Her voice reminds me I have been sitting in front of my plate for a while without moving. I nod and start eating. It’s strange but I don't really feel out of place. Nora Black is very welcoming, and none of her guests are staring at me or anything, it's as if they were expecting me to be here, and didn't mind it... That's a nice change.
"To be honest," says Nora, "I was a bit eager to meet the new witch."
"The new witch?" I repeat, a bit intrigued by her choice of words.
"Yes... You know about... Sylviana, right?"
Yeah, I do. Somehow, I feel like that name is starting to become a shadow, following each of my movements and looking for a mistake. I glance toward Liam Black again.
"She was the previous witch watching over Silver City," says Nora.
I nod, although I already sort of knew that. I just don't get how they went from a witch that seemed to be loved around here to me, whom they only fear or hate so far... Once again, I feel like that witch left a big hole in her place that I'm supposed to perfectly fit in. However, all they have is a crazy Fire Witch that can barely make a move without going crazy.
To my surprise, Nora notices my expression and smiles.
"Don't worry, Mara. We are not expecting anything from you."
I frown and glance toward Selena.
"Are you sure...?"
"As long as you don't burn anyone," retorts the blonde, "and you learn to control your fire frenzy. I am not pulling off a firefighter move again, I won't always have a bucket of ice nearby..."
"So far I've barely lost control a few times," I respond.
"Have you seen the color of your arms, girl? You almost burnt yourself to death last night, and believe it or not, we don't want another dead witch in town."
I'm about to reply, but Liam suddenly growls. We all turn our heads toward him, and he is glaring at Selena. Just then, he suddenly shape-shifts into his black wolf like before and runs out of the garden. Nora shakes her head.
"That was not very subtle, Selena. You know Liam is still sensitive about that..."
"It's been two years, Nora. He can't keep acting like a child. I know he hurts more than anyone, but we need him to act like an Alpha around here. You can't keep treating Liam like a rogue teen, he should start taking care of his responsibilities."
"Isn't he fighting off witches past the border?"
They all turn to me, looking surprised.
"Liam does that? How do you know?" Nora asks, perplexed.
"The question is, why the fuck does he go beyond the barrier?" growls Nathaniel Black.
Oh, crap, did I say something I shouldn't have? I go quiet, but my eyes drift toward the direction he left in just now. That guy... He tells me stuff he didn't tell his family, yet he won't talk to me when I need him to. What's his deal?
"What was his relation? To the witches?" I ask. "He called himself the witch hunter, but..."
Nora grimaces.
"That is not really something for me to tell you, Mara. You should ask Liam directly... when he is ready."
I sigh. I do have a feeling, from the way they all react. I want to go back to my place and eat in peace, as I'm rather hungry now, but after a few minutes, while everyone else is having their own conversations, I realize Selena's eyes are riveted on me, and Nora is looking at her. Are they having another one of their silent discussions?
"What is it?" I ask, a bit annoyed.
"That name, Mara. I really can't remember where I've seen it, it's annoying..." growls Selena.
"That's been bothering you for a while," notes her husband.
"I know, I'm usually good at remembering stuff but I'm struggling with this. Mara, Mara... Damn it, I know it's going to take forever!"
