DECEIT

Valerie's POV

"Who does he think he is to speak to me like that?!" I yelled, hurling a flower pot to the wall in rage. "I pray he meets that unfortunate mate of his dead. Let's see how he plans to keep any more mate."

I inhaled deeply, recalling his words. "A witch and a werewolf can never happen!"

Instantly, I let out a shrill scream. I grabbed the nearest item, and hurled it to the wall, but something strange and unexpected happened - The cup I threw disappeared, making no sound.

I was stunned. My eyes scanned the unkempt room, trying to understand what had just happened. I hadn't even recovered from the shock, when something else happened - The shattered pieces of the flower vase was raised up by the wind, and instantly, they aligned together, forming the vase.

I was dumbfounded. Then, a purple vortex appeared before me. It finally clicked. A witch?

It was undoubtedly one. I mean, how could I not sense the presence of my kind?

Slowly, a woman in a black cloak stepped out of the vortex, and bowed.

"Greetings, Lady Valerie" She greeted, her voice softened and full of respect.

I frowned. "Don't tell me my mother sent you here. We agreed not to meet until the child of prophecy has been found."

"Yes, Lady Valerie, but something urgent came up" The lady revealed. "Lucian Drake, the Alpha betrayed by the moon goddess, has summoned every witch for a meeting."

I was stupefied. "Lucian the immortal? What's our business with him? Why would my mother heed to such a call?"

"She believes he has something that will be of great use to the witch race" She replied. "She wants you to be there, and this time, you're not allowed to refuse."

I was a bit annoyed. I wasn't ready to divulge any intel. Unfortunately, I didn't have the right to choose this time. A summon like that couldn't be ignored, or the consequences would be grave. My mother, the head of the witches, was never one to favor her child over the rest.

"Hmm...." I sighed deeply. "Fine. Let's go then."

"No, Lady Valerie. You can't come with me" The lady declared. "The vortex won't take us to the coven. You have to come to our hideout without casting spells. Those were the orders of Queen mother."

I snorted. "Whatever."

"The meeting will commence soon" The lady revealed, stepping backward into the vortex with a slight bow, her voice fading away.

As soon as the vortex closed up, I made my decision - I was leaving immediately.

Killian could enjoy holding another one of his dead mate in his arms till I'm back for him.

I grabbed my cloak from an armchair. Soon enough, I was out of my quarters. I made my way to the gate, using the camouflage spell as a backup. I casted a spell on the guards standing by the gate, and stepped out.

It was going to take a while before they noticed my disappearance.

Heading out without casting a single spell was quite bothersome. I couldn't wait to get to the coven. The dilapidated building was still the same. The fact that it hadn't crumbled into dust was enough to call the place haunted.

"Get in, Valerie!" I heard a familiar voice in my head, and my body shook. I had no time to waste.

I rushed in, and immediately, a door appeared before me. I took a deep breath, and stepped in. I wasn't ready to disgrace my mother.

The witches had all gathered together with my mother seated on her throne. Two men stood in the middle, their eyes fixed on me.

Wizards rarely had meetings with the witches, so it only meant that one of them was the so called Lucian, the immortal.

"Greetings, Mother" I said, my voice laced with mischief.

She scoffed. "You're late, Valerie. Prepare for your punishment after this meeting."

"Welcome, Lady Valerie" The rest of the witches greeted with respect.

I simply ignored them, staring into my mother's eyes. "We both agreed to meet only after my mission is completed. Why the summon?"

"I'm your ruler, Valerie. I can change my decision anytime I see fit" My mother retorted, her voice laced with anger. I knew I was wrong for questioning her in front of her subjects, but I couldn't help it.

I guessed not growing up under her care contributed to my boldness.

"Valerie Rose" A voice called, and my ears twitched. I turned, and my eyes locked with the grey-haired man.

"Do I know you?" I queried, frowning deeply.

The man smirked. "Fabulous. I understand since you're obviously an outcast. As the only witch who was allowed to grow with the wolves, your ignorance is explanatory."

"What do you mean?" I snarled, ready to burst out in anger. "I am...."

"Stop it, Valerie" My mother cut me off. "You and I both know you know who you're talking to."

