Chapter 7: Ciaran
BOS entry included
Well, we finally told her. Morgan and I went round to Ariah's house yesterday and told her the truth – that she was a blood witch and Ciaran MacEwan's niece. Goddess, it was tough. The poor girl almost fell to pieces. I hope she chooses to work good magic like her mother. As a seeker, I would have to strip her powers if she decided to follow in her Uncle's footsteps.
Giomanach
How dare she ask to speak with me, I grumbled silently as I stomped down to long hallway to the sitting room, where the foolish Rowanwand witch was waiting for me. What was her name again? Justine? Justine Courceau? What did she want?
I laughed. Like I couldn't guess! It was obvious; she wanted me to help her win that young seeker's heart. Hunter Niall, the love of my daughter's life. Why did my dear Morgan – Maeve's child – have to fall for a seeker?
"Well, well, well," Someone behind me drawled in a French accent. "Ciaran MacEwan, it's a pleasure to meet you." I spun around to see Justine Courceau standing there in front of me, dressed in a long, loose robe.
"How dare you call me by my name!" I roared, making her jump. I smirked as she cowered before me. "What is it that you want?" I asked the shaking witch.
"Your dead sister – Annabel – she has a child," Justine told me. Colour drained from my face and my mouth dropped open. Annabel – my dear lost sister – had a child! "Her name is Ariah and she and her non-witch father are living in Widow's Vale. Your daughter has befriended her."
Annabel had married a non-witch! But how had she managed to conceive? Oh, of course, my sister had stripped herself of her powers to get away from evil. My evil.
Fuelled with rage, I slapped Justine hard across the face. "Foolish woman!" I boomed to her dismay. "What makes you think I am interested in this Ariah? She may be a blood witch, but she will have no powers!"
It was Justine's turn to smirk. "Ah, but that is where you are wrong," She said smugly. "Your niece is very powerful. As powerful as Morgan. She obviously takes after her mother." Yes, Annabel had been very powerful. She was very gifted and had needed little training for her an initiation. She could have led Amyranth with me, but, no, she was afraid of the dark side and stripped herself of her powers because of it.
"Justine, I thank you." I took her hands in mine and she smiled seductively. "But I'm afraid you have to die. Good-bye, Justine." I spread my hands wide and she blew up.
I had to get to Widow's Vale. If Morgan wouldn't be the Woodbane princess of Amyranth, then her cousin would. Oh, Annabel! Your daughter is alive and I will make sure she reaches her destiny!