Witch Trilogy I: Alinta Devereaux

ALINTA DEVEREAUX

The birds were chirping, and the leaves were dancing. As usual, the atmosphere in the Land of Hex was dazzling. The sun shone brightly, almost blinding one eye. And the sky was never dark. At least, not in a long time since I was born.

The witches and wizards in the massive and chilly (literally) castle of the Devereaux Royal Family were seriously attending their work. At least, that's how they were supposed to get on with their work. If I hadn't overheard one or two, or maybe there were five--

---- alright ----

---- several witches and wizards gathered in a secluded area to gossip about certain topics, mostly royalties (past and present). I probably still believed their emotionless faces whenever I came across them.

There was a time I once got lost inside the castle (despite having lived here for nearly fifty years) and was surprised to hear the words 'Her Grace' referring to my mother. As I kept listening, I discovered a shocking event that nearly knocked my jaw to the ground. I couldn't believe my mother, gentle and kind and always reminded me not to let my emotions take over my rationality, had nearly destroyed the land. She exuded tranquillity and peace to me. It was difficult to imagine my mother acting like a crazy jealous woman who tried to kill her future husband several times.

To begin with, my father was not a good man. He used to enjoy playing with different women who always had his attention when he was younger. Then he unconsciously fell in love with my mother. They got together, and as he was unwilling to admit his feelings, he broke my mother's heart. That was the point at which my mother went insane. Then, my father finally recognized his feelings and courted my mother again.

Not feeling touched nor moved, it took almost a thousand years before my mother finally and reluctantly accepted him. I finally understood why my father was such a puppy in front of my mother. He never defied her wishes.

Nonetheless, after hearing such gossip from those witches and wizards, I frequently visit their gathering places without their knowledge to broaden my horizons.

And anyway, it was supposed to be a good day--- a very appropriate day for a much more satisfying sleep. If not for my second sister's nagging, today would have been a perfect day.

"Come on, that's only a minor spell. What can it do to us?" my second sister said for the seventh time. It's irritating me. Her constant babbling and her sweet voice annoyed my ears. Most people in our kingdom praised her as the charming second princess capable of brightening the gloomy atmosphere. I don't care about their judgment, but they seemed to exaggerate most of the time. My second sister does nothing except annoy me rather than improve my mood.

Although others considered her my second sister, we were, in fact, twins. I just arrived in this world one minute before she did. Despite being twins, however, we have nothing in common. Nieva has crystal hair, whereas I have a blazing one. I was the fire, and she was the ice. We are contradictory. The same was true for our personalities.

"I don't have time for your ridiculous request. Get lost," I muttered, weary. Today was supposed to be my day off from royal duties. I was about to fall asleep when the stupid girl banged the door open. The sleep I had barely managed to achieve was gone in an instant.

As the eldest child, I was supposed to inherit the throne. Because of this, and believing I was of suitable age, my father had kept me awake for the previous nights, educating me to be a capable ruler. I had no idea if I had succeeded in impressing my father. However, after about a year, he finally gave me the rest I deserved. One day and one night of relaxation, to be exact.

Nieva refused to budge. I didn't expect her to. Perhaps because my voice was not frightening enough or because it did not convey the wrath I was supposed to have. Instead, she dropped the grimoire next to my face on my bed. She then hopped on, causing the soft bed to bounce.

"Come on, just once, and I'll be out of your room!" she promised.

I groaned. I buried my face in my pillow and groaned once again. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to make a compromise. I sat down and fixed my gaze on Nieva. "Just once, and you'll leave. Whether the spell works or not, you'll leave me alone. Otherwise..." I trailed off, my tone of voice threatening.

Nieva only shrugged. When I didn't move, she nodded.

Seeing that she was obedient, I ignored her and glanced at the grimoire. This grimoire was something our mother inherited from our eccentric grandma. The elderly lady despised everything except this book. Even our mother couldn't compete with this one spell book. I remembered how our grandmother unleashed thunder and lightning bolts from her rage merely because she thought the grimoire was lost. My sister and I, the accused culprits, almost died from fear. We never touched anything in her house after that, lest she accused us again when anything got missing.

