Both females stopped in their tracks when they beheld what was waiting for them. At least a dozen people were standing outside staring at the green trail on the ground that led from the forest straight to Cora's front door. It was the only bright spot of color in the midst of the white trees, the gray clouds permanently shrouding the sun, and even the black clothes of everyone standing nearby.
Once Cora appeared before them, a mixture of fear and fury filled the eyes of those that met her blue ones. Was this not an extension of the repeating nightmare she always had? But rather than the plants following her to somehow reveal the simple truth that she was capable of creating them, they were revealing the truth that she had wanted to end a vampire's existence last night—or at least that she was capable of it.
"She doesn't belong here, Grayson!" One of them shouted. "Look at what she is capable of! If she wanted to end any of us of her own accord, here is the proof that she is more than willing to do it."
"You are protecting them, but who is protecting us?" A woman added venomously.
"We are threatened with torture, but what are they threatened with?"
"How is she allowed to wander around, spreading magic through Gray Vale?"
"Gray Vale is not safe anymore," another hissed. "We should all move outside the city or to another dimension entirely. The royals value this fae over our kind!"
The crowd that had gathered was gradually closing in, forming a tightening ring of accusers who were looking less fearful and more empowered by the words of those around them. Cora clenched her teeth and took a step in front of her mother, preparing to defend her family if need be.
"Let's not overreact," Grayson leveled them all with a glare. "No vampire has been harmed. It is an innocent trail of plants."
"Innocent?"
"This is a threat!"
"It happened on the night of the blood moon. That can't be coincidence."
Grayson sighed and scratched his forehead. How troublesome.
"I understand your concern. Let me explain what happened. Cora was asked to use her ability today for someone who has requested it. It has been a long time since she has done it, and she was simply practicing," he told them, his eyes gliding to hers to make sure she was not set to contradict his claim.
Her defensive posture eased a little, though she still held an arm out in an effort to shield her mother should any of them press closer. Gradually her heartbeat slowed as well, which meant his words brought some comfort. She was not about to argue with him. 'Good girl,' he thought to himself.
"Now should she have been practicing outside? No, but no harm was done aside from some disgruntled citizens this morning." He did his best to chuckle and give them an easy smile. "It will not happen again. We have decided to bring her to the palace where she will have her own space for this kind of thing that is far removed from any citizens of Gray Vale who wish to remain unliving and unreminded that life is, for the first time ever, within our grasp should we desire it."
He opened his hands out to them with a smile before clapping them together. "Okay? Now go about your day. I can assure you that these small green sprouts pose no danger."
Most of the individuals gradually dispersed with the explanation and reassurance given by Gray Vale's second prince, although their glares lingered as they left. Three individuals stuck around, though, and Grayson heard Cora's heart speed up again.
"Why don't you two go pack a few bags of whatever you may need for the coming days? I will wait for you out here," he told them.
Cora and Penelope both looked at Grayson uneasily. They were reluctant to go to the palace even though Zane was now there. Penelope was the most unsettled. She had made this house they were given her home, and it was what she clung to as her last remaining freedom after so much was stripped from her.
"Let's go mom," Cora said softly, turning and ushering her inside.
They had no choice. She could sense now that things had shifted permanently, and from the look in Grayson's eyes when he suggested they pack some bags, she gathered that they were no longer safe to remain here. Perhaps it was for the best. With Zane now a vampire, her time was likely coming soon as well.
Penelope stood frozen in her room, looking around at their belongs. Something told her that whatever she could not take with her now would never be seen again.
"Do you need help, mom?" Cora asked as she pulled suitcases out of the closet and laid them on the bed.
"No, I don't," she replied solemnly.
She pressed her lips together as she pushed away that feeling of loss that swelled in her once again. She had eighteen wonderful years with her mate, and now the rest of her life felt as if it were destined to be one stage of loss after another until there was nothing left. She was merely a temporary guide until her children had transitioned to the immortal existence they were meant for. Zane was now a vampire, and soon Cora would be one too.
But that wolf… the presence of the lycan wolf was not something her and Zagan had anticipated, and she wondered what that would mean for her children's future.
"I can't believe Zane was right. I can't believe all it took was one drink of blood," Cora was shaking her head, shoving things into a suitcase. "I doubt it was even a drink. He looked like he just dipped a finger in." Her face screwed up in disgust. "And now he's… he's one of them." She threw her hand out to indicate the maniacs who had just surrounded their home.
"Grayson… he acts peculiar around you," Penelope thought aloud, her hands working slowly in comparison to Cora's frantic ones.
"What?" Cora scoffed, her eyebrows pinching together at the random change of subject.
"You haven't noticed it?" Her mother asked.
Cora frowned. "No. What does that have to do with anything?"
Penelope shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know herself.