My Fated Mate

9. QUIET WITCH (PART 2)

POV (ABELIA)

Once I was down the hall and out of ear shot of Professor Waters, I threw the book to the ground.  "Damnit!"  This was so unfair.  I could feel my blood boiling.  I had never been so mad in my life.  Just because of a pack of arrogant destructive werewolves, I just got kicked out of my favorite class by the teacher I respected the most. 

I had been so excited when I heard Professor Marygold Waters was teaching at Ashfork.  We were only in fourth grade at the time, but I made sure to study and make straight A's,  just so she would accept me when I was old enough to take her class.  I placed my hand on my head and pounded.  Stupid!  Stupid, stupid!  Why did I not know magic?  Why did I not ask someone else to restore my paper?  I could have paid them.  It was not like the Goldenrod family did not give me an allowance.  I had at least ten thousand dollars on a personal credit card I could use any way I wanted, I just chose to never touch it.  I sighed, as I rested my back against the wall.  Foolish pride.  Foolish, stupid pride was why I did not ask for help, and now look where it had gotten me. 

I sighed as I leaned down to pick up the book, but before my hands touched it I froze.  "The Hidden Healers Almanac."  No way!  I had been looking for this book for three years and here it was in front of me.  Did Professor Waters know?  Quickly, I snatched the book up off the ground, and dusted it off.  I flitted my head from left to right to make sure no one had been privy to my little outburst.  Empty, thank goodness, everyone was in class.  Carefully opened the book, but the moment my eyes saw the cover page I gasped.  Penned in Professor Waters beautiful calligraphy was an inscription. 

May this book help you heal those that others believe are not worth saving.

I covered my mouth and blinked back my tears, as my fingers gently traced her writing.  What was this?  Professor Waters hated me.  Why would she have given me something so precious?  Yes, I had made good grades but she always made we feel less than because I could not cast a single spell, and yet here were my words.  My reason for being a healer.  How had she remembered what I had said so many years ago?  

It had been the first time Jasmine and I were allowed to attend the Witching Hour Ball.  Elder Goldenrod wanted us to start understanding the weight of our name.  Being his only offspring we were meant to hold great power in the coven. I was not so sure that was a possibility for me. 

"Hold still.  I'm almost done."  Jasmine said, as she put the finishing touches to my hair. "Perfect, now we really do look like sisters."  She smiled, as she pulled me in front of a mirror. 

We were both dressed in matching black dresses with little white peter pan collars, black stockings, and black flats with silver buckles on them.  Jasmine had her brown hair in ringlets with a black bow being used as a headband.  While my silver blonde hair was pulled up in a pony tail by a black ribbon, with just a few stands of curled hair to frame my face.

"Are you ready to go play?"  Jasmine said, in a creepy voice, as she c****d her head to the right.  I did the same and we giggled at the evil little girls that starred back at us." 

"I don't understand for the life of me Basil, why they both must attend.  This is Jasmine's coming out, why are you bringing Abelia?"  Iris Goldenrod said, as her and her husband Basil Goldenrod, Jasmines father, entered the room in a huff.  I shuffled my feet on hearing Lady Goldenrod's words.  Seeing my hurt Jasmine glare at her mother.

"If Lia is not invited, then neither am I!" Jasmine snapped, as she grabbed my hand. 

"Oh, just look at you two."  Elder Goldenrod said, quickly breaking the tension.  "You look like two little satanic horrors.  Don't they Iris, my love?" He said, as he stood behind us placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. 

"Yes, perfect little devils."  Iris said slightly annoyed, as she picked up a black ruby encrusted comb and placed it in her brown hair.  She looked so elegant, that even with her vicious words I could not help but be proud to be part of this family.  Lady Goldenrod was draped in a flowing black evening dress with a long slit up the right leg.  While Elder Goldenrod was wearing a completely black tuxedo with a black undershirt and a dark red cummerbund and bowtie.  

"Now girls, you must be on your best behavior tonight."  Elder Goldenrod said, as he straightened the black bows in our hair. 

