Of Fate & Forbidden Desire (The Gatekeeper Duet #1)

30. Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

They always say the calm comes before a storm, I just wonder how many more storms we can weather… - Charleene

L ast night was amazing. I felt languid and relaxed as my eyes opened to the soft sunlight coming in through the still open curtains. Rolling over my hands smoothed over the bed beside me, finding it cold and empty. My heart raced as my mind questioned where Dina had gone. It wasn’t the first time I'd woken up after a sensational night with her to find her gone, and I decided right here that I don't like it.

Abandonment flooded through me, making my chest tight and my breaths short as panic set in. She's left. My mind screamed, drawing on my years of being discarded as a teenager. Tears burned my eyes when I wondered why she would stay with me. She'd brought me to the Nicnevin Coven after all and her life would be much simpler without me. The bedroom door swung open slowly, dragging me from my spiralling thoughts.

“Morning beautiful,” Dina said, her eyes scanning me as I laid in bed, "Did you sleep well?”

My tight throat prevented me from answering so I nodded instead. She's here, I told myself, fighting against the intrusive thoughts that told me I'm not worth loving.

“You ok?” Dina's voice interrupted my thoughts and she frowned in concern.

Returning my eyes to hers I finally found my voice, “I'm…” I started, but realised I don't know how to answer that question. Last night was a lot. Not only had I found my birth Mother and that I had other family members, but I 'd also found out that my worst fear had been right. They didn't want me . Sharp pain speared through my chest and the tears I'd been suppressing fell down my cheeks.

“They're not worth your tears, Beautiful.” Dina said, stepping closer, but I held up my hand knowing I’d get myself back under control soon enough.

“I know, but it still hurts you know.”

“I know it does.” Dina replied kindly.

Dina’s head suddenly flicked back looking over her shoulder, “What is it?” I asked.

“Someone’s knocking at the door.” She responded, clearly as surprised as I was as she frowned across at me.

“Right, I'll just get myself ready. Could you answer it while I get dressed?” I asked her, already slipping out from beneath the covers and shivering as the cold air hit my bare legs.

“You sure you’re up for…guests?” Dina wondered without moving from her spot by the door and blatantly ogling my naked body.

“I will be.” I told her, forcing a smile to pull my lips up, before running across the room and into the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I sagged against it, flinching at the cold wood biting into my skin and wondering just what I’d have to deal with today. I was going to confront my Mother more; when I was ready. I had questions that only she could answer and I wasn’t leaving until I knew them.

With a heavy sigh, I realised I couldn’t hide in here forever and needed to metaphorically pull on my big girl pants and deal with the crap life kept throwing my way. I wanted to be the happy person I’d been before all of this madness had descended on me, and that would start today. Walking to the mirror on the opposite wall I turned on the shower over the bathtub and let it warm up as I stared at myself. “Come on, you’ve got this.” I told the girl staring back at me, as steam began clouding the glass, hiding my reflection.

Plastering on a smile, I stepped under the warm spray, enjoying how the powerful stream pounded the tight muscles on the back of my neck. A genuine smile lit up my face as I looked down and found my own shampoo standing on the edge of the bath, alongside my conditioner, body wash and loofa. The bath stuff that had been on the bath last night smelt mostly of sage and I’d missed the familiar smell I inhaled now, as I squeezed a dollop of my favourite strawberry shampoo onto my hand. Taking my time, I followed my usual routine of washing my hair twice before adding conditioner to it and scrubbing my body thoroughly. Then leaning my head back, I washed the conditioner from it and grabbed a fluffy towel to wrap myself in. I found a smaller one for my hair and returned to the bedroom. I could hear soft voices speaking in the next room.

Grabbing a pair of soft, grey sweatpants, I put on my bra and comfiest t-shirt. Then, once my hair was brushed and tied back in a high ponytail, I took pity on Dina and went to find out who had come visiting this early. Pulling open the bedroom door, I almost turned right back round again when I saw my new found sister sitting on the sofa with a steaming cup in her hands.

Dina’s voice stopped me as I went to do just that, “Charleene, this is Angelinia, she wanted to make sure you were ok.”

Her thoughtfulness touched me and made me curious just why she had come. Our Grandmother had made it perfectly clear what she thought of me last night. “Why?” I asked, taking a step further into the living area.

“I don’t agree with what happened to you. Until yesterday I didn’t even know I had a sister let alone two.” Angelinia went on.

“What do you mean two?” I snapped, interrupting whatever she was about to say next.

“I spoke with Mother further last night and she told me that there were two girls.” Her voice was cautious and wavered slightly. “You didn’t know either.” She surmised.

“No, I thought it was just me.” I said, thinking back on the prophecy Eilidha had told me and realised why there had been so many deaths. My eyes widened as I put it all together; they’d all been twins! “Where are they now?” I demand .

“Mother is at our house and Grandmother will be at the meeting hut.” Angelinia said.

Without waiting to see if any of them were going to follow, or putting any shoes on, I strode out the front door and down the front steps, only noticing my bare feet when the grass tickled between my toes. I couldn’t care less as I stamped my way towards the meeting hut.