I scoffed, folded my arms and looked away. "Good riddance to bad rubbish."

"Haha... It seems like you need to be taught a lesson" Lucian growled, his fangs extending. "Aria, your daughter knows nothing about the ways of the witches, does she?"

"That's not why we're here" My mother snapped, her gaze fixed on me. "Valerie, what news do you have regarding your mission? Has Killian found his mate?"

I froze, contemplating on whether to tell the truth or not.

A moment passed before I opened up. "The last mate he had is dead. She died days ago."

Instantly, I felt a tight grip on my neck, making me cough violently. My feet were no longer on the ground. I forcefully snapped my head to my mother to see her hands stretched towards me.

"How many times have I told you to avoid lying to me, Valerie?" She questioned, her eyes filled with rage. "We've been through this over and over again and you're still this stubborn?"

"I.. I'm.. ugh..ugh..ugh" I coughed violently as warm liquid flowed out of my nostrils. I could feel a hand threatening to rip my soul out.

"Don't kill her. We still need the truth" I heard Lucian say.

My mother scoffed. "I had no intention of taking her life."

And just like that, I felt a force push me to the ground. I tried using a spell for easy landing, but strangely, I couldn't use my powers. I landed on my butt, and screamed in pain.

"I stopped your powers from working" My mother stated, and my suspicions were confirmed. It was an embarrassing moment from me, even when the other witches weren't looking.

"Now, let's hear the truth, Valerie" My mother urged, her voice laced with threat.

I took a deep breath. "He found another mate, but this time, the curse didn't kill her" I dropped the bombshell.

My mother jumped off her seat. "What are you talking about? When did this happen?"

"Out with it!" Lucian ordered.

I was fear stricken by the two powerful forces standing before me that I didn't know when I narrated the entire story, including the part where I killed her.

"So, she's dead" Lucian stated, but suddenly, I felt a slight tug in my chest, and an image flashed before my eyes. It was a shocker.

"What?!" I spat in shock, shooking my head violently. "No way... It can't be!"

"What's wrong, Valerie?" My mother berated, her voice laced with impatience.

"She...she... she's still alive" I stuttered in reply, sweat beads trickling down my face. "I... I was sure I killed her."

"She survived a witch's spell?" Lucian questioned, his face etched with shock. "That's weird, especially when you tried to kill her. Tell me, where is she?"

"In the inner court" I replied, anger surging through my veins. My guts told me Killian had saved her. He probably suspected me, and took action as soon as I left his chamber.

My mother sighed. "The fact that she survived the curse is enough to state that she isn't an ordinary mate. Still, we can't assume she's the one we've been looking for."

"We need to keep an eye on her" Lucian chipped in. "If she's the child of prophecy, it could only mean that we're closer to our goal."

"Yes, Lucian. I agree with you on that" My mother stated, extending her hands and helping me up. "You have a new mission, Valerie. Do everything you can to find out who she is, and keep us updated."

I inhaled sharply, hiding my dissatisfaction. "Your wish is my command, mother" I replied solemnly with a different agenda in mind.

There was no way I was going to let that bitch have Killian. The Alpha was mine, and not even my mother or Lucian was going to stop it.

Yes, I was cooking something special for the witches. Something that would benefit Killian and I.

Maybe... Just maybe, it would make him accept me.

Soon enough, the meeting ended. I didn't bother waiting for everyone to disperse before leaving to avoid a conversation with my mother.

I arrived at The Shadowfang Pack at midnight. It was silent, and the spell I had casted on the guards was still working. I made my way to the maid quarters. I asked questions, which helped me find her room.

I saw a maid walk out with an empty tray in her hands, then an idea popped up in my head. My blood bubbled with excitement as I approached the maid.

"What's your name, young lady?" I questioned, and she halted, turning to me. I sensed something that made my heart leap for joy.

No way. She couldn't be the one.

"Ella" She muttered, her face etched with confusion. "How can I help you?"

"No need to pretend anymore, my darling" I stated, smiling. "I'll take care of Queen mother when she finds out."

She let her guard down immediately. "What do you want, Lady Valerie?"

"I want you to do something for me, Ella" I replied, smiling brightly. "It's about that new friend of yours, Selene. Be rest assured that your reward would be worth it."