However, our 'good' grandmother mysteriously vanished 70 years ago, leaving this grimoire in the care of our mother, which we occasionally stole for our amusement.

"Which spell do you want to try?" I inquired as I flipped through the pages. One page equates to one spell. Because we're still young, performing the spells in this book necessitates the participation of both of us. Otherwise, Nieva would do it herself.

Yes. At the age of exactly 100, we were still considered young. Our lifespan extends to eternity.

My mother trained for less than five centuries before our grandmother allowed her to become a full-fledged witch. Initially, spells and curses were hard to comprehend and perform. It also takes plenty of effort to master drawing energy from nature without using a medium. As a result, it took centuries of hard work for our mother to learn everything.

"This one," she replied, pointing to a specific page.

Reading it, I find myself having difficulty comprehending its content. I could read it, but none of the words made sense. A dreadful feeling suddenly crept up in my chest. Something inside me told me not to join Nieva in her foolishness.

"The last time we executed a spell from this book, we blew the castle to smithereens," I mumbled, recalling the first and only time we used grandma's grimoire. It was a great disaster. Not only did our father punish us, but our sweet mother also reprimanded us. Ergo, we rebuilt the castle entirely by ourselves, without the help of magic. We eventually finished reconstructing it after fifty years. Such absurd activity wasted half of our current age.

"Err..." Nieva winced. She appeared to be traumatized as well. But her determination quickly returned.

I have to applaud my sister for her naivete and tenacity. It would undoubtedly lead to her demise sooner or later.

"What prompted you to cast this spell?" I inquired curiously. I'm already out of bed, getting ready. Then, I cast a spell. My nightgown instantly changed into my usual dark red outfit.

"The spell seems interesting," Nieva answered, her eyes wide with anticipation. "It's different from the others. I like to try it. We're already grownups. And we are more powerful now than when we were 60 years ago. I don't think we'd blow up the castle again if we ever failed."

Alright. I agreed by nodding. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. I enjoy challenges, after all. If I hadn't been exhausted from my royal duties, I would have stolen this book and cast the spell myself.

As witches, who came from royal bloodlines, we didn't need a medium to do the spell. Our energy was sufficient. So, after preparing ourselves, Nieva and I held hands. We closed our eyes and began gathering energy from the world to emerge with our own. Then we both recited the spell at the same time.

Seconds became minutes, and minutes became half an hour. My breath ragged, and my body began to sweat. As pain penetrated my head, it started to swell. I could also feel my insides heating up.

My sister's hands were wet as if they were submerged in water, as were mine. When I thought we weren't going to make it, a surge of energy sprang out of nowhere, slamming Nieva and me against the wall.

I shook my head, attempting to alleviate my dizziness but failed. Then, I tried to look up, searching for Nieva. However, a black hole met my vision instead.

I stilled.

There was nothing but darkness as it continued to approach me. Then, the instant the black hole devoured me, my energy ran out, and my vision turned black.

I COULDN'T HELP BUT NOD MY head in satisfaction as I looked in the mirror. My eyes shone brilliantly as I admire my own beauty. The quantity of make-up applied to my face was exactly right. I also got my hair styled elegantly. I still appear magnificent, as I did when I was still in my home, when I was in my kingdom, in my world.

Looking back, it's already been three years since I last saw my family. It's also been three years since I arrived in this strange world. The magic my sister and I cast that day ended in us swallowed here. Or maybe only I was unfortunate enough to go through this.

I looked for Nieva but couldn't find her. The realm, which I was currently in, was owned by werewolves. Except for the mermaids who live in the sea, no other creatures can enter. Some of me hoped Nieva was also here, only in another realm. Since she was the cause of my predicament, of course, I hoped she was suffering somewhere too. Nonetheless, I also wished she was at home, looking after our parents and baby third sister.

For the past three years, I've struggled to accept how this world's norms worked. But as time passed, I somehow became used to it. I grew accustomed to seeing women with several husbands. I had gotten accustomed to witnessing guys shift into werewolves. And I became accustomed to watching domineering men act coquettishly in front of women.

Heh.

Odd world, indeed.

