Talia led the way through the portal with Damon. Keith and Liam were right behind them, followed by Axel, Yasmin, James, and Cornelia. At the end of this portal-traveling party were four healers, one of them was Calla, the candidate to be Oracle's successor.
Yasmin suggested that healers come with them because she noticed many similarities between the practices of healers from the Midnight Guardians pack and witches of the Silver Flame Coven. She was confident that they could learn from each other. In order to avoid awkward situations, they decided that the healers accompanying them this time will be females only.
As one of the two next Oracles, Calla wanted to meet with Cassandra and see if the old Oracle could impart her some wisdom. Remi, the second Oracle, stayed back to deal with any matters in the pack that might require her services.
In the realm of witches, two witches (aka guards) were idling next to the portal, and they were visibly surprised to see new faces. Talia didn't recognize them, but Yasmin and Cornelia did.
Two guards bowed to Cornelia submissively, and then they jumped on Yasmin to hug her.
James took a mental note of this difference in status and attitude.
Yasmin was like a schoolgirl reuniting with her classmates, while Cornelia's presence demanded respect. His Cora was awesome!
James did his best to maintain eye contact with two scarcely dressed witches when looking at them. He feared that if his gaze wanders to their exposed bouncy parts, Cornelia might misunderstand.
Talia was sticking close to Damon and looking sternly at two witches, silently warning them that Damon was off-limits. Ah! And soon, they will be surrounded by many almost-naked females! Talia cursed internally. How did she manage to forget that witches wore only two flimsy pieces of cloth to cover their behind and crotch area?
Talia was pleased to feel Damon's unwavering hold around her waist, which confirmed that he had eyes only for Talia. She hoped it will stay that way, and she fought against the negativity that was swelling within her. Should she blindfold him? Or maybe she should kill any witch that dares to ogle at Damon... that would send a message to the others. Or maybe she should just send him back through the portal. That will prevent any uncontrolled violence when Talia's possessiveness hits.
'Kitten?' Damon's voice sounded in Talia's head through their mind-link.
Talia cursed internally. She forgot that he could feel her emotions!
'I will be alright', she responded. 'I was just thinking about committing a massacre if any of these women tries something funny with you.'
Damon chuckled. 'I love when you claim me as yours, kitten. But I assure you, there is no need for murder. I am yours and yours only.'
Talia nodded weakly and leaned on him. She knew she was being unreasonable.
Keith and Liam used their mind link to remind each other to keep looking away from the bare breasts. They were representing the Dark Howlers pack and Alpha Talia, and they needed to behave.
"We will notify the high priestess of your presence", one of the two guards said, and at the wave of her hand, a nearly see-through owl appeared in the air and flew in the direction of the witches' settlement.
The guards told them that they should wait for a delegation of witches to come because outsiders shouldn't wander alone, and they could get lost, to what Yasmin and Cornelia protested.
"Are you seeing US as outsiders?" Cornelia asked angrily, and two guards shrunk.
"It's the orders from the high priestess.", one of them squeaked weakly.
Yasmin waved her hand and said playfully, "I will deal with mother. We are going."
And with that, Yasmin and Cornelia started walking, and others followed gingerly.
Axel and Talia exchanged concerned glances. The duo knew where they were going, but they didn't want to risk offending Evanora. They came here with good intentions and possibly to gain some benefits. Evanora might forgive Yasmin, who grew up defying the high priestess, but what if Evanora decides to vent her anger on them?
Twelve newcomers were escorted into a big receiving room that looked like someone had put a dining table in the middle of a living area that had benches, chairs, and sofas all arranged to face the center of the space. Evanora met with them there.
The appearance of males (Axel, Damon, James, Keith, and Liam) invoked the curiosity of witches who ended up peering into the room through doors and windows.
Keith and Liam saw plenty of breasts in their lives, but they feared how long they could hold on before they cracked under the pressure of all that bare flesh because witches had an appearance of young alluring women. The guard duo regretted that Sandy stayed behind with Tyler. In this situation, she would keep them grounded. Well, at least they had each other.
Evanora took minimal time on introductions with newcomers. She immediately arranged for Calla and three healers to go to the quarters where Cassandra was staying, and then she asked Yasmin and Cornelia to join her in the study for some witch-only updates.
Axel and James stood up as well. They had no intention of separating from their mates.
Evanora was aware of Axel, but the youngster sticking close to Cornelia was new. It took her a few long moments to accept the possibility of… "Is he your soulmate?"
Cornelia responded with a nod.
Evanora stifled a laugh. "Aren't you blessed with a young one? Good. He will last longer."
James stood behind Cornelia and held onto her hips. To anyone looking from the side, it appeared like James was hiding behind Cornelia, and in a way, he was.
James didn't approve of Evanora's tone. Why did she talk like he was some item to be used and discarded when it breaks?
"How long I will last, is between me and Cora.", James said.
Evanora's eyebrows shot up. "Interesting. As long as you don't interrupt us, you can join, James, priestess Cornelia's soulmate." Evanora spoke arrogantly with a hint of amusement in her voice.
The truth was that she was happy to see Yasmin and Cornelia back, and she was curious to hear what all the two witches went through. They were away for months! Everything else can wait.
Of course, Axel and James followed after the three witches, leaving Talia, Damon, Keith, and Liam in the receiving room.
"I will send someone to entertain you…", Evanora's voice drifted into the room as she walked down the hallway.
Witches that were peeking in stayed there, curiously observing the newcomer. It was obvious that Evanora instructed them to stay away, and Talia guessed that whoever comes to entertain them will be someone high-ranking.
"They left us on their own.", Keith said while looking around with a small frown on his handsome face. All those women looking at him from the outside made his skin crawl.
"Don't worry about it.", Talia responded. "Someone is coming, and Evanora was eager to reunite with her daughter."
Talia guessed that Evanora was now hugging Yasmin and asking about her wellbeing, but she didn't want to transform into a concerned mother in front of a big audience because she needed to maintain her stern image of a High Priestess.
