After thinking about Axel's words, Talia thought about how it was logical. Why would witches take all information about the portals from the archives? Considering they were witches, and how Feya made specific information from the Catalogue fly out and appear on a different paper, there must be some copying spell they could use.
However, one thing didn't make sense. "Why would Evanora lie about that?", Talia asked Axel.
"Because she wanted to conceal her incompetence. Someone sneaked into their precious archive on Evanora's watch. It's a matter of Evanora choosing to save her reputation instead of telling us the truth."
Axel knew about this because his parents would twist the facts so that they look good.
Talia understood the point about Evanora caring for her image more than about the truth. However, she remembered one thing that drilled a gaping hole in Axel's theory.
"We found information about the portals in the Midnight Guardians pack." Talia reminded him.
Axel shook his head. "Whatever we got was hidden in the safe of my parents' study and in Cornelia's quarters. When Yasmin told me how they had a lot of portals in their realm, I went to our archives wondering if I will find some similarities, but I didn't find anything. I thought how that was odd because there were several books describing draught from five centuries ago, yet there was nothing about portals. Nothing. Now that I've seen the same thing here, I can't help but think that those two were connected."
Talia stared at Axel while information sank in. "You are saying that someone came to this Coven and to the Midnight Guardians pack and removed information that was related to the portals."
Axel touched his nose with his index finger, indicating to Talia that she was spot on.
Talia pressed her lips into a line. This was more than just getting access to archives and taking things. This was about someone going to both realms, and entering those areas without being exposed. Talia had no idea what to do with this information, but somehow… she had a feeling it was important.
…
James was lying on his side and observing the sleeping chocolate-colored Goddess by his side. Her breathtaking features looked amazing under the rays of the morning sun that sneaked in through the windows.
James knew that Cornelia was his soulmate, mated, marked, his, yet he had difficulty adjusting to that reality.
He never imagined that having a mate would be so fulfilling.
How could his father sleep around if having a mate fills one's heart to the brim? Or was that because Alpha Edward and Luna Layla were not fated mates? James was not sure, but he knew that he will never-ever do anything to betray Cornelia because betraying her meant going against himself.
With Cornelia by his side, it seemed that all problems in the world faded and James hoped that this bliss will continue for many years to come.
Cornelia took a deep breath and her lips lifted into a smile before she opened her eyes.
"Good morning, Jay", she said lazily.
James' insides trembled from the joy that swelled within him. She smiled and greeted him and the whole world brightened.
"Good morning, Cora", he responded.
Her brows came together. "Is it time to go?"
James didn't know the time, but he could hear the footsteps and voices from the hallway. Since he marked Cora, his senses intensified.
"Not yet. I will wake you up for breakfast.", he said.
He took her hand into his and kissed the inside of her palm, that gentle action made her eyes flutter open.
"I'm awake", Cornelia said, and her smile reflected in her eyes.
James stared at her, dazed by her beauty and emotions that poured into him through their mate bond that was solid now. James feared that Cornelia won't come with him, or that she will change her mind at the last moment, yet he could feel her love and devotion and he knew that she didn't want to leave his side.
James' eyebrows shot up when he felt Cornelia's dainty fingers tracing the grooves of his abdominal muscles.
Since the ceremony, the two of them were naked, mostly in bed, making love, and he thought that his witch won't be able to keep up, but it seemed that her libido was matching his. Was that one of the effects of his mark on her?
He licked his lips and inched closer to kiss his mark on her neck.
Cornelia's body trembled upon contact, and her breath splashed against his ear, "Oh, James…"
James growled, her sultry voice was like oil splashing on an already raging fire, and he knew that only Cornelia could make him feel sated.
They were on the bed, facing each other. James lifted her right leg and he loved that she not only cooperated but also dug her heel into his ass in an attempt to get him closer to her.
His groan mixed with her moan, and they were back at it.
This mate bond was fantastic!
…
Just like the last time when Axel and Talia left the realm of witches, they were escorted to the portal by many members of the Silver Flame Coven.
There were no ceremonies, and the atmosphere was relaxed, but Talia was wary of everyone and the closer they were to the portal, the faster her heart was beating.
Two healers and Calla went through the portal first. As members of the Midnight Guardians pack, their task was to alert the guards on the other side that more people were coming.
The healer called Olive stayed in the realm of witches with her mate, and they promised to visit the Midnight Guardians pack once their solitude as new mates was over.
Talia was nervous until the last person came out on the side of the Midnight Guardians pack.
Other than Talia and Damon, also present were Keith, Axel, Yasmin, Liam, Amelia, Cornelia, James, Cassandra, Calla, two healers from the Midnight Guardians pack, and six witches that came to explore the world on the other side of the portal.
Six witches were divided into three teams of twos, each duo following Yasmin, Amelia, and Cornelia respectively. Their task was to learn and be of help when needed, and after some time, they would return home and share their experiences with their fellow sisters. It was all part of the slow assimilation of witches into other realms.
Talia was pleased that Cornelia agreed to take Cassandra with them without any questions. Cornelia didn't say if she will make Oracle follow her or maybe dissolve the deal, but the important part was that Cassandra left the realm of witches.
Talia looked at the portal, to confirm that no one else will come out.
"Are you expecting someone?", Yasmin asked Talia.
Talia thought that some honesty might be good. "I am surprised that your mother allowed us to leave like that."
"You will be back", Yasmin said right away.
"What?"
"That's what my mother said. That you will be back."
Talia was alerted. "How can she know that?"
"It's because of your situation. Your departure is only postponing finding out answers you need."
Talia knew that Evanora was right. They needed her help. However, dependency on a woman like Evanora was unsettling. Talia didn't see Evanora as an ally, and she definitely didn't trust the witch.
Was Evanora the only one who could give them the answers they were looking for?
