Forgotten Magick

Chapter 1: Fate. Pt, 2.

Introducing: The Noble Alpha, Seth Lycagrus

Seth tossed and turned aggressively in his large king-sized bed until he fed up and finally sat up, his digital clock read 4:45 AM. He threw his blankets aside, deciding there was no longer any point in trying to sleep. His efforts had been for not for hours now, and his patience with the sandman had run thin. Seth had been driving himself crazy for just a few weeks ago, ever since he caught a fleeting scent of his fated mate in the wind at the beginning of one of his patrols. At first, he thought he had made it up in his mind, a figment of his imagination of what his fated mate would eventually smell like, but when he caught it a second time only three weeks ago there was no mistaking it. The scent was much stronger, alive even.

Seth remembered that morning; he was out on his rounds with his Beta Arys, Seth had lamented to his best friend about what he thought was the smell of his mate. Arys had met his fated mate at his 17th birthday as it was meant to be. Now the two boys were well into their 20s and still, Seth had never once even felt a pull. Arys clamped a hand on his Alphas shoulder and asked "did your wolf react when you smelt it?" Seth nodded and answered "Regal perked up yes, there was a low grumble in my head. Why isn't he going just as crazy as I am?! Isn't your wolf supposed to be even more on-edge when it comes to mates?!" Seth couldn't wrap his head around it and with every passing night, his bed grew larger around him. "Well.. When I found Missy, Lonan went absolutely berserk. I couldn't focus on anything, no matter how hard I tried to stay in control Lonan just took over for days on end, he wouldn't subside until Missy and I mated and marked each other... I'm not sure what's going on with Regal, have you seen the pack doctor about it?" Arys was deeply concerned for his friend, this truly was an unusual situation.

Seth shook his head before hanging it in defeat "No... Regal is fine, we can still shift and I don't feel a decrease in our power. He's not sick, so there's no reason to bother your uncle. I don't know, maybe I did make it up..." Seth explained before it hit him again. His eyes shot wide and his nose sniffed the air around him, the wind had carried it to him again "there.. I smell it again.. Roses, Juniper and Clove.. Its her!" Seth exclaimed with excitement and before Arys had a chance to talk Seth had shifted and took off. He ran faster than he ever had before until he showed up in the middle of the clearing right at the edge of his territory.

Arys came up behind him, both of the boys shifted back into their human forms as Seth circled the clearing. His frustration was boiling over as he let out an aggravated shout before yelling "IT'S GONE!! SHE'S GONE!! AGAIN!" the chase was killing him. Arys approached him carefully "I hate to say it boss, but from the looks of things she's either a rogue that's on our land illegally or she's ventured onto the witches land and if that's the case..." his words were careful because he could see the rage filling his friend's eyes as Seth tried to think about what to do and not think about what Arys had said. He couldn’t even dare speculate that he had lost her before he even found her.

Since then Seth had ordered that all female rogues without mate markings be caught and brought directly to him in his office and increased supervision be left on the border of the territory. Whoever his mate was he was going to have her, and he would put any and every resource needed in finding her.

Seth looked down at his large bed with a singular depressing thought crossing his mind, what was the point of having a king-sized bed if he didn't have someone to share it with? His chest ached, so instead of sitting and moping around Seth had decided to go for a run to hopefully clear his head. He did have a pack that relied on him after all, he wasn't about to let his people down.

While Seth ran he thought about what finding his mate would mean, there was so much attached to that person. It meant he had finally found his other half, his perfect mate, chosen by the goddess herself. Finding your mate was everything to his culture, children were taught at an early age about the magic of the mate bond. Especially for an Alpha, his mate makes him stronger and a Luna is the heart of the pack. She gave her love to the young, her patience to the elders, and her generosity to everyone else. Seth had taken on the role of Alpha when he was 18, even if his Luna didn’t belong to his pack Seth had visited packs from all over the country before he even turned 22. Now he was 25 and still without his mate, his pack without a Luna; and even though their warriors are stronger than most and their numbers large they were all still weaker without her.

