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I woke up with a start. The room was dark and I was sweating heavily don’t know because of my dream or the sudden temperature hike in the room. My heart was beating wildly in my chest and I was literally getting goosebumps. I kept staring into the darkness, still disoriented, and thinking about the weird dream I had. It was nothing like anyone I ever had and it was really scary. I can still hear the voice or like 3 voices whispering the same gibberish over and over again.
I tried sleeping again and after some tossing and turning sleep finally engulfed me. I woke up feeling really tired and drained. Even after having a scrumptious breakfast of dosa and sambar, I was not feeling so I decided to lie down. Mum and Esme had left for Gurukul to sort out travel plans for Monday and Sukaya went to town with her family to celebrate her ascension and do some shopping. God only knows what crazy thing that girl will buy. By the time I woke up, it was already evening so I decided to cook dinner to pass the time and decided on aloo parathas. My mum loved them but she will never accept it.
After I finished, I called Esme who said they were on their way and asked me to go to the grocery store down the street for some ice cream. That pulled me up short “why the ice cream?” but Esme cut the call before I can ask. Eating Ice cream was one way my mother vented out her frustrations, especially after one of our special talks. This was worrying but still I went and brought choco chip and coconut flavor ice cream tubs.
Dinner was very quiet and honestly awkward. Esme was walking on eggshells and I could feel mum’s downward spiraling mood. I thought of talking to mum regarding my impending travels but decided against it. I still had 2 more days and by tomorrow she will calm down so it will be better to talk tomorrow.
I was about to sleep when someone knocked on my door. Thinking it was Esme and simply hollered her to come in. ” Esme do you think I should pack my winter clothes as well or....” I looked up to see my mother standing at the door staring at me.
" Can we talk Riha?”
“Sure mum whats up? I was just sorting my clothes for travel.”
“Come down to the patio outside. I will make some hot chocolate for you”
She left before I can say anything. Something was definitely up. I took a shawl as nights in these parts were pretty cool at times. Mum was in the kitchen so I decided to head to the patio and settle down on the swing. Outside a cool night breeze was blowing, occasionally stirring the leaves. Our house was in the last row at the corner bordering the woods just before Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. The area was tightly warded and I could almost feel the tingle of magic in the air. Almost.
“Here, careful It’s hot”
“Thanks Mum, So what is it? I couldn’t help but see the ice cream tub half empty.” I sort of teased her. Mum smiled at me and sat down next to me on the swing and stared ahead into the night. I watched my mother getting comfortable on the swing and tucking her feet in. Her reddish brown hair was in a braid with a few strands swaying gently in the breeze. I could see one or two stray white hairs which my mum vehemently refused to color. In a faded red kurta set with a shawl in her lap, she looked very serene but tired at the same time. I kept on staring at her. We really don’t have much similarity other than our green eyes.
I was lost in thought when I heard her shift and reach for my left hand.
“Cahira, In two days you will be leaving here to council lands. there are a few things you should know because I don’t want you to go unprepared and eyes closed. I thought I had time but apparently not and what happened today has just proved it.”
“Mum, I am hardly going to be away for a month or 6 maximum. Once the term finishes I will be back in no time”
“No, you are not going just for a term. I had wanted to wait till you turn 21 before dragging you into this drama but I have no choice now.”
“Mum you are scaring me...what”
“shh listen, just listen I will answer your questions but first listen carefully.
I had a visit from Council Oracle today. Your healers which we sent to Australia had somehow reached the Royal City. A request had been placed by The Head Physician of Royal apothecary to the council for your immediate appearance. They want to assess your affinity and If you have whatever it is they are looking for you will have to apprentice for Head Physician instead of High Priestess.”
“What Mum that’s excellent news. I can’t believe this....”
“No Cahira listen, The vampires are dangerous, not to be trusted easily and I am not saying this because of the age-old animosity between our coven and them. There is a reason why witches are not inducted into the royal city though there are more than eligible and deserving ones. Currently, Only 5 witches dark witches serve the entirety of the vampiric clan and that is why that spot is so coveted. Ahilda had made sure that none of the white witches are caught in the vampiric snare because the last witch to go into the palace was severely betrayed and killed.
“But mum why does it matter to me? I am not a witch, I don’t have any power. I am as good as a regular human who might just have a touch of magical affinity. I am sure that I will not be of such importance to them.”
“You are not a regular witch Cahira” Esme’s voice was heard from above my shoulder. I glanced at her startled to see her standing there but she was staring intently at mum.
“What do you mean?”
