Though the tragedy unfolded centuries ago, to witness it firsthand inflicted unimaginable sorrow and pain upon her.
A presence materialized beside her, the majestic unicorn offering silent solace. Lauren glanced at the compassionate creature, her tear-streaked face glistening. Clutching onto the unicorn's neck, she released the weight of her sorrow, pouring out her anguish in tears. "Let it all out, dear," the mare conveyed through an empathetic connection.
Once her tears subsided, the sound of galloping horses invaded the air, causing Lauren to turn her gaze. Dismounting from a foreboding black stallion stood a face she recognized all too well.
"Damien," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"That's King Draco Voltorie, Damien's father," the mare communicated, providing her with crucial information.
The weight of this revelation settled upon Lauren, leaving her speechless. She watched as the king, radiating an aura of power and grief, knelt beside the lifeless form of her grandmother and other dead witches.
A strange mix of sadness and warmth washed over her, yet confusion still clouded her mind. However, the next words that escaped the king's lips dissolved the lingering uncertainties, bringing clarity to her shocked state.
She heard the king issue a decree to his loyal bodyguards. His words commanded them to search for and eliminate everyone responsible for the witches' demise.
"So I'm a witch then?" Lauren questioned calmly, turning to the moon goddess, who affirmed her query with a nod.
"Your fate intertwines with the lives of all beings in the supernatural realm. Find Damien Voltorie, and you will find the king. The existence of our realm hinges upon the three of you defeating the impending evil that is to come" the moon goddess instructed before vanishing into thin air.
"Wait! Hello?" Lauren called out in a desperate attempt to grasp more information, but her words fell onto silent ears.
With a sudden jolt, she woke up, her heart racing, the dream fading into the realm of subconsciousness.
"Oh, thank God, Lauren! You're finally awake! We were so worried," Chloe exclaimed, embracing her best friend tightly. Lauren glanced around, her gaze settling on her familiar surroundings beyond Chloe's shoulder. She heaved a sigh of relief as the realization set in – she was back in her own room.
"Water," Lauren croaked in her dry, hoarse voice.
"Here you go," a familiar voice responded, handing her a glass of water. Lauren peered through the glass and uttered the name, "Ari?"
Ari, her cousin sister, nodded with a small smile.
As Lauren shifted her gaze around the room, she noticed Alanna's presence as well, wearing a reassuring grin.
"How long was I out for?" Lauren inquired, leaning against the bed frame. It was then that she noticed the IV drip attached to her hand.
"Unfortunately, you were out for three days," Alanna replied, her voice tinged with sympathy.
"What?!" exclaimed Lauren, her voice not particularly loud, yet causing a momentary tremor in the room. Chloe clutched her chest, her heart pounding erratically.
Meanwhile, the Benneth sisters exchanged astonished glances, unsure of what had just occurred.
Chloe stared at the Benneth sisters, her eyes filled with bewilderment.
"Oh my God, what was that?" she asked, seeking answers from the pair. The sisters exchanged a shrug, their expressions hinting at hidden knowledge that they were reluctant to share.
instinctively removing the IV drip from her hand "What day is it?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and urgency as her feet touched the cold tile floor.
Without missing a beat, Ariana looked back at Lauren, her eyes filled with knowing, and replies, "well dont freak out. Today is Thursday." Her cousin, Alanna, watchesd her closely, as she guessed that the slight tremor that happened was from her.
"I must see and speak with my aunt Veronica immediately, and you two are coming along." Lauren announced as she got dressed. "Sure," the two sisters replied while Chloe looked on in confusion, longing for an explanation.
Lauren quickly realizes her oversight and introduces Chloe to her cousin sisters, Ariana and Alanna. Chloe, still befuddled by the recent events, states matter-of-factly, "We've already skipped the introductions since I was the one who called them when you wouldn't wake up." Lauren acknowledges Chloe's words with a nod, appreciating her friend's pragmatism.
With urgency in her voice, Lauren requests a moment to freshen up, assuring them that she will join them shortly.
She retreats into the bathroom, but just as they begin to relax, a piercing shriek echoes from the bathroom.
Instinctively, the three girls rush towards the source, throwing open the bathroom door to find a visibly shaken and naked Lauren standing before them, her gaze locked in horrified fascination.
Anxiously, they collectively asked, "What's wrong?" Their voices carried concern, compelling Lauren to turn, revealing a vivid crimson tattoo adorning her entire back—a magnificent, intricately designed dragon entwined with inscriptions of ancient script encircling it.
Chloe gasps in shock, while Ariana and Alanna gaze at it in awe, understanding the weight of this mystical mark.
Overwhelmed by the inexplicable nature of the tattoo, Chloe manages to stammer, "How did that get there?" She knew Lauren's aversion to tattoos and couldn't fathom how such gigantic drawing adorned her best friend's back.
Unable to find words to explain the inexplicable, Lauren slowly turned away, shielding her vulnerability. "I do not know," she finally murmured, her voice carrying a mixture of wonder and trepidation.
Alanna, her voice soothing yet resolute, interjected, "we will leave you to your bath. Once we return home, we will figure it out together, alright." With reassurance lingering in the air, the three girls quietly retreated, giving Lauren the space to continue her bath
Thirty minutes had passed, and Lauren emerged from her closet. She turned to find Chloe sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed upon Lauren, curiosity etched upon her face. Sensing Chloe's apprehension, Lauren sighed and settled beside her.
Concern weighed heavily in Chloe's voice as she voiced her fears.
"Will you even return tonight? It feels as if, once you step beyond that threshold, we may not cross paths again. What is happening? Please, don't dismiss me with silence, for I am not one to be kept in the dark," Chloe pleaded, her eyes searching for answers.
Taking Chloe's trembling hand into her own, Lauren drew a deep breath, her words carrying both honesty and a touch of mystery.
"I won't lie to you, dear friend. I cannot promise my return tonight, and yes, something is different, change. However, I cannot disclose the details just yet. I must confirm certain things before I can reveal the truth. Trust me, Chloe, I will share everything with you when the time is right," Lauren explained.
Chloe nodded slowly, a mix of understanding and concern lingering in her expression. Though her countenance remained downcast, she silently acknowledged Lauren's plea for patience.
Sensing Chloe's longing to be included, Lauren turned her gaze towards her melancholic friend. "Would you like to come with?" she offered, her eyes fixed upon Chloe.
In an instant, Chloe's mood brightened, a spark of hope igniting within her. "I would be delighted to accompany you, if it is acceptable to them as well," Chloe replied, glancing towards the enigmatic sisters.
With welcoming smiles that held a familiarity born from deep bonds, the sisters assured Chloe . "Oh, by all means, our home is open to any friend of Lauren. You are more than welcome to stay for as long as you desire," Alanna declared, her eyes dancing with warmth and hospitality.
Nodding with gratitude, Chloe excused herself, eager to prepare . "Give me just a moment, I must retrieve some files from my room and make a swift change of attire. Then, we can leave," Chloe announced before dashing out of the room, her excitement contagious.
Laughter filled the chamber as Lauren and the sisters exchanged amused glances. With preparations underway, the trio eagerly awaited Chloe's return, ready to embark on a quest filled with uncertainty, discovery, and the unwavering strength of their unbreakable bond.