Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past

Grandpa Dwade’s Point of View

I listened attentively to Axel as he told me about the recurring dream of a young woman asking for his help. It could mean so many different things, some more nefarious than others. Malin’s timing couldn’t have been better. In case Axel was being targeted, as I suspected, having the enchantment created just for him would be most beneficial.

“Based on your father and uncle's experiences with the Karayan family, I wouldn't be shocked if someone was targeting you. Liz Karayan was fixated on marrying one of her daughters into the Foster family. She even used spells to manipulate them into thinking they were destined to be with River and your father,” I disclosed.

“I overheard Phoenix talking with my Dad about someone named Jade moving back here. Is she a Karayan?” Axel asked.

“Yes, she’s the woman who was spelled to believe she was meant to be with your father. She's a vampire-demonic witch and used to be a famous fashion designer who was close friends with your Aunt Raven." I let out a sigh as I recalled this information.

“On the night before your parent's ceremony, Asmodeus handled a problem for your mother involving Liz Karayan. Sage brought in Liz, Jade's mother, and demanded she release Jade from the spell she had cast. When Liz refused, Sage stripped her of her powers, and Asmodeus took care of the situation with Liz. The history between the Karayan family and the Foster family is complicated. I'm not saying who you should or shouldn't be friends with, but when it comes to Jade's daughter, it may be wise to be cautious,” I said.

“They would be foolish to mess with the great-grandson of the legendary Dwade,” muttered Axel.

"I certainly hope so, especially in dreams and nightmares," I responded. "But pride can often be one's undoing."

Axel leaned over to look inside the bag I had set aside when we talked outside. "What did Malin bring for us?" he asked curiously.

“Link your brothers to meet us out here, and I’ll explain,” I shrugged.

Axel's gaze turned distant as he linked minds with his brothers, and shortly after, they joined us on the logs by the water on the Foster estate.

“I'm aware that you all have fond memories of your visits with Malin, and he cares for each of you deeply as he's watched you grow into the outstanding young men you are today,” I announced as I handed them their magical gifts.

“What will these do?” Jackson asked me, examining his closely.

“Each is meant to provide protection and blessing. What that entails is specifically tailored to each of you. Malin is the most powerful gnome I’ve ever known, and I trust in his abilities,” I replied.

It was a vague response, but it was honest. Malin never revealed his reasons or insights; I had learned to trust his wisdom long ago.

Jax, Axel, and Jackson all quickly put on their bracelets and thanked me. They all got up to head off to finish setting up for the bonfire and barbeque but I asked Jax to stay behind for a moment.

“Is everything okay, Grandpa?” Jax asked, concerned.

“Has Axel told you about the dreams he’s been having?” I asked Jax.

“No, what’s going on?” Jax inquired, sitting back down and giving me his full attention.

I gave him a brief synopsis of what Axel had told me and asked Jax to watch out for his brother at school a bit more than usual.

“Of course, thank you for letting me know. I wish Axel would have told me himself,” Jax sighed.

“Your brother has a hard time asking for help; it's just not in his nature. Please keep an eye out for him and make sure he's okay. He cares deeply and has a big heart, often feeling the need to protect others but forgetting about his own well-being,” I said.

Jax gave me a discerning gaze before asking, "Is there something else you want to discuss with me?" He sensed there was more to the conversation than what I had already said.

I nodded and handed Jax the bag containing Juniper’s enchanted ring.

“I'm not sure if she will accept my gift. I also asked Malin to create something for Juniper. It's a significant year for both of you: your senior year and turning 18. Despite not being related by blood, you two are very close. She reminds me of Sage when she was that age," I said wistfully.

As I spoke, a sense of nostalgia washed over me as I thought about how much Juniper reminded me of my granddaughter, Jax’s mother, at that age. I was grateful that I’d been able to be a part of my great-grandchildren’s lives. It was a blessing I did not take for granted for a single moment.

Jax's eyes widened with excitement as he peeked into the bag and carefully lifted the ring to examine it.

“Grandpa, she’s going to love this!” Jax exclaimed.

As if on cue, an odd notification sounded like a motorcycle came from my grandson's phone. I looked at Jax, and he just shrugged. My grandson quickly read the message and his lips quirked in a slight smile as he shook his head. He read the text aloud, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Juniper: Why didn’t the motorcycles get in the carpool? Because they didn’t have trunks. 😂 Mom wants to know if Terrence and I should bring our swimsuits. Please ask Aunt Sage if we are supposed to. See you soon! 🥰

She has inherited so many of Joey's traits- a carefree and joyful spirit and a kind and compassionate heart. Seeing that Jax and Juniper are such close friends warms my soul. They push each other in all the right ways, motivating each other to reach their full potential.

Maybe that was one reason why my grandson never had a serious girlfriend. He and Juniper were inseparable, and I'm sure many assumed their relationship was more than friendship. It would not be easy to explain to others that they weren't actually related if they ever pursued a romantic relationship. Then again, Sage and Phoenix were considered cousins even though they had no blood relation. Was history repeating itself?