Esme nodded to my mother and took a seat in front of me. She placed her hands on my thighs and said “There is something that was kept a secret from almost everyone in the coven. Very few people know this secret and you must understand you cannot tell this to anyone”.
I nodded my head and looked at my mom imploring her to continue.
“Ahilda D’lune is your great-great-grandmother. You are her granddaughter and she facilitated your birth.” My mind went into shock unable to process this information. I was quiet as nothing was making sense to me. Till yesterday, I was sure to join the regulars and live my life as a human and now suddenly I am bombarded with a wealth of information of which I could not make any sense whatsoever.
“you are saying that I am a great great granddaughter of High Priestess of entire witch covens of the world yet I don’t have any magic in me. How much more of a disappointment I could be.”
“Don’t think like that Riha” my mother’s voice snapped. “I have never ever considered you to be a disappointment. You are and always will be my greatest achievement.”
Tearms came to me unabashed and I hugged my mother. She too started crying and patting my back. “Never think like that again Muppet I love you very much”.
She straightened and wiped her tears. “Now listen, about your accident, Ahilda was there when it happened and she refused to share any details until your father wakes up. I have tried so many times but she would not just tell me. She was not at all surprised when your powers did not manifest at age of 12 or 18.
But on the night when you turned 18, your stars changed. Something is influencing your fate path and Ahilda reached out to me. Esme used her power to document your fate chart and it has changed completely. Something is stirring on the horizon which no one is sure about but something is coming. That is why you were requested to go to The council lands but now we cannot just ignore the Royal command.
You have to visit the royal family at least once and I want you to be very careful when you do that. Don’t trust anyone other than Ahilda who will be going with you. The events of War and Saella’s demise are still not known to anyone other than the few present then. To summon a trainee witch is unheard of. They are planning something and I dont want you to be a part of their schemes. Promise me you will always be alert and careful.”
“Yes mum I will be. Though I still don’t understand what is it that you are so worried for. I agree there is a possibility that I will be gone for more than 6 months but as you yourself said Our relationship with Ahilda is a secret. Even if it was not I am failing to get the whole picture which has you so tied in knots.”
“You will soon understand Riha. We cannot tell you everything as you are not ready yet. In time you will understand but till then be very careful baccha. Now, go on go to bed. You have a very busy day ahead tomorrow.”
I was shocked at the abrupt dismissal and about to protest but mum and Esme both had that look on their face which said no matter what this discussion was over. So I nodded and left.
My thoughts were in a disarray and I was so focused on them that I did not see the silhouette of a woman sitting on my window seat until it moved. I shrieked and backed into my bed in fright and fell down.
“Fuckkk......who are you..” The shadow waved her hand and it felt like the whole world was muted.
“Your language is not appreciated, young lady. You better wash your tongue of this filth before you come to me.” An eerie voice sounded in my ears. I clutched my heart and tried to calm down.
“who......Who are you?”
“And here I thought you were intelligent. Who do You Think I am Child?”
“I...I don’t...I...are you High...” I was cut off by the shadow and that too rudely.
“Yes I am Ahilda D’lune. I trust you have been appraised by your mother about the change in your Travel Plans, tá?”
“I...yes yes but I don’t know much as we”
“tsk tsk” she clucked once again cutting me off very rudely. “I see you have brains and wit like your father, not very cliste are you!!” I wisely kept my mouth shut and watched. She, or at least her shadow stood up from where she was sitting on the window seat and kind of floated toward me.
“Listen Cahira, something ominous is hovering in the breeze. Something is stirring on the horizon, obscured in dark and emotions run red. I will meet you in Royal City but until then stay away from Any Royal blood. Be careful and have safe travels”
And just like that she poofed into the air. No explanation nothing just a few confusing words and gone.
God, this is all so messed up. Mum said almost the same words of warning but I still don’t understand how is this relevant to me. “Don’t meet Royal blood” what does that mean? where in actual fuck will I meet a Royal.
I cursed loudly and started getting up when my window cushion flew and smacked me right into the face. “oof...what is happening!!!!”
“Language girl” a voice echoed and faded away.
My life was turned upside down and it seems to me Granny B and I would not see an eye to eye for long.
Two days passed away real quick. I shopped for a few clothes and other necessary things whereas Kaya as predicted bought so much stuff you could almost open a shop. I told Esme and Mum about Granny B’s visit and while Esme was laughing at my complaints mum was worried about her declaration.
“Cahira, Ahilda has the gift of sight and premonition. It would do us good not to take her words lightly. Esme, maybe I should come with you.”
