my knees to my chest, I sat hugging myself tightly. My eyes felt heavy and I could feel the exhaustion from earlier returning with a vengeance. I wanted to sleep.

Just a few more seconds...

Seconds. Minutes. Days. Time.

Time was what I had a lot of nowadays.

Time to think.

And time to over-think.

It was all I could do.

Nothing was certain anymore. Not my present, nor my future. Not my powers or my identity. Not even my life.

All I knew was that I had to run. I had to run again, for as long as I could, not because I wanted to live a life like this. But because I couldn't die. For the sake of those who loved me, I couldn't die. I owed it to them to live, after everything they had done to keep me alive.

I owed it to them...after they had given their lives for mine.

Mom...dad...

I'm sorry...

I closed my eyes, trying hard to fight the painful memories, but there were some battles I knew I could never win. And they came flooding in like a mighty wave I couldn't hold back, and drenched everything in the sorrow I had thought I had managed to seal away.

"Meg, I'll be back tonight with some nice things to eat. So be a good girl and help your mom with the chores okay?"

"Okay Dad"

"That's my girl"

I loved it when he said that, his words had always been filled with love and warmth. His face was so clear in my mind. That radiant smile. Those kind eyes.

My dad...he was such a good man. Gentle and caring; he would never hurt anyone. So why did they call him a threat? Why did they tell him to leave? All he wanted to do was live with his family in peace! So why did they...

Why did they have to...

My fists clenched as the answer rang in my mind.

Because he was a Shadower

It was because he was a Shadower. Four years before the day it all happened, the Shadow King and his people had brutally murdered the Werewolf Royal family, because of which both clans had turned into sworn enemies. And because the Werewolf Queen had been a much beloved witch, the Wizardry clan had sided with the Werewolves and chosen to take the Shadow People as their foes too.

Even before the feud broke out, Werewolves had never been mated to Shadow People before and Shadowers didn't interact as much with the Wizardry Clan as they did with the Faery, so not much damage came of the break in their alliance and friends, or so they thought.

But what about families like mine? My father and mother had married for love. They had been together for 8 years before they married and had me. They were everything to each other! So how could they expect my father to just leave us behind and return to the Shadow Kingdom? How could they ask my mother to break off their marriage and side with the Witches?

We even agreed to live in Neutral territory, away from them all so that the Shadow People couldn't use my father's Shadow to infiltrate their territory. We promised to never interfere with either side ever again. And they agreed!

So why...why did they have to show up 4 years later and destroy everything?

Why...

Why did they have to tear my family apart...

My eyes stung, and I clenched my jaw, trying to keep myself from breaking into sobs as another vivid memory flashed in my mind.

"Mom? Mom, what's going on? Where are we going?!"

"We can't talk right now Meggie. We have to go right now!"

"But why? Why are we leaving so suddenly? And where is dad?"

The look on her face when I asked that question was still fresh in my mind, even after all these years. The pain, the despair, the agony and the striking lack of tears as she had said,

"You father...won't be coming...Meggie..."

My chest burned in recollection, throat constricting as a lump formed inside it. My fingers dug into my legs and I tried in vain to keep it together.

He was dead.

My father was dead.

They had killed him.

And I never got to say goodbye...

I clutched my chest, breathing heavily. I didn't want to think about the past. I didn't want to remember! But it was like there was nothing I could do. Because the seal had been broken, and there was nothing holding the pain back anymore as yet another memory from my past bombarded my mind.

"Run Meggie! Run!"

"MOM!"

The scene played out so clearly before my eyes that it was like it were happening all over again. I remembered how my mother had fought that day. With the power of a witch, the honor of a Regalia and the rage of a wife.

She had told me that the witches who had come for us were ones who had never approved of her marriage to my father, even before war had broken out, because they had wanted her to marry into their family instead.

The Scarzler Coven

It was a clan that had once been as renowned as the Regalias, but then had turned to the dark arts and had lost their standing in the Realms of Magic.

My mother had been the last of the prestigious Regalia Family and everyone wanted to know the secrets to our power, especially the Scarzler Coven who were desperate to regain power in the Realms of Magic again.

When my parents had implored to the Elders at the League of Magic to let us live faraway where we wouldn't be a hindrance to anyone, they had agreed and they had promised that no harm would come to us as long as we kept our word and didn't interfere with either side.

But without the League's knowledge the Scarzler Coven had come to retrieve my mother and me. And when we refused, they killed my father and tried to take us by force.

How could they have been so cruel...?

All we wanted to do was be together...forever...

As a family...

But...

"Meggie! What's happening baby?"

"Mom! I don't know! This power, what is it?!"

I remembered the first time I had manifested those cursed powers. The very ones that the Werewolves were after now. The powers of the Luna of Intercession.

"I can't stop them! Mom! Help me!"

"MEGAN!"

Everything had ended that day. My life as I had known it, had come to an end. My home was destroyed. My father was dead. And my mother was fighting with her life on the line just to protect me.

And I...

"Meggie, you have to run away baby. You have to leave here at once!"

"No! I can't leave you here Mom!"

"Please Meg, go!"

If only I had listened to her that day...

If only...

"Come here little girl...Come to me..."

