THE MEETING

Lucian's POV

"Are those damned witches ready for the meeting, Jeremy?" I questioned the young wolf kneeling before me in the dimly lit room filled with rusty old chairs, tables, and a bookshelf. "Isn't that what you came to tell me?"

"It is, My lord" He replied with caution. "They're all waiting in their coven. It seems they intend on performing a rite before letting us in."

I bursted into laughter. "Hahahaha... They're still as untrusting as ever. They seem to forget that I'm immortal. Their spells can't even touch me."

"They're witches, My Lord. They know nothing about the prowess of a Werewolf" Jeremy stated.

I snorted. "Don't compare me to those good-for-nothing species of mine. I'm different, thanks to the moon goddess who had the audacity to lay on curse on me...."

I paused, standing up. "Unfortunately, her decision would end up being the greatest mistake of a lifetime, because I will be using the same curse she deemed binding to my advantage. Very soon, both the werewolves and the witches would have no choice but to bow before me."

"Undoubtedly true, My lord" Jeremy replied. "But we need the blood of the child of prophecy. The moon goddess is quite tricky. She knew the curse would prevent you from ruling the supernatural world."

"I know, and that's why we're having a meeting with the witches" I replied sharply. "The werewolves won't know what hit them. After them, I'll come for the witches... Enough chitchat. Let's go."

We stepped out of the old castle, hidden from the eyes of many.

"We can't shift, Jeremy. The Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack already knows we've started moving. We can't risk being found out by his lackeys" I warned.

Jeremy frowned. "But you're way powerful than he is."

"I know. It's just not the time to let the world know our strength; at least, not yet" I stated.

Few minutes later, we halted in front of a dilapidated building.

"They're in here" Jeremy affirmed.

I snorted. "Doesn't seem like it's occupied."

"That's why they're witches. It's clearly a camouflage" Jeremy chuckled.

I got annoyed. "Watch your mouth, Jeremy!" I warned sternly, throwing him a hard glare.

He swallowed hard, his gaze lowered. "Apologies, My Lord. It slipped."

"Hmph.." I scoffed, walking ahead of him.

The moment I stepped foot into the building, a strong wind blew past my face. I could sense their presence, but I couldn't see them.

Without warning, the glasses left of the broken windows shattered into pieces, the ceilings above our heads cracked, and the ground shook.

Unfortunately, that wasn't close to scaring me off.

"Stay behind me, Jeremy" I cautioned, walking steadily.

Suddenly, my left foot kicked something, and a repelling force pushed me backward.

"What was that?" Jeremy asked, his voice laced with fear.

I glared hard at him. "Don't you dare run off with your tails between your legs; swallow your fears. It's obviously a barrier."

"But how come we can't go in. I thought they were expecting us" Jeremy complained.

My lips curved into a mischievous smirk. "They know we're here. They're just trying to test our patience. The barrier is something we can't see and very dangerous when you bump into it. Thankfully, I managed to sense it, so the impact was limited to just my left foot."

"So how do we get in?" Jeremy inquired.

I exhaled heavily. "Let us in, Aria" My thunderous voice reverberated through the building, and the breeze stood still.

Instantly, a wooden door appeared right front of us. The door open itself, and a sharp light blinded out eyes.

"Welcome, Lucian Drake" A familiar eerie voice shot through my ears. "It's been a while."

My eyes adjusted to the light, and I smirked. The moment Jeremy and I walked in, the door was slammed shut. I turned, and saw nothing.

Nevertheless, it was too early to let out guards down. The witches were never to be trusted, and would never be for centuries to come.

Thanks to my immortality, I was safe. But Jeremy.... It was his problem anyway.

My eyes scanned the entire surroundings, my gaze studying the women, clothed in black cloaks, standing in half circles on both sides. My gaze landed on the old witch seated on an ancient golden chair, smiling. I recognized her at first glance.

