Make a choice
and fight for it.
If you are wrong,
Be strong enough and make things right.
Mj1
╚═══════════╝

---------
Isabella
---------

This room, the guest room at Richard's place was modified to keep my magic sealed. Sitting alone in this room meant to keep me safe from my magic seizures, only the memories of my previous life and the and the screens keep me company.

The memories from 5 years ago are the worst. That filthy day, I learned that my beloved husband conspired against me. How could he betray me like that and keep the truth from me.

Rage fill me even to this day, I punch my fist over my tight. Taking a moment I go through my health chart, I pressed the green button just letting everyone know that it was a false alarm. It is that time of the year. More often than not, my seizures happen every four weeks. We are ready and this new devices keep track of my mental state along with people ready to take action and keep me from harming myself.

That day, I was to lock the beast into Annie's mind. The beast memories flashing inside my mind arose an unexpected feeling from within. Betrayal. I looked through her eyes how he plotted with my allies against my wishes and expectations.

It fuelled my magic, helping me press the wolf back into her magical cage. My energy was low after a long struggle with her. The wolf was gaining in power while mine was diminishing with every encounter.

But what else could I do? My husband linked her to his wolf and killing her would mean sucking up a wound into my mate's soul. It could worsen his current state. I had no choice, but to cage her, concealing her from everyone including her host, my daughter Annie.

Making the beast submit to my might, she didn't stand a chance against me anymore. She wouldn't bend my will.
"Die of loneliness if you must but leave Annie alone, it's for the greater good."

Already caged, I was about to close the lock and seal it for good, when I had an attack. Pain radiating through my bones, I folded my body in two, dropping the incantation and falling to the ground pulling Annie's body with me.

Screaming, I held my head hoping to keep my magic inside preventing it from killing Annie. Her wolf was no longer in control, Annie would otherwise. The pain pulsing through my vains, my blood was boiling. Wolfsbane, I was not a wolf, but everything he felt I felt regardless of the distance between us. It was the curse of the mate bond.

One of the priestesses took Annie away for her own protection.

My skin burned from within and light bolts spreading around me hitting anyone close to me. Convulsing in pain, traces of blood appeared on my back, moving uncontrollably, I hit my head on the steel rock partially knocking me down. Someone ran to me, I was sedated along with magic, and I was induced into a coma.

I woke up a day and a half later only to realize that this attack destroyed part of my brain and no one couldn't fix it.

Well aware that the cage was incomplete, I asked for Annie. It was a matter of time, it wouldn't hold and I couldn't do much now in my current state. Besides, this was the beginning of a series of episodes.

Death, sometimes I wished for it, but I would never do to it knowing how many lives where at stake. For all this years, my sacrifice has also been a light of hope in the darkest moments. For I knew that he was alive. One day, he would find his way home and we would be waiting. For him, I endured, for our kids.

For now, I needed to face reality. I was sick and I couldn't keep on with my life pretending I was alright while putting my kids at risk.

I needed time and the kids needed a new place to stay, Davon's men would be back.

Thinking about my kids safety I made a choice. Annie was sent to college and I chose Tom as her protector. They are two years and a half apart. He is strong and proved his willingness to follow the rules while yearning for human life. He needed that time among the humans and my daughter needed a bodyguard.

Annie was entrusted to Tom.
It was a way to give Tom his life back and Richard wouldn't oppose me for this. Tom had to look over my precious daughter and I knew they would understand each other. After all, both had similar backgrounds.

▷▷End of flashback; back to present timeline || ▷

I am taken completely back to reality. Richard is not there anymore. Where is he? He normally kisses the kids good night.
He is nowhere in the house.
Is he in the bathroom?

Calling him at his number, I don't even give him time to say hello.
" where are you? What happened?"

He pauses letting me know how dire the situation is.
" I can't say for sure. I will tell you as soon as I can see for myself. It might be nothing."
He reluctantly answered.

" Tell me !" I scream getting up from my leather chair.

"There are more creatures from the other side, more were sent and some teams aren't answering the calls. We are looking for them, as we speak."

" Annie!" I whispered.

" I sent Lina looking for any foreign activity in the area. Besides, Tom can handle himself." He annoyingly said.

"Give me news and fast," I added hanging up with determination.

