The sun has dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor as I make my way back home. Deep in the forest the sounds of creatures of night coming to life is all you could hear, that and my faint footsteps.
My family's modern A-frame cabin comes into view, nestled snugly among the trees. Its stone foundation and sleek design provide a striking contrast to the old-world mystique of the coven library.
Pushing open the door, I find my mother in the cozy living room, cooking dinner in the kitchen. Her warm smile greets me as I enter, but it doesn't take long for her to sense the turmoil in my thoughts.
"Silas," she says gently, setting aside her work and motioning for me to sit beside her. "I can see that something's been weighing heavily on your mind. Spill it, what's eating you up?"
I take a deep breath, then begin to recount the events of the day: the encounter with Max, and my encounter with the Derek, the unexpected connection I felt. My mother listens attentively, her expression a mix of understanding and concern when I tell her about being mates with Derek.
After I finish, she sighs, her gaze turning distant as she speaks, "Silas, you must understand that our coven has a long and dark history with the werewolf pack. For generations, there have been conflicts, blood feuds, and misunderstandings. Many lives have been lost on both sides." She stirs her veggie pan, "Now if the Hekate has chosen him there's nothing we can do to change it. But it will change everything as we have known it for sometime."
The moment of silence was profund until I found the urge to speak. "What if it causes more problems, and goes terribly south. I mean it's crazy enough that it's Derek, the fucking nerve." I said throwing my self onto the couch, getting immediately satisfied by the cushions swallowing me. "And only from an outsiders point of view, but you to have lot of resentment against Derek, why."
I sit up to face her, "since I can remember we've never once actually got to know each other. It's like knowing each other is only for formality." As I say this today's events with flood my head, how he catches me he's never done that. No one has really except my parents, but with him it seemed so different.
"Silas," she begins, "I won't deny that Derek and you aren't starting out the easiest of ways as mates. You see, both of you come from two vastly different worlds. Witches and werewolves, we're like night and day."
I nod, knowing full well that our worlds couldn't be more distinct. Witches, like me, thrive on the power of magic, casting spells, and weaving enchantments. Our strength lies in our knowledge and connection to the mystical arts.
"Werewolves, on the other hand," she continues, "are creatures of instinct and the wild. They're ruled by the moon, by pack dynamics, and the primal urges that come with their nature."
I think about Derek, he seemed to embody everything my mother had just described – wild, free, and driven by instincts I couldn't fully understand.
"Resentment, Silas," my mother says with a sigh, "it's true that there's been conflict between our coven and the werewolf pack. But that doesn't mean every individual within their pack is responsible for those tensions. Derek may be different, and if you feel that connection, maybe it's a chance for us to bridge that gap. It might even be a sign from Hekate herself and that would be a true blessing."
I ponder her words, realizing that this journey I'm embarking on with Derek isn't just about love; it's about reconciliation and breaking the cycle of hatred that has divided our kind for so long.
"Maybe you're right, Mom," I admit, "maybe it's time for us to try and truly bridge the gap between our worlds, to prove that love and understanding can conquer even the most profound differences of our clans."
With her support, I feel a newfound determination to face the entire situation with a new perspective. If a goddess was using to prove a point, I'd make sure to do my best to make it work. My mom comes and sits beside me and puts her hand on my knee, "And you know this means he isn't allowed in your room with the door closed, right?"
"Jesus, mom you truly are insufferable sometimes, go back to cooking before it burns." I say running as fast as I can to my room before she could catch me and give me 'the talk'. "But you have to tell your father too, he deserves to hear it from you not me." I stop at the top step, "Ok where is he, out in his office I assume." with the lack of a response I'd gotten my answer.
My father's office was quite honestly the best room in the house, the back wall was one giant piece of glass with a view of the woods and Crescent Hill. I would sneak in here when I was younger just to stare out of it, I still do when I get the chance. I'm pulled out of my trance when I catch sight of my father reading in the corner.
"Hey dad what are reading another Shakespeare, or a crime novel this time." I say trying to get his attention and taking the chair next to him. "No I'm actually reading a fit of Edgar Allen Poe, a true poet that man was. Now what brings my son here to talk to me, nothing bad I hope, your mom isn't mad is she." we both laugh at what he says and then it's quiet again.
"Dad, today Derek Mason's wolf guide spoke to me, not in a bad way tho." I say glancing up to see him put his book down. "At lunch he told me that we were soul mates. I've talked to mom and she said I should probably tell you." As soon as I finish talking he stands up motions for me to follow, "The day you were born I remember hearing one of the coven members who helped deliver you say 'This child is the dawn of our future.' how right she is."
We reach huge glass wall and my dad points out the window to the top of Crescent Hill, "That was the site of historic treaty to protect our lands from the common enemy, and the day you were born was just a historic I hope that with this amazing opportunity you do great things and I'll be right behind you every step of the way." He pulls me in and hugs me tight, and I feel all worry fade away for now.
With what my parents have said I solidify my decision, if I'm to be head of my coven and Luna to a pack of wolves I'd do my very best. But as far as me and Derek went I still felt it would need to take some time, I'm not ready to open that easy.