Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Laura’s mind was amok with thoughts about her daughter’s condition. She never preferred any of her daughters over the other. It was obvious that Sasha getting married to Maria’s suitor caused trauma and made Maria take such a dangerous decision.
"Just continue with the former treatment," The physician said as he adjusted his cloak. He bowed towards the alpha and Luna and left with his wooden suitcase.
"She’d be fine. Don’t worry." Reynolds whispered as he stroked his wife’s hair gently.
He signaled one of the guards to come and ordered him to bring Mozart back. Even if the witch asked for more compensation, Reynolds was ready to give it to save his daughter.
"We’ve called her, but she requests you come outside to talk to her," The guard came back to the room to inform Reynolds.
The alpha nodded his head and hurried out of the room. Mozart stood under a huge tree outside the house. Her hands were clasped behind her, and she wore a smile on her face.
She took steps forward, closing the gap between her and Reynolds.
"I need you to help my daughter,"
Mozart let out a dry laugh and rubbed her hands together as if she was plotting some evil.
"Please," Laura begged, her eyes almost glassy as the weight of Maria’s condition held her down. "I’m sorry for throwing you out, but come back and help my daughter."
"I came here to help. You questioned me, and later sent me out, claiming that I wanted to kill your child. Now you come here, begging and expecting my pity."
"I would give you what you want. The land is yours. You and your people can stay there."
Mozart chuckled at Reynolds’ statement. "I also want the finest of your silk and precious stones."
Laura locked eyes with her husband, her face masked with disagreement. She wanted to call the witch a thief, but restrained herself.
"All you want would be given." Reynolds assured her.
"Good. Now take me to the girl."
The couple heaved a sigh of relief and led the green-eyed witch to Maria’s room.
"Candles, cinnamon sticks, a kettle of hot water, white linen and rose water. I need all of that."
Laura went out, ordering the workers to bring all the items that were requested. Once everything was in place, Mozart started reciting some incantations. She didn’t send Reynolds and Laura out like she did the last time. The alpha and Luna watched, hoping that the outcome would be successful.
Mozart lit two candles and held them over Maria’s unconscious body, moving them in a circular motion. None of what she did made sense to Laura and Reynolds, but they had to keep quiet to avoid upsetting her.
Mozart dropped the candle and sighed deeply. She turned towards them and shook her head. "This isn’t easy."
"What do you mean? Would she never wake up?"
"She would, but I would need help from my fellow necromancers."
"Necromancers?" Laura repeated. "Is she dead?"
"Yes and no. Her soul and wolf have left her body. I have to bring back one, which means she will lose her wolf, but her soul will be restored."
"She can lose her wolf, but please bring..."
Reynolds’ words were cut short by the witch. "I have to take her along with me. My people would join forces to treat her." She looked at the alpha and Luna who had quite astonished looks on their faces. "Do I have your permission?"
Laura cast a quick glance in Reynolds direction, unsure if it was a good idea.
"Do what you need to do. Take her along with you."
"Yes, take her." Laura agreed as well.
Mozart nodded her head and directed her gaze to Maria. "We should be leaving soon. The earlier, the better."
Before Reynolds could give a response, his beta, Gareth walked into the room, seeking his attention.
"The alpha from the north is here," Gareth whispered to him.
Reynolds pulled Gareth aside and they walked out of the room. "Where is he?"
"He’s waiting at the library."
Reynolds headed there and Gareth trailed behind him. He reached the library to find Triton standing with a book in his hand. The library was a wide stretch of space, with books arranged in the shelves, books that were rarely touched.
"Alpha Reynolds," Triton called out, bowing slightly to the older man. "You requested my presence."
"Please sit." Reynolds motioned to the younger alpha. When they were both seated, Gareth excused himself from the room.
"It’s getting worse. We have to do something about it. Females in my pack aren’t safe anymore." Reynolds eyebrows were etched with a frown. It was obvious he was worried about the safety of his people.
Triton took a deep breath and placed his palm on his forehead. "There’s a dark force roaming around. I just can’t place it. This is difficult. Maybe we can try using someone as bait to see who exactly the predator is."
Reynold’s frown deepened as he pondered on Triton’s suggestion. "Sounds like a plan, but I can’t just risk the lives of my people."
Triton began to get uneasy, he fumbled with his sleeves, buttoning and unbuttoning his shirt. He shifted restlessly in his chair, and his attention was diverted from Reynolds.
"Is there a problem?" Reynolds asked as he noticed Triton’s awkward behaviour.
Triton wiped the beads of sweat off his face and shook his head, "No."
"I need to discuss your idea with the council, they would know better." Reynolds was about to say something else, but noticed Triton’s attention straying even more.
Reynolds raised a brow, looking at the younger alpha who was restless, acting as though his chair was on fire.
"I’m afraid you aren’t paying attention. Do we fix another date for our meeting?"
"I am. It’s just..." Triton paused, unable to explain his plight.
Just then, Gareth entered into the room and whispered to Reynolds that Maria had just been taken by the witch to another place for treatment. Before Reynolds could respond to Gareth, Triton stood up from his seat.
"Excuse me for a moment. I...I need to get water." Without waiting for a response, Triton rushed out of the room.
Reynolds and Gareth exchanged perplexed glances.