"Jasmine, the Voltares are here, so I expect you to socialize with young Victor."  Lady Goldenrod said, as she gave me a look that made me gulp.  "And Abelia, you make sure she does so.  If you are coming you might as well be of use to us." 

"Yes, My Lady."  I said with a bow. 

"Oh leave her alone Iris.  Abelia has been a great influence on our Jasmine.  We should, also be planning for her future.  I think the young Elderwood boy would do nicely."  Elder Goldenrod said, to me as he patted my head and gave me a wink.  I looked to Jasmine, who just stuck out her tongue. 

"Do that again young lady and I will yank it from your mouth."  Jasmine's mother snapped.  "Yes, a wonderful influence indeed Basil."  Iris Goldenrod said, as she gave me one more disgusted look before  Elder Goldenrod took her arm and they walked out to meet their guests.  Jasmine, seeing my nervousness, reached for my hand and squeezed. 

"Don't worry.  I've got you."  She whispered in my ear, as we interlocked our fingers and walked out into ballroom.  

I had to stop my mouth from gapping, it looked like the Goldenrod mansion had been turned into a green house.  Vines and ivy covered the entire room from floor to ceiling.  Massive trees grew out of the floor, which was now carpeted in a rich lush grass that begged bear toes to run through.   Every table was a massive stump with roots that were raised up so you could sit on them like a stool, and for the lighting, fey lights in gold, green and blue danced around in the air. 

"It's something, isn't it?" Jasmine beamed, as she pulled me to follow her through the magical wonderland.  Yet, before we could go off exploring it became clear this party was only meant for one thing, planing out our futures.

"Lord and Lady Voltare, please let me introduce you to my daughter.  This is Jasmine Goldenrod and my god daughter Abelia Goldenrod."  Elder Goldenrod said, as Jasmine and I curtsied.  "Oh, is that Lord Elderwood, if you would pardon me.  I have some personal matters to discus with him."  Elder Goldenrod said, as he winked at me.  "Iris, do you mind if I leave them in your capable hands?"  Basil said, as he kissed his wife's cheek.

"Very well darling." Iris said, as Basil disappeared into the crowd.  While the adults talked,  Jasmine and I stood there being the children that are seen and not heard.  However,  I started to feel like I was being watched.  I scanned the room until I found the culprit, and when I did my heart stop.   Who was that?  He was a young warlock boy that looked to be around 12 years old.  He had golden blonde hair that was shining perfectly in the fey light, and he was dressed in a black suit with a black dress shirt and a gold ascot with an emerald pinned in it.  Yet, the thing that caught me were his eyes.  He had green eyes that were staring at me so intensely that I was sure he could see right through me.  I had never seen anything like him before, he looked like a dark fairy standing among the trees and ivy. He did not belong. The moment he noticed I was watching him, he gave me a smile that caused a light pink to dust my cheeks.  Yet, before I could ask Jasmine who he was he was gone.  Did I dream him?  As my mind raced I heard Lord Voltare speak about us and realized I was being rude, and needed to pay attention to our guests.

"Lovely Iris.  They are just simply lovely."  Lord Voltare said, as he looked down at Jasmine and me.  "And I hear Jasmine is an ace in alchemy.  Did you hear that Victor, you might have some competition in this years "Young Spell Casters Tournament."  Lord Voltare said, to a blonde haired green eyed warlock boy, who suddenly stepped out of the shadows as if he had been there the whole time.  I felt my breath hitched in my chest.  I should have known the reason he looked so out of place was because he was.  

"Yes, Father.  I do welcome a good challenge."  Victor said, as he stared directly at me, making me feel like a criminal.  My mind was spinning, how dare I look at him.  How could I even think he was handsome, which was, or even consider talking to him.  He was Jasmine's and her mother would kill me for even thinking anything else. 

"I think he likes you."  Jasmine whispered in my ear, causing me to pull back shocked. 

