The History class hall was filled with noise as Mrs Tabitha was yet to come. A mysterious owl arrived at the window and the entire class fell silent.
"Look everyone! An owl at the window!" Victoria exclaimed.
"Aw, it's so beautiful" Linda said to Cassie.
"Beautiful?" Cassie asked with an irritated look on her face, "I don't know why but I find owls really creepy and yes, Louie creeps me out sometimes".
"I wonder what it's here for or even better who it's here for?".
"How am I supposed to know. I finally get to learn about S.U.M.S history today. I certainly don't care about the agenda of an owl".
"Louie, don't you think it's here to see you?" Linda asked Louie.
"I don't think so, it's been staring at you" He replied.
Without caution, the owl flew towards Laila and immediately turned to a woman.
"Oh my goodness!" Cassie screamed in fright, "It... She just... I think I'm going to faint!".
The owl-turned-lady brought out a sealed, ornate envelope adorned with symbols of ancient magic and handed it to Linda. Before Linda could say anything, the lady turned back into an owl and flew away.
Intrigued, Linda carefully opened the letter, revealing an elegant script that seemed to shimmer with enchanted ink.
"Wow, a fancy letter, what does it say?" Louie asked.
"Dear Melinda Stilton,
The Witches' Council has been observing your exceptional magical prowess and unique talents. We extend to you an invitation to join our esteemed ranks. Your potential is recognized, and we believe your contributions could greatly benefit both our community and your personal growth.
Should you choose to accept this invitation, our high esteemed members will arrive at S.U.M.S at the stroke of midnight, providing you with a portal for an easier and safer journey.
You can bring a guardian along.
Sincerely,
The Grand Soceress, Greila Nightshade".
"Aww, so lucky. At this point I wish I was a white blood like you" Eugenia said to her.
"It's nice and all. It says you can get power and recognition but what's up with the secret meeting, portal and whatnot?" Cassie asked.
"I can take you along as my guardian if you wish"
"If I wish? Of course I wish! Who were you thinking of taking if not me?".
At midnight, Linda and Cassie waited patiently at the boundary. A shining light appeared which slowly faded, revealing five women.
"I am Dorathy Griffin, such a pleasure to finally meet you Melinda Stilton" A woman that looked the oldest said to Linda, stretching out her hand for a handshake.
"So much better than being abducted" Cassie muttered.
"And who's this creature?" Dorathy asked Linda.
"Hi, I'm Cassie..."
"I didn't ask you now, did I?" Dorathy said, "I was asking Melinda, not you".
Cassie just stood there looking speechless.
"She is Cassie... Cassandra Olsen. She's my guardian for tonight".
"Oh, I see. And is this guardian of yours a white blood?"
"No, she is..."
"Then I'm sorry. I'm afraid she can't follow us".
"Why? The letter clearly stated that I should bring a guardian if I wish!".
"She doesn't qualify to be your guardian for many reasons but I'll give you two. First, she's in your age group, secondly she's a black blood. Oh, here's another reason, she's a black blood!".
"I can't just leave her!" Linda protested.
"Oh you can and you will".
Cassie looked at Linda and told her that she could go. Linda was hesitant but after much persuasion from Cassie, she agreed and left with the women. Cassie walked back to the dorm, feeling angry and suspicious about the so called Witches' Council. Cassie began to notice some changes in Linda's behavior ever since she joined the council. Linda became secretive, often disappearing for hours and Cassie concluded that something was definitely off somewhere.
She decided to ask the principal about the Witches' Council.
"Hey, principal Margaret, have you heard anything about the Witches' Council? Linda's been acting strangely ever since she joined the council and I'm worried".
"Witches'Council? That's not good. There are many tales of power struggles, hidden chambers and a few black bloods that vanished after getting involved".
"Vanished?! What do you mean?".
"Some say they delved to deep into the secrets of the council. They are known for engaging in forbidden rituals and a thirst for ancient knowledge. It is known that they have been planning a forbidden ritual for a long time. It involves using an artifact of unimaginable power which I suspect to be the amuelisk".
"If they are after the amuelisk that means they are only planning on using Linda to get it. I have to let Linda know!" Cassie said standing up.
"Not so fast. The Witches' Council are as dangerous as they are secretive. You might be in grave danger if you act recklessly".
"What must I do?" Cassie asked sitting back down.
"Even if Linda believes you, the council won't let her go without a fight. You have to act smart".
Cassie entered the room and saw Linda sobbing.
"Linda, are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?".
"Cassie,I... The council is forcing me to give them the amuelisk. I refused but they threatened to kill my mother. Help me Cassie, I don't know what to do. I can't lose another family member".
"I knew it that they were a bunch of evil freaks. Don't worry Linda, I have a plan. They want the amuelisk don't they? Well if there's an original, there has to be a fake".
"Where on earth can we find a fake amuelisk?".
"There's a spell of camouflage in the book of the dread and only you can wield it".
"Then what're we waiting for? Let's hurry to the library!".
At the council, Linda helped Cassie to sneak in under the guise of a council guard.
"Welcome Melinda Stilton. Are you with the amuelisk?" Greila asked Linda. Linda nodded and handed it to her.
"I feel bad, I had to hurt my best friend to get this" Linda lied.
"No need to feel bad. That's a small price to pay for a greater cause" Greila replied and looked at the amuelisk. It immediately changed into the Lumina Veritas which reflected a scarlet light when Greila looked into it. Everybody stared at her in shock including Cassie.
"Traitor! She's a red blood!" Dorathy screamed.
"She has deceived us all. She must be eliminated!" Another witch exclaimed.
Linda smiled and walked towards Cassie. They left the council with a sense of triumph, holding hands as they smiled with excitement.