It was the least of my expectations to see werewolves acting like this. They were portrayed as overbearing, ruthless, and vicious in the book. But the way I see it, they were far from what was described. In this world, their only thought was to win the favour of women. The only similarities between the werewolves here and the characters in the book I've read were the rogues and the mate thingy.

But the concept of mates was unique. The women in this realm could choose several werewolves to be their mates. Then, once a werewolf branded his soul to the woman, he would forever be linked to her. I don't know if it was the same with other creatures outside this realm, and I don't care. I was in a world where only werewolves lived. So, why bother learning about the others?

Nevertheless, to cut the story short, I, an alien, managed to survive in a strange world. I had to tap my chest multiple times to remind myself how courageous I was. I am so proud of myself. Really.

Women in this place were no different from witches like me. With the assistance of a medium, they may summon fire, water, wind, and wood. It was either through a talisman or a staff. However, based on my observations so far, women primarily used staff. I seldom come across somebody who could use a talisman. If there were any, all of them had evil thoughts.

"Lady Alinta," a man called out outside of my room. "Alpha Drake and Luna Hyacinth summoned you to enter the study immediately."

I grunted in response. Yesterday, Alpha Drake informed me that today's matter was important. It's the reason I got up earlier than usual and applied my makeup by hand, despite having magic that could do it for me. What can I say? I was in the mood to use my hands rather than my mouth.

Three years ago, the portal threw me into this dense forest. The amount of energy this world provided was so plentiful. It almost tempted me to stay. However, whether seduced or not, I had no other choice but to stay here. After several attempts to open a portal or whatever to return to my world, nothing seemed to succeed. With that, I set out to find a nearby civilization with a heavy heart. That's how I came across the Dark Region Pack, known to be one of the five powerful packs in this realm.

They welcomed me with enthusiasm without even bothering to investigate my origin. At first, I suspected these werewolves were harbouring ill intentions toward me. After all, who in their right mind would accept someone warmly without even investigating where they came from? Then, I discovered that they all treated women the same. They would welcome a woman enthusiastically. As long as the woman did not commit evil, she was welcome in the pack. (Funny how this pack immediately assumed I haven't done anything evil in my life).

The reason was twofold: first, this world, in general, lacked women; second, in connection with the first reason, they needed a woman who could conceive for them to continue their line.

Although the Dark Region Pack werewolves would not force a woman to mate, they were still aggressive. If not for my strength, which they couldn't fight against, they would have done everything possible until I accepted the men of the pack.

Just thinking about it made me shiver. Multiple men hovering abo---

I sighed.

I rose and glanced in the mirror once more before exiting the room. Beta Tyler stood outside, his eyes sparkling as he peered at me (he should be). He's one tall man, probably 6′2 in height. Although other women considered him attractive, I couldn't tell the difference between him and any other men. Since I joined this pack, he's been attempting to attract my attention and even suggested to be my man. But I'm not the type to consume every piece of meat coming to me. Despite countless attempts by men to become my mate, none were successful.

"Your beauty brightens my day, Lady Alinta," he remarked. Then he kissed the back of my hand, which I allowed.

"Oh my," I exclaimed, smiling. "I'm delighted to have contributed to your pleasant day."

After exchanging pleasantries, we proceeded to the alpha's study room. If I'm not interested in someone, I always draw the line. I don't want the other party to think they had a chance when they didn't. It was better to be plain and clear.

As soon as we opened the door, I noticed the alpha and luna sitting together, holding hands. They appeared to be a newlywed couple, looking sweet and all. However, the two had been married for five centuries. It comforted me that creatures could live for more than a century. Otherwise, how am I supposed to explain my immortality?

On the left side of Alpha Drake was his gamma, Lake. To summarize the werewolves' features, they were all tall and muscular, with golden eyes shaped like a crescent moon and hair as black as ink. I had trouble figuring out who was who at first. In my opinion, they all looked the same. Later, when I became more familiar with the Dark Region Pack, I could finally distinguish who was who.

"You must have gotten up earlier than you should have. I apologize for the inconvenience," Luna Hyacinth said gently. She reminded me of my mother in specific ways. They were both surrounded by a calm and caring atmosphere. It was difficult to be upset with such women.