I cringed as I recalled that man's horrid grin as he had tried to beckon me over to them. He was a dark wizard belonging to the Scarzler Coven and for as long as I could remember, he had been obsessed with the idea of having a Regalia for himself.

"Come now...if you come with me like a good girl no one will need to get hurt. But if you refuse...there will be consequences"

The darkness in those eyes of his still haunted me to this day. His twisted smile, his crooked features and the way his disgusting arachnoid fingers had reached for me.

"Lisa! If you will not join our clan then we will take your child instead. We can see it now, she bears all the Regalia powers that you do!"

"Don't you dare! You will not have my child!"

The anger in my mother's voice had sent chills down my spine. I had never seen her that furious in my entire life. And I had never seen a battle as fierce as the one she had fought that day. Enemy after enemy she defeated single-handed, and everyone was in awe of her power. They cowered at her feet, before that one fatal mistake destroyed everything.

"AH! So this is the power of a Regalia! How glorious!"

"No! But how did you-?!"

"Now that I have it, I have no more need of you you bitch! DIEEEE!"

"MOM NOOO!"

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I was no longer able to hold them back. My chest ached, my entire body trembling in agony from the recollection. That one mistake had cost my mother her life. And even as she died, she made sure that I would live.

Even though it was all...

"Mom! No! Please no!"

"Meggie...listen to me baby...go..."

"No mom, please. I can't leave you here-"

"You have to go now honey. I promise I won't let them hurt you. I've sealed your powers away so that they won't be able to find you"

"Mom, I-I'm s-"

"Shh, its okay baby. Remember...this wasn't your fault"

"Mom..."

"Your powers are beautiful and unique. They're a blessing. But for now, I've sealed them away...to protect you"

"I promise...I'll protect you...And I'll always be watching over you..."

"Mom!"

"Please...don't be bitter my love. And don't let hatred take over you. Promise me...?"

"I....I promise ma!"

"That's my girl..."

"Dad...MOM!"

"I'll teleport you away from here to someplace safe...When the bad guys come, make sure you hide well...Eat and sleep lots, make friends, take care of yourself...and grow into the beautiful woman I know you will be one day...You can do it... I know you can...So please...stay strong baby..."

"Mom please-!"

"I love you baby...always remember that. Your father and I both love you"

"Mom!"

"And I'm so sorry"

"Mom please no!"

"...You will forgive me..."

"MOM!"

"Won't you...Meggie?"

"MOOOOM!"

My body shook uncontrollably as the tears fell, nothing stopping them anymore. Pain, so much excruciating pain flooded my veins that it made me want to scream. Why had fate been so cruel to my family? Why was it still being so cruel to me?!

Maybe...it was to punish me for my mistake, for not having run away when my mother had told me to! All these years I had spent trying my hardest just to live. I didn't want to cause trouble. I didn't want to hurt anyone. And I had thought I would be able to do so too, till one day I realized that the Sealing spell my mother had cast on me with the last of her magic had been incomplete. And as I grew older, my growing powers were breaking the seal apart.

I was afraid that if my powers resurfaced, more people like the Scarzler family would come for me again. More people who'd want to use my abilities and powers for their own dark intentions. And the Werewolves were allied to the Wizardry Clan. If I agreed to go with them I would inevitably end up around Magic wielders again! I didn't want that. I couldn't...

I was scared...

Please...

I just wanted someone to seal my powers away again, so that I couldn't ever use my powers. So that no one could ever use them for their gain again. And so that...I could never hurt anyone again.

Why couldn't anyone understand...

I was running away because I didn't want to hurt them...

Why couldn't they see that I was doing this for them!

"Mom...dad...I can't", I wept bitterly into my knees, "Please save me. I can't live like this. I can't...I can't..."

I gasped between sobs, despair rising up from deep within me. All the walls I had built over the past 10 years to keep the pain locked away were cracking and I couldn't bear it anymore. I felt so helpless. So hopeless.

So alone.

"You were wrong mom. These powers, they're not a blessing" I cried softly, "They do nothing but cause everyone trouble. I can't eat or sleep because they constantly have me worried. And I can't make friends because I don't fit in anywhere, and I can't risk putting any more people in danger. They're not a blessing...they're a curse!"

"Your powers helped rescue me, Megan. And I'm grateful that you have them, that you used them the way you did!"

I gasped, my eyes shooting open in shock as those words resounded in my mind.

"You say your powers bring misfortune. But it's not your powers that define you, it's how you use them!"

Suzzanah...

The words she had spoken to me that day in the library resonated throughout my body, putting an abrupt halt to my tears. Because here was yet another feeling I recalled very vividly from the days past. It was the very same feeling I had experienced in that moment when she had said those words to me for the first time.

"I believe you Megan"

The feeling of wanting to trust someone. Of wanting to trust her, and trust everything she had said about them and also...me.

"I believe you Megan. I always have. If I didn't I wouldn't have vouched for you. I wouldn't have fought with my loved ones to prove your innocence"

It was true. She was the only person after Gaia who had ever taken my side against the world. She was the only person after my mother who had told me that my powers were good because...I was good.

"Your words have always helped me Megan. You have always helped me. You're a good person!"

Even when all odds were against me, she tried to take my side. She stood up for me in front of her comrades. She understood me.

