TETHERED

KEILAH

It was a stormy night. And my wedding night with the man I stole from my best friend.

The rain poured heavily outside, yet amidst the downpour, I could still hear my friend's screams as she was being gang-raped. She called out my name, desperately seeking help, but I callously ignored her cries. I knew that I was the one behind this sinister plan against her. Satisfaction spread across my face as I realized she would forever be out of my way, allowing me to fully enjoy my marriage. I happily revelled in the night with the man who was once hers.

I jolted awake, drenched in sweat. Beside me, my best friend Cora lay snuggled up like a baby. Quietly, I slid out from under the covers and tiptoed out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. Switching on the cold water, I stepped beneath its icy stream. The chill of the water provided relief for my anxiety stemming from the dream I had just experienced.

Once I cleaned up, I stepped out of the shower, feeling fresh and much better, and was ready to tackle the day.

I went into the kitchen and smelled pancakes. As I entered the kitchen, I found my aunt sitting on the dining chair distantly in thoughts. Aunt, I slowly called her. She responded with a hum.

You look distraught, you okay? I asked as I sat down next to her. Before she could reply, Cora's loud voice interrupted.

Hellooo, good morning, everybody.

I sighed, looking at my friend yawning and stretching. At the sight of my best friend, the dream popped back in my head. I exclaimed, my lips a little wobbly, ''Come have breakfast and then go back to your husband.'' Both of them turned to look at me and spoke simultaneously, saying ''Again?" I nodded in agreement.

Is that why you want me to go to my husband so badly? Cora asked, her mouth full of pancakes. Because I'm not going back. If you're worried that your dream might come true, don't stress about it, honey. My soon-to-be ex-husband isn't someone worth treasuring.

I signed and shook my head, unable to believe her. My aunt gave me a sympathetic look, to which l responded, "Aunt, you know I hate that look."

I'm sorry, honey, but this matter is getting worse, and you're losing weight because of it.

I agree. Cora added.

My aunt held my hands in hers, saying,

It's been years, and you keep having the same recurring dream. Why don't you go to dream interpreters and figure out its meaning. I'll give you the address.

Just as I was about to reply to her concern, my friend beat me to it and said that I never and will never visit one no matter how skilled the necromancers or dream interpreters are. Aunt, don't you know your niece? She doesn't believe in that kind of stuff.

But why, Keilah? There's nothing wrong with trying other than getting thin just because of a dream. You keep insisting that it's only a dream, but it's actually taking a toll on you. Honey, I'm worried about you. Can't you give it a try? There's this really talented dream interpreter that you should check out. Please. Keilah honey, please, do it for my sake.

Alright, Aunt, I'll go because you pleaded, but there's one condition: when I return, you have to let me take you to the hospital for a checkup. My aunt nodded in agreement.

Alright then, you can send me her address. I'll go after my three part-time jobs

Once I cleaned up the kitchen and some light housework, I catched a bus to my first part-time job.

I still don't get it. The keilah I know would never accept visiting a necromancer. Cora texted me on my way to work.

It's a win to win, cora. I get to do what she wants, and she gets to do what I want. I texted back.

Girlfriend, do you really want me to go back to my husband? I can do it and try all my best to make my marriage work if divorcing Ethan really bothers you. Cora wrote back, and for a moment, I hesitated about how to respond to her. Cora has been not only my best friend but also like a sister to me during difficult times. It would be incredibly cruel to force her back into a marriage that ended a long time ago, all because of a simple dream. Well, this dream really unsettles me because whenever I have it, I see my own face among those women. It scares me because it feels so vivid and real.

Do you really think I would want that? I love you, Cora, and all I want is to see you happy. Your happiness is important to me. We both know that there is no happiness in your marriage. So whatever decision you make, whether it's divorcing Ethan or anything else that makes you happy, I will always support you. I texted back. Let's talk when I get home, I've arrived at work. KISSES.

As the evening approached, I finished my work for the day. The weather was pleasant, so I decided to take a stroll around the streets before heading to the sorcerer my aunt had mentioned. I texted my aunt, informing her that I would be running a bit late.

"No problem, honey. Take your time. Who knows, you might even meet someone special and start dating. That's one of my top wishes for you."

I rolled my eyes.

As I was about to reply to her text, someone calling the name Athena interrupted me. I looked away from my phone and saw an old woman standing across the road, struggling with multiple grocery bags in each hand. She called Athena's name again while scanning around as if searching for someone.

I looked around for the person she's trying to reach, but everyone else seemed too busy with their own matters. I got a little confused. Suddenly, the old woman dropped her bags and sat down on her haunches, hugging her knees like a child while calling out for Athenas' name. I realized that she must be lost and no one was paying attention to her. I crossed over to her to offer my assistance.

Ma'am, are you alright?" I asked, sinking down to her level. However, instead of responding, she continued crying and calling out for Athena. Grandmother. Are you alright? Do you need help? If you allow me, I can assist you in finding…" Before I could finish my sentence, she interrupted me with a sudden hug, causing both of us to fall.

When she finally calmed down, she stood up and extended a hand to help me up too. I began to speak, but she interrupted me once more.

"Let's go home before your son loses control," she said, grabbing my hands and flashing a smile. Then, she snapped her fingers three times. Her face furrowed in concern as she looked up at me. "This is not good. My magic has vanished," she uttered.

This woman's head doesn't seem to be working well. I thought to myself and decided to be patient with her. I forced a smile and asked her if she would like me to take her home.

Yes, but how are we going to go back? We can't go by taxi. Your son will notice.

Okay. So, how did you get here? I asked.

She raised her hands, showing me her palms with a big smile and said. Did you forget? I'm a witch. I used my magic.

I chuckled.

''Are you sure we should use a taxi? Aren't you worried about your son's temper if he finds out we left the pack house and came to the human side?

So, she left the house without anyone's knowledge. I thought.

"Of course, I'm not worried about him. I'Il explain everything to him, and he'll understand," I assured her as I carried the bags. "Now, shall we go?" I said. She hesitated, expressing fear.

Please, let's leave before it gets dark. I have another witch to meet. I whispered the last sentence to myself.

When we hailed a taxi, I politely requested that she give the driver her home address. Thankfully, she complied without hesitation.

The journey was long, and it made me anxious. As we travelled through the dense forest, a magnificent mansion emerged behind high walls. I breathed a sigh of relief, yet also felt a sense of fear being so far from town and my home.

Grandmother, look, we've arrived," I said awkwardly, pointing at the enormous gate. When she didn't respond, worry crept in that she might have taken us to the wrong address. Thankfully, she stepped out of the car with some bags and urged me to follow her. I paid the cab fare and asked the driver to wait for me.

She walked towards the small gate and knocked on it lightly. The gate was opened, and I gathered all the grocery bags and hurriedly made my way over.

As I approached the small gate, I heard women's worried voices questioning the old woman about her decision to go out alone.

"Alpha is on his way here. Let's get you inside before he arrives, " they said, their voices filled with panic. Just as I was about to enter, the door was abruptly slammed in my face.