Elexis nodded, "Good, you've heard of it."
"Okay, I'll ask. What the hell?", said Erica.
"The ritual is a myth that has been passed down for centuries in our family. I never knew it was true, said Derek. When everyone looked at him with imploring eyes, he continued, "The myth dates back to my ancestors, who came here and founded the town of Beacon Hills. It is said that they had a Shaman perform a sacrifice so that they would always have the power to defend the city.", he ended while looking at Elexis for confirmation.
"That is exactly it. The only part you missed out is that the ritual was performed at the foot of the nemeton. It is the tree that gave your family the powers of a shapeshifter. Since all of you were bitten by the Hales, your power is linked to them. If the power of the Nemeton is taken by a human, your powers also, by extension, will become energy and flow into the bitch. So you see, it is your problem too."
"Man, when will we catch a break?", whined Danny, as a few others nodded.
Elexis cleared her throat as she beckoned the room, "The 1000 year old woman is a very powerful witch. Her name is Esther. Her power has only grown in the last millennium and as per my sources, she'll be here within the week. We gotta start prepping."
"What do you want from us? How can we help?", asked Boyd.
"I have a few experts flying in tomorrow morning. We'll meet you guys at the preserve at 3. I know where the nemeton is. I'll take you."
Everyone nodded their assent as Elexis turned to Derek, "Do you have maps of Beacon Hills? The Preserve? With telluric currents?"
Derek smirked and said, "Yes, yes and yes. You wanna have a look at them?"
"If it's not too much of a hassle. We need to work fast. Can you get it delivered here or do you want me to pick it up?"
"Just come over to my place in the evening. I'll text you the address."
Elexis thanked him and turned to the pack and told them that she had nothing more to say. Noah looked at her hopefully and asked, "so, can we have dinner together?"
Elexis looked extremely guilty as she mumbled, "Dad, I'd like nothing more. But I have a lot of work to take care of."
The Stilinski's looked extremely crestfallen, but they bid their goodbyes.
As Elexis closed the door, she huffed and leaned against the door. She fell to the floor as tears began falling out of her eyes. She cried her eyes out for about an hour before she finally brought out her phone and called her best friend, Marcel. The phone rang twice before she heard the cheerful voice of her mentor.
"Lex! Wassup?"
"Hey Marcel!"
"What's wrong, kiddo? How long you been bawling?"
"About an hour now", she sniffed.
"What's wrong? Is there someone I have to kill?"
"Not yet, MG. I told them about Esther coming."
"Okay, are they ready to help?"
"Yeah, they're taking it in stride. They'll help us out tomorrow with securing the town."
"So what happened? Stop deflecting."
"Dad asked me to stop by for dinner. I had to refuse.", said Elexis, in a low voice.
"Lex, why? It pains you just as much as them. Why are you pushing them away?"
"It was literally his wife's last wish. I can't disrespect that."
"Elexis, his wife was your mom. There is nothing wrong in loving her, even after what she did. You've seen me and Klaus right?"
Elexis snorted, "I know. Even when I hate her, I can't help but love her. She ruined me Marcel. Had it not been for you, I would be long dead"
"Hey, now, we promised we would not speak of that. You're my sister okay? I love you. And I'll always love you."
"Love you too Marcel, always and forever."
"Now, have you told them about you? Your powers? What you are?"
Elexis sighed, "Not yet. They don't need to."
"But they deserve to", came the earnest reply.
"Marcel, not now. I can't."
"Okay, Lex. You know I trust you."
"Yeah, I do. I gotta go now. I'm meeting the Hale alpha in an hour to go over the city maps and plan for tomorrow. Can't wait to see you."
"Ahaan, see you tomorrow then!"
As the call ended, Elexis thought momentarily of calling the man who had fought tooth and nail with her when she wanted to come down here alone, before the others, but then decided against it. She went to her suitcase and took out a black leather jacket and locked the house before starting her car and checking her phone. Seeing that she now knew where Derek lived, she started driving.