And she accepted me...as I was.

Suzzanah...

It was her words that had gotten me thinking... thinking that maybe, just maybe she was right. Maybe my powers weren't all bad. Maybe I could use them to help people, to do the right thing but...I had no control over them. And if I made a mistake again...it could cost someone their life!

No...

I couldn't go to her. I couldn't.

I couldn't risk it again.

Besides, she was one of them- those werewolves who only wanted me for the powers I possessed as the Luna of Intercession. They were the same as those people who came for me and my mother 10 years ago, they only wanted the strengths and benefits we could offer through our special powers.

And they were associated with the Wizardry Clan. I didn't care if not everyone in the Wizardry Clan was evil, because I knew that there were still people in it who wanted to get their hands on the power in the Regalia Blood. Who wanted to use them for their own selfish intentions.

They didn't really care about me. They didn't care...

Wiping my tear-stained face, I quickly drank some water from the stream before picking up the Sana Aurora and standing up. I had spent too much time out here in the woods, wasted too much time thinking about things that I couldn't change, no matter how much I wanted to.

The fact that I would never be rid of this guilt, this uncertainty, this pain or this fear.

The truth...that I would never be...free.

Still gasping for breath from having cried so hard, I turned to make my way back to the cottage. I walked fast, just wanting to get back inside and lock myself up again. Away from everyone and everything.

In a place where I wouldn't have to constantly worry about...being a monster.

My eyes burnt from all the crying but I felt like I hadn't cried nearly enough. I wished Gaia was here. She always knew how to cheer me up or at least, how to divert my mind from things I didn't want to think about.

Because even though I told myself that I wanted to be left alone, what I wanted...what I really wanted and needed was-

"This place looks new!"

My body froze, blood running cold in my veins when I heard the distant shout of a male voice echo through the woods around me.

Oh no

Ever since the Sealing spell cast on me had been broken, my Supernatural traits had slowly been enhancing. As a result my hearing too had steadily been heightening, but right then I really hoped that that had just been the wind. That I had heard it wrong, but soon I realized that I hadn't.

"You're right. It does look new. Hey...have you searched around here?"

No. Please no.

"No we haven't. Go ahead! I'll look around this side"

"Quiet! Don't shout...loudly...If they are....you'll ward them away..."

Please no. No. NO.

My head whipped towards the direction where I heard all the noise coming from and my fear started to bubble up inside me. My hands began trembling and I clutched the Sana Aurora plant close to my chest as I took cautious steps towards the sound of their voices, desperately hoping that it wasn't who I thought it was.

Please...please don't let it be the werewolves... please don't let it be them...

Keeping to the shadows, I crept behind the largest tree close to me. My heart was thundering inside me and my breathing had turned erratic. My throat had also suddenly gone very dry and I could barely find my voice.

Please...

Licking my dry lips, I involuntarily held onto the Sana Aurora for dear life as I bent to take a peek at where the men might have been. And the minute my eyes found them in the distance, my heart stopped.

It was them. Werewolves.

NO!

I gasped in horror before turning away and pressing my back into the tree trunk behind me. They were really here! My worst fears were coming true. What was I going to do now?!

My breathing became fast and uneven, heart racing and body trembling. I could feel my anxiety intensifying as my eyes frantically searched my surroundings for some way out of this situation.

I couldn't let them find me. I couldn't!

I turned my face to the side, trying to hear if they were getting closer. If they had gotten this close to the cottage it meant that they had managed to breach Gaia's protective cover. That had never happened before!

And that meant-

"I hear water"

My breath caught in my chest when I finally heard his voice and my head shot to the side, eyes immediately zeroing in on the one person I had been dreading seeing most. And my spirits sank.

The Alpha of Mazes

I almost cried out in fear at the sight of him. He was here. The one person I was worried about most was here! That was how they had gotten through. He must have broken through Gaia's protection!

They were all at a considerable distance from where I was but I'd recognize Marco Ronaldo's aura anywhere, especially after all the trouble his mazes had caused me while I had been at the Games. And I knew that even though they seemed to be far right now, it wouldn't take them even a second to get where I was, if they sensed me here, and that realization chilled me right down to the bone.

"The three...you...west. Two...south..."

I couldn't make out all the words he was saying but I could tell that he was directing the others, telling them where to search.

For me.

God...

I wanted to scream but I grit my teeth, trying to keep it at bay. Even if I screamed, no one would come to save me. It would only make it easier for these werewolves to find me!

Terror gripped my heart and my vision began to blur making me hurriedly grip the wooden trunk next to me with one hand, trying to steady myself.

Not now, I begged myself as waves of dizziness washed over me one after the other, Please not now!

I took deep breaths as softly as I could to try and calm myself down. It did little but at that point, nothing could have really helped. I was so close to being discovered and it was taking every ounce of my strength to not collapse right then and there.

Still breathing deeply, I looked around to try and figure out what I was going to do next. I didn't have enough strength to teleport, and my magic was too unstable for me to try and use it to conceal my presence because it could backfire on me and end up giving away my location.

As of now I knew that the scented herbs I had used while bathing were helping mask my scent to some extent, but if they got any closer there was a chance they'd pick up my real scent or even hear my breathing!

