Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings
Prey Of The Lycan Queen Chapter 16

~Zirah~

Dawn is approaching, casting long, winding shadows across the city as I approach Kelly's store with Gnash, Hunter and Shadow at my heels while Regan trails behind me. He has been strange since I woke up, quiet and barely spoken to me since I agreed to go to their kingdoms.

Stepping into the town square, I spot Kelly's store. From the outside, it's no different than any other antique shop lining the streets of this bustling part of the city. However, as I continue to stare I notice the mystical symbols etched onto the windows, how did I not notice them before? Usually I am good at picking up subtle differences, especially when I spent most of my life staring at runes you'd think I would have noticed.

However, in a world where being a witch gets you easily condemned, I must admit she is brave for using them in the murals that cover the store subtly, but not exactly hidden if you're looking for them. To humans and those not familiar with the craft maybe they wouldn't notice straight away or at all. However, if that isn't a give away, the faint smell of incense wafting through the cracks in the door might be another giveaway- Dragons Blood and Sage.

As I approach the store Kelly opens the door, almost like she knew I was arriving early. Her raven- hair is let loose and cascades like a veil, high cheekbones and a narrow nose. She wears a long, black, flowing dress with pockets on the front and moon emblazoned on the fabric. From the outside Kelly is radiant, but in her eyes I see the same shadows that have made their home on my face, the same darkness that haunts me like a nightmare I can't wake from. But there's more, she looks tired and worn like how I feel. Worn down and battered, from years of running from everyone and yourself.

"Zirah," Kelly greets me as I step inside. Her sharp eyes take in my state, the darkness that's taken root in my gaze, almost like she is sensing the same thing within me as I do her, tired, tired of hiding, tired of running, tired of playing their game. She smiles softly and her eyes flick to Regan and I glance at him to see him gazing at the runes and emblems within the mural. "Come, there's much to discuss.”

"Did you change the place?" Regan asks and I realize he too is noticing the runes within the art displayed around on brickwork and glass windows. The early light of the rising sun throws the shadows, casting the world in a blue-gray hue. I spot one of the stores directly across from Kelly's, a woman stands out front, her red hair a fiery red. She is sweeping the footpath with a straw broom but stops mid sweep as if sensing our eyes on her. The storefront is no different than any other antique store, a dilapidated sign advertising antiques and collectibles for sale. Until I notice the Runes, the moon on the front window seems to glow like a beacon at me. The woman dips her head and then nods toward the side of the Square as she returns to sweeping.

Regan gasps and I turn to see another woman also standing out the front of her shop, this one reading a book at a small table, a cup of tea in hand and book propped open in the other. Square glasses perched on the end of her nose. Staring at the store she sits out front of, it's a book store but the pentagram sitting above the door is the most daring act of all.

Almost like she is flipping off the king. She smiles and sets her book down, turning her piercing gaze to us just like the first woman. She tips her head and lifts her cup of tea and immediately I look directly to the other side. To find Leila, her little brother sitting on the curb while she rearranges the shelves of the apothecary shop she works out of when I see her grandmother sitting in an old rocking chair watching us. A crooked smile on her lips as she gazes back. I chuckle realizing they all hid in plain sight.

"How?" I ask Kelly.

"Our mothers knew Litha's death was imminent. They hid us, dropped us all to the orphanages to hide us, had us branded with their memories, once our magic manifested we found our way back to each other, it was Leila's mother who reunited us. Liela is the youngest of the main coven, her aunt Flur gave sacrifice to Litha."

"And her mother?" I ask.

"Died last year, leaving her magic to Leila," Kelly explains and I nod my head sadly.

Magic empowers the town square. Mystical symbols engraved into the walls and streets not only enhance the streets but also create a shield against the outside world. Now it is on full display, they're no longer hiding in the shadows.

"So you never painted?" King Regan asks, and Kelly laughs. "An entire town square overnight?" she shakes her head.

"No, we're just no longer hiding, my King. Why would we when the true Queen has risen? We've just removed the veil that hid us, we've always been here, always stood as one," she motions around the town square and I turn looking at the stores when I see another woman.

"They're keeping watch, ensuring their priestess doesn't need them," Kelly assures me but I already knew that and feel she is speaking for Regan’s benefit, warning him to behave.

Turning my gaze to Kelly's store I stare at the emblems and Runes. "Water," she nods once then points to a woman with fiery red hair. "Giselle, fire witch,” she points to the woman out front of the bookstore. "That one is Mauve, and she is air," the woman gives her fingers a flick and a strong gust flips my hair over my shoulders making me chuckle. "And Leila is earth,” I say and Kelly nods. "Which makes you ether or now what we call Spirit, just like your ancestors.” She motions to the other stores, with a wave of her hand. "And our stores set the direction, north, south, east, and west. This land here is sacred because it's where Litha died, we've protected it while awaiting your return,” she tells me and I swallow, wondering what would happen if I hadn't.

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