Chapter 1 - Agatha's Vision

Three years later.

“So, Nico, what would you do if your Moon Goddess screwed up your mate pairing?” I asked.

“Language, Agatha!”

 Nico lifted his gaze from the book he was reading, looking petulant. “Is this conversation taking us anywhere worth discussing? If not, just drop it.”

I brought the teacup to my lips for a sip, took a deep breath, and looked him straight in the eye, pouting. Most days pass like this: I ask a question, and this grumpy ex-commander answers impatiently. I don’t even understand why he needs to read that same book over and over again. If it were me, I would have memorized it by now and just played it in my head like a broken record. He talks more like a college professor than an ex-commander, if you ask me. Not that I’m complaining; he’s a badass, and he protects me like a big brother would.

 “I had a vision last night!” I lazily whispered, fidgeting with my fingers.

He gently closed the book in his hand, dropped it on his lap, and squared his shoulder. Then, he relaxed his back on the wooden chair he had been lounging in for the past two hours. After crossing his legs, he gave me his full attention. “I am listening!” he responded.

“You heard it?”

“I am a werewolf, Agatha! I may not have the same ability to read minds as you do, but I have an enhanced sense of hearing,” he retorted lazily. “You forgot?”

“Al….right.“ I said mockingly.

“So?”

“What?” I asked

“About the vision. Tell me,” he demanded.

“It’s weird and sometimes when the vision changes and all, you know, vision is subjective. Some events can alter the outcome, I… uhm…..” I stammered.

“Did it ever happen to you before?” 

I did not answer for a while.

“Did any of your visions change in the past?” he clarified, his tone stiffening a bit. I’m not sure if he was getting impatient or just worried about my vision.

“Uhm, No. But this might, who knows?” I shrugged.

“O…KAY..?” raising his eyebrows while waving his hands, encouraging me to continue. “Stop stalling, Agatha,” he growls. “Are we going to keep the guessing game or you will tell me about the vision now? You never hesitated to tell me anything before, why make a fuss now?” He sounds so irritated, geez.

“Uhm. I…I think I am mated to two Alphas,” I stated, just slightly above a whisper, while tattering the hem of my skirt. 

“WHAT THE FUCK?” Nico nearly jumped from his chair. His wolf almost took over as his eyes turned midnight black. 

In a few seconds, his claws elongated, and an inch of fur surfaced from his arms and face. He closed his eyes to relax his nerves and took a few deep breaths. He opened his eyes after five long seconds and threw his arms in the air with a look of desperation. He took two long strides toward me with a darkened expression. 

“YOU THINK? Explain!” he shouted, but not unkindly.

I cannot form a coherent answer. Am I intimidated? Absolutely! Scared? Hell, No! He wouldn’t hurt me. We have already talked about this subject more times than I can remember. Mates equal risks. For them and me. 

I am a witch rogue, if that even amounts to anything… and I don’t do mates. At least, that’s what I thought. 

I met Nico a few months after my sixteenth birthday. He was with five of his elite warriors from their previous pack. It wasn’t clear why they left the pack, though. We have this ‘don't ask, don't tell’ arrangement. They only tell me what’s necessary for our safety and survival, nothing personal. They are cheating in a way. They can mind link! They talk dirty, curse, and joke in their heads. How mean? 

But I’m different. I talk like a bipolar parrot. I share more than I should. To my benefit, they let all my shenanigans slide since I am the youngest and the only female member of the group. I am their spoiled princess, whether they like it or not. But when our lives are on the line, I don’t quip. 

[Flashback]

I just had my full powers at the time. After I witnessed Baltazar turn my Mom into ashes, I focused on my energy. I visualized a safe place, but not specific, where I could practice my magic as mom instructed me. I gathered all the books, herbs, and crystals I needed for my magic before I watched Baltazar burn down the coven into nothingness. He searched for me on every corner of the coven like a madman. I can’t blame him; he was stuck in the pendant for eight hundred years, and losing me in an instant can be maddening. 

I closed my eyes and chanted a few lines of incantations. When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark and dreary place. I can hear a faint sound of water dripping not so far from where I sat. I struggle to breathe in the beginning. The humidity in the air was so thick, and I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I don’t have an idea where I exactly landed, but if my magic is to be trusted, then I should be in a safe and secluded place. Hopefully, no other witch can find me soon. 

I looked around and explored the place. I realized I was inside a cave. I could see intriguing rock formations on the walls. Some icicle-shaped crystals and rocks fill the ceiling of the cave, and water occasionally drips from them. I imagined that if I could create a small source of light, the whole cave would be illuminated. The light rays may bounce on the icicles and shine brightly like a chandelier. 

About a hundred feet away, a water stream passed beneath the cave floor. The water was as clear as a crystal, and I could see the bottom of the waterbed. However, with limestones surrounding the surface, I’m not sure if the water is safe for drinking.

The cave walls sparkle from the crystals and other stones buried underneath the surface. This cave holds a massive wealth that could turn friends and families against each other. 

With this much treasure still intact? I can only assume that no one discovered this place yet. 

“I’m safe,” I mustered.