Wait, could they have found Gaia's cottage?

No! If they had, there would be more of a commotion around here and I was sure they would have been talking about it at least. Besides, Gaia had put up a much stronger protection around her cottage than on the area surrounding it. So they wouldn't have found it, I was sure.

I cursed myself for not having headed back to the cottage earlier. If I had been inside the cottage there would have been a much better chance of them not having found me, but now I couldn't go back. I would just end up leading Alpha Marco to Gaia's cottage.

I couldn't let them find it. Gaia had spent years learning her magic and collecting the items and data she needed for research, but I knew she hadn't acquired all of it legally. If the werewolves found it there was a chance that they'd take it all away. All her research, her work, they might confiscate it all! And it could reveal her identity too.

I couldn't let that happen, which meant the only other way I could go to get away from them was towards the stream I had come from.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slowly peeked out from behind the trunk again. They were still at a good distance from me and they seemed to be splitting up to search. If I waited any longer I wouldn't be able to get away without them seeing me. Now was my only chance!

I gripped the Sana Aurora tightly and as quietly as I could, I dashed back towards the stream. I had no idea how I had even gained enough strength to move but it was probably my resolve to not be captured driving me on.

If there was anything at all I had learnt in the thirteen years of my life that I had spent as a Supernatural before my powers had been sealed away, was how to be 'quiet' in everything I did. Quiet enough to not be easily noticed. It was something both my parents had been exceptional at, and something they had both considered an important skill.

One I was grateful that they had taught me. And one I hoped I was using properly right then as I ran for my life through the thick woods.

Millions of thoughts bombarded my mind as I sprinted across the vegetation towards the stream, but the most imposing of them all was without a doubt,

What are you going to do?

I didn't know. I didn't know what I was going to do or even where I was going to go, but I just knew that I needed to get away from that man. Somehow, I needed to maintain my distance from him. Because if he trapped me in one of his mazes, that would be the end. I'd have nowhere to run after that. As it was, he had already made it impossible for me to cross over onto the Shadow Side because of his mazes.

As I ran, I didn't hear any footsteps following me but I knew I couldn't rely on that alone. Werewolves were known to be some of the most talented and stealthy hunters in the world.

I also knew that I could run out of the area where Gaia had cast her protective shield. Because even though some of the werewolves had managed to breach her shield, there were probably many more outside it than there were inside, and if they found me, I wouldn't be able to outrun them.

So the only option I had now was...to hide.

But how...and where?!

I was at the stream in record time, and completely out of breath. Thankfully there were no werewolves around here, but if they had gotten into Gaia's shield then getting here wouldn't be hard for them and I was sure they wouldn't leave without searching everywhere. I needed to find a hiding place and fast!

As my eyes urgently searched my surroundings, I suddenly realized that I was still holding onto the Sana Aurora so I rushed to the stream and set the pot down in the water again before covering it up with some soil so that it wouldn't get noticed. The Sana Aurora was an immensely sought after herb worth millions on the market and I couldn't let it fall into anyone else's hands.

Gaia had once told me that the soil was an amazing camouflage to use in times of need. It could sometimes conceal even the strongest of auras which was one of the reasons why hunters- be it animals or humans- preferred to lay low, literally, when trying not to be seen. Because the Earth beneath them worked to disguise their presence.

The minute that thought crossed my mind, I knew what I had to do. My eyes searched the surroundings closest to me before I found a large tree next to the stream, with thick roots jutting out on the surface leaving deep crevices between them.

I dashed to the tree and began digging between the root with my fingers, making sure to throw the soil on myself as I did. I kept looking around to make sure they weren't closing in on me as I worked vigorously. My fingers dug into the moist earth, grating and scraping through sand and stones. I could feel my nails begin to throb and the gravel cutting through my skin, but I didn't care, even if I bled as long as I could get through this.

As I dug on feverishly the soil suddenly caved underneath me revealing a small pit under the tree, and I immediately rejoiced. I could fit in that!

Not wasting another second, I turned around and began to descend into the pit, lowering my legs into it first. It wasn't very deep but maybe just deep enough to hide me and conceal my presence for a few minutes till they left.

Once I had lowered most of my body into it, I threw wet soil onto my shoulders and neck before pulling some large nearby shrubs over the opening to try and cover it as best as I could. It wasn't the best cover, but it was the best I could manage at the moment.

I couldn't run or use magic to fight, but I could hide, and I hoped that it would work. I needed it to work. Seconds later I heard footsteps approaching and my entire being froze in terror.

They're here!

My fingers dug into the soil around me as I tried hard to keep my body from shaking. Even though I was feeling suffocated, I kept my breathing shallow, afraid that it may give me away. Just a week ago I was a normal girl living a considerably normal life, and now look at me, hiding in a ditch in the ground covered with soil, trembling in fear and praying for my life.

Fate truly was cruel.

Please...please just leave me alone, I prayed desperately, I promise I'll never cause you any harm. I'll never get in your way so please...please...

Mom...

Dad...

Gaia...

Help me...

I didn't want to face those Supernaturals. I didn't want to leave without even getting to say goodbye to Gaia. I didn't want to be forced to face that League of Magic which had failed to protect my parents, or the people who I knew would want me to use my powers for their benefit. I didn't want any of it.