"What? Are you crazy.  He is suppose to like you.  Remember what your Mother said."  I hissed back, causing her to laugh.  

"Oh, calm down.  I have already found my prince." She said, as she twirled my ponytail with a finger.

"What? Who?"  I said, a little hurt that she would keep such a big secret from me. 

"Oh you never mind about that.  Instead, why don't you go talk to him."  Suddenly, I felt Jasmine push me to stand in front of Victor, causing my cheeks to heat up the moment our eyes met. "Victor, this is my sister Abelia.  Abelia, meet Prince Victor Voltare."  Jasmine said, with a cocky smirk, as Victor smiled and bowed to me.  While our parents continued talking above our heads.

"Wonderful.  And, am I assume that your girls will be attending Ridgeback in the fall?   Lady Voltare said. 

"Yes, Basil and I plan on sending Jasmine to Ridgeback."  Lady Goldenrod said, as she eyed me suspiciously making me take a step away from Victor.  

"Splendid.  Victor is already in his second year but I am sure he would be more than happy to catch them up.  Maybe some one on one tutoring at our house?  Supervised of course."  Lady Voltare said, with a smile at her son. 

"Yes, it would be my pleasure."  Victor said, with a grin.  "So, am I to assume you are my competition too, Miss Abelia?"  Victor said, as he reached for my hand, while his green eyes looked at me with intrigue. Jasmine smiled pleased by this, but before either one of us could speak a loud voice interrupted us. 

"Oh, no.  That little girl can't even cast a basic spell.  We just keep her around as a servant for Jasmine."  

"Mother!"  Jasmine said, as her honey brown eyes looked up at her Mother in shocked.  Victor, looked at me confused and some what alarmed.

"Servant?"  Victor said, causing me to look down at my shoes and giving Lady Goldenrod the perfect chance to dig the nail is deeper.

"Well, it is true my darling."  Lady Goldenrod said, to her daughter, and then turned to Lady Voltare.  "The poor thing is one of Basil's charity cases.  I don't even think she will be able to pass the entrance exam for Ridgeback, poor dear.  Looks like I'll be taking care of her till I am old and grey. " 

"How dare you!"  Jasmine screeched up at her Mother. "Wont be able to pass the exam.  I will have you know Victor, my sister will most certainly be competition for you.  Abelia is brilliant and if it were not for her understanding of composition I would not be able to comprehend half of the advanced alchemy spells in our grimoires ."  Jasmine shouted, finally catching the attention of her Father who quickly raced over.  

"I never said she was not Miss Jasmine."  Victor said, only making Jasmine glare at him.

"You did not have to say it.  I saw it in your eyes."  She hissed, as she pointed at him.  I could feel my hands shaking, this was too embarrassing for words. 

"My Lady, its ok."  I said softly, as I pulled on Jasmine's arm but she just shook her head. 

"Stop doing that!" She shouted, causing me to step away and run into Victor, who seemed pretty interested in the drama that was unfolding around him.  "I am not your lady.  No matter what Mother says.  Your last name is Goldenrod, meaning you are not a servant you are family!"  Jasmine shouted, as tears started to well up in her eyes.  I could feel Victor behind me.  I wanted to turn around and see what he was thinking.

"Your family is complicated." He said with a grin, making me spin on my heals to face him.

"This is not funny Prince Victor." I snapped at him, causing me to cover his mouth. 

"My dear Miss. Abelia, this is by far the most entertaining thing I have seen in quite some time.  I will be looking forward to spending many years with you both at Ridgeback."  I looked up at him shocked.  Was he serious?  Yet before I would respond I heard Elder Goldenrod trying to console his daughter. 

"Jasmine, darling.  What is going on?  You are making a scene."  Elder Goldenrod said as put an arm around her. However, one look into Jasmine's eyes he knew what had happened.

"Don't Father.  I will not stand for this.  Lia is my sister, your daughter, not a servant." Jasmine huffed.