Walking to my bed, I picked up a bottle from the drawer. I needed something to calm my nerves. Drinking the potion, my head was light after a minute, I lay down in bed.

One hour later; my phone rang. They found Davon's minions, more troops were sent looking for my daughter.
"Why is he tormenting me? Hasn't he done enough?" I screamed in my lonely room throwing a lamp on the floor releasing my emotions after I ended the call.

Worst, they were improved, they were this mega werewolf. Those were bad news. Davon was playing god and he was succeeding. Would he push his dominion on this side of the realm? The stress over my already tormented head made my magic blister my finger tips. A complaint escaped my lips. Only one solution remained, I would find any active portal and eliminate them even if it meant losing my husband forever. FOR MY KIDS.

Another hour passed. The telephone rang again.

"We caught one, we will send for you. You might be able to foresee what Davon's plans are."

My chest was pounding in relief, these were good news.
" Do so, I am ready. Annie, what about her? Is she safe?" My voice was slowly getting back into a commanding sound. Besides being a mother, I have my duties. Being busy helped keeping my emotions away.

" Lina asked for reinforcements. She found unknowing scents in the forest next to the campus. We don't know for sure if they are Davon's."

" Call Tom, ask him!" I screamed, knowing I couldn't call him myself and ruin the plan I carefully set in motion.

So far Annie thinks I am under Richard's control. No,I can't let her know. Grabbing my head then scratching my the skin beneath the hair. If I can't get my magic back, I can use this to my advantage and save our relationship, making him the bad guy.

Pacing in circles around the room, I hang out. My only wish is to live a human life and I will do anything to achieve it.

Why did Davon had to comeback threatening my family again? He already had my husband, what did he need Annie for?

—---
Annie
------

Trembling out of fear, uncertainty fills my body. I am not a warrior, but I need to do my part if we are to make it out alive. I have to get to the puppeteer and rid the werewolves from its commands.

" Let me help you." Leah pleas as I mentally prepare myself to attack the hooded woman.

'I can't Leah, you are my last resort, otherwise, I will have to say goodbye to my life and I am not ready yet.'

Running through the dense forest piling the roosts and decay, I propelled myself towards my opponent using the air as a means of transport. She turns to me giving me an unimpressed look before she turned back to her previous task. We were the same height and she too was concealing her identity. 

A stick flies in my hand. I spotted it not very far from me.   I attack my opponent from behind with all my might and hope for the best. The woman dodges it at the last moment. Making balls with rock, roots and dirt, she throws them at me like projectiles.

Using the wind as a shield, I keep myself safe, but they keep appearing. How long can this woman keep this up? She is welding two magic spells at the same time. She is impressive.

Then I noticed it, the woman was carving a spear with a branch. Her power isn't the wind, it's telekinesis. Asking Leah for strength I hold my ground against the perpetual attacks. Using Leah, I create wind strong enough to reverse her projectiles.

Taken by surprise my blast hit her, the woman's projectiles were now being sent against her, but she was quick and to cover herself under a protective dome. For now, she had forgotten about the spear she created.

"All I have to do is to keep her busy."

"Let's  do this Annie. She won't be able to keep a hold on the werewolves while keeping the magic cage over the boys."

"We can give them an advantage."

Satisfaction run in my veins. I sigh, how hard can it be?

Picking up the ball that the woman created, I swing her from tree to tree. Suddenly, Leah forces me to leave my position, missing a projectile heading for my neck. I lost focus for a split second, letting the woman regain control of the situation.

'Why couldn't this be easier?' I ask Leah.

'Dah, she is elite since she controls the werewolf. What were you expecting?' Leah retorted.

The woman picks up branches and throws them in my direction while being mercilessly bouncing in her magical ball. That woman knew no fear.
I create a barrier and throw them back like a mirror towards her. Others pass by me, unable to cast a bigger spell while holding my opponent in the air. One of them empales itself on my arm my.

Screaming in pain, Leah lends me her strength to get the piece out while I use fire to stop the hemorrhage.

My opponent was also hit, but why? Was she that surprised by the attack? Then it hits me the mirror effect is a rare gift unknown by creatures in the human world. I just showed that I am something else. Worst, I also wielded the wind and the fire. Had I been a normal magician, my powers would resume to only two.

"Fuck!" I say out loud.
There goes my life.