Please...

...Suzzanah...

"Around here?"

I tensed when I heard a voice speaking.

"Yeah. The sound definitely came from around here somewhere", another person said and I gulped, and bit my lip hard.

Please...

"I don't sense anyone here", the first voice said and I held my breath.

Please...!

"Nor do I", replied the other person, "But let's take a look closer anyway"

Pleaseee!

"No, its best not to waste too much time in unnecessary places. Move ahead"

My eyes widened at that remark from a third person and I desperately hoped that they'd follow through with it. The skin on various parts of my body was burning from being scraped or cut but I grit my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut, ignoring the pain, just wishing with all my heart that they'd leave.

And a moment later, the reply came.

"Alright", said two other voices making my eyes shoot open in shock.

A second later I heard the sound of retreating footsteps getting farther and farther away with every fast beat of my heart. Soon I could no longer hear anything except the sound of the flowing water coming from the stream nearby. And only then did I allow myself to even breathe freely.

I exhaled a heavy breath, my entire body still shaking from that experience. I was still terrified, my body feeling cold and numb but I was immensely relieved too.

Relieved that I hadn't been found. Relieved that I wouldn't be forced to face those wolves and witches. Relieved that I could stay here with Gaia a little longer.

Just so relieved...

I finally let myself relax, slumping onto the the wet soil around me, not caring that it was getting on my hair and face. I just breathed as deeply as I could, silently thanking the heavens for having heard my prayers. Thanking my mom, my dad and Gaia. Maybe at long last, tonight I could sleep soundly. Just for this one night, knowing that I had a little more time before I was forced to start running again.

And for that...I was deeply grateful.

Allowing my exhausted self a few moments to calm down, I finally pulled myself together. The main danger may have passed but I still needed to get out of this pit before I suffocated to death.

My body felt extremely weak and I wondered if I would be able to walk back to the cottage, or if I even should right away, knowing that the wolves were still nearby.

Deciding to spend some more time hiding by the pond I gathered all my remaining energy, and supporting my upper body on my hands I looked up towards the opening of the pit.

And my eyes met his.

The world might as well have stopped moving right then and there, because the minute I saw him, I knew that it was all over for me. It was the end.

His eyes- they were blue...like the open sky.

And yet, he was what confined me now.

I found myself staring right at the fearsome Alpha of Mazes. The only man who had the ability to cage me, even with all my raging power overflowing out of me.

Marco Ronaldo.

He sat at the edge of the pit's opening, looking down at me quietly. So quietly that it made me wonder if he was even breathing. God knows how long he had been there, how long he had watched me trembling and gasping in my pathetic relief.

His eyes held a strange heaviness that I couldn't place, blond hair falling over his forehead and casting a shadow on his features which made them seem oddly sombre. But it was probably just my tired eyes playing tricks on me.

And just like that all my hopes shattered once again, and I found myself at the bottom of a pit. Only this time, it was the pit of my own desolation and I knew all too well that I wouldn't be able to get out of it by myself.

For a long moment even after our eyes met, he didn't move, didn't blink, didn't say a word. And nor did I, for really what was left to say? Not a word in all the universe could have expressed the depth of my despair in that moment.

And the state of being completely and utterly defeated became more real to me, in every sense, than it had ever been before.

"Megan"

After what felt like an age, he finally spoke up, and had I not been feeling entirely empty on the inside, I may have appreciated the softness in his tone as he said my name.

My eyes stayed glued to his, as though they had frozen in shock, maybe even surrender. But my mind took longer to give in, and briefly the idea of gathering all my remaining magic and hitting him with a blast of energy crossed my mind. Maybe that would buy me enough time to get away from him, even if I would barely have any strength left after it.

But as soon as that thought came to mind, so did a very vivid memory of the last time I had hit someone with my magic energy, unintentionally.

Flashes of scenes from that day in the library blinded my vision.

Random bouts of magic shooting out of me without my control, destroying everything. Glass shattering. People screaming.

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"HER MAGIC IS UNSTABLE!"

"NO! DON'T COME NEAR ME! STAY BAC-"

I remembered the moment magic had exploded out of my hand and crashed into both Marco and his friend Cole.

I remembered the pain in their faces, the blood splattered everywhere. I remembered...Suzzanah's terrified screams...and most of all, my own unparalleled agony at having been the cause of it all.

No...I couldn't do it. I couldn't hurt any more people with my powers. I couldn't.

I'd rather...just give up.

With that, I dropped my gaze from his and lowered my head, letting out a heavy and final sigh of resignation, knowing that there was really nothing I could do anymore.

It was really over.

"Megan?"

He called out to me again and this time when I looked into his eyes, mine were vacant. I wanted him to see that I wouldn't put up a fight. I didn't have the strength to anymore.

I found him bending over, a frown marring his features as he asked softly, "Are you okay?"

I blinked tiredly, not saying a word. I suddenly felt too exhausted to do anything but breathe, but I could understand why he may have felt the need to ask. I was after all, covered in dirt, my hair and clothes askew, hands and feet littered with cuts- a mess. But if he wanted me to appreciate the gesture, then he would be disappointed because it truly was lost on me.

