She smiles. “My name is Sylviana. I come from an ancient and long line of Witches; my ancestors lived in Silver City long before werewolves came. We have always lived in peace with both werewolves and humans. Sometimes in secret, when the situation called for it like I was until now, but we never had any conflict with your kind.”
“That doesn’t explain why would help us against one of your own...”
Sylviana shakes her head and takes on a solemn expression. “Witches aren’t like werewolves. We are solitary individuals; we do not feel the need to interact with our peers or get along with them. On the contrary, we are territorial creatures, and don’t usually enjoy sharing.”
“Silver City is a city of werewolves...” Says Nathaniel.
“I meant that we do not like to share with other Witches. Werewolves, humans, or animals do not have the same needs as we do, neither do you perceive a territory like us. To you, a turf is a land your pack has rights on. For me, it is a source of life, a way to draw more power and energy. I don’t need buildings or money. The same way you wouldn’t argue with humans or animals about your turf, I do not need to dispute my homeland with you.”
“Then, this Witch is a threat to you as well, isn’t it?” I ask.
Sylviana nods, and makes some movements with her hands, calling back all the roots under the ground.
“That’s right. As I said, Witches don’t share territories. If this Witch seeks to gain control over Silver City, she will eventually become a threat to me as well. We do not have any special feelings towards other Witches, though we usually respect each other’s boundaries. The woman who attackeda few weeks ago is looking for more power, and she won’t stop because I’m here. So, I believe we could find a mutual agreement and work with each other to keep her out of Silver City.”
That sounds quite reasonable, indeed... The same enemy, a reason to work together and protect Silver City. Nate and Damian exchange looks, probably mind-linking each other, as well. Liam is eyeing his girlfriend, but they gently smile at each other. They do seem like a genuine, loving couple...
Meanwhile, Bobo appears at my side, standing against my leg. I wonder if Daniel is there? No news from Elena, either... After a while, Nathaniel looks pissed, but Damian turns to Sylviana again.
“You said that other Witch, the Dark Witch, was looking for more power... If our land and wealth are of no interest to her, what is she attacking Silver City for?”
Sylviana nods and takes a few seconds before answering, looking a bit unsure. “Witches divide into two categories: Light Witches and Dark Witches. I belong to the first group. I draw my powers from my own life energy and my relationship to nature.”
She shows us her arms and the dark markings I had noticed earlier. Now that I can see them from up close, they are not black, but dark red... Those are burn scars! Moon Goddess, does that mean she has to injure herself to use her powers? Next to me, Damian is frowning too.
“As you can see, light magic comes at a cost... I can heal myself, of course, but the more powerful my spell is, the bigger is the cost.”
“Sylviana could really die if she was to face that Dark Witch alone and directly,” explains Liam.
Now I understand why he is so adamant about protecting her... As well as why she did stay hidden for so long. Thatattack from earlier was impressive, but now her arms are covered in severe injuries... And there might be more under her clothing, as well.
“Wait a second.”
I turn around. Clark Hamilton, the White Moon Clan Alpha, just joined us. The Jones and Seaver are there, as well. I try to decipher Grandpa Seaver’s expression, but the elder Alpha is just frowning behind his white beard.
“You... you helped us, didn’t you? Last time... During the vampire’s attack, the water kept turning on us and poisoned some of us. We were losing ground until the trees suddenly moved, too, and the water stopped. The branches shielded the injured wolves and tore vampires apart. That was all you, wasn’t it?” Asks Clark.
Sylviana smiles. “Well, vampires don’t mix so well with wood... And that Witch didn’t want to face me directly, either.”
“What does a Dark Witch do, then? How is she different from you?” Asks Nathaniel.
“As I said earlier, I sacrifice my own life force and body to use powers... Dark Witches do the same, but with other bodies.”
I gasp. “You mean... like sacrifices?”
“Exactly. What’s worse is, while a Witch’s body is made for this hence can heal fast and recover, other species can’t withstand powerful magic. Not only does she need bodies, but she also needs a lot of them, and living ones too.”
Moon Goddess, this is... disgusting! How can someone be as evil as that? Injuring other people to be more powerful! I was wondering why Sylviana would go through the pain of injuring herself, but this other Witch is so hateful!
“Light Witches give their lifeforce to others, while Dark Witches take it. This is our fundamental difference. Thisalso why we don’t usually cohabitate: We have very different mindsets,” explains Sylviana.
“Wait, who would be more powerful then?” Asks Andrew Jones.
Sylviana sighs. “I think... for now, that would be me. I won’t get into the details, but in terms of brute magic, mine is much more powerful than hers. However... she is very aware of that and working to change that. She will keep gathering as much as she can until she can overpower me.”
“How?” Asks Damian. “Is that why she is attacking us?”
“She was gathering bodies. Some from our pack,” says Ryan.
