Page 13 of Midnight Deception

Taking a deep breath, I focus on the question and not the feel of their skin against mine. “I’m not sure. Somewhere the witches call Haven. I was knocked out when they transported me, and I woke up here.”

The two males share a look. They don’t seem surprised by this piece of news, but their expressions turn dark.

“Wherever you are, we’ll find you,” Syn vows, his expression intense, and I fully believe it. If anyone can find me, it’s these two. The thought warms my heart. I don’t know how they are going to do it, but we will be together again.

A thought occurs to me—the deal I made with the queen. I vowed not to leave until I can control my magic, and if I try to, I’ll suffer the consequences. I bite down on my lip, worried I’ve done the wrong thing. Taking a deep breath, I try to reassure myself. I did what I had to with the information I had at the time.

“There’s something the queen wants from me, but I’m not sure what that is yet,” I explain, frowning as I run it over in my mind again. “She promised she’ll release me once I’ve learned how to use my magic.”

Syn’s already shaking his head, his agitation coming off him in waves. “That could be years. Laelia, you need to get away from them. You can’t trust witches.”

That last comment makes me pause, reminding me of Atlas’s blanket hatred for all wolves. Is it really true thatallwitches are untrustworthy, or is this another blind stereotype that we’re taught to believe? Now is not the time to bring it up, not when we have such a short time together. Besides, this is only a dream, so it’s probably just my subconscious bringing up the issue.

I still have so much to tell them, and I have to swallow against the lump in the back of my throat as I prepare for their reactions. “There’s someone here who says he’s my half-brother.”

This piece of news seems to stun them just as much as it surprised me.

“Tell us everything,” Joel orders, his expression serious.

I tell them every detail I can remember, from the layout of the building to the people I’ve interacted with. They make me go over my conversation with the queen repeatedly, dissecting every word. Eventually, I’ve explained everything that’s happened until there’s only one last thing to mention.

I’m nervous about their reactions, especially Syn’s. He’s more volatile than Joel and fiercely protective of me, so this news is going to hit him hard. Not only am I mated toanothermale, but he’s a witch, our enemy. There’s no point putting it off, though, and they need to know the truth.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly look between them, shifting my weight from one foot to the other in an attempt to dispel some of my nervous energy. “I have a mate here.”

There’s a beat of silence as they stare at me, almost as if they are waiting for me to tell them I’m joking. I only wish I was.

“What?” Syn finally spits out, his expression turning worryingly neutral as he hides his true feelings. What he can’t hide, though, is the dark power that he exudes, and right now it’s wrapping around him, shifting with agitation.

Wary, I look at Joel who’s frowning, and I can practically feel his mind turning as he tries to work out the situation.

“There’s another werewolf there with you? He’s your mate?”

I wish, because it would certainly make this easier. I shake my head, my heart clenching painfully in my chest as I see the moment they both realise what I’m saying.

“He’s a witch. The bond made itself known when I saw him,” I explain quietly, as if the volume of my voice will ease the pain of my words. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. He hates our kind.” Hopelessness sinks in, dragging me down into the depths of despondency. This whole situation is a nightmare, and despite what the goddess said, I don’t know how I’m going to get through this.

“It must be a trick,” Syn counters, his eyes distant. “Something about their magic is making you think he’s your mate to get you to trust them.” Snapping back to the present, he bares his teeth and shakes his head adamantly. “Our goddess wouldn’t do something like that.”

I distantly hear a noise that sounds like a knock, and I don’t think it’s from the dream. My vision distorts, and I realise something is happening in the real world and I’m waking up. Eyes wide, I reach for them, needing to feel them both once more.

“I have to go.” My voice is breathy, and I feel myself being pulled away. “Please look after the others,” I plead, holding on as hard as I can, but it’s no use.

“Laelia—”

* * *

A loud knock startles me awake, and I sit up so fast that the world spins around me. Putting my hand to my head, I close my eyes as I wait for the dizziness to pass. A sigh escapes my lips as the knocking starts up again.

“Yes?” I call out, slowly opening my eyes, wincing against the light. I don’t move from my position, knowing I’ll probably fall over if I do and make myself look like a fool.

The main door opens, and I hear light footsteps making their way towards the bedroom. I don’t know how I’m able to sense her, but I know it’s Luna before she steps into the room. She carries a different aura about her than the others, and I can’t quite figure out why she feels so different.

She strides into the room in black thigh-high boots, tight, black, flexible trousers, and some form of white top. I’m unable to see the rest, as she’s wearing a strange half-cape that covers her from the waist up. Dark blue in colour, it looks decadent with its fur trim. I can’t get a handle on the clothing here. Last night, most of the witches I came across were wearing formal wear, and mixed with the architecture of Haven, it was like stepping back in time. Seeing Luna wearing a cross between clothes that could be seen onBuffy the Vampire SlayerandHarry Potteris only confusing me more. Blinking several times, I flick my eyes up and take in her fresh-faced look and fight back my groan. She’s a morning person.

“Are you ready for your first day of magic training?” she chirps as she moves through the room, coming to an abrupt halt when she sees me. “Wait, you’re still in bed.”

She seems so confused by this that I can’t help but snort a laugh. Rubbing a hand over my face, I push back my messy hair. “Yes, I was blissfully asleep until you started pounding on my door.”

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