Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 7

Moonlight beams through the star-shaped skylight, casting a brilliant glow upon the wall tapestry. It depicts a wise and kind-looking witch, and as I study it, a sense of recognition takes hold. It's Grammy in her youthful glory.

The tapestry seems to radiate with an ethereal light, and I swear I can hear her faint whispers reaching out to me as I stand before it.

'Grammy?' I murmur, extending a trembling hand toward the tapestry.

Suddenly, the whispers cease, and a gust of wind whips around me, spinning me around to face an antique chest. It's partially concealed by a scarlet silk shawl that's draped over it

Without hesitation, I drop to my knees and remove the shawl, revealing the chest's intricate carvings. With a creaking groan, I lift the lid, revealing a treasure trove of fine silks and fabrics with the family spell book perched on top. A sizable, embossed image of the moon is on the cover, and intricate patterns encircle it: the metal corners and clasp shimmer. In the moon’s centre, a brilliant blue gemstone glitters like a star in the night sky.

As I carefully leaf through the pages of the spell book, I can sense the power and magic emanating from within. Mister Kal, the black cat, curls up next to me, his yellow eyes fixed on the pages.

My eyes sparkle with wonder as I marvel at the array of spells and potions listed within. There are spells for healing, protection, divination, and potions for love, luck, and transformation.

I pause at a page detailing a spell for invisibility, imagining myself walking through the halls of my academy unseen. I gasp as I come across a page that describes a potion for flight, my eyes widening with excitement.

I turn to a page that lists a spell for telekinesis, wondering if I could use it to move objects with my mind. Mister Kal meows, his tail twitching with interest, as we continue to explore the book's secrets.

I continue to flick through the pages, discovering spells for summoning spirits, creating illusions, and even controlling the weather. I close the book and begin running my fingers over the intricate metal decorations on its cover. As I do, a faint glow emanates from the gemstone on the front, and I can feel the magic in the air around me.

I carefully place the spellbook in my bag and zip it up. As we go downstairs, the doctor and my mother finish the final arrangements for Grammy's funeral, which will be held in two days. Tia, my mother, looks up as we enter the room, her eyes red from crying.

'My sincere condolences to you both,' the doctor says as he shows us out.

Tia nods at him in thanks. As we approach the car, Mister Kal follows us. As soon as I sit in the front seat, Mister Kal jumps in and sits on my lap. Tia frowns as she starts the engine. 'Why is Mister Kal in the car with us?' she asks, her voice tinged with confusion.

I take a deep breath and reply, 'Grammy told me a moment before she died that Mister Kal will be my responsibility and pet cat now.'

Thunder rumbles in the distance and a sudden downpour of rain pelts against the car roof. Tia wipes away her tears as she puts on the windscreen wipers and car lights. 'Very well, I suppose you can keep him,' she replies.

'Thanks, Mum,' I reply softly, reaching over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. 'I know it won't be the same without Grammy, but we still have each other.'

Tia smiles sadly and nods as she begins the long drive home through the thunderstorm.

As the car moves through the storm, I pull out my phone and send a message to Rose, letting her know that Grammy has passed away. Tears roll down my cheeks as I type the words, my heart heavy with grief.

Rose responds almost immediately, expressing her condolences and assuring me that she will always be there for me. She also sends her sympathies to my mother, and I feel a sense of comfort knowing that I have such a supportive friend by my side.

As we continue our journey home, I cling to the warmth of Mister Kal's body and the memories of Grammy's love and magic.

As we burst out the car door, raindrops spatter against our faces and clothes. I quickly tuck Mister Kal under my jumper to shield him from the downpour. My mother and I rush into the warm embrace of our home. We kick off our shoes and shake off the rain, leaving puddles on the tiled entryway. Mister Kal meows softly, showing appreciation for my efforts to keep him dry.

The boiling kettle breaks the silence in the kitchen as I prepare a soothing chamomile tea. Grammy's tea, carefully stored in a jar, is the perfect remedy for this stormy night. I carry a steaming cup to my mother, who sits in a comfortable armchair, gazing out the window into the dark, stormy night. Lightning illuminates the darkened sky. The crackle of thunder reverberates through the room, punctuated by the hard pitter-patter of raindrops against the glass.

'Try and get some sleep, Mum,' I urge her gently as she takes the cup from me.

'I'll try Janiebug. Thanks for the tea. I'm sure it will help,' she says quietly.

Heading upstairs to my room, holding my chamomile tea, Mister Kal follows me, eagerly exploring the new surroundings along the way. I make my way to my quaint chair by the window, where I can watch the rain falling outside. The jewelled lamp beside me casts a warm, comforting glow, and I sip my tea, savouring the calming taste. Across the road, I see Rose's lamp flicker on. Rose waves her finger gently and stares at me sympathetically. She then gestures the 'I love you' motions with her hands. I do the same gesture but with two fingers up at the end.

Rose switches her lamp off and goes to bed. It's late, and the whole town is probably asleep in bed, except for me and Mum.

I sip the chamomile tea and watch the raindrops dance on the leaves outside my window while Mister Kal makes himself at home on my lavish queen bed.