Even though his pack loved him dearly, respected even admired him in some cases, but he couldn’t help but feel like a failure. It was basically lesson number 1 in being a good Alpha, find your Luna. Step two, form the mate bond and let it straighten you. The hard part was supposed to be the job, but the paperwork never bothered him and the tough decisions were never that tough for him. His wolf Regal always helped him with those, his wolf was an old wolf spirit. He had been connected to many Alpha’s in the past, as well had been one himself. Seth had a theory five years ago that the Moon Goddess had given her Regal instead of a mate, but Regal had confirmed every Alpha including himself had had Lunas of their own.

By the time Seth had gotten back to the Pack House, it was just about 5:45 am, no one was awake yet except for the guards working the parameters of their land. Seth was informed that there hadn’t been any rogue sightings recently, which he took as a bad sign. It was the worst sign for him, she was gone. Either she had fled to a part of the forest they didn’t have eyes on or the witches had gotten to her, he hoped more than anything it was the latter however the signs pointed to the former. The reports had come back that no scent trail in the forests matched his description, the other men smelt it but only ever in the faint almost washed away strength at the clearing. Seth never enjoyed feeling angry but at this point, he couldn’t help it, he didn’t bother going to his room to shower, Seth headed straight for the gym in the basement where he could take out his frustrations on a punching bag.

He had never been one to hate, in fact, Seth rarely even thought about the witches but that didn’t mean that he didn’t grow up hearing the stories. His grandfather had been caught in an incident when he was young, a hunter attack on the pack. There had been a few packs that had been targeted at the time as well, and each pack had been caught in the same situation as FrostFang; all packs had covens next door and none had been granted sanctuary. That’s when word had started going around that the witches had helped the hunters break the binding spell placed on The Order centuries ago, and cut off the wolf packs deliberately. Of course, no one could prove it, and there was so much she-said-he-said that everyone had decided to drop it. The divide between the two groups felt more like a canyon.

As Seth beat on the punching bag he couldn’t help but feel as if his grandfather was right, and now they had taken his mate and Luna. He had no proof, but he would find it. Seth vowed to not only find his Luna but get justice for her as well. The one thing that kept Seth from going off the walls was Regal's cool temper, but his wolf wasn’t talking to him either. Seth stopped for a second and tried to call out to Regal, but for some reason, Regal had always gone like this whenever his grandfather spoke of these things as well. “What?! Did you know a witch when you were alive and she was nice?! Well I guess times really have changed huh?” as he spoke his tone dropped lower and lower, he knew he was just angry at the situation. He just couldn’t help but connect the dots and come to the worst possible conclusion.

After another hour of working out his aggressions on various workout equipment, and re-establishing communications with Regal, Seth went up to his room to shower and change. His mind was still on his missing mate so he didn’t pay anyone, in particular, any mind, giving nods of acknowledgment to the people who greeted him. He could feel the worry through the pack link, he beat himself up over it, but he couldn’t help it either. He was sure if they knew they’d understand his distraction, but how could he tell his people that he had lost their Luna before they even had the chance to know her? To love her and be loved by her.

Seth had finished up some leftover paperwork from the day before, signing off on expense reports and schedule changes, training would be starting soon and he was in charge of leading the drills. Seth changed into his training clothes before heading out for another walk, he needed his mind cleared for training, he needed to make sure his people could fight. That was until the wind had caught her scent to him again, and it was the strongest the scent had ever been. Seth knew at that moment it was his chance and if he missed this he would never have it again, at that point his mind had been sent into a frenzy of excitement, panic, and nerves.

Seth frantically linked to Arys and told him the situation, that he would have to take over training for today. Begrudgingly a sleepy Arys complied with his Alpha's request but also wished him luck. Hopefully, he would find the she-wolf and put an end to recent chaos and melancholy. Though Seth was already gone, not even waiting for a confirmation that Arys was awake before he let out Regal so that they could run to the clearing.

