Anastasia's POV
As someone who practices witchcraft, I’ve always known about the unpleasant feeling of having my magic suppressed. However, it’s even worse when the suppression is being carried out by someone else, especially when it’s my own family. Recently, I’ve noticed that my magic is being less restrained, and I have a strong suspicion that it’s a side effect of being in the company of my mates. Although they don’t remember me, my magic still recalls them and their wolves, which is an inherent aspect of the mate bond. If my magic continues to be squeezed out, the consequences could be disastrous, not only for me but also for those around me.
Witches have a unique relationship with magic. For them, it isn’t merely a tool or a source of power but an integral and fundamental aspect of their existence. In fact, magic is the very force that sustains and animates their being, maintaining harmony within their bodies. In the same way that a shifter’s animal spirit is an inseparable part of their nature, magic is an inseparable part of a witch’s identity.
Although many magical creatures exist, witches and guardians of the elements are unique because they depend on magic to survive. When the magical supply is disrupted, it can throw off the balance and cause severe consequences. For example, a witch may feel weak, sick, or experience a loss of control over their abilities. This is why witches are extremely cautious regarding their magical practices and must maintain a delicate balance between their use of magic and their physical and emotional well-being.
Despite the significance of this information, some witches choose not to share it with their peers. This is because they may doubt that their fellow witches would listen or understand the gravity of the situation. I, for instance, choose not to share this information with my peers, even though I’m not harmed. I know that other witches still see them as an adversary, and I fear that sharing this information will only make things worse.
As I’m being rushed to the hospital, my heart races with fear and anticipation, but my mind remains surprisingly clear and focused. Despite the pain coursing through my body, my thoughts are fixated on my beloved Killian and his faithful wolf, Colby, who’ve always been my pillars of support through thick and thin. Even in this moment of crisis, their presence brings me a sense of comfort and security that I can’t find anywhere else.
I feel Henry’s warm hand clasping mine tightly, and I meet his anxious gaze as he runs alongside Killian, trying to keep up with his co-beta, who is carrying me in his arms. His expression is a mixture of worry and determination as if he’s trying to make me stay conscious and hold on to life with all my might.
The sensation that courses through my body is intense and overwhelming, but it pales compared to the intense spark I once felt when I was with Killian and Henry before they forgot about me. Even so, I cherish every moment of their presence and hold on to it tightly, as if it’s the only thing keeping me alive. The warmth of their touch and the sound of their voices are like a lifeline that I cling to, even as the world around me blurs and fades.
Killian bursts through the double doors of the emergency room with such force that the sound echoes through the corridor. The sudden noise startles a nurse, who jumps in her chair at the sudden intrusion. However, as she recognizes Killian and the other figure standing beside him, she quickly reaches for the speaker system to summon a doctor. It’s surprising that she doesn’t use the mindlink, which is the preferred mode of communication in such a high-tech hospital.
The reason for her hesitation becomes apparent when two high-ranking wolves, who appear to be fuming with anger, are spotted in the waiting room. It’s not clear to her what has caused their agitation, but everyone in the waiting room can feel the tension building up. Before long, a doctor rushes down the corridor, spotting Killian as he approaches and immediately blurting out orders, trying to assess the situation and take control of the chaotic scene.
My mates refuse to let go of me. We follow the doctor without any problems until we reach an examination room. Killian helps me onto the bed, but his reluctance is palpable. The doctor gently asks the men to back away to give the hospital staff room to work. Henry lets out a low growl, but he eventually backs away with Killian. As they leave, they keep eye contact with me as if to reassure me that they’re still there. I slowly begin to feel my strength returning as I notice their glances.
Upon conducting a meticulous examination, the medical practitioner appears satisfied with the outcome and accedes to the Royals’ request to enter the room and ascertain the underlying cause of the current predicament. Although I’m already conscious of the diagnosis, I’m fully aware that the members of the royal family won’t be willing to accept it as authentic, even if I were to divulge it to them.
