Blake's anger had been simmering beneath the surface for weeks, fueled by the increasing frustration of every message he was receiving from Michael. He had returned to the pack 4 weeks ago and was yet to even set his eyes on Marie or talk to Jacob. The weight of not knowing her whereabouts was driving him to the edge, and he struggled to contain the storm of emotions that raged within him.
He sat in his office, surrounded by books and information that might help with the magic he knew Marie was bound in, his mind consumed by the need to have her back by his side. The room was dimly lit, with the scent of old leather-bound books and ancient knowledge filling the air.
Steve knocked on the door entered the room. Behind him followed the witch/ She had become a figure that had come to hold answers and hope, the atmosphere grew charged with anticipation. The witch, a woman with a presence that hinted at untold power, commanded attention as she entered the room.
She had a striking appearance, with long, ebony hair cascading down her back, and deep, enigmatic eyes that seemed to hold secrets known only to her. Her attire was a blend of mysticism and modernity, with intricate symbols and patterns adorning her clothing, a testament to her connection with the arcane.
Her aura exuded an air of both wisdom and danger, a combination that made it clear she was not to be trifled with.. Blake and Steve had first met the witch 4 weeks ago. she had attended a meeting as requested by Blake. As Blake retold the story of the last few months his heart broke further ad the pain he felt i his chest since that night he saw Marie with him grew heavier. The witch informed Blake that she did know of magic that could transfer the mate bond but it was very dark magic an dangerous. She had had also told Blake that for her to know if magic had anything to do with this she would need to be near Marie or Jacob. Witches who use this magic are good are hiding all traces but traces were always left on the those being controlled.
"Selene" Blake nodded his head as she walked into the office and took a seat.
"Any news alpha?" She asked
"Nothing. He can still not find her" Blake sighed and ran his fingers through her hair. His expression was not one Steve was used to seeing on his friend. His eyes were surrounded by dark circles and he had not slept for more than a few hours at time in weeks.
"We know she is there somewhere. My scrying spell told us as much"
"Michael will find her Blake. I know it" Steve offered words of hope to his Alpha and best friend.
"Have you found anything useful in those books?" Selene asks as she looked around the room.
Blake didn't answer. He had been studying the books for weeks and he was yet to find anything that may help.
The room fell into silence as all 3 looked at each other. they had discussed may ways of trying to get Selene into the Dark Moon Pack lands so she could try and follow any dark magic she sensed. Blake had known trying to get a witch into the pack was worthless especially if it was dark magic involved Jacob would not welcome a witch into his lands. They had looked at maps to try and find a way in which Selene could try and sneak in but if she was caught the penalty would be death and Blake needed her very much alive.
The notification sound from Blakes phone broke the silence. As Blake read the message his stomach twisted with pain and this showed on his expression.
"It is Michael. She is at the pack house. Jacob says she is struggling being back and has requested no visitors. Michael says he has friends in the pack house. He is going to reach out"
"this is good news Blake. We are a step closer" Steve again tried to push as much hope as he could into his words.
"We are no further forward Steve. She is trapped there i know it. There is a pain in my heart that i know is her pain not mine"
"Do you still feel her alpha?" Selene sat up when he heard Jacob's words.
"It is very faint. I can feel it stronger at times but it is always pain and sadness that i feel. Why?"
"If the mate bond had truly been taken and returned by the moon goddess, then i highly doubt she would leave any trace of the bond behind. The fact that you can still feel her emotions, albeit the very intense emotions, I believe this is further proof that magic is behind this"
Selene's words filled Blakes heart with hope. Steve offered him a reassuring smile from across the office.
"We wont stop until Marie is back by your side Blake"
The three continued to work through the evening looking through books and sharing paragraphs with each other where they thought the information could be helpful to their quest.
"Alpha you look exhausted. Here take this potion. It will help you sleep" Selene held out a small glass vial that was filled with a deep blue liquid that as it moved around gave of silvery shimmers.
"Thank you Selene, but I am fine" Blake stood from his chair "I am going to turn in for the night"
Both Selene and Steve nodded their head as Blake left the office and made his way back down the corridor and towards his room.
As he walked through the bedroom door, the scent left behind Marie comforted Blake. The smell its self was starting to grow faint. It had of course been so long since Marie was there. Blake stripped off clothes and crawled into bed. His body feeling heavy and filled with exhaustion. As he lay down with his eyes closed wishing for sleep to overcome him even for just a few hours he felt a wave of pain and fear crash over his entire body before he could react a other wave of sadness crashed through him.
"Marie" Blake and Jet said at the same time.
Tears filled Blakes eyes, he was helpless as he lay in the bed unable to get to Marie and soothe all her pain.