"Glamour Magic is totally a fae thing," Declared Dwarf Altairs, his voice firm and unwavering, as he stood confidently in the middle of the chamber, addressing the assembly with a declaration that seemed to captivate every listener.
I glided towards the mirror that crowned the opulent chamber. A gasp of wonder escaped me as I beheld my reflection. There, framed by the grandeur of the room, stood a figure both delicate and beguiling, a stark contrast to the familiar reflection I had known.
My skin shimmered as if covered by diamond dust, my eyes glowed like two hypnotic emeralds, and my hair flowed like a golden waterfall, sparkling under the light.
Suddenly, my clothes merged with the elegance of nature – fabric that looked like living leaves and flowers, changing color according to my emotions. The light of fae glamour magic not only transformed my appearance to be more captivating, but it also emitted an aura that made anyone who looked at it feel mesmerized.
"M-mom... is this--"
"You've really become your true self, darling." With a proud smile on her face, Fae Aurora murmured softly, her eyes twinkling with a sense of accomplishment.
With a puzzled look on my face, I turned to her, feeling a mix of happiness and amazement.
Although I initially did not believe it, I finally accepted the fact that glamour magic indeed is an absolute trait of a fae. I glanced at Timothee and Dave who stood dumbfounded beside me.
"You're breathtakingly beautiful, Barbara." Timothee, eyes wide and shaking his head in disbelief, praised.
"Truly unexpected," Dave added, nodding. "Never would I have thought that the mortal Barbara could transform into such an ethereal being."
"Mom, can this glamour magic disappear?" I asked her while pointing to my still golden-covered hair.
"Of course, darling," replied Fae Aurora, making a gesture with her hand and suddenly my hair returned to its original state.
"But remember, glamour magic is not just about making you look beautiful and enchanting. Glamour magic can also be used to influence the will of others, making them enchanted and unable to turn away from you," she continued seriously.
I felt a bit uncomfortable with the use of glamour magic in that way. "I will not use this to influence people or--"
"You can use it to combat the remaining hunters, Barbara," whispered Fae Aurora, gazing deeply into my eyes.
"But mom, won't that weaken the magic and make it uncontrollable?" I sat close to Fae Aurora.
"My dear Barbara, we cannot continue to flee from the hunters. They will pursue us to the end of our days. You must learn to face them bravely," Fae Aurora replied with affection.
I absorbed her words, reflecting for a moment. Finally, I surrendered and agreed to try using my magic again.
"Good, Barbara! Let's start your magic lessons right away," Fae Aurora said with a broad smile, tousling my hair. "Dwarf Altairs can help you."
I was stunned, "Mom, why must it be Dwarf Altairs who teaches me? Why not you?"
Worry began to drench my entire being like an unnerving madness I could no longer fend off. The fear of losing Fae Aurora left me in turmoil. She was the mom I had just met after spending nearly half my life under the shadow of the Moon Glazed Pack, with its pressures and bullying.
"You won't go anywhere, will you, mom?" I hugged Fae Aurora tightly, crying.
Fae Aurora embraced me tightly, wiping the tears from my cheeks. "Of course not, darling. You know I would never leave you," she said.
She smiled softly, soothing me. "Dwarf Altairs knows many ways to learn magic. You can ask for his help."
Dwarf Altairs nodded. "I would be delighted to assist you, Barbara."
"Thank you, Altairs," Fae Aurora whispered, her eyes misting.
"If you wish to practice, let's discuss it below." Timothee's voice emerged, as he then embraced my waist. "My dear, you should rejoice for now you can train. Before the mating ceremony begins, you can practice earnestly. I will take care of the children."
I gently pushed Timothee's body away. "Timothee, I harbor concerns here. Why does mom not wish to train me herself although she is a fae with great power?"
"My love... as I've said, it is time for you to train with others who understand the art of magic." Fae Aurora held my hand tightly. "Please heed my words, my dear."
"But mom–"
Timothee holds my shoulder. "Shhh…"
The chaos that I couldn't understand began to gnaw at my mind slowly, many questions I wanted to ask but held back. Seeing the solitude of Fae Aurora and the room becoming emptier as if a secret was being kept from me.
A knock made us turn our heads.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation," Healer Cruz stood at the door, slightly awkward.
Timothee chuckled. "You're not interrupting anything, Healer Cruz. Come in and check on Fae Aurora right away."
"Alright... but could I ask you to step aside for a moment? I need space to start the healing," Healer Cruz seemed a bit tense.
Timothee and I looked at each other then left Fae Aurora's room, followed by Dave and Dwarf Altairs.
"Why does Healer Cruz seem so tense?" I asked curiously.
Dave sighed. "Maybe because Fae Aurora isn't a werewolf."
"Barbara, if you want to train, tomorrow is a good day," Dwarf Altairs looked at me.
"I won't be able to train if mom looks as sick as that," I responded, shaking my head.
"Think it twice, Barbara." Dwarf Altairs sighed.
I could not understand why Fae Aurora seemed so sorrowful. Nor did I understand why she recommended Dwarf Altairs to help me train. I had heard of his reputation as a skilled magic user, but we knew little about each other.
Why was Fae Aurora so insistent on me learning magic? What did she fear from the hunters? And why did she seem to be hiding something from me?