The doctor speaks up, his voice clear and composed but with an underlying sense of urgency. He addresses the group gathered around him, his eyes scanning their faces.
“I must inform you that it’s no longer safe to keep her restrained in those vines,” he said, his tone calm yet firm. “The longer she remains in that state, the greater the risk to her health and well-being. In fact, it could result in her death if we don’t take immediate action.”
He pauses for a moment, giving his words time to sink in. The listeners look at each other, their expressions betraying their concern. The doctor continues, “I know this may be difficult to hear, but we need to act quickly to remove the vines and find a safer way to keep her secure. We can’t afford to take any chances with her life.”
Despite the seriousness of his words, the doctor maintains his composure and unwavering focus. He is waiting for a response from the concerned listeners and is ready to provide guidance and support as needed. Every single gaze in the room seems locked on me, and a heavy silence hangs in the air. But out of everyone present, Yolanda appears to fully grasp the weight and significance of what the doctor just revealed.
She looks directly at him, taking in his words with a deep sense of understanding. Then, she approaches me with open arms and pulls me into a warm and reassuring embrace. As she holds me close, her eyes communicate a level of empathy and connection I’ve never experienced. In that moment, I feel like I’ve found a true ally and confidante who will always be there for me, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
As she speaks, I can hear the desperation in her voice. It’s as if her entire world has come crashing down around her, and she can’t seem to make sense of it.
“How long, moya lyubov’?” she pleads, her eyes filled with tears and pain.
I can feel the weight of her sadness pressing down on me, but I can’t bring myself to meet her gaze. I know that I’m the cause of her distress, and I feel guilty for it. It’s clear that she’s searching for some kind of reassurance from me, but I know that I can’t give her the answer she so desperately seeks. Despite my own guilt, I can’t help but feel a sense of helplessness as I watch her struggle with the pain that I’ve caused.
“What’s going on?” Kian asks, looking at the doctor.
“I have to admit that Yolanda seems to have a better understanding of the current situation we’re facing. However, based on my keen observations during the investigation, it appears that the young witch’s magical abilities are presently under a contractual obligation. This means that she’s unable to use her powers as she pleases. Instead, the new “owner” of her magical abilities has the power to wield them in any way they see fit,” his response leaves me feeling uneasy and hesitant to look at anyone. “Perhaps Yolanda, being the aunt of the young witch, could enlighten us further on her niece’s predicament?”
As I lock my eyes with hers, I feel a rush of anxiety wash over me. I’m hesitant to confide in anyone, let alone a stranger. The thought that nobody will take me seriously if I reveal the truth is debilitating, but I sense that those around me hold her in high esteem. I’m torn between my fear of being judged and the hope that maybe, just maybe, she’ll believe me. In the end, I nod, giving her permission to tell them.
“In the mystical world of magic, there exists a dark and sinister practice known as the “contract of dark magic.” This contract is a binding spell that compels a magician to sign away their magical abilities for the benefit of another. Once the contract is signed, the magician is rendered completely powerless, while the magic they would have used is siphoned away and utilized by the beneficiary. This insidious practice is similar to giving wolfsbane to a werewolf, as it strips the magician of their power, leaving them vulnerable and defenseless.
The contract of dark magic is considered a heinous crime and is strictly forbidden by the laws of witches and wizards. Those who engage in this practice are viewed with great disdain and are often ostracized from the magical community. The consequences of signing such a contract are dire and long-lasting, as the magician loses their magical abilities permanently and is left to live an ordinary and mundane life. For this reason, it’s crucial for magicians to be aware of this practice and to avoid it at all costs,” Yolanda answers, and my mates whine.
“How long does such a contract last?” Aleida asks, looking at me with sadness.
“Until it’s destroyed,” my aunt replies.
“What if it’s not destroyed?”
“Then she dies.”
A/N:
Hello everyone!
The long awaited chapter is finally here. It seems like the truth about Anastasia's contract is out. The question is whether they will release her or if she'll be confined in other ways?
Please give me some feedback about what you thought of the chapter, I truly value your words. Hugs and kisses! <3