Chapter 5 The Announcement.

Claire's POV.

The warm smell of soup and porridge instantly filled the air. Before I knew it, I saw Betty coming out of the kitchen.

"Claire!"

Betty rushed toward me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. I froze for a second, surprised, then slowly hugged her back.

"I tried calling you!" she said, pulling back a little. "You won't believe what happened!"

"I can tell," I said softly. "You sounded happy in your message."

"Can you believe it, Claire? I got in! Texas Fashion University actually accepted me!"

I smiled, patting her shoulders. "I can believe it," I said softly. "You worked hard for this."

She grinned with her excitement lighting up the whole room. I waited for her to calm down a little before I told her mine.

"Actually," I said, "I got admitted too."

Her eyes went wide. "What? Claire! You too?"

I nodded. "I already saw my result earlier. I was just waiting for you to get yours before saying anything."

Betty gasped and laughed at the same time, pulling me into another tight hug. "We're going together then!" she said, her voice full of joy.

I laughed with her, feeling her excitement and warmth. "Yes," I said. "Together."

We were laughing and cheering in the living room and Grandma looked proud and full of joy.

"My girls!" she said, smiling. "Let me bring a tray of fruits to celebrate."

She stood up and walked to the kitchen, humming a song until we heard a loud shout "ahh!" coming from the kitchen.

My heart jumped. "Grandma?" I called.

Claire and I looked at each other very scared, then we ran straight to the kitchen.

When we got there, we saw Grandma already on the floor. The tray was beside her, and the fruits were scattered everywhere. She held her waist and looked like she was in pain.

"Grandma!" I cried, kneeling beside her. "Are you okay?"

She tried to smile but her voice was weak. "I slipped, dear."

Claire came closer and said softly, "Don't move her yet."

"Please be okay, Grandma," I whispered, holding her hand tightly as tears filled my eyes.

Claire and I helped Grandma stand up slowly.

"It's okay, Grandma," I said. "We'll take you to your room."

We walked her carefully down the hallway to her room. When we reached her bed, Claire helped her sit while I fixed the pillows behind her back.

"There, better?" I asked.

She nodded, but I could still see the pain in her eyes.

Claire went to get some balm, and I stayed beside Grandma, holding her hand. "You really scared us," I said quietly.

She gave a small smile. "I didn't mean to, my dear."

When Claire came back, we rubbed the balm gently on Grandma's leg and side. She winced a little at first, then sighed in relief.

"That feels much better," she said.

Claire smiled. "You'll be fine, Grandma. Just rest now."

I nodded, feeling calmer as I saw her relax.

Grandma looked at us and said softly, "I'm lucky to have you both."

I smiled and squeezed her hand. "We love you, Grandma."

The room felt warm again, and everything felt a little peaceful.

Claire's POV.

After we helped Grandma lie down, I made sure she was feeling less pain using my power to ease her pain.

"She'll be okay," I whispered to Betty. "Stay with her, please."

Betty nodded. "I will."

I gave Grandma one last look before walking out of the room quietly.

Outside the house, the night air instantly engulfed me.

I took a deep breath and raised my hand. A soft blue light appeared around my fingers, swirling gently until a glowing portal formed in front of me.

I stepped inside and the portal led me to Alpha Damien's private room.

Inside, the air changed at once.

The smell of herbs and smoke filled my nose. The walls were made of dark stone, and fire from the torches flickered, lighting the space in a soft orange glow.

Alpha Damien stood near a round table, talking with the High Priestess. She wore a white robe that seemed to shine in the dim light. When she saw me, her sharp eyes met mine.

"Claire," Damien said in a serious voice. "You came just in time."

I nodded, feeling my heart beat faster as the room suddenly became quiet.

Alpha Damien stood beside me with his arms crossed, his face was calm, but I could feel the tension in the air.

The High Priestess stepped closer, her white robes brushing against the floor as she spoke.

"The next full moon falls in thirty days," she said. "That is when the ritual must take place."

My heart skipped a bit. Thirty days. That wasn't much time.

She turned her gaze to me, and I felt a chill crawl down my spine. "Claire, you and Alpha Damien must prepare in silence.

This moon only comes once in many years. If you miss it..." She paused, her tone turning colder. "There will not be another chance."

I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten. "Yes, High Priestess," I said quietly.

Damien nodded too, his jaw firm. "We'll be ready."

The High Priestess' eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, "Gather everything needed before the thirtieth night," she said. "The moon's light must meet the sacred mark before dawn, or there will be consequences."

Her voice echoed in my head even after she turned away. I could feel the weight of her warning pressing on my chest. One mistake could ruin everything.

As she disappeared into the dim light, Damien looked at me. "You heard her," he said. "We have to move fast."

I nodded, though my hands felt cold. "I'll start tonight. I'll make sure everything is ready."

You know what to do," he said.

I nodded again. "I'll start tonight."

I was lost in thought after the High priestess left, leaving Damien and me together, when he suddenly spoke.

"Claire, I need you to focus on this ritual. It's very important. You'll have to give less attention to your human friend for now."

I blinked in surprise. "Betty?" I asked softly.

He nodded. "Yes. I know she means a lot to you, but she doesn't belong in this part of our world. If you get distracted, we might fail the ritual and you know we can't risk that."

His words made my heart burn. I didn't expect him to say that. Betty had nothing to do with this.