"Oh course she is.  Abelia is my pride and joy, as are you."  Elder Goldenrod said, as he gave me a loving look and then turned his sights on his wife.  Lady Goldenrod looked away, but it was clear she was embarrassed.

"Well, then you should make that clear to HER." Jasmine whined, as she broken away from her Father and pointed up at her Mother. Yet before Elder Goldenrod could say anything Jasmine quickly wiped her eyes and took a deep breath.  Then as if a button had been pressed she put on a smile and look at Lord and Lady Voltare. I so hated the way she could turn it on and off like that, it was down right scary.  I could tell even Victor was a little take back.

"I apologize for my out burst and the rude behavior of my Mother, Lord and Lady Voltare.  I also would like to inform you that my Mother is mistaken.  Lia and I will not be attending Ridgeback Academy in the fall, instead we will be going to Ashfork Academy."  Jasmine said, causing her Mother to gasp and Victor to let out a whistle.

"Ashfork! Jasmine, where in the world did you hear that name?"  Lady Goldenrod said, in shock. 

"Jasmine, you can't attend Ashfork.  Its a commoners school."  Lady Voltare said. 

"Well, since Lia and I are  going it wont be a commoners school for much longer."  Jasmine said, with a sly grin, causing the her Father, Lord Voltare and Victor to laugh.  "Now, if you would excuse me I would like to try and enjoy the rest of this party with my sister."  Jasmine snapped, as she grabbed my hand and pulled me away making it clear to everyone she was done socializing.  As we walked away I heard Victor chuckle. 

"I don't think either one of them will be needing my services Mother." He said slightly amused.

Jasmine shoved a cider in front of me and forced me to sit down. "Go ahead." She said, as she handed me her handkerchief. "I will make sure no one sees."

"I don't understand?" I said, holding the black cloth in my hand. 

"Cry, scream, pout.  Do something!"  She said, as she looked at me with worry. 

"I don't need to my Lady."  

"Ugh, you're still doing that."  She groan, as she rubbed her face in frustration.  "I just made it clear to everyone here that you are my sister, why are you being like this?"  Jasmine whined, as she took a seat next to me. I reached out and took her hand. 

"It would give me no greater pleasure in this world than to be your sister.  But Jasmine, I can't do any magic.  Everyone in this room will always only see that, which means me being related to you will only hurt you."  Jasmine looked at me horrified.

"Dont ever say...."

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Jasmine and I jumped up causing our ciders to spill all over the table cloth as the blood curing scream echoed throughout the room.

"Hurry!  Bring a healer, there has been an attack!" 

"Oh Satan, its Lord Elderwood's Son!" 

"Get out of the way!  There is too much blood!" 

"How in world did this happen? Wilson, can you hear me?"

"Oh no, he's dying.  Oh please, someone save my son!" 

Jasmine and I stood stone still.  Only a few feet way from us, covered in blood was the managed body of a boy no older then Victor.  His arms and legs were broken and bone was sticking out,  yet the killing blow was the 9 inch gash in his abdomen causing his small intestine to spill out on to the floor.  Jasmine covered her mouth and turned her back, she looked like she was going to be sick.  Suddenly, I felt Victor at our side. 

"You two should not be seeing this."  Victor said angrily, as Jasmine hid behind him, but I could not turn away. 

"Healer Marygold Waters!  Is Healer Water's here?"  A high warlock called out.  I watched as women in a black dress with silvery shoulder length grey hair stepped out of the crowd.  She looked like she was around 40 years old but her hazel eyes told a different story. They gave her an air of wisdom that made me believe she must be hundreds of years old. 

"Step aside, what happened?"  She said, as she knelt down to get a better look at her patient.  The man that had brought Wilson in was swayed from side to side, unsure if he should speak.  "Well, what happened to my patient?"  Marygold shouted, but the man refused to answer. 

"Demon attack." Victor said, causing me to look up at him shocked.  There was no way, how could a demon get into the glen, but Victor was correct. 

"He was attacked by a demon." The man finally confessed. 

