Hidden Flame 116

**Avery**
After my conversation with Draven, he imparted upon me a powerful spell. A part of me was eager to put it to the test,
while another part hesitated in fear. What if I am with egg? The consequences could be dire if King James is indeed my
destined mate. He may attempt to harm the unborn child or, worse yet, eliminate The Trio.
Draven has promised to instruct me in a concealment spell before our journey to Nightshade. I will rely on this spell once more when we venture to Talos. The stakes are high, and the fate of our mission hangs in the balance.
I lingered behind, allowing myself a moment of solitude to let the enchantment flowing within me settle. Draven had
emphasized the importance of staying rooted while casting spells, drawing from his own experience as a victim of his
town’s curse.
As I stood near the boundary, a peculiar scent wafted towards me. It bore a resemblance to Rory’s scent, yet it carried an
earthy and tainted undertone. Could this signify the presence of a werewolf encroaching upon our territory? I must
inform The Trio immediately.
“Where are Rory and Trisha?” I inquired as I entered the living room. The guys were all gathered together, undoubtedly
conspiring against me. However, I knew Draven wouldn’t divulge everything we had discussed.
“We sent them shopping,” Clint replied. “They should be back soon. Why do you ask?”
I contemplated reopening our mindlink, but ultimately decided to keep it closed. I needed to track down Rory. The others
looked at me with bewilderment. “I caught a strange scent near our eastern boundary,” I confessed dramatically.
Draven furrows his eyebrows, his expression filled with concern. “It wasn’t there when I was with you. Did you go further
into the woods?”
“Yes, I needed some extra peace to center myself after our spar,” I reply, trying to mask the truth. In reality, we hadn’t
sparred – he taught me a detection spell so I could discover if I was with egg or not..
Cassius growls, his frustration evident. “This is exactly why I insisted that my brothers and Draven stay with you at all
times.”
Draven raises his hand, silencing Cassius’s anger. “Describe it,” he demands.
“It was like Rory’s, but darker and more sinister,” I confess, my voice trembling. “It was almost rotten, like the basement where the Hags once tried to end my life.”
“I must go to the basement,” Draven declares firmly.
“We can sneak you there after school,” Clint offers.
Draven looks at me and says, “Avery, this could be a crucial link to uncovering who the rats are, or even a direct
connection to Cora. We must strengthen Naga’s boundaries if Cora is nearby.”
Feeling perplexed, I ask, “Can I sense evil now that the Ravens have helped me?”
Draven shrugs and replies, “Perhaps, but regardless, we can use this newfound ability of yours to our advantage. Besides,
this is all the more reason to pay a visit to Nightshade.”
Rory suddenly screams as she rushes into the living room, throwing down her bags in her wake, “No, no you can’t! Alpha Warwick will kill you.”
I stride over to her and envelop her in a tight embrace. I sense her heart racing, but as our hug lingers, her pulse
gradually slows. Locking eyes with her, I declare, “Rory, we will not go as ourselves. Our true identities must remain
concealed and our flames must stay hidden.”
Draven nods in agreement, acknowledging Avery’s unparalleled ability to conceal her true nature. “Avery can blend in
better than any witch or warlock I’ve ever known. There may be traitors within your pack aligning with Cora, and we must
uncover their identities.”
With a smirk on his face, he rises from his seat and strides towards us, his presence commanding attention. With a gentle
kiss on my cheek, he then turns to Rory. “The bond between us is unbreakable, and I would never allow Avery to be in
harm’s way, especially now. My love for her is as strong as the love I have for a sister. I would lay down my life for her
without hesitation.” He pulls Rory close, and I can see the undeniable connection between them ignite. “Promise me one
thing,” he says, his voice filled with determination.
“What?” Rory asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
A sly smile crosses his face. “Don’t go to Nightshade. Let us handle this. I will not allow anyone to harm you. You belong
to me.”
A sense of relief washes over me as they share a moment. I join the Trio on the couch, enveloping them in a warm
embrace. Seeing those I hold dear find love fills me with overwhelming joy. Tears of happiness cascade down my cheeks.
As Cassius leans in to kiss me, Conner and Clint lovingly lick away my tears and playfully nibble on my neck. My family is
whole, well, almost. It still leaves the situation with King James up in the air and how to get to Altima. I know that the trip
to Nightshade isn’t without risks, but I won’t let Cora and her tribe ruin my happiness now that I have finally found it.