"It's okay; I woke up naturally," I responded, trying to sound amiable. Luna Hyacinth and the others must have been traumatized when they suddenly awoke me. I can't blame them, though. After all, at the time, I nearly destroyed the entire pack.

I seldom got a decent night's rest. As a result, when they bothered me, they unleashed the demon within me. Nobody attempted to wake me up after that. If they needed me the next morning, they would inform me the day before. Today, for example.

"What happened? I haven't seen Alpha Drake as agitated as yesterday," I inquired. We need to get down to business straight immediately.

Alpha Drake exhaled a sigh. On the contrary, Luna Hyacinth bent her head in embarrassment while Tyler and Lake gulped, not out of terror but out of anxiousness. Looking at their behaviours made me giggle internally. They seemed to be children who had done something wrong and were frightened their parents would spank their butts.

But I wasn't concerned. I wouldn't have bothered remaining here if it weren't for the kindness of this pack. Additionally, the Dark Region Pack would not be able to get away if they plotted against me. They knew how vicious I was in retaliation. So they wouldn't risk it.

"I know it's too much to ask a favour from you after everything you've done for us," Alpha Drake stated with a heavy breath. Because I didn't respond, he continued, "But can you attend the summit gathering in our place?"

"Ha?" I asked, blinking. "A summit? The one you usually went to once a year?" It was a gathering of alphas from all over the realm. Once a year, they would gather to report events happening in their packs, such as rogue attacks and other calamities. Under the supervision of the great five elders, whose identities were equivalent to those of deities, they would hold this summit. They appeared to be the ancestors of all werewolves.

All of them nodded.

I couldn't help but frown. "Didn't you attend the summit seven months ago?"

"The summit this time is an emergency," Alpha Drake explained. "The elders received a warning of a certain disaster affecting the werewolves' society, and they asked the alphas to come back and discuss it. But Hyacinth," he glanced at his wife affectionately before continuing, "she's pregnant. I'm scared of just leaving her here, and I'm also terrified of taking her with me. The unborn child might not bear the hassle of travelling."

I nodded in understanding. A pregnant woman in this world was more sensitive than the one in my world. One mistake and they could risk losing the child. Given this, the elders would neither condemn nor criticize Alpha Drake and his wife for not attending the gathering.

Reproduction was also difficult in this world. Take, for example, Luna Hyacinth. Even without the curse, Luna Hyacinth would undoubtedly get pregnant after many centuries. And her pregnancy right now was only achieved through my assistance. If they lost the unborn child because of attending the summit, the elders would severely punish them.

"I GET IT NOW. I'll attend it, then."

Instantly, they glanced at me, surprised. I could tell from these people's expressions that they weren't expecting me to agree so quickly. Now I'm confused.

"Why are you staring at me like that? It's just attending a summit, taking notes, and reporting back to you; what's there for me to decline this one simple favour?"

I had already assisted them in dealing with those rogues and evil women, and I had even developed a medicine that may help Luna Hyacinth conceive. Attending a summit that would not necessitate a great deal of energy from me does not bother me. I see it as a chance to travel and explore the realm. Honestly, this seemed like a vacation for me.

Alpha Drake coughed. "The truth is, I've been talking about you in front of the other alphas and elders for the last three summits. We conveyed all of your contributions to them. And as a consequence," he hesitated, then continued, "all of them developed an interest in you."

"If you attend the summit this time and confirm that what we told them about you was true, you may anticipate a wave of suitors to knock on your door," Luna Hyacinth added. Her grin reminded me of my mother's when she was feeling proud of me.

My mouth twitched. I didn't understand how could a large number of suitors could make someone proud of me. But I know that my beauty and strength were worth my pride.

I waved my hand. "It's alright. I don't care if men started swarming around me. It's not like they can force me if I don't want them."

"How about marrying Tyler? If that happens, no alpha will try to covet you. Unless they want to join our pack as a member," Lake teased. The first time his mouth moved this morning was to tease me.

I felt Tyler tense beside me. I sighed, then responded, "Nope."

