“I didn’t know what it meant at the time,” Victor replies firmly. “I thought it was irrelevant.”
“Nothing is irrelevant around here,” Superior Charles responds aggressively. He takes a long drag from his cigar and rubs his temple with his thumb before he continues. “Do you remember the conversation with your mother?”
“I do,” Victor nods subtly. “She told me that her life, as well as my own, was in danger. When she was pregnant with me, a seer sought her out to warn her. She didn’t tell me who she spoke to, only that she would have to sacrifice herself to keep me safe and off everyone’s radar. So, I guess that explains the mystery of how a 30-something-year-old is barely learning how to be a warlock.”
Victor looks at Superior Charles and focuses on his aura. He notes both blues and greens intertwining together. He realizes that it was more for fear and guilt. “Tell me about the witch that stopped my grandmother from becoming the Grand Witch,” Victor asks Superior Charles.
Superior Charles doesn’t flinch and keeps his eyes on Victor. He moves his jaw around as though he’s pondering whether or not he wants to tell Victor what he wants to know. They don’t break eye contact for a moment, which feels like an eternity.
Superior Charles downs his drink. He signals the young warlock to refill his drink before he responds. “I knew the witch who attacked your grandmother. Her name was Florence Maryweather. She didn’t like how witches were becoming somodern in their ways. A few covens preferred more traditional ways and didn’t want to mingle with the mundane. Florence was in one of those covens.”
Superior Charles knocks back his second drink and sets the empty glass on the table next to him. “When Marie, your grandmother, was given approval from the council to test to see if she would be the next Grand Witch, Florence did not stand by it. She fought tooth and nail against it and postponed Marie’s final test. Because a blood blue moon wasn’t often, it would be at least another couple of years before Marie could continue. Shortly after Florence won her argument, Marie began to fall ill. Somehow, no one saw it coming, not even the seers.”
Superior Charles takes a deep drag from his cigar and exhales a large cloud. “We tried as much as we could but couldn’t figure out what curse Marie had. The only person who could have stopped it was Florence. Unfortunately, when we found Florence, she was dead.” The superior dabs the cigar ash into a silver tray. “Her death was supposed to look like suicide, but I knew better.”
Superior Charles flexes his jaw around as he forces himself to remember the witch he has hated for a very long time. “Florence enjoyed life, which was ironic considering she was a necromancer. Sadly, we couldn’t find any notes on what curse had a hold on Marie. It was only a matter of time before she left us. “
Victor sits back in his seat and sets his drink on the table next to his chair. “Did you know about me and my mother?”
Superior Jackie speaks before Superior Charles, “We only knew about your mother. But Marie informed us that she was to go into hiding and to never be found. We honored her wishes and never searched for her.”
Superior Charles continues, “Also, we were unaware your mother was pregnant with you. If we had known, we might have taken different measures to save your mother and protect you.”
Victor looks around at everyone before looking back at Superior Charles. “My mother told me the seer only saw one way to protect me.”
“Seers can see many variations of the future,” Elder Leopold explains. “But they can’t predict the exact future. So maybe it was a ploy to have your mother sacrifice herself, thinking it was to protect you.”
Victor starts to get angry, without knowing his eyes have a slight glow. “I don’t believe that.”
Everyone starts to adjust in their seats.
“Victor, I think it’s best that you calm down,” Superior Charles commands in a husky, low tone.
Victor gives Superior Charles a pointed look. Superior Jackie flicks her wrist, conjuring her hand mirror out of her purse to fly over to Victor and stop in front of his face. Victor takes in a sharp breath when he looks at the mirror. He slowly reaches out to bring the mirror closer. Holding the mirror in his hand, he studies his eyes. A moment later, the glow fades away.
Superior Jackie flicks her wrist again, removing the mirror from Victor’s hand and returning to her purse. “Looks like we’ll need to see how your eyes do that,” she notates. “It could be emotions are involved.”
Victor sits back, a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay, young empath,” Superior Charles remarks. “I can see that talking about your mother brings up many emotions. You were close to her. I get it. I lost my mom when I was young myself. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her. But I don’t let that emotion get the best of me.” Superior Charles stands up, and everyone else follows. “I think you shouldget back to your lessons. In the meantime, it might be best that we find another mentor for you. I don’t feel Leo will be strong enough to continue to be around you.”
“No,” Victor lets out as he bolts up from his seat. “I mean, please don’t. Leo has been great to be around. He’s patient with me and has been helping me adapt to this new life I have entered.” Victor takes a deep breath and subtly rolls his shoulders back to stand tall. “Would it be improper to ignore the wishes of an empath?”
Superior Jackie gives a little smirk towards Victor before she looks over at Superior Charles, “It seems like our young empath has a point, Superior.”
Superior Charles looks at his other elders as they nod in agreement. “Fine. Lieutenant Magi Leopold will remain as your mentor.” Superior Charles walks towards Victor but stops in the center of the circle. “But, if we feel he can no longer protect you, we will find someone else.” He looks at everyone, “Y’all can go. I think we’re done here for now.” While everyone leaves, Superior Charles puts his hands in his pockets and looks at Victor as he walks closer. “So, have you decided on a coven to join?”
“Superior?” Victor asks as he cranes his head up to look at Superior Charles, who is about a foot taller than he is.
“I’m just wondering if anyone has contacted you,” Superior Charles responds.
“No. At least not that I know of,” Victor states.
Superior Charles pulls out a maroon square business card with a silver emblem between his fingers. The emblem resembles a horse’s head, constructed from geometric shapes. As the light hits the shine of the emblem, it appears as if the mane is flowing in the wind.
“Consider this your first invite,” Superior Charles remarks with a smirk. Victor looks at the card before he takes it. “And don’t forget, when you’re finished with your basic specialties,I want you to come back to see me so we can work on your empathic ability.” He pats Victor’s shoulder as he turns to leave. “Leo’s outside by the stables,” he mentions without looking over his shoulder.
Victor watches the superior turn into the hallway and walks away.
