The Alpha novel Chapter 54

Scarlet's POV

I had watched while Ethan's eyes went glossy as someone was clearly mind-linking him. His lips were pressed into a line as he concentrated on the conversation until his eyes dilated in surprised. "What's wrong?" I question as soon as his gaze seems to come into focus.

"We need to go down to the dungeons. A witch was found at our borders," he answers gruffly and my eyes widen in shock. He gets up and I immediately follow.

"A witch? What does she want? What is she doing here? Do you think it may be the same one from Silver City? The one that got away?" I ask in a panic. What if she is coming after me? What if Andromeda wants me back? I can feel my anxiety spike. Ethan seems to notice as he places his hands on my shoulders.

His gaze locks onto mine and he states, "It wasn't her. They sent me an image of her through the link. She has similar features, but it is not THAT witch. But you don't have to go with me if you don't want to."

I quickly shake my head. "No. I want to go."

He nods before placing a hand on the small of my back and leading me towards the exit. We arrive there shortly after and walk down the stone steps. Once we've reached the bottom, I see that Ethan was right. The young woman has the same raven hair and brown eyes, the same olive skin. However, she is much more petite and looks several years younger than the woman that had tried to dissolve my mating bond with Ethan. She also has softer features where Andromeda's had been severe. I then notice the silver shackles on her wrists. Silver doesn't burn witches like it does for werewolves, but it does block their magic so they are unable to perform any spells.

We approach her slowly, me just a couple steps behind Ethan as he leads us over to the front of her cell. She stands there with large, doe eyes, watching us until we have stopped before her. She does a small curtsy as she bows her head. "Alpha, Luna," she murmurs before standing upright once more. "My name is Cassia. I have come a long way to see you."

"Why? What do you want?" Ethan questions harshly.

"I only want to warn you."

"About what?" Ethan pushes impatiently.

"I fear Scarlet is in grave danger," she replies with a solemn tone as she looks directly at me, our eyes locking on one another's.

Ethan instantly tenses as he takes a menacing step towards her. She doesn't flinch as he raises his voice at her. "What the hell do you mean she's in danger?! Is that a threat?!"

She remains stoic as she answers, "No sir. I mean you no harm, but there are others out there who will. My sister returned to our coven late last night telling us of the Luna's great powers."

"Your sister?" I ask as I take a step toward her too.

"Yes, my older sister, Andromeda." My eyes instantly widen in shock and fear. I inhale deeply as I try to calm myself and my nerves. Cassia certainly doesn't seem like a threat. Perhaps she hopes to help us. But would she be willing to go against her sister? "I'm sorry for my sister's part in your recent ordeal with the Alpha of the Silver Shadow Pack. My sister has always had a hunger for power and he had offered her quite a large sum of money that she couldn't say no. She has grown to lack compassion and human decency."

I nod with a small smile. "I will not hold your sister's actions against you and therefore it is not necessary for you to apologize on her behalf. However, what does she have to do with your warning?"

"Well, as I said, she told our coven about you. Our leader, Master Aamon has been around for centuries and is even more power hungry than she is. He has become very powerful over the years because he can absorb the magic out of others."

"So... they want to steal my powers?"

She nods hesitantly. "Typically they will take the magic from any vampires, werewolves, or witches that come onto our land. However, your gifts seem to be something special, much more than what they would get from any other magical creature. They will seek you out in order to absorb it. I wish to help prevent that from happening."

"And why should we trust you?" Ethan demands, clearly not as willing to believe her as I am. Maybe I should be more cautious. I don't know, but for some reason I believe her. She certainly doesn't seem threatening or dangerous.

"There is nothing I can say that will convince you that I am genuine, but I assure you I am. I have no love for my coven. They see no value in the lives of others. They see them as a means to an end, people who should be there only to serve them. They are cruel and I don't wish for them to gain so much power. They will surely do treacherous things with it," she insists.

I place a hand on Ethan's elbow, drawing his attention to me before leaning towards him. My lips are a mere inch from his ear as I whisper, "I believe her."

He scowls at me and crosses his arms over his chest, clearly still distrustful. He returns his gaze to Cassia. "Fine," he states without further explanation as he gestures to one of the guards who quickly comes up and unlocks the cell before Ethan continues. "The silver cuffs will remain on until you have proven yourself and your intentions. You will not go anywhere without a guard and will stay here until the threat to my mate has been dealt with."

She nods. "Of course sir."

"We will go to my office. I want to further discuss what you know about your coven's plans for Scarlet," he commands to which she hastily nods again. She has been so calm during their whole conversation, but now she seems surprised that she is being allowed to leave her cell.