Though she is not showing a hint of aggression, I attack her again screaming my lungs out. An idea emerges in my brain.

'Now she knows, I need to end her. I need to protect my secret, it's the only way.'
Throwing projectiles with whatever catches my eye, she easily dodges though she is wounded.

As she moves, I hear her huffing and complaining, yet she keeps protecting herself without fighting back. Magic can't last forever, but I have an uncommon source of energy, I will last longer. I can rely on Leah for that matter.

'Should I kill her to protect my secret'
My attacks become weaker at that thought.
'I am not a monster.'

Annoyed with myself, I scream like a madwoman. Leah remains quiet keeping an eye on our enemy.

Then I threw the lance she made, covered with fire, her way. Unwilling to see the outcome, I turned on my heels and ran back to Tom. The gods would decide her fate.

Arriving at the scene, Tom had his opponent out of harm's way, he is holding the knife in his hands. It's a blood bath and I can only hope that he has no major cuts.

Panting, I look at the second, the wolf rips off an extra piece of skin from our informant. My hands cover my lips. There is blood everywhere making it look like a gladiatorial scene. The puppeteer is no longer in charge and the animalistic behaviour is taking over. I pull up a branch with my magic, and Leah throws it to the wolf who continues to devour his body.

I walk to  Tom, the next time I blink, the creature is bleeding. My chin quivers as the creature falls.

Suddenly, it strikes me. That man, the dying one. He has answers about my father, he is not allowed to die. Running by his side, I notice that several veins have been severed, and he is losing too much blood, it won't be long before. I. I was too late. I . I will never know.

"I'm sorry," I tell him as I crouch down and press a hand over a wound. Then it hits me. My hand was bloody even before I touched him.

"He is dying do something Annie." Leah's words awakening my mind.

My hesitation cost a life, his life. My heart goes heavy, I cry. I will never know about dad now. The man is choking in his blood.

Making contact with my hand, images carve in my head, like a downloading data device. There is a lot of information and it is all mixed up, I look for a face, my father. Then, I see him, bound in irons seated on a throne made of metallic brambles, his skin in tatters. His eyes are the only sign that he is alive. Everything else looks like a rotting corpse!

Then The pictures stops. I look at the stranger,
" Is he dead?" I ask, my heart pounding frantically in my chest.

"What did he show you?" Tom asks as he takes his pulse and shakes his head.

After a moment of silence, the images are still buzzing in my head.
"My father, he is alive."
My heart is beating slowly now, I know that I am into shock. Air isn't getting into my lungs.

A feminine voice reaches us.
" You have to leave, reinforcements will arrive any minute now." It's the witch who led the werewolf attack. She is looking at the trees of the forest as if keeping watch for us.

Slowly she moves to us, showing me how much damage I did. Retaining myself from saying a thing, I can't help to notice a familiarity in her voice.

" Why are you helping us?" Tom's identity is now revealed since he had no time to protect his identity.

"Because of her", she nods at me, "we are a link in a long chain."

As she continues, the buzz in my mind disappears, she is a member of the resistance. Foreign faces appear in my mind. The informants memories are now in my head.

" You must come with us or you will be in danger," Tom walks to her.

She lifts a hand in a stop motion.
" I have a tracer on my arm. It is used to subdue the programmed werewolves and to broadcast our position at all times."

Tom, takes the knife and cleans it of the werewolf blood as best he can before digging it into his skin. She screams, the tracer is right in the middle of her muscle. It was set there by magic, I don't see any other human way.

" Lina?" I ask

She removes her magic hood which obstructed the view until then.

" yes Annie," her face was covered in blood and dirt, but it was her.

How, when did she find out? I want to ask her, but I can't still catching up with everything that happened tonight.

" They are coming, let's go!"
Tom says while rushing to me and teleports us.

_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
Isabella
_________

In this secluded room, every minute felt like an hour. Watching at the clock, It's been fifteen minutes and I haven't moved, looking at the phone and waiting for Richard's call.

When it finally rang, I didn't even wait for the id to appear. Without a hello, the voice I was waiting for answered.
"Tom says they are alright. They are watching a movie."

Taking a deep breath, my heart beats in relief.
" Any news from Lina?"

"No, but her puppets were all killed, their bodies were turned to pieces and a foreign individual was among them. As for Lina, she disappeared."

