"Is that how you greet your aunt?" She repeats.

"Aunt Kaceline!" I run to her and give her a squeeze she won't forget for a while.

"My my, have you grown, Chloe. You're so pretty now, all the unmated males must be showering you with gifts and attention." She says.

I blush profusely at her compliment as she strokes my hair.

"What are you doing out this late?" She asks.

"Oh nothi-"

"What's all the racket here?" Mia walks in looking like that hairy creature from Star Wars.

I swear she has the best hearing compared to any living species when she's asleep. She would hear the pressure of your foot on the ground and be at your door before you even get to the fridge.

What? I'm a midnight snacker too.

"Sister?" Mia blinks as if she's still dreaming.

"Hello, Lumia. Miss me much?"

"Kaceline? Is this really you?!"

I've always wondered why white witches don't have last names, but their names almost always relate to light. There are a few exceptions, many of them turned out bad.

"Are you okay?" Mia asks Kaceline who looks anything but not okay.

"Just a little tired from travelling all the way here. May I stay for a short while, sister?"

"You may stay in one of our guest rooms." I beam.

"Thank you dear."

"Why are you dressed like that?" Mia asks, finally looking at my outfit.

"I'll just be headed off to a guest room then, I remember the way, you two can sit here and...talk." Kaceline says with,

amusement?

She graciously walks away with her cloak swirling around her ankles like fall leaves.

"Okay young lady, why are you dressed like that? And why do you reek of other wolves on you? Were you at a party?"

I look down, suddenly finding my pedicured toenails interesting.

"Know what, go to your room. I don't have time for this, I need to sleep." Mia yawns out and tries taming her frizzy hair.

Phew.

The only bullet I managed to dodge tonight.

I teleport myself to my bed chamber and I am pleased to see a sleeping Rosalia laying sprawled on my bed.

Soft snores escape her slightly parted lips and for once, she looks peaceful and quiet.

After making sure to get rid of all the dye and makeup, I change into some soft robes and get ready for bed.

Wait, Chloe! I need to check up on her. I didn't see her leave and I won't be getting any peace of mind until I see her safely in bed by now.

I close my eyes and utter the teleportation spell. Soon, I am in the familiar traditional bed chamber belonging to Chloe.

I tiptoe up to the lump on her large bed.

I know I could use a levitation spell to ensure that I make no sound, but where's the fun in that?

I see her tangled in the bedsheets and my heart warms when I recognize the koala bear stuffy I got her for her ninth birthday in her arms.

I am ready to leave when I feel a strong negative presence in the castle. I am drawn to the dark aura like a moth to a flame and before I knew it, I am out in the hallway.

I quickly hex away my robe and replace it with stealthy black clothes after realizing that bright green pajamas aren't best for my current situation.

The dark presence gets stronger as I feather walk nearer to the West wing, closer to the Gammas' living quarters.

Wait, the Gammas? Those are Anastasia's parents, aren't they?

It's too dangerous, what if they find out I'm here? Or what if I find out something I don't want to?

What would Chloe do? Think, Darcy think!

Invisibility! Yes!

I cast the invisibility spell on myself and continue my way. The dark presence's negative energy emits in powerful waves, making it easier to locate.

It's coming from royal Gamma Fredrick's office.

I gulp and approach the door trembling. I listen intently to the hushed voices inside.

"-think about it too much."

"How easy it is, fooling the fake Alpha and that little runt though."

The voices that just spoke belong to none other than Anastasia's parents! How could they? Does Anastasia know about this? Is she a traitor too?

I silence my thoughts and continue to eavesdrop.

"We already retrieved the ingredients needed, now all that's left is the blood of his foe."

"Is that the mutt princess or the black shit?"

A growl rumbles through the air, shaking the door.

"Forgive me, Alpha. I beg you to show mercy upon me."

Anastasia's dad says in a weak voice. Coward.

"If I ever hear you utter a word that insults my mate, Fredrick, I don't care if it was aimed at another bitch, I will not hesitate to kill your mate and daughter, then your pathetic self."

The voice that spoke holds immense power and authority. Not the normal power you'd feel from an Alpha, or a coven leader, or even a royal. It has to be someone or something sinister. A demon, maybe?

"My dear, would you be so helpful and get us the final ingredient?"

"Of course, my Alpha. Anything for you." I can basically see the smile on the woman who says this. Leeching attention from the UPT (unidentified powerful thing?).

I hear footsteps coming nearer to the door. Shoot. What do I do now? My heartbeat picks up and I start hyperventilating. Chloe is in danger. And her own Gammas are part of the conspiracy.

I scramble out of the way and teleport myself to Chloe's bedroom. I have to protect my best friend, no matter the costs. Whoever that woman is, is going to kill her.

A soft knock on the door is followed by the melodic voice of the Alpha regent.

"Chloe sweetheart, are you asleep? I'm coming in."

The door opens and Mia walks in, dressed in a silky nightgown.

She sees me and a smile forms on her face, but it looks lopsided. Maybe she's still sleepy.

"What're you doing here, sweetie? Is there a problem?" She asks me with worry.

"Mia please help. I overheard Gamma Fredrick and Kendra plotting against Chloe. There's another woman in there with them and a ghastly bodiless voice, I don't know what species they are. We need to get her to safety, you handle the Gammas, I'll take Chloe somewhere safe." I rant.

Mia just shakes her head slowly while pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I just don't know what to do with you."

Huh?

Mia's eyes glow silver. Her nose becomes pointier and her features become sharper. Her curly black hair turns whiter than clean t-shirts on soap ads. (And that's saying something, those shirts dazzle!)

"Mia?" I ask.

"It's Queen Kaceline to you, weak ass pig." I recognize her voice as the voice from the Gamma's office.

"I'm no pig, you heartless monster!" I state between gritted teeth.

"Let's just get this over and done with quickly." She says calmly.

I am the first to attack, creating a ball of white hot energy in the palm of my hands then blasting it at her.

She deflects it like she is merely swatting a fly.

This agitates me more.

I lunge at her, knocking her off balance. As she falls to the ground, I ball my fist and summon an electric field around it. I deliver a blow to her face with so much force, she should be dead or unconscious.

My smirk of victory transforms into an expression of horror as she stands up, showing no signs of injury.

"My turn." Is all she says as she lifts a hand into the air.

A crackling noise erupts and I am on the floor in pain and anguish.

My blood starts boiling and I can hear my own heart beating frantically. My skin feels like it's on fire. What is happening to me?!

"I'm electrocuting you. Do you want me to increase the voltage?"

I shake my head, no. She gives me a smile and tilts her head. The pain from before is back, but this time it is multiplied by a hundred. My body involuntarily shakes as the excruciating electric current runs through my defenseless body.

"Darcy? Aunt Kaceline?"

The pain abruptly stops as the cruel being's focus diverts to Chloe.

Aunt? Forget it

I try to get off of the floor so I can help Chloe.

Keyword, try.

Not only do I fall painfully back onto the floor, I feel my body shutting down slowly. I gather the little strength I have and cast a charm to protect Chloe from the evil enchantress, witch, whatever!

I warm glow engulfs my hand and surrounds Chloe's body before fading back to nothing. Black spots cloud my vision. I'm slipping into unconsciousness.

No! Must. Save. Chloe.

Must. Save. Chloe.

The darkness pulls me in and the last thing I see is a pissed off Kaceline looming over my head.