In the quiet confines of Veronica Benneth's study, the air was thick with anticipation and curiosity as her daughters joined her, their eyes fixed upon Lauren.
With bated breath, Lauren recounted the extraordinary events that had unfolded during her three-day slumber, each word a gateway to a world beyond imagination.
She spoke of her encounter with the enigmatic moon goddess, the wonders of conversing with the mythical talking unicorn, the horrors of the gruesome massacre, and the chilling presence of the formidable vampire king, king Draco Voltorie. And finally, with a mixture of trepidation and awe, Lauren unbuttoned her blouse, unveiling her back to reveal a remarkable tattoo.
At first, a wave of astonishment washed over her aunt's countenance, but soon it transformed into a deep sense of wonderment.
Veronica stepped forward, drawn to the intricacies of the depicted image. She examined it closely, her gaze fixated upon the delicately crafted strokes and the mesmerizing script that adorned the canvas of Lauren's skin.
"Just to be clear, you woke up, and it was already there?" Veronica inquired, seeking clarification.
Lauren nodded with certainty, affirming, "Exactly, Aunt Veronica."
As Veronica continued to scrutinize the tattoo, she couldn't help but marvel at its breathtaking detail and the strange writing that seemed to hold secrets only the gods themselves could decipher. The allure of the image was irresistible, resonating with an ethereal beauty that captivated the senses.
"Could you take a picture of it? I'd love to see it again."
Without hesitation, Ariana sprang into action, positioning her phone's camera skillfully to capture the tattoo from various angles.
"I've sent it to your phone," she announced with a smile, joining the group as they huddled around the captivating image once more.
As their eyes remained fixated upon the photograph, a sense of curious familiarity washed over Veronica Benneth.
Her gaze shifted toward the book in her hands, and as if guided by an unseen force, she turned the pages until her heart skipped a beat. There, on a weathered piece of parchment, was the exact image they had been admiring.
Gasps of disbelief escaped the lips of the girls as they circled around their mum, In that moment, they realized that this symbol held a significance far greater than they had ever imagined.
An air of anticipation hung heavy as Alanna, brimming with curiosity, eagerly posed her question.
"What does it say, Mum?" she inquired, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and wonder.
Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Veronica began to unravel the significance of the dragon adorning Lauren's skin.
"The dragon is called a krakan," she explained, her voice reverent. "It symbolizes immense power and authority. According to this text, anyone marked with its image possesses the ability to rule over the supernatural realm and receives direct messages from the moon goddess herself. You, Lauren, are only the third person to be bestowed with this extraordinary power."
Alanna and Ariana turned their gaze towards Lauren, their astonishment mirrored in their wide-eyed expressions. Yet, Lauren seemed drained of color, her complexion pale as a white sheet. Concern etched across her aunt's face, Veronica moved closer to her niece, asking gently, "Are you okay?"
Tears glistened in Lauren's eyes as she responded with a tinge of despair,
"How can I be okay? I never asked for this. Just a few days ago, I was an ordinary human, doing what little good I could for humanity. And now I'm expected to lead a realm of supernatural creatures I know nothing about. So, no, I'm not okay."
Ariana, attempting to diffuse the tension, interjected, "Lauren, calm down. We can figure this out together. Remember what happened the last time."
But Lauren's frustration peaked, her voice laden with anguish.
"Calm down? I can't calm down!" she exclaimed, the sheer force of her words reverberating through the room, causing a momentary seismic vibration that shattered the bulbs, plunging the space into darkness.
With a mere flick of her finger, Veronica cast a spell that brought light streaming back into her study, dispelling the darkness that had momentarily engulfed them.
In the aftermath, Lauren, still in a state of disbelief, mustered the strength to ask, "What just happened?"
Ariana, her tone laced with amusement, couldn't help but chuckle as she teasingly answered, "Well, putting it lightly, your voice can cause tremors."
Veronica swiftly intervened, reprimanding Ariana's playful remark. "Don't scare her, Ariana," she chided gently.
She turned her attention back to Lauren, her soothing voice intended to assuage her niece's worries. "With a little guidance and training, you will learn to harness and control your newfound powers. But for now, you need rest. Sleep, my dear, and tomorrow we will continue this journey together."
Lauren, her remorse evident, spoke up, apologizing for her outburst. "I'm sorry for earlier. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. You were all trying to help, and I never want to hurt anyone."
Veronica, her love for her niece unwavering, responded with comfort and reassurance. Stepping closer to Lauren, she gently enveloped her in a warm embrace.
"It's alright, my darling. You will not harm anyone, and I promise to be by your side every step of the way. You are not alone in this. We will navigate this new chapter together."
Meanwhile.....
"The witches departed along with her roommate just a short while ago... And it appears that Agent Lauren has begun displaying hints of her powers," the informant conveyed.
Puffing smoke languidly from his cigar, Damien contemplated the information. Wisps of gray danced amidst the air, mingling with the atmosphere of their dimly lit room. Vanessa's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned forward, seeking further clarification. "How so?" she inquired, her anticipation palpable.
The informant responded with a cautious tone, painting a vivid picture of the events witnessed. "There was a subtle tremor that reverberated throughout the property when she unleashed her shout," he revealed, the weight of his words leaving an indelible impression.
Derek, a man of few words but resolute action, nodded in acknowledgment before dismissing the informant with a solemn nod. The room fell into silence as their source departed, leaving them to contemplate the unfolding circumstances.
Damon, unable to contain his restlessness, voiced the question that lingered within their thoughts. "What do we do now?" he queried.
Without missing a beat, Damien, exuded a sense of quiet confidence. Raising his bourbon glass to his lips, he savored the rich flavors before replying, "We wait."