Tyler's shoulder dropped instantly. I feel sorry for the man, but I am not interested. I could only pat his shoulder and advise, "Don't be like that. You'll find a lady who can match you, and even if it's not me, I'm sure she's amazing."

Tyler forced a smile. "I-I know."

I sighed once more. But I doubt Tyler would find a lady as magnificent as or greater than me. After all, I am a one-of-a-kind entity. But there was no need to tell the poor guy that.

"All right," Alpha Drake interjected shortly, shattering the awkward atmosphere. "Since you agreed, I recommend that you depart early tomorrow. The summit will begin five days from now, and it will normally take three days to reach the elder's territory. If you travel tomorrow, you will have time to rest before the summit begins."

I nodded. "Sounds good."

After concluding the matter, Luna Hyacinth and I left the room. The men stayed behind to discuss the werewolves' issues. As we decided to roam around the massive garden just outside the alpha's house, Luna Hyacinth gave me a grateful smile.

"Thank you," she said.

I waved my hand. "It's nothing. I also want to visit other places."

"No," she said, shaking her head. "I mean, thank you for this gift," she caressed her stomach, her eyes glistening with expectation and motherly love. "I was not supposed to have a child in this lifetime, but thanks to you, Drake and I can now enjoy what other families have."

Pursing my lips, I linked my arm to hers, then patted her left hand. "This is nothing as well. You deserve it. You only have to take care of yourself and not let your excitement get the best of you. Don't also forget to take the medicines I created for your pregnancy. It would greatly benefit you and the baby's health."

"Hmmm," she mumbled, grinning. Then she wiped away the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "You have no idea how much I looked down on myself because of this. When I was young, no one wanted me since I was cursed not to have a child. When Drake appeared and still wanted me despite the curse, I was moved and accepted him. But during our marriage, I kept questioning whether I did the right thing. If it hadn't been for the fact that soul-branding couldn't be severed, I would have let go of him already."

I tsked in disapproval. "Alpha Drake's love for you isn't superficial. Don't let him hear that. You might get him angry."

Luna Hyacinth giggled. "I know. It's just that I can't stop hating myself for being selfish. He's an alpha. He needs an heir who could succeed him in the future. Although the pack members weren't speaking, I knew they were already disappointed with me," she mumbled with a sad smile. "That's why I was grateful you arrived and offered me this chance. You're a blessing to this pack."

After our conversation in the garden, I accompanied Luna Hyacinth back to her room. Then, I left her to rest after ensuring that she understood the prescription of my medicines and was in good health. As I made my way to my room, my thoughts couldn't help but wonder.

The alpha's house was composed of his beta and gamma families and myself. When I said the beta and gamma families, I was referring to their father and mother; and their mother's mates. They hadn't yet met the perfect woman for them. So, they had not mated yet. However, I couldn't blame them. This world seemed to be short on women. Not to mention, a couple giving birth to a girl was one in a million. As of the moment, the number of ladies in the pack counted to ten, and they were all taken. And except for Luna Hyacinth, the other ladies were mated with at least five werewolves. If the pack found out about Luna Hyacinth's pregnancy, the unmated werewolves would undoubtedly approach her and propose to become her mate. I was doubtful about what Alpha Drake would do as the pack's alpha when that time arrived. Would he share his wife? Or would he throw off his alpha reputation by possessively owning his wife alone?

That scenario was hard to imagine. I doubt that Alpha Drake would do the latter. He had always been magnanimous. I heard that there was a time when he offered several men in the pack for Luna Hyacinth. However, due to the curse, those men declined. Alpha Drake was devastated at the time. He believed that one day his wife would recover from the curse. So, as the alpha, he ought to ascertain that their pack would continue striving and their bloodline would continue to survive.

I groaned and couldn't stop massaging my forehead. My head hurts just thinking about it. Despite living here for three years, I was still not used to women having several husbands. But that was the norm among the people who lived here. If Alpha Drake let his wife mate with other werewolves, there was nothing wrong with it. After all, he was raised that way in this world.

Ten minutes later, I reached my room with such a thought swirling around my mind.