I was about to push myself out of the pit when he extended his hand out to me making my entire body immediately go stiff.

"Let me help you", he said and I looked at him, eyes wide in fear. He quickly shook his head, "Don't worry. I won't hurt you", he said and I sucked in a sharp breath.

"If you come with me like a good girl no one will need to get hurt. But if you refuse...there will be consequences"

Terror gripped my heart as memories of that wretched man reaching out for me flashed in before my eyes and I immediately cowered away from him, pressing my back against the soil, gasping for breath.

Marco's brow furrowed immediately, almost as though in worry, "Megan?"

"Stay back", I breathed out, sweat dripping down the side of my face, "Please. Please stay back"

"Megan I-"

"I'll get out myself. Just don't...don't touch me", I managed to cough out between frightened pants.

His features immediately softened and he withdrew his hand, nodding, "Alright", he said, raising his hands in surrender as he pushed the shrubs out of the way and backed away from the opening of the pit, "Alright, whatever you say"

I clutched my chest, still breathing heavily before struggling to my feet and out of the pit. I stood unsteadily, holding onto the tree trunk for support. My legs were trembling and I was well aware that they could give out underneath me any second now but I kept my face neutral, trying not to give away how terrified I really was.

Marco didn't try to get close to me again, but his eyes never left my frame. He couldn't afford to lose me again after all. I didn't attempt to put up any more of a fight. Now, if I could get them to leave this place without finding Gaia's cottage, it would be enough.

Still taking deep breaths and struggling to keep my vision from blurring I said, "I'm not going to try to run"

At that, surprise flashed in his eyes and I swallowed hard, "I just have one...request", I said, "Please...leave my friend alone. I know you know about her. She doesn't mean anyone harm. Now that you have me, please...just leave her alone"

I was too tired to even speak but I put as much sincerity into my words as I could. It was truly all I wanted now.

Marco frowned in thought before replying, "Okay", he said and I was taken aback by how fast he agreed.

He must be lying.

Gathering all my energy I managed to read his mind and I was shocked to find out that he really was telling the truth. He didn't have any ulterior thoughts in his mind. I hadn't expected that.

"Megan, please sit down", he said gently, "You don't look too good"

Did he want me to think he was worried about me?

I shook my head, "No need. I'm ready to go"

"Please Megan. Just sit down for a minute", he said, confusing me even more.

Why was he trying so hard to seem concerned about me? After making me feel like an escaped criminal for the past few days and hunting me down like an animal, did he really expect me to fall for this act?

I wanted to protest but strength betrayed me and my knees buckled underneath me sending me falling onto one of the thick branches of the tree.

"Whoa!" Marco cried out alarmed and reached for me but I quickly grabbed the tree trunk with both hands, steadying myself.

I winced as pain shot through me leg but grit my teeth, not making a sound.

"Are you okay?" Marco asked, quickly kneeling before me and I looked at him exasperatedly.

"Please stop it. Just stop", I begged exhausted, "You don't have to pretend like you're worried about me"

"Megan I'm not-"

"I told you didn't I? I'll come with you", I told him, "And I won't put up a fight so please just stop acting like you care!"

The look of hurt that flashed on Marco's face almost caught me by surprise, momentarily making me wonder if I had said something wrong. But then he sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"I'm not here...to take you by force", he said looking into my eyes again, and this time I scowled.

"Oh really?"

"Yes", he replied, his voice never wavering, "I swear. If you don't believe me, feel free to read my mind"

At that I started, really not having expected that. His eyes never left mine as he spoke,

"And just so you know, I'm not going to hurt you either", he added, "I don't have any weapons. I'm basically naked underneath these pants"

I frowned at him and he cringed in turn, almost as though he had realized a little too late that he had said the wrong thing.

"What I mean is...I just want to talk to you", he said and I shook my head.

"I don't want to hear anything you have to say"

"Not me", he replied quickly, "I'm not asking you to hear me out. But there is someone who's been dying to speak to you again. And she asked me to pass on a message to you on her behalf"

He looked at me meaningfully and I knew instantly who he was talking about. And without my conscious control, my face immediately softened.

"And also", he put his hand in his pant pocket making me tense before he took it out, his fist closed, "She wanted me to give you something", he told me, stretching his hand out towards me.

He gazed into my eyes earnestly as he said, "I don't think I'll be able to do justice to the words she told me to tell you", he said, "But I'll recollect them exactly how she said them, so please read my mind and hear what she has to say. Please Megan"

I didn't know if it was the sincerity in his voice, the pleading look in his eyes or the person who I knew the message he had was bound to be from that led me to stretch my hand towards him to accept what he had to give me, but I clearly had not been prepared for what I received.

I opened my palm to him, watching him warily as he brought his fist over it and ever so slightly opened it, making a tiny, smooth and cold object fall into my hand.

A familiar object.

And the minute his hand touched mine, my mind was drawn into his and the message he had for me played out in front of my eyes like a movie.

Megan

Her voice was just like I remembered it- gentle, kind and warm.

Suzzanah...

How are you?

And her words...were just as sincere.

I know...at this point I may not have the right to ask you that, but please...hear me out.

I found myself listening even without her request.