“No need Alie, you are worrying too much. You know Ahilda and how weird she is. Don’t worry I can manage very well on my own and Sunil will be there with the boys. Also, you are needed here to situate the newly ascended witches”.
“But Esme,.....”
“Ok ok if you want I will take two enforcers with me. Will that ease your mind??”
“yes Please”.
Soon Monday morning came and we all assembled in the courtyard of Gurukul. After a quick farewell speech from mum and Chief Crone, we were all ready to go. Kaya kept looking back and searching for something, my guess was Rohan but there was no sign of him. Mum gave me a long hug and whispered in my ear ” stay well Cahira and keep your father’s necklace close. If you need help anytime just hold it and ask, help will definitely come.”
“Woahh Like Fawkes ahh ” I teased my mum and she laughed a little. ” No mythical bird will ever be able to save you, especially with the kind of troubles you bring upon yourself but yes help will always come if You ask for it.”
“I will be Okay mum and I will see you soon”.
All collectively stepped into the teleportation circle and other witches surrounded us. Every magical school was equipped with teleportation circles which are activated by the high council elders on predetermined dates and times for transporting the trainees to Ireland where the gateway to the Magical realm is situated.
The witches linked their hands and started chanting. The air was filling with magic and I felt a sensation crawling up my legs though nothing was visible. Soon I was engulfed in an unknown feeling and suddenly the world was black. I could not see anything but feel the hands linking me to two others. My right hand was clutched by kaya who was shaking almost violently. It was over in a second and I blinked in the sudden onslaught of sunlight. Kaya turned next to me and puked her guts out. I can see others were too disoriented and stumbling on their feet except for Esme, Mr Sunil, and Two enforcers who accompanied us.
“Fuck that was disorienting, really unpleasant” kaya shakily breathed out and others were groaning too but I..I just couldn’t feel any discomfort. In fact, the feeling which filled me when we teleported was still coursing inside me. I looked toward my very warm hands who were almost buzzing.
I don’t know the exact word to define the feeling but it was like something was flowing in my veins tingling from my toes to the tips of my fingers. Kaya suddenly let my hand go with a jerk like something electrified her. “WTF Cay, You just zapped me....” she stopped abruptly in between and stared at me then at my hands. “what just happened?”
I shook my head and gave my hands a little jerk but nothing happened. Kaya was staring at me with unreadable eyes. slowly she reached for my fingers and gingerly touched the tips, the sensation once again zapped me and her as well. She said in a distant voice “It has begun, They cannot stop it.”
“What...what has begun... ”
“Cahira, Sukaya are you both OK” Esme voice startled me and I jumped a little. I was about to tell her when kaya softly pressed my hand and shook her head sideways.
“Yes Esmerlda, we are ok.”
Esme stared at Kaya for a minute but then shrugged and said “Ok lets go then. Only you two are left rest of others have left.”
I looked around to see the others following Mr Sunil out of the room. The room itself was a clear glass dome with high ceilings, overlooking a lake and surrounded by lush greenery on the other side. Esme nudged me towards the outgoing group and beckoned Kaya to follow. Outside lay a narrow passage made entirely of glass panels which led a small opening in the side of a castle-type stony structure. I was so distracted by the zapping in my fingers that I almost collided into Esme who was waiting for me at the other side of the passage.
“Are you really okay Riha?, Teleportation can be nasty business, especially for regulars but don’t worry the feeling will pass.”
“yes I am Ok Esme but something weird happened just now. My fingers they are..”
“Esme everyone is waiting!!!” Mr Sunil’s voice called from behind her. “yes Coming, one minute please” she looked towards me and whispered “we will talk later ok. For now, let go the other Oni’es will be arriving and we have to be ready by the time the portal to Magical Island opens”
I nodded and followed Esme in with kaya trailing behind me. We passed a hallway and reached a clearing. In the middle, there was a fountain with faeries statue. In front of it was Mr Sunil bowing to a tall man with white hair who had his back to us.
Esme stopped for a second and then called loudly
“Oppa” my aunt called in a never heard girly voice which made the man turn towards us and I stopped in my tracks.
The person who was facing me and my aunt was not a normal Oni’e. He was tall about 6′ 2 and leanly muscled. He had platinum white hair which was artfully slicked back and a sort of angular face with a jawline so sharp I could feel the slick and cut of it. He had a small but long nose and small eyes which were light blue to the point of almost transparent. His ethnicity was not very clear to me but it was apparent that he was Korean. After all Esme just called her Oppa and he was an Oppa material indeed !!!.