A gasp echoed throughout the room as everything quickly took a step back.  A demon! 

"Marygold! Don't touch him!  His blood is poisonous!"  Elder Goldenrod said, as he grabbed her by the shoulder.  "He can't be saved.  I am sorry Lord Elderwood." 

"Noooo!  Please there has to be someone who will save my son!"  Lady Elderwood cried, as she knelt by her dying boy, but dare not touch him.  It was too much to bear.  I could already feel the tears welling up in my eyes, as Victor put and arm around me.  I looked up at him startled, but as his hand began to pat my arm, I could feel the pain in my heart begin to subside.  It was a shame he was meant for Jasmine and not... Quickly, I shook the thought my might and tried to shrug him off but he just pulled me closer. 

"Basil, I have to do something!"  Marygold said, imploring for Basil to release her but he just shook his head. 

"If one drop of his blood gets on you, your magic could be corrupted.  I can't risk it cousin."  Basil said, as he placed a firm hand on Lord Elderwood's shoulder.  "You understand Lord Elderwood.  For the good of the coven."  Basil said, as he looked at Lord Elderwood who was slowly nodding his head. 

"I understand Elder Goldenrod.  The last thing the coven needs it a loss of a Healer in these trying times.  We understand don't we dear."  Lord Elderwood said, as he knelt by his wife.  "We understand, don't we..." 

SMACK!

Lady Elderwood slapped her husband across the face, causing everyone to be still. 

"I don't understand!  I don't!  There has to be someone here who can save my boy.  There are over a hundred high warlocks here, from all over the country.  I refuse to believe none of you will save him."  

"No one will risk it."  Victor said, as I felt his breath on the back on my neck. 

"But he is a child, an innocent." I said, as I felt Victor hold me tighter. 

"And yet, look at them." I  watched in disbelief and could not believe what was happening.  Lady Elderwood was running from one person to the next pleading and each one was looking down at the ground and away from her.  It was disgusting. "They can't even bring themselves to look at her."  He said with a sigh. 

I felt my little hands ball up into fists.  Cowards, big, powerful, pathetic cowards.  I watched as blood, this so called poisonous blood, seeped onto the floor around Wilson's body.  Elderwood, why did that name sound so familiar.  I felt a jolt of shock go through my body, this broken bloody child was supposed to be my intended!  No, there was no way I could do nothing.

"I'll save him!"

I shouted as I removed myself from Victor who quickly reached out and grabbed my arm. 

"Abelia!  Are you crazy?  He's dangerous!"  But nothing was going to stop me.  I quickly removed Victor's hand, causing him to look hurt and fearful.  Was he really that worried for me?  No, that was impossible.  There was no way he would care about little witch who could not cast a single spell, when he was bound to be one of the most influential warlocks of our time.  I felt a pain go through my heart realizing how foolish I had been and how foolish I was about to be. 

The moment I had spoken out every witch had their eyes on me.  I gulped as I took a deep breath and walked towards the dying boy. 

"Abelia!  Stop! What are you doing?"  Elder Goldenrod said, as he shouted for me to stop, but before he could I put a hand on Wilson's body, causing everyone to gasp. 

"Lia?"  Jasmine said, as she covered her mouth in fear.  "Victor why didn't you stop her?" 

"I tried but she pushed me away."  Victor said pained, as Jasmine held on to him. 

"Are you crazy child!  Your magic?" Witches and warlocks shouted at me, but all I could do was smile and shrug my shoulders. 

"The child has no magic?"  Marygold said, as she looked at Basil who had pressed his lips together in frustration as he nodded.

The entire room began to whisper.  

"No magic?"

"How is that possible?" 

"So it is true."  Victor said, as he looked at Jasmine who glared at him. 

"It doesn't mean a thing."  Jasmine hissed. 

"What are you talking about.  It means everything.  Oh please Abelia, save my Wilson!  Please!"  Lady Elderwood cried out to me, making everyone go quiet.

"What is her true name Basil?"  Marygold said in a commanding tone, as she gave Elder Goldenrod a look at frustration and disappointment. 