“Charleene, wait!” Dina called but I didn't slow down, determined to see if the horror running through my head was correct.

Dina caught up in no time and we walked side by side to the large circular building. When it came into view I quickened my pace and shoved through the double doors, letting one of them bang against the wall with the force I’d used. My so-called Grandmother was sitting in the same seat she’d used last night on our arrival and a small gathering of witches and warlocks stood before her. However their talk cut off quickly with my dramatic entrance and all their heads turned to watch me.

“Was I a twin?” I demanded, still halfway across the open space, my voice ringing clearly.

Grandmother, to her credit, looked a little shocked however I can’t tell if it was from my sudden interruption or the question I’d just asked. She glanced at those who have now turned to stare at her, waiting alongside me for her answer.

“This is a family matter. I will convene a new meeting time for later today. Blessed be.” She said to her Coven members, waiting for them to bow their heads and leave before her eyes met my own. “Yes you were, what difference does it make?”

“What happened to my sister?” I demanded, stopping in front of her.

“The same thing that happened to you. I couldn’t kill either of you.” She admitted, her lip pulling back in a sneer. “If I’d known you’d come back to be a pain in my arse, I’d have snuffed out both of your lives.” She went on.

“Mother!” Aradia’s voice snapped out from behind me. “That’s enough. ”

“No Aradia, it isn’t. I should have listened to my Mother’s advice and killed them both when they were babies. The fact that She is here now only proves that I was too soft and may have doomed us all.”

“Grandmother Agnes, that’s a horrible thing to say.” Angelinia chided.

“Hold your tongue child, you have no idea about these things. The prophecy is clear that twin flames from our very own Coven will bring about destruction. The fact that she,” Agnes says, jabbing her finger at myself, “travelled here with two Ancients only proves my suspicions.”

“That prophecy is ages old and has still to come true, what makes you think it’s even real?” I questioned.

“It hasn’t come to pass because our Coven has killed all twins that have been born, until you.”

I staggered back at the venom in her tone and her narrowed eyes. She really believed that killing all of those innocent children was the right thing to do. “You’re a monster.” I flung at her, covering my mouth with my hand.

“No, child, I’m pragmatic as all Crone’s should be. I let my own personal feelings cloud my judgement once, I will not do it again.” Pushing up from her seat, Agnes stood and glowered down at me. “I will not allow you to join our Coven. We already have a Maiden and need no other.”

“Mother, wait.” Aradia said, interrupting. “I will not lose my child twice.”

“I don’t want to join your Coven.” I snapped at both of them, “I came here to find out who I am and to get help with my magic. I’ve managed to find a teacher on our way here so the second thing is a moot point, and from what I’ve seen I’m better off without having you,” I jabbed my finger at Agnes to make my point, “in it!”

“Then leave!” Agnes shouted at me, a bit of spittle flying from her lips.

“I will once I know my friends are ok.” I snapped back, reaching out to join my hands with Dina’s. Agnes’ brows rose up her forehead at my action and her face turned bright red. It was almost like she’s a cartoon kettle getting ready to blow .

“You will destroy us all. I will not recognise any child who goes against Coven law. Your love is forbidden.” She snapped and a blast of air forces my hand from Dina’s. “Even the Vampires forbid unions between species.”

I don’t wait to hear anymore, shaking my head and striding away; I’d already heard all I needed to. My heart ached for all those innocents killed because one witch declared they might be a threat.

“Charleene, please wait?” Aradia’s worried tone made my feet pause as I reached outside and dragged in a deep breath of winter air.

“What!” I shouted, out of patience and it wasn’t even ten in the morning.

“I want to get to know you. I’m sorry for…” she trailed off clearly not knowing what to say.

“For what? The fact your Mother wishes I was dead or that your Coven has been killing innocents for far too long. Or let’s see? How about the fact that you were too cowardly to stand up for your own children?” I snapped at her, my magic rising as my hair blew back from my face.

“I’m sorry for all of it. I should have been stronger but I was a child still myself, no older than twenty when I had you and your sister. I didn’t know what to do.” She sobbed, tears falling over her cheeks, “I’ve hated myself for it every day since I last held you both.”

I was stunned for a moment as I took in her words, “You wanted me?” My voice was quieter than I wanted it to be, as all the years of thinking I’d been thrown away came rushing back from the box I’d stuffed them in.

“I’ve wanted nothing more than to see you again.” She said, not quite giving me the answer I was looking for, “I thought if I was good and toed the line, that if you ever found us I’d be able to fight for you to stay this time and I intend to do just that. Please don’t leave.” She begged.

I stared at the woman before me, she looked so much like me it was unreal. I want to get to know her and Angelinia I realised. Giving her a nod, I watched as a hopeful smile lit her eyes before she turned round and went back inside .

“Do I even want to know what that was about?” Lilah’s warm voice asked from behind me and I spun around to find her watching me with a raised eyebrow. Shaking my head, I offered her a small smile and stepped out of her way. She didn’t ask again, merely returning my nod and continuing into the meeting hut.