Seth was practically carried by the scent-laced wind, his head was growing fuzzy and his heart was beating almost too quickly. It was a combination of his running and the excitement growing within him, Seth reached out to Regal and started like an excited schoolboy “do you think shes pretty?” which made Regal chuckle “Does it matter boy? She is yours regardless, correct?” Seth rolled his eyes and laughed “Of course! But whats wrong with wanting good looking pups? And I mean its not like the Moon Goddess would mate me to some one who wasn’t good and kind, it’s not like she’d mate me to a horrible person right?” Seth could feel Regal give a hearty laugh in his head “do not underestimate the Moon Goddess, she often gives us partner that are too much for us. Only in the beginning of course.”

While Seth and Regal spoke Seth could feel that Regal was thinking of his first mate, Regal never really talked about his life when he was alive. Seth had asked him once about it all, about her and their life together. Seth had even asked if he was THE Regal from the stories of old, but his wolf constantly told him to stop thinking of the past. Once he had broken a little and told Seth about how he led his pack back in the day, how things between the Blessed factions were so much closer, but nothing about his personal life. Seth suspected that his life had a great tragedy in it that pained him to talk about, Seth only hoped that he could help his wolf-like Regal had helped him.

As Seth approached the clearing he linked all the men in the area to leave and that he had this area, for the time being, he didn’t need a whole squad of warriors scaring her off. Seth knew that the she-wolf would be able to smell him sooner rather than later, so he wouldn’t be surprising her but he didn’t want to go in guns blazing. Even if every fiber of his being was telling him to find her and mate her right away, he needed to keep himself composed. Seth was sure that she must have gone through something terrible, to be wandering on her own and as lost as she is.

As Seth approached the clearing he slowed down from a sprint to a walk, curiously Seth could not see or hear another wolf in the vicinity, his eyes scanned the whole area until his nose pointed him directly at a girl in the river. It was undeniable she was it. She was the source of the scent that drove him crazy all these long weeks, and she was a witch. His mind instantly went to another place, she couldn’t have been the source of the scent! This girl was a witch, and the more Seth lingered on that realization the angrier he became. At first glance it seemed that he and Arys were right to be concerned about his mate well being, the she-wolf must’ve trespassed onto the witch's land and they found a way to take her essence and put it onto this witch.

“Why would they have done that Seth, think calmly for a moment. How would they have known that you were mated to the she-wolf?” Regal asked calmly, “because she would have told them!” Seth answered rather frustrated, it seemed so obvious to him. Regal retorted with “but she didn’t know who her mate was just like how you didn’t know. So yes, the witches ask what she’s doing on their land, she tells them she’s looking for her mate but doesn’t know who he is only what he smells like. There’s no reason to take over her essence, they don’t know she’s tied to you. On top of that, think Seth, if you smelt her she would have smelt you. Wouldn’t the she-wolf have tracked you down like you’re tracking her down?” Seth thought about what Regal said. The old wolf was making sense, far more rational than he was at the moment. “Okay, so then what? That witch is my mate?! Seriously Regal?! This isn’t you’re time! Witches and were-wolves don’t mate! Wasn’t rare even in your time?” Seth asked exasperated.

“Yes it was, but that doesn’t mean it never happened. I knew men who mated and loved their witches dearly. Just watch her for a while boy, you don’t have to make any decisions right now. Just watch her.” Regal said as he encouraged him to stay calm, not do anything rash. Regal watched the girl through the eyes he shared with Seth, the girl's back was turned to them and her hair was tied up even then she looked so similar to his precious love. His heart ached for the first time in centuries at this point. Every day Regal thought about how his love had told them they would meet again, but after being bonded to Alpha after Alpha by the Moon Goddess yet he had never seen or felt the spirit of his beloved. He had subscribed to the idea that they never would meet again, and he had come to terms with that idea.