"Abelia, her name is Abelia."  Victor said, as he came forward with Jasmine. 

Marygold sighed and shook her head as she waved her hand and threw me a purple bottle.  "Very well.  Abelia, that is a blood clotting potion.  If you give it to the boy it will allow his blood to return to his body." I caught the vial and nodded my. 

"Basil, we need to put a barrier around her and boy.  Are you ok with that?" Marygold said as she gave me a look that said, "this is you last chance to run."

"Oh Father, we can't?"  Jasmine cried, as Victor held her back.  "The fumes from his blood are poisonous it could kill her."  Jasmine cried, but before I could answer a black dome was placed around me and the world became still and quiet.  Only Wilson's ragged breaths and my pounding heart could be heard, everything else was dead silent.  

I was alone and completely in over my head.  What had I done?  There was no way the very small amount of healing knowledge I knew was going to save this boy.  I was fool, but my hands were Wilson's only hope. 

"I'm sorry, but it looks like you are just going to have to accept me."  I said, trying to reassure myself as I prayed that what I had studied was enough to save him.  Quickly, I uncorked the bottle and carefully tilted his head back as I poured the purple liquid down his throat.  Some of it spilled out of the sides of his mouth, so I massaged his throat up and down, forcing him to swallow.  I watched as his blood started to pool and then jump back through any wounded area it could find.   It was the strangest thing I had ever seen and the most impressive.  I look down at the bottle and wonder what made up this medicine, but that would have to wait.

"Don't worry.  I'll do all I can." I said, as I started to removed his clothes from the top part of his body.  This was so embarrassing that I had to keep believing that I was messing with a wax figure instead of a real living boy.   Worse part was, this boy could end up becoming my husband. I let out a sigh and I quickly undid the last button of his shirt and then removed it all in one go. 

Now that he was, partially undress it was easier to get better idea on what was wrong with him. The first thing I needed to do was to find a way to pushed his organs back into him and examen each one to make sure there were no internal injuries.  Strangely it looked like not one had been harmed, they just needed to be back inside his body.  I began the grueling task of doing just that. Soon everything was back to where it needed to be, but the moment I started to stitch him up, he let out a painful yell.  I quickly placed a calming hand on him trying to see if he was going into the shock, but the moment my hands touched his bare chest his eyes shot open.  I screamed, as pair of golden yellow eyes starred back at me.  Before I could move he roughly grabbed my arm. 

"Don't,  am not worth saving, I'm cursed."  His voice came out deep and possessed.  I felt my lip quiver in fear as he sat up and looked at me.  I watched in horror as his bones started to break back into place and the giant gash on his stomach repaired its self.  He looked at me with hungry eyes. "You smell familiar." 

I felt a shiver go down my spine, as he reached out and touched my face.  RUN.  It was the only thought that went through my mind.  But where?  How?  I was shaking and tears were starting to run down my cheeks as he continued to stare at me. 

"Why are you crying?"  He said, as he reached out and wiped my tears.  I watched petrified as he then licked his fingers tips and smiled.  "Yes, you even taste familiar."  Suddenly he pushed me to ground and started to tare at me.  I kicked and screamed.  Someone had to hear, me.  I was now sobbing as I felt his breath fan my neck.  I was going to die.  He was going to kill me and here I was trying to help him. 

"I told you not to save me, the one you should have saved was yourself."  He said, as I looked up into his eyes.  Something was wrong, they were flitting from brown to gold, as if the colors were fighting for dominance. 

 "No.  Stop it!  I wont let you do this!"  His eyes were now brown and he was looking at me with such sorrow that I could not help but feel for him. Yet, the moment I tried to move his eyes shot back to gold. 

"Stop fighting it! No one can save you now!"  Wilson laughed as he wrapped his hands around my throat.  I gasped and scratched at his hands as he squeezed tighter, just as I felt the life being drained out of me a blinding light shot right through him.  He released me and arched his back and screamed 

AHHHHHH! 