"annyeonghaseyo salang it has been a long time. You are looking beautiful as ever.”
Esme giggled. Yes, she giggled and almost hopped to hug him. ”Annyeong oppa. What are you doing here?? I must say Time is being insanely fair to you. You are getting more attractive than ever by each year”.
“You flatter me dear. I am here on official business and I believe you are traveling to the mainland with this year’s recruits yes?”
“Yes but I too have a meeting in The Royal City. Here, meet my niece Cahira Devadutta”. Esme gestured towards and those gorgeous, smiling eyes focused on me and widened.
“Niece, Aileas and Cabir’s daughter!!!”
He thrust a hand towards me, eyes still widened and searching my face ”annyeong kkomaya, I am Dae Bong Kwan. Its a pleasure to meet you.”
That voice....uffff. It was like a musical chant to my ears and he called me Little one. In all the years of me obsessing over Korean dramas and Korean actors, I had imagined several scenarios where meet a hot Korean and whatnot.
But here I was, faced with an insanely attractive, uber hot Korean and my brain was short circuiting.
I kept staring at him and he returned my stare. I was brought out of my trance when Kaya nudged me from behind. “Yes hello...hie....I mean yes annyeong. I am Cahira” God kill me now. Esme was giggling quietly behind him and he was suppressing a smile on my absurd behavior.
I brought my hands to shake his but as soon as our fingers touched the sensation from earlier which was almost gone came back with a vengeance and flowed from my fingers to his hands. His eyes squinted and widened once again. His face twitched a little and I knew he could feel the sensation as well. We both were locked in a kind of trance and held hands.
Kaya suddenly came beside me and asked “what are you?”
“Sukaya, mind your manners that no way to talk to any elder. Do you even know who you are talking to? Apologise right now” Esme snapped and even I was startled to hear Kaya questioning him so rudely.
Dae-bong glanced once at our clasped hands and let it go slowly. He then turned to Kaya and tilted his head while regarding her.
“Its okay Esme. Sukaya is it...hmm Yuko’s daughter right. I can feel your magic reaching out to me. Interesting. To answer your question I am a Fae. Do you know what a fae is?
Kaya shrugged “We have been given the watered-down version of almost all species. You are like part fairy are you not”
Bong laughed and it was like music to my ears. “Yes, I do have fairy blood but it’s not that simple. Tell you what Why don’t we have dinner together, all four of us? What do you say, Esme? Cahira?”
I was still starstruck so Esme took pity on me and answered “Sure Bongie, now let’s get this lot settled. I believe others have arrived as well”.
They both started walking while talking to each other and I trailed behind them.
“snap out of it Cay. He is old, out of the league and unattainable, not to mention Esme seems to have a crush on me. ”
“I didn’t.....I am just appreciating the view, Kaya. There is absolutely no harm in appreciating god’s creation. I am just, you know looking.” I shrugged and glanced at her only to find her checking him out.
“Well I agree that is an awesome piece of ass.”
We both stared at the mentioned ass walking away from us and broke into laughter.
Before entering the hall, Dae bong got a call and excused himself allowing us to enter the hall first. Mostly the hall was filled with witches but there were other Onie’s present too. I saw a Griffin and a Goblin talking to each other at far corner. There was a group of tall muscly boys and two girls with golden eyes, Werewolves ofcourse. Esme told us to find seats and sit down while she went to talk to some other chaperone . A Woman walked to the middle and spoke in a loud but clear voice,
“Welcome dear Oni’es to Ireland. The meeting will commence shortly. I am delighted to share that today we have the honor of hosting the Royal Prince of Alturia. I request you all once announced please kneel in the Royal Salute”.
Gasps were heard and every head in the hall started looking here and there as if The prince will pop out from some corner. Everyone was shocked because You just don’t meet a Royal out of blue. I looked over to Kaya to see what she thinks of it when a voice bellowed ” All kneel down in the honor of High Fae Prince Dae Bong Kwon”
Everyone kneeled on one knee and raised their hands to their heart with Heads bowed. Only I was standing in the crowd of bowed heads gazing directly at Dae Bong who was staring back at me all the while Ahilda’s words echoing in my head “stay away from Any Royal blood”!!!!
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Hie everyone, If you like the above chapter please vote, like and comment.
I would love some feedback. For those who have doubt over story being very confusing, please give it some time. Everything will be clear in later chapters.
Some references mentioned in the Chapter:
Baccha: Hindi world for child
cliste: Clever or intelligent in Gaelic.
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