I know that a lot happened at the Games. A lot of things went wrong and you have a right to be wary of us, but please believe me when I say that it wasn't our intention for things to turn out this way. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

She was right about that. It wasn't supposed to be like this. None of it was.

Megan, I know you have your reasons for wanting to keep your distance, and I understand now that we have no right to force you to do something you don't want to. I'm so sorry that we drove you to fear us and run from us. Truly I am.

Her words made something inside me wrench, almost painfully. Why was it that her words held so much earnestness and weight that it made me want to open my heart to her?

But won't you at least give us a chance to explain ourselves? We have our reasons too, and I promise you, they are not to hurt or harm you or your loved ones in any way

Wasn't that the one confirmation I had been seeking all this time? I knew it was, but...could I really trust her words?

Megan, you are important to us. Not just because you're the Luna of Intercession or a Regalia, but because you're Megan Houston. You're...my friend.

The one line hit me so hard that it made me suck in a sharp breath. And my eyes widened as an image of Suzzanah standing before me in the library, flashed before my eyes. It was the memory of the last time she had said those words to me.

"But I'm...the enemy"

"You're not my enemy. You never were, and I hope you never will be. You're my friend"

Suzzanah...

I don't even know if I have the right to call myself your friend anymore, Suzzanah's voice said to me, But I want you to know that I truly care about you Megan. We all do. And we're worried about you.

Why...why was it that she always knew exactly what to say to get through to me? And why was it that the genuineness of her words always brought that familiar sting to my eyes?

I'm just like you. A normal human girl who was suddenly hauled out of my ordinary everyday life and thrown into the Supernatural world that I knew nothing about, nor did I really want to...

But now that I do, I can at least vouch for one thing...That it really isn't so bad.

I brought my free hand to up my chest. Why did it hurt?

And I promise you that if you just decide to give it one chance, you'll think so too

Why did it hurt?

I'm not saying that everyday will be easy, or that the road will be smooth but...you won't be alone. We'll all be there for you. I will be there for you. I'll be on your side.

And why was it warm?

So please won't you come talk to me? I just want to see you and make sure you're alright.

Why was it so warm?

And at that minute, in Marco's tender expression, I almost saw Suzzanah's face as she spoke to me.

I really hope you're okay Megan.

Suzzanah...

And I really hope you'll find it in your heart to believe me.

I...

Please come see me.

I...

I saw her smile lovingly at me as she said,

...I miss you.

Then her voice faded away.

And my tears began to fall.

Suzzanah...

She was one person I really had never understood. Why was she so kind to me even after I had tried to threaten her life? Why did she choose to stand up for me and defend me even against her own loved ones? Why did she believe in me so much? Why did she consider me her friend?

And why did I...trust her so much?

It was then that it struck me that earlier, in the midst of all that tension and fear, when I was begging for help from my parents and Gaia, I had actually also looked to Suzzanah for comfort.

Because somewhere deep down inside of me I knew that if worst came to worst, she would be the only pillar I could rely on. Even when I didn't trust anyone else around me, I still...trusted her. Because she had taken my side when no one else had.

And I wanted to believe her.

"You're my friend"

I really wanted to believe her.

I covered my mouth with my hand and lowered my head, unable to stop the tears from falling. I was just so overwhelmed by her words that I couldn't help but cry. In the moment that I had felt like everything was over and that there was nothing left for me to look forward to, her words had managed to give me hope again.

Hope that maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe...there was still a chance that things could work out, even if it wasn't how I had initially wanted them to.

Maybe...

Maybe...

As I cried silently, letting my tears fall onto the wet soil someone held out a handkerchief to me. I lifted my misty eyes to Marco's who was still watching me with solemn eyes.

"Here", he said gently, moving the cloth towards me and I couldn't find any reason not to accept it.

So I did.

Taking the handkerchief from him, I pressed it to my wet cheek before looking up at him again.

"Sweet girls like you shouldn't have to cry so much", he said, giving me quietly as he withdrew his hand.

And for some reason, it made my heart warm.

As I wiped my face, he stood up, making me lift my head to keep my gaze on him. He gestured towards my other hand with his head.

"She wanted to return it to you", he told me making my eyes shoot to my other hand which was now closed, holding the small object he had placed in my hand. I had almost forgotten about it!

"She said that if you wanted to give it to her again, she'd gladly accept it from you, and hopefully hear more about it too", Marco told me and I opened my fist to find that familiar clear crystal sitting on my palm.

The same one I had given to Suzzanah twice already.

And yet it was back in my hands a third time.

"I'll make sure that no more wolves come searching this area again so you can rest assured", he said making my head whip back to his.

He gave me a small smile, almost affectionately and I blinked at him surprised, my eyes wide in confusion.

"Wha...what?"

"You can go back now, wherever you've been staying", he said, putting both his hands in his pockets.

I stared at him shocked, "Y-You're not...here to take me with you?"

He looked up at the cloudy sky thoughtfully, "I was...but not anymore", he said, "I won't force you to come with us if you don't want to. And if you want to stay here, away from everyone else, I'll make sure you can do so"

I stood up, still heavily confused when I heard voices from the distance again. My eyes shot to the trees farther away from us and I saw two men standing there looking around confused.

"Wasn't it around here that we left him?"

"I think so...but where is that stream? And where is Alpha Ronaldo?"