I covered my ears and curled up into a ball, as Wilson let out a high pitch scream and then he was gone. 

"Lia are you ok?  Where's the boy?  Oh Satan, your dress!" Jasmine cried.  

"Move!"  Victor order, as he pushed Jasmine out of the way and quickly removed his sport coat.  I felt him drape his coat over my body, as he starred down at me with a look I could not understand.  His face was going from worry, to anger, and then back to something I did not even want to fool myself into believing was there.  I rubbed my eyes, knowing my face was covered in tears, as Jasmine helped me sit up, while Lord and Lady Elderwood looked at me with desperation. 

"Where is our son?" 

I looked next to me but all that was there was a bloody spot on the floor.  Where had he gone?  I bit my lip as I stared up into their pleading faces and said the last thing any parent wanted to hear. 

"I could not save him." 

The scream that poured from Lady Elderwood's mouth was so gut wrenching that I thought I was going to be sick. 

"Abelia, are you alright?"  Victor said, as I felt my body sway and then everything went dark. My head was resting on Victor's shoulder and I did not want to look at anyone.  I did not want to see the disgust and disappointment on their faces. 

"What does she mean she could not save him?  Where is he?"  Lord Elderwood shouted.  "Wake her up!  Wake her up right this minute!  That cursed thing has done something to my son!"  I felt hands reach out and shake me roughly and then I heard want sounded like someone being hit.  If my guess was correct it had been Victor slapping Lord Elderwood's hands away from me.

"Lord Elderwood, she is a 10 year old child.  Instead of yelling at her, why don't you look at her."  Victor shouted, causing the room to go quiet.  " Her arms are scratched up, her dress is in tatters and it looks like she was being choked.  Do you think she did that do herself?"  Victor snapped. 

"Victor, son.  Please lower your voice.  This behavior is unnecessary."  Lord Voltare said, causing Victor to send a searing look to his father. 

"Unnecessary?  I honestly don't know what to think of you all right now.  Everyone of you sat back and sent little girl in there and you honestly believe she could save him?  He was attacked my a demon.  Not a vampire.   Not a werewolf.   A demon!  What do you think happens when someone is attacked by a demon?"  

"Victor!  That is enough!  We are in the company of high warlocks.  I will not have my son, a prince, being this disrespectful."  Lord Voltare shouted, causing me to shake.  I could tell Victor knew I was faking being unconscious because he patted my arm. 

"I don't understand. Are you saying my son did this to her?" Lord Elderwood said.

"What I saying is, it looks like she was in a fight for her life and the only other person in there with her was your demon attack son.  So why don't you all back off."   Victor said, through gritted teeth as I felt myself being picked up as Victor clutched me to his chest. 

"It's ok.  I've got you."  He said softly, as I curled up in his arms.

"Victor, what are you doing?  She is covered in demon blood, she could hurt you."  Lady Voltare said,  in a strained voice. 

"I have her wrapped up in my coat Mother, don't worry so." 

"Well hurry up and give her to someone else.  It is not proper for you to be carrying her dressed like that."  Lady Voltare said, as she looked around concerned and embarrassed. 

"Certainly.  Which one of you are willing to pick her up of the bloody floor? "  Victor said sternly, as he tightened his hold on me and walked past his shocked parents, as Jasmine followed at his heals. 

"What in the world has gotten into our son?"  Lady Voltare said, as Lord Voltare looked at Elder Goldenrod.  

"Does the girl really have no magic?" Lord Voltare said.  "If that is true, this will not do Elder Goldenrod, this wont do at all."  He huffed, as he stormed off with his wife. 

"Do you really believe Wilson attacked her?"  Jasmine said, as she tried to keep up with Victor whose heart was pounded so furiously I was worried it would burst.  