One of the benefits of being a witch was the ability to never age, when you've attained a certain level of power, coupled with the fact that they feed on the lower witches to remain young. Aria's white hair was still smooth, her pale white skin was still succulent, but her red eyes had become sharper; perhaps, due to the experience she had gathered.

"I see you still love hiding in your delusions of being a ruler, Aria" I snorted in laughter.

Her smile broadened. "And I see your tongue is still as sharp as ever. It's a wonder how the moon goddess hasn't finished you up yet."

"When did you start believing in the moon goddess?" I retorted, my voice laced with a hint of mockery.

Aria scoffed. "We believe only in her existence, not her powers. Now, let's get down to business. We witches have important tasks to complete."

"Yes, I agree with you. We should get started" I complied, scanning the witches once more.

"What exactly do you want from us, Lucian?" Aria questioned, standing up. "Why did you summon us? You and I know your kind wants nothing to do with us. The only reason we agreed to this meeting is because your heart is no longer with them."

I sighed. "You talk too much, Aria. Well, I plan on wiping the entire Alpha race. Then, I'll unite every pack under my rule. You witches get to move freely and do as you wish."

Aria chuckled amusingly. "We're not fools, Lucian. Your kind has tried to deceive us countless times, but never succeeded. Why do you think they're scared of us?"

"That's your problem, Aria" I snickered. "My kind became my enemy a long time ago. You should see my proposal for an alliance as a way to free yourselves."

Aria smiled. "Those are strong words, Lucian. No werewolf would want that."

"They won't have a choice" I countered, my voice full of assurance. "Everyone will either listen to me, or get killed."

"Our decision will depend on your plan" Aria stated. She walked back to her seat, and made herself comfortable, saying, "I'm all ears."

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. *Such confidence* I snarled inwardly, then smiled.

"We need the blood of the child of prophecy" I began. "Her blood is the key to breaking my curse. You're going to help me find her."

Aria arched an eyebrow. "Isn't the child of prophecy meant to break Killian Wolfe's curse?"

"Yes, it is" I affirmed. "Killian and I are battling with the same curse. Most definitely, the key to breaking it will be the same."

"And where do we find this child of prophecy?" Aria questioned. "Every mate given to Killian has been killed by the curse. It's clear to us that the prophecy is just a bluff from the moon goddess and her prophetess."

"It isn't a bluff" I disagreed. "I know the moon goddess to well. She doesn't make such promises just for fun."

Aria sighed deeply, obviously contemplating on my words. A moment passed, before she opened her mouth to speak.

"How do we find her?" She asked, frowning. "What she hasn't been born yet?"

"Hmph.. what do you take me for? A fool?" I scoffed, my claws elongating due to anger. "I didn't go into hiding only to come back with nothing. I've had my eyes on all of you all these while. I can confidently list what you've been up to. I'm not stupid."

Aria's frown deepened. "I honestly don't know what you're talking about."

"Witches are never honest" I retorted. "Everyone here knows you planted your child amongst the members of the Shadowfang Pack many years ago. You did that for a reason. Now, she's fully grown..."

I paused, satisfied with the shock written on their faces.

I cleared my throat, then continued. "I believe she's in the best position to find the child of prophecy, or what do you think?"

At that moment, the atmosphere changed and the witches let out a shrill cry. Aria's red eyes lit up, and a dark cloud appeared above her head.

I found her reaction so hilarious. "You don't have to be angry, Aria. You should just admit that nothing can be hidden from me. We both have what we both want, so let's deal with it."

Gradually, her anger subsided. "How did you know?" She questioned icily.

I smirked. "You'll find out soon, but for now, why don't you summon your daughter? Let's find out about the recent happenings in Killian's inner court."

Aria took a deep breath, her eyes fixed behind me. "I already summoned her. She should be here any minute from now."

Almost immediately, the clicking sound of heels echoed as a silhouette approached. Soon enough, a brown haired woman with amber eyes appeared with a devilish smile on her face.

"Greetings, Mother" Her mischievous voice said.