Ezmeralda POV:
Not a single one of us said a word as we weaved in and out of the trees. I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for but the deeper we got into the woods the more the feeling inside me became less like a feeling of dread and more like nervous butterflies, it was more nerve-racking than anything else. We have never had something like this happen before, at least I have never experienced anything like this, but then again I have never really dealt with the vampires or the wolves. You see, we witches, dark or black tend to face any and all opponents head on.
No hiding or lurking,which I am sure is what you and everyone else thinks us witches would do, but it was something we have always done. People never expect the unexpected, and they never think that someone would be so bold as to just come out and attack an enemy head on. But you see, we don't just meet our enemies head on, we are able to sneak up to them from the trees as well. Effectively dropping down directly in their path and throwing them off guard. Our ability to do this is a big reason as to why it has taken us so long to fully get rid of the black witches.
While we walked through the woods I took in how the sun beamed in between the trees, highlighting certain parts of the ground to the point I could still see the dew on the leaves. I started feeling as if we were getting closer, and the nerve-racking feeling turned into one of fear. Whoever it is was scared but not moving away.
“Hold on.” I whispered looking at the ground.
“What do you see?” Mariah asked. Talon stepped a little closer and looked down at what I was pointing at.
“Is that a childs’ footprint?” Malachi asked. Rowena bent down and placed her hand next to it and it was evident that it was.
“Why would there be a child out here?” I asked, looking at them.
“Only one way to find out. Lead the way.” Talon replied. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I needed to concentrate right now.
I wanted to know why a child, not ours, was out here. Maybe they are curious. I recoiled my fire, the last thing I really wanted to do was harm them or scare them.
“Stay behind me.” I said. Slowly, I started walking forward, leaving them no room to argue. It was clear I wasn’t in any danger. I could handle a child. I tuned out the sounds of the birds chirping from the trees and allowed this feeling to lead me. We walked merely half a mile before I heard leaves breaking.
I looked up to see a small childs’ head ducking back behind a tree. I turned to face the others, holding my hand up to make sure they stayed right there. Quietly, I walked over until I was facing the tree. I could hear the little boys breathing, it was rapid and shaky. I stepped around the tree to see him staring wide eyed at me. Fear was evident all over his face and I smiled softly.
His golden blonde hair stood out a little more due to the sun and his bright carmel colored eyes blended perfectly with his tan skin. He was six, maybe seven, given his height.
“Hello there. Who are you?” I asked, looking down at him. For a moment he didn’t speak a word. His mouth opened but nothing came out.
“There is no reason to be afraid, child. We are friendly.” I added, hoping it would get him to say something.
“I- I’m sorry.” He whispered.
“Sorry for what? You’ve done nothing wrong.” I replied, squatting so I could be more eye level with him to show him that he doesn’t need to be afraid.
“I wasn’t supposed to leave the lands.” He whispered looking around.
“They will come for me.” He added.
“Who? Who will come for you? What lands did you come from?” I asked. I felt the need to protect this boy but I wasn’t so sure he was afraid of us or who would be coming for him.
“My uncle. He is the Alpha King.” the boy replied and I took a deep breath.
The royal children were known to be a little more curious, but I wasn’t sure how the alpha king would handle this.
“Can you tell me your name?” I asked. “Jordan. What is your name?” Jordan asked and I smiled.
“I’m Ezmeralda. It’s so nice to meet you Jordan. Would you like us to take you home?” I asked. His little eyes widened as he stood in shock staring at me.
“Uncle Ash may not like that.. We were told to stay away from witches.” Jordan replied and I frowned a little.
“I simply can’t let you walk back on your own. You never know what could be lurking out in these woods. I will send word to your uncle that we found you safe and sound and will be returning you.” I smiled. I looked over my shoulder to see that Talon was already on the phone with the royals. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how this would go but given our last meeting and history I don’t see an issue.