Page 15 of Fire Touched

I stop in my tracks. Slowly turn to face her. ‘What?’

The woman is older, face lined in wrinkles, silver hair peeking out from a head to foot purple gown. Her eyes are kind, sparkling in the evening light of the estate. She holds her arms neatly folded over her torso. ‘You are searching, young wolf. And I can see you are of two powers. That has created a dichotomy inside you. Where most have one element, one home, one path, you do not.’ Sympathy shines in her eyes.

I grit my teeth. ‘Who are you?’

‘Forgive me my lack of manners. I am a Starlight Witch. Elga.’ She holds out a weathered hand.

I frown and hesitantly take her hand. ‘Elga,’ I sound her name out. ‘I’ve never met a Starlight Witch.’

The old woman smiles knowingly.

‘How do you know all these things about me?’

She takes a step forward and wraps a warm arm around my shoulders. ‘Let’s just say, the stars and I are old friends, and we talk.’ Elga offers a warm smile. ‘Come. I think you might enjoy some tea. You need to settle your nerves. It’s been a big day.’

For some reason, I don’t protest as the kindly old stranger leads me away from the alpha estate, down a well-lit path toward a homely cottage—though not the kind I’m familiar with from Cinder. This cottage could easily house three or four people comfortably, judging by the outside.

‘I’m well respected here, and lucky,’ Elga explains modestly. She waves a hand, and the front door opens, a fire blooming to life in the hearth.

I walk inside to find a table of tea and warm biscuits waiting. As though she expected to have me—or someone—over this evening. I arch a brow at her, but don’t bother asking. Instead, I pour a cup of tea, swipe a biscuit, and make myself comfortable in a chair opposite the warm fireplace.

Elga smiles at me as she gets her own snacks. ‘You know, you remind me of someone.’

I take a bite of the cookie. ‘Am I being insulted?’ I ask dryly. People seem to like doing that here.

Elga chuckles. ‘Not at all, dear.’ Sitting opposite me, she’s one of the only people here who doesn’t appear to scrutinise me as they take me in. She gives me a general glance, but her eyes—which, now that I can see better—are the same soft grey as her hair. ‘I was actually thinking of my daughter. When she was younger.’

‘Oh.’ I sip the tea. To my delight, warmth spreads from my lips, down my throat, all the way to my toes. The sensation is so welcoming, tears prick at my eyes for a moment as my body forces me to relax. ‘It has been a big day,’ I admit.

Elga nods. ‘I was very impressed with what I saw earlier. You faced down an alpha by yourself. And with an unfamiliar power, too. You should be proud.’

I blink at her. ‘So, do you just know everything about me?’ My words come out a little sharper than I intend.

Elga smiles, unoffended. ‘No, not everything. Katherine, you weren’t only powerful today, but wise. You heard your heart, but you listened to your friend in letting the Water Alpha live. That’s something most grown wolves might not have the strength to do, let alone one so young and conflicted.’ She dips her head. ‘Really.’

I set my tea down. I guess I hadn’t thought of it like that. I note that she used my name, but I’m pretty sure I never gave it to her, but I brush that aside. No one’s talked to me like this before. They mostly try to blame me for everything. I clear my throat. ‘I wanted to kill him. Not just to protect them, but… for what he’s done.’ I let the admission hang between us, expecting this old woman to clutch her pearls or whatever, to look at me with shock and horror.

Instead, she takes a sip of her own tea, then sets it down. ‘I can understand that. That’s even more proof of your strength and wisdom.’

I blink at her stupidly. ‘You…’ I blow out a breath. ‘Well, you’re different, I’ll give you that.’

‘I choose to take that as a compliment,’ Elga smirks. ‘Now, then, is there anything you wish to talk to me about?’ She tilts her head. ‘We haven’t a lot of time left.’

I frown at her but decide not to ask. ‘You were right. About the… dichotomy. That’s what I’ve been feeling. In contrast with myself. Out of place.’

Elga’s face softens. ‘I’m sure you do. I assure you, it will help now that you’ve unlocked your fire gifts. You must practice both. Be in control, balanced.’

I swallow. ‘I’m not sure how to do that. Every time I think of my fire power…’ Anger boils in my gut, nearly painful.

Elga shuffles closer to me on her couch and reaches out to grasp my hand. ‘Calm yourself, dear. I understand how you feel—ah—’ She holds up a hand even as I open my mouth to protest. ‘The young always think no other can imagine how they feel, but it is not true.’ She squeezes my hand gently. ‘I would be angry too,’ she assures me. ‘But you need to harness your power, control it. You are the only one who can.’

Elga’s ears prick, hearing something I cannot. ‘Ah. You are always welcome to come visit me.’

I frown. Is she kicking me out?

A loud knock sounds from her front door. Elga’s lips purse, smug. She knew someone was coming. Damn, this old lady is cool. ‘Enter,’ she calls.

I stare at Elga for a moment. I like her way more than anyone else I’ve met here.

---