Page 25 of Fire Touched

Carter throws me an incredulous look, then turns and inclines his head politely. ‘Of course. I assure you, I’ll be on my best behaviour. Katherine speaks highly of you.’

Elga steps aside, beaming, and gives me a one-armed hug as I enter. ‘Oh, of course she does. She’s a smart, powerful young lady. Now, what can I do for you?’

‘We wanted to ask about the barrier. We were wondering if there’s a way to make it stronger.’ I help myself to a handful of cookies—at Carter’s raised eyebrow I smile—and go and settle into my armchair, Carter on my right. ‘We’re worried more Water wolves will come for their alpha.’

Elga’s gaze slides from me to Carter. ‘You have a troubled air about you, young man. I know you’ve been through much, but you’re on the other side of it now. You and Katherine were meant to find each other.’

A dark look passes over his face, and I reach out to touch his arm. ‘I know, sorry, she does that. I should’ve warned you, but she’s nice.’ It’s unnerving to have someone speak to you as though they’ve known you your whole life, the way she seems to know your darkest fears or most troubled moments.

After a moment, Carter straightens, clearing his mind. ‘What do you mean, we were meant to find each other? For what purpose?’ He looks at me. ‘For her to save me?’

Elga sips her cup of tea. ‘Yes,’ she says, ‘but much more. Your connection is stronger than that. For a very long time, each of the elemental packs has been at war with the others, us Witches had to pick sides to keep you from tearing each other apart. But this is not the way it was meant to be. The packs are supposed to live harmoniously. That’s where you two come in.’

I draw my hands together, away from Carter. ‘I’m with Killian.’

Elga waves me down. ‘You’re with who you’re with, child, don’t fret. You and Carter are bonded in a different way, though, I’m sure the intensity of it seemed otherwise in the beginning.’ Both of us flush, eyes downcast. ‘Nevermind that. You and Carter represent the pillars of our people. Fire, and Water. Together, you will help reunite all four element packs, and both witch covens.’

I blink and stare at her, then Carter. Could that be why we found each other?

‘How do you know this?’ Carter asks.

I hold up a hand, a smile curving my lips. ‘Let me guess, it’s written in the stars?’

Elga tuts. ‘You mock, child, but you’re right. Now, then, Carter, there’s something you must do before the barrier can be strengthened.’ Her voice softens. ‘You need to face your uncle and discuss the fate of your pack.’

My gaze snaps to his, and I hold a hand out. ‘He doesn’t have to do that.’

‘I’m afraid he does. Not alone,’ the witch adds. ‘But the alternative is for me to alter the barrier which would end in a massacre of his people should they come upon it. Carter needs to reason with his uncle. Get him to agree to go to the barrier line and await his people, then send them away. If not, I fear there won’t be much of a Water Pack left to unite with the rest of the elements, as they are meant to.’

‘No, I’ll go and talk to him—’ I start.

Carter sets a hand on my arm and squeezes. ‘No, she’s right. It should be me.’

‘Both of us,’ I say firmly.

Elga nods, and rises to her feet. ‘Let me take you to him.’

The Starlight witch leads us out of the warmth of her cottage, away from the crackling fire, and the comfort of the tea and biscuits. I glance over at Carter, his worry and discomfort palpable.

Wordlessly, I slide my hand into his, reminding him he’s not alone.

Chapter Twelve

Katie

‘I didn’t know you had dungeons.’ My voice echoes off the damp, stone walls. I mean, I knew Julian was being kept somewhere, I just hadn’t realised it was here. ‘Do all packs have dungeons? That’s so creepy.’ Carter and I follow Elga down the wide, stone steps under the Alpha estate. ‘What, do you just keep your enemies in here? With shifter strength, can’t they break out?’

Now underground, the walls are made of stone, smooth and ageless, the floor pressed, hard dirt. Despite my wolf and my fire which help keep me warm, a shiver climbs up my spine.

‘Water Alpha Estate has a dungeon,’ Carter says quietly.

Instead of asking him how he knows that, I squeeze his arm.

‘They cannot escape,’ Elga says.

The hallways are illuminated by lanterns set at intervals down the walls, casting ominous, flickering flames and dancing shadows.

There are no guards and no glowy barrier walls down here.

---