Seth could feel the inner turmoil Regal was feeling, it was familiar to when he asked Regal about his mate so he didn’t pry. Instead, Seth lowered himself closer to the ground and slowly crept his way towards the girl, he made sure the tall grass and bushes hid his large figure well. Soon enough he was a few feet away from the riverside, he made sure he was hidden well before laying down as he observed his supposed mate. Regal didn't seem like he was under any sort of influence, so Seth ruled out any love spells being cast. “Seth, stop it. You’ll learn more with an open mind. Just be calm, be still, observe.” Seth rolled his eyes and begrudgingly complied, he gave a small huff before laying his head down on top of his big paws.

So he was, Seth laid there calmly and watched the young witch to learn as much as he could about her before deciding what he was going to do next. Seth did have to admit, the girl was quite beautiful. He was so used to she-wolves having long straight and silky hair, but hers was a wild mane of untamable raven curls and he couldn't help but admire her soft glowing skin. Seth suddenly grew intrigued as he watched her place a bundle of flowers, herbs, and what looked like small bottles of oil. What could she possibly be doing? Seth perked his head up, tilting his head curiously as the girl spoke. Did she not speak English, what was that? Regal laughed at him before answering him “It’s Latin. She said ‘breath becomes life, life becomes light, light becomes fire.’ So she’s not one for light shows I see, a rare quality in witches.” Seth quirked a brow to Regal mentally.

“Let me explain myself; yes I know Latin, you were right I did know a witch when I was alive. Also yes, she was infact very nice. They all were. That being said they were a very flashy bunch, their magick has a way of manifesting itself. Think of it like the northern lights, a thin veil of color wraps itself around their bodies, if one is powerful enough it over takes them so much that it takes over the eyes completely. Its a sight to behold really, so I never really blamed the witches for not wanting to restrain themselves. Still I would lie if I told you they were modest people!” Regal was filled with a deep nostalgia as he spoke. His mind shares images of festivals and balls from his time with Seth.

Seth took the images and looked at each one, he could understand what Regal was talking about. Things looked so happy. One image shared was of a plaza at night, there was snow and things were cold but people of all sorts were sitting together watching a light show. The witch that stood at the front of the semi-circle gathering, and with what looked to be her consort, and they were dancing. A gold and blue veil wrapped around the two, lighting up the dark area, but there was something in the veil. Blue bunnies bounced and played between and around in the veil that surrounded them, the children sat at the font with eyes filled with bewilderment.

“My Luna and I were out on a walk that night, we walked past them on the roads. It was such a pleasant evening, with out all the politics and constant bickering between old men you could almost say it was a utopia.” Regal noted as Seth saw the rest. Seth had to remind himself several times that this had all happened centuries ago, otherwise, he wouldn’t have believed it. Regal seemed to come to that thought as well because the old wolf soon became very somber and said “It’s such a shame how much things have changed, and I had bore witness to so much but I can only do so much as a wolf spirit; and some men simply cannot be deterred when their minds are set.”

Seth was about to stand and take his leave, Regal had given him a lot to think about, but had only taken his eyes off her for a mere moment before she had suddenly disappeared. He sat up in a small panic looking around nervously, only for relief to come moments later as she reemerged from the water. A wide smile stretched across her face as she released a sigh of relief herself, this made Seth stop and lay down once again. He was enjoying himself and the relaxing feeling of the warm summer day paired with the presence of his mate, he was already appreciating the feeling of the mate bond. Her voice was like silk as she talked, so steady and confident as she prayed. Her meticulous movements, the way the smoked curled and swished so perfectly, it was all so intentional and sure. He admired that certainty, she was so close to danger and yet so composed. If she weren’t his mate he’d almost be insulted at her comfortability, he made a mental note to be more dedicated to his training duties; his men were losing their touch while he was wallowing.

