“I still don't think it's a good idea for you to get involved in things like war and stuff.” He argued.
“Damon, I am their Luna. It is my duty to protect everyone. It's my duty to make sure the pack and everyone in it is safe.” She sighed.
“I know and that's why you have me as a beta. That's why I'm by your side; to fight the battles and the war for you — to protect the pack for you.” He tried to dissuade her.
“I want to be part of that too. I can't just sit and watch someone else do the work for me. I don't want to be a weak Luna who depends on her beta to get everything done,” She said, remembering what Gina had said about Damon always getting in the way. “I have to do this, Damon and you're the only one I trust that can help me.” She looked at him with pleading eyes.
Damon sighed. “I understand what you mean, Elora. It's just that…” He trailed off, sighing again. “I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want anything to happen to you, mate. If you do this, there's no doubt that you'd get exposed to danger.”
Elora smiled and held his hand. “It's a price I have to pay, Damon. It's who I am and it's what I have to do. Please, help me.”
Damon had no choice but to accept her request. “Fine, I'll teach you but on the condition that I get to stand by your side through it all.”
She chuckled. “Deal.”
*****
“She was caught?!” Dexter growled.
“Yes. It seems she was over excited and visited him in the dungeon to rub it in his face. Elora overheard them and she was caught.” Elder Brent explained.
“Damn it!” Dexter growled again. “That little imp! Why did she visit him? Another plan has gone down the drain.” He facepalmed.
“That's not all. She told them you were the one that sent her. Elora has sent guards all over the kingdom to look for you.” Elder Brent shrugged.
Dexter sighed and sat down. “She'll pay for doing that. How does she expect me to make her my Luna when she's a loose mouth? We have to get rid of her.”
Elder Brent gasped. “But why? I don't see any need to get rid of her anymore.”
“Are you daft? Can't you reason things? Before you know it, Elora will force her to lure me. Do you think I was trying to take Damon out for nothing? He's a brat and it's only a matter of time before he tells Elora to hatch another plan. Before that daughter of a bitch is used against us, she has to die.”
“How are we going to do that? It's not like there's any way one can go into the dungeon.” Elder Brent asked.
Dexter laughed hysterically. “I have my ways. Infact, I already have a plan. If risks aren't taken, one won't get his or her required results.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Do you think I trust you enough to tell you?” He scoffed. “You're a chicken and can turn against me any time,” He placed a sword on Elder Brent's throat.
“No, please I will never betray you. I'm ready to serve you for life. Please don't kill me.” Elder Brent went on his knees.
“Kill you?” He chuckled. “I'm not going to kill you… yet. You're still useful to me.”
Elder Brent sighed in relief. “What about the other elders? They're still locked up there.”
“I have no business with them anymore. They can rot in there for all I care.” Dexter smirked.
“But —”
“Shush!” He interrupted. “I need a horse.” He requested.
Elder Brent was confused. “A horse?”
“Yes. Aren't you an elder in the palace? I'm sure the guards won't mind lending you one of the horses for some days,” He narrowed his eyes at Elder Brent, who seemed hesitant, but when he saw the killer glare Drake was giving him, he sighed and nodded. “Good, I need it by sunset tomorrow, now scurry out of here,” Elder Brent bowed and walked out.
Dexter laughed heartily. “Elora and Damon, watch and see how the smartness and strength you think you have will fail you.”
****
THE HUT
The light in the hut was dimly lit. Zora and Lucien stood in the middle of the room while Melissa danced around the room, chanting spells.
“Are you sure this is really going to work? I mean, changing our facial features?” Lucien asked Zora.
“I'm not sure but I trust her. I think she harbors hatred for Elora as well and since she can't go to the pack, we'd have to help her as well. I think that's why she needs us.”
“I'm confused.” Lucien sighed.
“So am I,” Zora laughed. “We'll talk to her when she's done.” Zora smiled and waited for whatever will happen.
When Melissa was done chanting and dancing, she walked to where they stood and looked into their eyes. Her eyes turned green in colour and theirs did same. It was almost like she hypnotized them.
She cackled devilishly and danced around them. She stopped in front of them again and chanted a spell and as she chanted, their facial features changed instantly. When she was done, they looked like completely different people.
Their eyes opened and she smiled at them.
“It's done.”
“Really? How? I don't feel different.” Lucien said and Zora nodded.
“Mirror's this way,” She led them to the mirror and when they saw their reflection, they couldn't help but jubilate. “Do you like your new looks?”
“Of course we do. I know I'm good looking but not this good looking.” Lucien said and they chuckled.
“Thank you so much, Melissa.” Zora smiled at her and she smiled back.
“Get ready. You'll be leaving in three days.” She turned to walk away but Zora stopped her. She turned, giving Zora a puzzled look.
“I'm sorry but I have a question to ask you,” Zora said. They sat down and she sucked in a deep breath before she talked. She didn't want anything that'd get Melissa angry and she'd withdraw her helping hand. “If you don't mind, can you share why you also hate Elora? I mean, why you're helping us?”
Melissa frowned.
Zora became scared. “I'm not trying to pry into your personal matters, Melissa and stop me if I'm crossing the boundary. Surely, you can't hate her for nothing. She must have done something to you and we'd like to know what it is so we can help you get your revenge as well.
Melissa sighed. “It was 20 years ago…” She trailed off and looked at Zora, who urged her to go ahead. “I used to be the pack witch. I made sure I did everything her father asked of me. I was like a loyal dog to them and saw them as family, but hey, good things never last forever; actually, nothing lasts forever. The king took credit for some of the solutions I gave to the pack, and so I became wrought and wanted everyone to know that I was the one, who made things work out. Even at that, the people still loved their king. I had no choice but to hold a grudge against them, and so I plotted different ways to show my power, and set my gaze on the throne. It was supposed to work out but after Elora's birth, my plans were foiled.” She growled angrily.
“How?” Lucien asked.
“That little rascal took a very important potion that I had in my bag and spilled it on me. It was a “speak the truth” potion and before I knew it, I started blabbing out everything I was planning to do. The king became angry and banished me. That devilish girl spoiled my plans before it was even implemented and that's why till date, I've been looking for an opportunity to get rid of her but couldn't. I was happy when I heard your story. At least, I'd be able to come back when you two take over.“
Zora shook her head. “We'll help you get your revenge, Melissa. As you know, Elora is my best friend but she's a monster now; a beast that needs to be taken out.”
“I'd be glad,” She stood up. “I'll go prepare the poison and some potions you can use when you get there. Remember, you need to earn her trust at all costs. If she trusts you, it'll be easier to come close to her and administer the poison. It'll kill her slowly and she wouldn't know until it's too late,” She cackled and was about walking away but remembered something. “And oh, your new names are now Luca and Zena.” She smiled at them and walked away.
Zora and Lucien smiled at each other. Finally, they were going to get the revenge they've been craving for. Finally, their dreams of making Elora suffer would come true.
Zora chuckled. “Oh you wait and see, Elora. You won't know what hit you. I can't wait to watch you plead for mercy while I gloat in your misery.”