"Miss. Jasmine, it would be in your best interest to watch over your sister.  A witch with no magic is defenseless in a world of magic."  I felt my heart break on hearing those words from him.  It was a rejection.  His words were not meant for Jasmine, but for me.  I buried my head in Victor's chest and silently cried.  I felt his body tense, and we both knew that even though he had come to my aid this time he would never do so again. He was a prince and he deserved a princess, not a magic less pauper. 

When I woke up the party was still in full swing as if the disappearance of a high warlocks child had never even happened.  I had been placed on the ground at the base of tree and Victor's coat was still over me.  I clutched it to my chest and felt a new wave of tears hit me. 

"Shhhhh, its ok." I looked up and and was shocked to see Healer Marygold Waters by my side. "There now, it is all over.  There is no need for that." She said, in the worst comforting voice imaginable.

"But, I...I... I.. could..not... save.. him."  I sobbed, as I buried my face in my hands.   

"My dear sweet naive child,  I doubt anyone could have.  But what matters is you tried and damn near got yourself killed in doing so.  As well as, gave everyone here a wonderful show."  I looked up at her in confusion as she smiled.  "Oh, did you not know?  Prince Victor nearing killed Lord Elderwood every time he tired to wake you up.  Eventually the little prince's parents have to drag him away, and I was forced to watch over you."  She said, as she waved her hand and a glass of wine appeared. 

"He did that?" 

"My dear girl,  I don't know what you did but he was pretty instant on keeping you safe.  Most likely because he, and everyone here knows what you faced."  Marygold said, as she gazed at the witches in the room.  "Basil  was a fool to let a little girl go in there and fight that monster." I felt my throat go dry. 

"Fight?" 

Marygold sighed, as she shook her head.  "I want you to look at them.  Go ahead, look."  I raised my head to see the crowd of witches all gathered around comforting the Elderwood family.  "All they can do now is give words of comfort, but when they were needed most they turned away.  You saw that, and that is why you stepped up." 

"But I wanted to... save.. him.  I needed to." I sniffed, as I felt her eyes on me. 

"And why is that?" 

"Because only I could. Only a cursed witch with no magic could, and that's what I am."  I sobbed. 

"Oh dear.  I have no idea how to deal with tears, so I will need you to suck those in and stop this childish blubbering."  Quickly I wiped my eyes with my hands and looked at her.  "You certainly are a strange one. There is no reason for you to blame yourself.  If you want someone to blame, blame them and me."

"I can't do that."  I said, as I looked up at her.  "You wanted to save him." 

"True but my fear got in the way.  I feared that I would loose something precious and in truth I sacrificed the life of a precious warlock's son.  But that is what is means to be a healer.  You have to make choices and sometimes they are hard ones to accept."  The moment those words left her mouth shook my head. 

"No!  I refuse to believe that.  I want to be a healer that saves those others don't believe are worth saving!" 

Marygold looked at me as she downed her wine glass. "That my dear is a wonderful motto to live by, and possible die by, if the events of this evening prove anything.  Just remember, that not even your little prince was willing to step up.  This is the world we live in and if you are willing to sacrifice yourself make sure you are ready for it."

I let out a sigh, as the memory started to fad away.  Carefully,  I closed "The Hidden Healers Almanc"   and tucked it under my shoulder.  Six years ago I had said those words and she had remembered them.  She had remembered that terrifying bloody night when I saw what it meant to be a witch and realized that even those with great power could be weak.  They had been so scared by the thought that their magic could be taken away, that they chose to sacrifice my innocence and young Wilson's life.  Being one with nothing to loose I was able to fear nothing, and that was the real message Professor Waters was trying to tell me. 

Accept your weaknesses, for they will give your the power to save those deemed unworthy, but only do so if you are ready for it.  

As I made my way to the cafeteria, since my stomach was complaining for food, I wondered if Jasmine understood this.  If she had, maybe she would not have given up on someone she called perfect, for another that was deemed more powerful.  And just maybe Victor would not have given up on someone that would have made him stronger, when every one else believed her to be weak. I hoped that I was over thinking things and that this horrible day would start to brighten, and give us all a reason to chase after what we truly desired.