Athènia's POV
I glance at my twin, just as puzzled as he is.
" What do you mean, an explanation?" asked Jiji
I let out a sigh.
" You can do this." said Kora
"Thank you, Kora" I thanks to her
"Uh, Jiji… there are so many complicated things in our lives. I don't even know where to start." I said to Jiji
" Starting at the beginning would be nice." said Jiji
I take a deep breath before meeting his eyes.
"It all began centuries ago, the night when the three most powerful races declared war on each other." I started to explain but Jiji interrupts me.
" Wait, I already know who our enemies are." said Jiji
"Yes, but I don't think you know the reason behind the war, do you?" I asked
He shakes his head.
" They became enemies… because of us." I continued explaining
His mouth falls open in shock.
" Us?!" he asked
"Yes, us—the sorcerers. Our ancestor, the first king of the Gronds family, Stanford Gronds, killed King Rayan Storm and his son, Jinking Storm." I said
" And what does that have to do with the war?" asked Jiji
" Jinking… was a hybrid." I said
"What?!" shouted Jiji
This time it's his eyes that widen in disbelief.
" Jinking's mother had been violated by King Storm, Alpha Lénon, and the vampire lord Kajal. Which means the child carried the blood of the three most powerful beings in his veins. Unfortunately, only King Storm admitted to violating the young woman; the others denied it. King Storm then married her. When our ancestor Stanford killed both Rayan and Jinking, the woman—Andrea—swore revenge. And when the Alpha and the vampire lord discovered Jinking's death, they realized that Stanford had killed their son as well. Even if they had denied their crimes, Jinking was still their child, and his death was unforgivable. They declared war on Harmonie. During all this, the Alpha and the vampire lord discovered that each had lied—each had claimed never to have touched the girl. They blamed one another for refusing to admit their sins. And so, they declared war not only on us, but also on each other. That's how it all started." I explained
Junior just sits there, still stunned.
" Wow… so that's the reason for all our conflicts. But why didn't Father ever tell us?"said Jiji
" Because he didn't know either. Neither the vampires nor the wolves know the true reason anymore. They've simply followed what their ancestors passed down." I replied
" And what does this have to do with us?" asked Jiji
" The exact reason, I don't know yet. But I do know that even though our families were enemies, our father and mother fell in love. What tore them apart, I still don't know." I said
" So… that makes us hybrids, after centuries." said Jiji
" Exactly. Even if I'm not a sorceress, I still have a wolf." I said.
" Don't say that, idiot. I can feel magic in you—it just hasn't awakened yet." said Jiji
I roll my eyes. He always says that to cheer me up.
"Yeah, sure." I replied
"It's insane… so we have special wolves." said Jiji
"I don't believe that. No, we just have wolves." I said
" No, it's different. Normally wolves are just animal instincts, but ours… ours guide us toward spells." said Jiji
" Wait—what?!" I asked
"Ares always helps me find the right formula." replied Jiji
I clear my throat, wondering how Kora knows all this.
"Because your brother is right. Ares and I are special wolves." said Kora
Alright then… special wolves.
" Uh, Lis… how did you even learn all this?" asked Jiji
He gives me a suspicious look.
" Kor1 told me most of it, but the rest… came from my visions." I replied
" Visions?!" he asked
I nod.
" Yes. I can see visions of the past… and the future." I said
" That's so badass! And when I tell you that you do have magic in you, you never believe me. It just hasn't awakened yet." said Jiji
" Fine, fine, I'll believe you this time." said Jiji
" Good. And you know what? You have your phone, right?" asked Jiji
" Yeah… why?" I said
" Idiot. Phones are for calling, sending pictures, and texting. And while you do that, I'll try to dig up more information from here." s1id Jiji
"Huh, not bad for an idiot." I said, teasing him
" Don't overestimate me. Uh, actually, where did you transform?" he said
" Do you remember Grandpa and Grandma's private island?" I asked
"The one in Mexico?" said Jiji
"Yeah, that's where it happened." I replied
" Then how come I didn't see you?" asked Jiji
" I wonder the same thing. What color is Ares?" I asked
" Black and white. And Kora?" replied Jiji
"She's white." I said
I get the feeling my wolf is unique.
" Just white?" asked Jiji
"Yes, completely white."
Suddenly, his phone rings. He answers.
"DAMN IT, JUNIOR! I TOLD YOU TO COME TO MY OFFICE TWO HOURS AGO AND YOU'RE STILL NOT HERE!" said the King
Uh-oh. He's in trouble.
" I'm sorry, Father, I'll be right there." I said
Our father hangs up.
" We'll talk later, okay?" said Jiji
He leaves almost running, while I laugh at him.
" He's still as obedient to Father as ever." said Kora
"You said it." I replied
I sigh and step into my room. After such a long day, I need a shower. I let the water run over me, staying under it for almost an hour before finally stepping out. I wrap a towel around myself and open the door. And guess who's waiting for me.
"Took you long enough to come out, darling." said a voice, I hate that voice with every fiber of my being.
" What do you want, Fabellia?" I asked anyway, though I already know why she's here. She rises from my chair, smiling like the devil himself.
"You wouldn't want the council to discover the secret your father is so desperate to keep hidden, would you?" said Fabellia
And here we go. Time to play the victim.
"I could silence her if you want." said Kora
No, Kora. I can handle her.
" And? You know very well I don't care." I said coldly
" Oh, playing tough, are we, darling?" said Fabellia
She cups my face in her hand.
" What kind of monster have you become, my sweet girl? You wouldn't want your father executed and your brother enslaved, would you? I know you don't care much for your father, but your twin… oh, my goddess, he won't be spared. You might escape because you're not a true sorceress, but your brother—he is one." said Fabellia
And the show begins. I fake tears, because Fabellia knows how much Jiji means to me.
" You're a monster. You wouldn't dare, because your children would be banished too." I said
" So stupid. They don't carry werewolf blood like you and your idiot twin." said Fabellua
"What do you want me to do?" I asked
Her smile widens, sensing victory. If only she knew I was acting just like she want.
"Accept to leave for London, and the council will never learn your secret." said Fabellia
I start to sob. I hate acting.
" No, please… I don't want to go." I said
"Then accept my condolences in advance." said Fabellia
" No, please!" I said stoping her.
Ugh, I hate begging. She thinks she's perfect.
"You know my condition." said Fabellia
"Fine… I… I'll go to London. But don't tell the council." I said
" Good girl. I don't understand why you're such a disobedient daughter. But don't worry—you'll learn your lesson in London, my dear daughter-in-law." said Fabellia
She lets go of my face, and I collapse to the floor as if broken. The moment she leaves, smiling in victory, I burst out laughing.
" You should be an actress." commented Kora
" She really thinks she scares me." I said
" Then why did you go along with it?" asked Kora
" Because at the university she's sending me to, there will be many races—even humans. But they still don't know about our existence." I replied
Fabellia got what she wanted. She thinks she won, that I'm some helpless little girl cornered and afraid.