Next Seth watched and smelt the oils as she opened the bottles. It was curious, the scents that she used became a part of her natural scent. It was the only way that it would trigger the mate bond, but Seth didn’t complain, the mixture of Juniper, Clove, Rose, and Lavender. Seth blinked a few times before realizing he only counted 3 bottles, he smirked as he started to smell the air. There was a puzzle to solve, which of the 4 scents was her own actual scent, and Seth did love a good puzzle. It felt as though she already knew him so well. After sniffing the air a few more times Seth finally determined that it was the lavender that was her very own scent, which was perfect as he so very much loved lavender. His mother would fill his room with the plants or rub the essential oil on his chest whenever he felt ill to keep him calm, Seth did not do very well with being sick.

Then the woman finished with that and moved on the flowers, silently one by one she took the stems and placed them into the water. The first round of yellow flowers went by fairly quickly. It wasn’t until she took hold of one rose that she seemed to freeze. She was pondering something, Seth frowned as he looked at her. He wanted to help her with whatever it was that was on her mind, reach out and help her think it out, but he knew he couldn’t. A witch that was that calm while on the actual border would have to be powerful and dangerous, that was not the kind of person he wanted to spook. Seth had never fought a witch before, he had to go about this carefully.

"Luno! Freesia!! Breakie!!!" she exclaimed, lifting herself from the water after a while, a slight panic washed over him. Was she calling for backup? Did she know he was there? Seth stirred nervously until he realized his silliness once again, cheerful barks filled the clearing as he notice the massive Great Dane bouncing its way through the tall grass with a comparatively tiny black cat riding on top of its head. They were coming in to eat breakfast with her. Seth found himself frowning more, why was she all alone? Didn't his mate have any friends? He could tell she was a rather special creature, wouldn't she have a guard? Especially recently, there was no way they hadn't noticed the increased patrol he ordered. He wanted to go sit with her as she settled herself down beside her two furry friends, she had pulled out some food for herself and to his amusement a small bottle of wine as well as a rather expensive-looking wine glass. From the outside in, she was perplexing and mysterious but so alluring. There was so much he had to learn about her, but what he really needed to know first was her name.

Seth was continuously stopped from moving by her every action, so badly did he want to approach the young girl but he found himself entranced, as she pulled out a book from her bag the girl started to read aloud. 'Please Moon Goddess, just let me move my body long enough to reach her... I just need to know her name...' Seth pleaded desperately to the heavens, but alas he was frozen in his place. Years of being told to fear, stay away and to hate the witches; he knew the feelings and teachings must have been mutual. Seth was taught that after the great divide witches had turned their backs on them, casting curses and selling them out to hunters. He even remembered his grandfather telling him that some witches in the modern-day had joined alliances with The Order of Humanity to break the ancient curse, the condition for their help was the annihilation of the wolves. Every part of his upbringing and self screamed at him to stay away, to leave, but he simply couldn't; he could only think of what would happen if he left her on her own and a rogue attacked. He simply wouldn’t forgive himself if he weren’t around, even though he was sure she could handle herself.

The conflict that stirred within his mind was agonizing, he needed to talk to Arys about this. The only person he could trust with this news, if anyone else found out Seth was sure a small war would break out between the two groups; his pack coming to the same assumption he originally had. He needed to sort this out and claim her before that happened, but he also needed to figure out how exactly to make that happen. The witch was oblivious to his presence which meant that she couldn’t feel the mate bond, he would have a lot of explaining to do when they would first formally meet.

Seth shifted back to his human form, taking the pair of shorts he had tied to his arm and slipping them on. He stood there for a moment longer just looking at her basking in the light of the sun, even though she was alone she seemed so happy. Did she prefer solitude? Seth chuckled to himself, running his fingers through his hair and shaking his head. This girl would be the death of him, he was certain of it. This time he really did let himself turn and walk away, his heart begged him to stay but his head needed space to think. That was when he heard the answer to his prayer, a young man no older than 16 running through the field calling for his mystery mate. "Prime Celeste? Prime Celeste?! Are you here?!" Seth smiled to the sky sending a silent thank you to the Moon Goddess, her name was Celeste! though before he truly left the Moon Goddess gave him another gift, the sound of her laughing. It was the most beautiful music he had ever heard.