They weren't really that faraway from us, and with heightened werewolf sight, I knew they should have been able to see us, but they couldn't, which meant...

My gaze shot back to Marco who was also looking towards his men, his face impassive. My eyes widened in shock as I realized that he had put up a maze around us so that his men couldn't find us.

Couldn't find...me...

It really isn't so bad

Suzzanah's words resounded in my mind once more.

And I promise you that if you just decide to give it one chance, you'll think so too

And in that one moment I saw with my own eyes... that maybe she was right. Maybe not every Supernatural or a person associated with a Supernatural who approached me, did so with ill-intentions. There may be others who are different. Perhaps there were others like Gaia who wanted to hep me, who wanted good things for me.

Like Suzzanah.

And...

As I watched Marco in disbelief, his gaze returned to mine.

"I'll leave now", he said, "But I really hope that you'll think about what the Queen said, Megan. We all do"

He smiled, "And if you do decide to come see her, we're staying at the Ashford Hotel Enterprises. The Queen's room is 1050"

I looked at him uncertainly, "Was it...okay for you to tell me that?" I asked.

"Why not?" he said with a shrug, "I'm sure the Queen wouldn't mind"

His eyes lingered on my frame for a second before they turned a shade of melancholy, "Please take care of yourself, Megan", he said and this time the genuineness of his words was not lost on me.

He wasn't pretending.

"W-why...are you doing this?" I asked him hesitantly, "Won't you get in trouble if you let me go?"

He shrugged, "Who knows", he said quietly, almost as if to himself, "But its not anything for you to worry about though. How far is your cottage from here?"

I jerked, "About a hundred meters maybe", I found myself answering without even thinking about it.

He nodded, "Okay", he said, "Your friend has a dark cape right? Tell her to wear it without fail if she wants to go out or come into this area. Because until you decide to come and see us of your own free will, no werewolves, wizards, witches or any Supernaturals other than that friend of yours will be able to find you as long as you stay within half a mile of this place. I promise"

He looked me in the eye and said,

"I promise...I'll protect you"

I sucked in a sharp breath, eyes widening in shock at the memory they immediately sparked in my mind. Those words...!

"I promise...I'll protect you..."

They were...always...heartwarming...

He held my gaze for a long moment after he had said those words, face not giving anything away but eyes still heavy with an emotion I couldn't quite place.

"I hope to see you again soon", he said with finality, and began turning away before stopping and looking back at me as he added, "And Megan..."

I watched on as his eyes met mine once again, blue orbs darkening with regret of the purest kind as he said,

"I'm really sorry. About everything"

He didn't wait for a reply and just turned and strode away, leaving me staring after him speechless, till I could no longer see him amidst the thick vegetation.

And just like that, he was gone.

And it was like he hadn't been here.

It took me several seconds to snap out of my trance like state and really take in the fact that that had really happened. That he really had let me be, and hadn't forced me to go with him. That I wouldn't have been dragged in front of thousands of werewolves and witches and have to face them all. That I would be able to see Gaia again when she came back to the cottage tonight.

And once again, I felt my emotions brim to my eyes, and as I reached up with my hand, I realized that I still had the handkerchief he had given me. I had forgotten to return it.

Overhead, the clouds were still thick in the sky, growing darker with each passing second. Maybe it would rain soon. I needed to get back to the cottage before it started.

Quietly, I turned and walked to where I had left the Sana Aurora, still feeling the cool of the crystal in palm of my hand. It was...strangely reassuring.

As I bent to pick up the plant, I saw my reflection in the clear water of the stream. An exhausted girl stared back at me, tear-stricken face smeared with dirt and tiny blades of grass. But I wonder why her eyes, which had shed so many tears today, now looked so at peace...

Wrapping the crystal in the white handkerchief, I pressed it against my chest before looking up at the sky.

Mom...dad...

I think...

I think I'll be okay...

Distant thunder sounded across the horizon and I guessed that once I got back to the cottage, I probably wouldn't be able to go out again today.

But maybe...

Maybe tomorrow would be a sunny day.

Maybe...

Maybe tomorrow.

****

Random Question of the Day: If you were an Elemental, which one would you be? Fire, Air, Earth or Water?

A/N

I know, I know- ZUERIANAHHH! They're coming up in the next chapter I promise!

So please stop sending me so many messages asking for their romantic moments. I know you miss them but the story has a flow! The MCs can't just suddenly jump on each other and start smooching in the middle of an important event or explanation! Lol. Try and understand that please.

And I really hope you're not disappointed with this chapter.

Anyway, how many of you were surprised by this chapter's character POV?

It was about time Megan got her own POV don't you think? After all she is going to be more involved in the story from now on and you'll learn more about her too.

And she's not quite as dull as she may appear sometimes.

So,

Thoughts on Megan? 

And I know some of you may wonder what is up with her obsession with that 'plant', but trust me. Just trust me *pats my own chest nodding* 

How do you feel about Megan's past? 

The Scarzler Coven sure was creepy huh?

Also, how was Megan's meeting with Marco?

And did Marcah do the right thing by letting her go?

Finally, did you like this chapter?

If you did please do VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE!

Until next time (Slow updates, please bear with me),

All my love,

May