"I think we got the message," Nora retorts. "It doesn't change our answer. You get away from Silver City and our territory before I get seriously mad."
The Black Luna's sapphire eyes are shining, and despite her petite figure, she's much more imposing than any normal werewolf present. Nora has that white aura that is impossible to ignore. The angrier she gets, it feels like being in the middle of a snowstorm picking up.
Right ahead of her, Selena is growling too, and her golden eyes are burning like a fire. Both Lunas are furious and ready to fight. I know it's not for my sake, but I'm still a bit happy to hear that. Having those two powerful, strong women by my side was what I needed to spark my courage again. I focus a bit more on my inner flame, and bring my hands together, making my fire stronger, as if I was about to hammer it.
"You're all pathetic," hissed the Water Witch. "I'll have Silver City, and I'll never leave it to a Cursed One."
"Unless you stop whining about all that shit and start explaining what you mean, you can fuck off!" I yell, annoyed.
How can she call me a Cursed One and keep insulting me, when I have no idea what she's rambling about?!
"Hmpf! I have nothing to discuss with the likes of you! I'll crush a fake witch like you anytime!"
"Come on, then!" I yell back.
However, before I can raise my hands, an arm blocks me.
"Mara," says Nora, stepping in front of me. "The barrier is doing its work, don't be reckless now. You're tired too, you can't fight in this state. Don't worry, let's just make sure she leaves."
"But–"
"Nora's right," adds Liam. "She can only send waves at us, but she'll get tired faster at that rate. The barrier won't grow weak because of this kind of attack."
I wouldn't be so sure about that.
The werewolves may not spot such details, but for me, the barrier is like some translucent paper, and I'm getting better at determining how strong it really is. It may be thicker and stronger than at the north border, but I wouldn't say this is completely fine either. I am not sure how it works, but my fire ball crossed it to hit beyond that witch. Isn't that proof enough that the barrier isn't doing so well on this side too? I'm not as optimistic as they are, although Nora might just be trying to dissuade me.
Finally, the witch starts moving her arms again, and in front of me, Selena growls louder, in warning.
The witch seems to hesitate. ...Is she scared because of Selena's aura? Can she sense the Royals? Or the Black Brothers' dangerous auras? Damian Black, the King, steps forward too, unafraid of the pending waves.
"You damn dogs!"
This time, we are all prepared for the attack. Everyone moves at the same time. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Selena and Damian crouch down, while the gigantic brown wolf jumps between us and the wave, blocking it with his body. Just then, Liam suddenly gets in front of me too, taking me into his embrace.
I'm shoved in his arms, unable to see anything, but I feel the violence of the new wave. It hits in several shock waves, like a hurricane, and I feel Liam's body move. I grab his shirt to hold on to, making sure he stays close to me, and we wait for it to stop. It only lasts a few seconds, but I'm worried for everyone. I keep thinking about Kelsi, half-conscious behind me. Isn't she going to drown? I should have done something for her instead of withstanding that attack! Yet, it's too late. I have to wait for the next moment we can move.
"Is she gone?"
I didn't recognize the voice, but I know I can finally look up behind Liam's shoulder. The sea is still wild, the waves going in all directions, but there's no sign of the witch. Liam steps back to check all around too, but she is nowhere to be seen. Did she really leave? For a few seconds, we are all alert, cautious of a new attack.
But the harbor is strangely silent now, and the sea is slowly returning to its natural, peaceful state.
I see Nora and Nathaniel run to their respective partners, but both wolves seem fine. Selena is even still growling toward the sea, looking mad. To my surprise, she starts shape-shifting back into her human form, and all the males around turn their heads while her husband hands her his shirt.
"What a bitch!" she growls as soon as she's able to. "What the fuck was that?"
"I didn’t do anything," I immediately say out of reflex.
"No, but it turns out you may have more... issues than we thought," sighs Nora, draining the water from her hair.
"...Do you think it's true?" suddenly asks Liam.
Everyone turns to him. I don't like the tone of his voice, or how pale he looks. I turn to him, but he's not looking at me, he's staring at Nora and the others. The Lunas exchange a look, and Nora glances my way briefly before looking back to him.
"I... I mean, there's no way to be sure for now, Liam."
"About what being true?" I ask him, a bit annoyed.