It was Davon's, they were likely following that man, but why did that men come to the human realm? Who was he meeting? Worst who was pulling those strings? Was it true? A new functional faction was made? The resistance... I chuckle, it couldn't be. The irony. It couldn't. They were just a bunch of kids without connections to the real thing.

"Davon, I know him well, he hates witches, Lina's corpse should be there if she isn't it means that we have a new problem on deck," I stated.

"I sent for an empath, she will know for sure what happened here, it's a matter of time.," his voice was strong and confident.

Recoiling in bed, my magic is blistering through my skin, making it crawl. This news wasn't enough to get me on my toes something else happened.

" I am having an episode. Something unexpected might have happened in both sides of the realm. I'll call you when I wake up." Locking the door through the interrupter, I then secured the Phone in the drawer.

Taking an inhibitor shot to lessen my magical powers, I lay in bed waiting for what is to come. What is happening, this episode didn't fit the usual pattern. I was barely recovering from my last session of seizures. How long was this one going to last.

A pain hits my abdomen, I whimper gasping for air. A hematoma appears on my skin. All I know is that something major happened on the werewolf realm.

_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

Annie

We are back at the apartment, we are now in his room.  We helped her in the tub, to my surprise he didn't seemed eager to lift her as he did for me a while ago. I give him a look, he leaves instead as his pocket vibrates. While I clean Lina's wounds, I assess the situation. She needs medical attention, a plaster won't fix this. Her wounds are deep and I was to blame for them.

" I'm sorry," I sheepishly tell her, my shoulder sinking.

"you didn't know that I was on your side, besides I did the same, may I remind you." She recalls me.

Indeed she fought me well, I have bruises and wounds of my own to prove it. I look at her.
" yes, but I will heal because of Leah's healing abilities."

" I will have scars, so what. This isn't so bad, believe me!." she rolls her eyes.

Regardless, I can't get over the heaviness in the pit of my belly, today I crossed a line. Tom arrives with a sewing kit and makes pause looking at us both with concerned eyes.

" I have to stitch you up, the thing is that I have no anesthesia and I can't guarantee your recovery since I am no healer."

I can already picture the screams and the blood over the tiles making me swallow and shake my head in disbelief.

" What if I tried to cure her? We can't stay here forever, if I am who you think I am, perhaps I have a healing ability in me."

Doubting myself already, he interrupts my thoughts.
" go ahead, it will be good practice," he said placing a hand on my shoulder. " You will do great. Do as much as you can, we have limited time though, we must be gone before the sun rises."

Nodding as he goes out, I cover a small wound with my hands and breathe.

'visualize, said my father in that memory with the butterflies.'

"here it goes," suddenly hoping that they weren't just dreams.

Leah gets excited with my new behaviour while I didn't feel like I had any choice to begin with. What else was I supposed to do? Let her bleed to death?

'Breathing must be slow, concentrate, Imagine the outcome.'

The wound closes itself on her arm without feeling pain

Trembling with excitement, I open my mouth in awe.
"I did that! It wasn't a dream!!!"

Lina makes a happy grin as she nods at Tom behind me.

' Are they having a mental interaction? Sometimes I hate that power.'

I take a deep breath and look over the web for a picture of my next task.

Imagining each muscle sticking strand by strand, I can only hope that she will regain movement in no time. After a moment each filament in her muscles is reconstituted. In the end, I visualize the skin sticking together as if nothing happened and it does.

Tom doesn't say anything to me, Looking back at him, he smiles back at me and hands me a protein bar before taking his leave.

After an hour I was done tending her wounds. Lina was now busy, washing herself. As expected, she barely said anything. That girl has issues communicating her emotions, but the spark in her eyes was enough to let me know how pleased she was.

Packing my bags, I knew I couldn't stay here unless I complied and let them get my memories away while parting ways with Leah. Once again, I feel like my bladder is full, but I know it's just my nerves since I already emptied it several times.

My life as I know it has just come to an end!
I WANT to know! I need to know and to do so I need to leave everything behind.

I don't know if I'm ready. I don't know if I am the one they hoped for, but I want answers and the resistance has access to my father.

My hands are moist as I joined Tom in his room with my bag in my hand.

"We are a link in a long chain, blah blah I don't know what else, so what is the plan? I am in."

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