"How would you know?" I protest. "I'm a Fire Witch, I have plenty of firepower to defend myself!"
"Defend yourself against what? You know nothing about other witches, and if it's one of them, they have years of experience compared to a newbie like you! No, you stay here and wait."
I really don't like that, and I keep frowning as he leaves his jacket on the couch. Seriously? If he was going to leave it anyway, he could have left it to me! He even takes his shirt off, and I lose my attention for a while. His eyes follow my line of sight down to his abs, and he sighs.
"I'm going to shape-shift, Mara."
"Yeah?"
"So, would you mind, you know, not watching me undress?"
I blush and turn around, but despite the nice view from just then, I'm still not happy with his answer. I cross my arms, shaking my head while I hear him take off his pants.
"I still think I could very well come with you," I protest. "You're about to leave me alone. Is Selena fine with that?"
"Well, they are probably more fine with you being alone than me, to be honest, and Selena isn't my mom, my Alpha, or my caretaker. She can't spank me because I've been a bad boy."
Great, so I'm the only one she likes to give a good beating. Although, I bet Liam would shut up in front of his older brothers. I fight the urge to turn around while he keeps undressing.
"Still, I don't see the harm in coming with you. I can do well despite the headache..."
I suddenly feel a cold wind blowing in, and despite my blushing, turn around to check what's going on.
Damn it, that jerk is gone already! The entrance door is wide open, hence the damn wind, rain, and cold getting inside. I'm left with his pile of clothes on the floor, including his... oh, crap. At least he took a second to fold it a bit and push it to the side. I shake my head, annoyed. Damn it, he really ran away while I wasn't looking. Again. Shall I chase after that idiot? He's still pretty damn fast, and I have no idea where that stupid wolf boy went... He only said the border, that's rather vague. I should avoid being where I'm not supposed to be for a while too.
I sigh. Fine, but now, I'm left alone here and I don't know what to do. I've already studied the map so much, I feel like I could repaint it myself, although I am pretty sure I wouldn't have Sylviana's talent... I grab Liam's jacket to wrap myself in and fall on the big couch again. This time, I am facing that gigantic tree, my feet on the couch, and my arms around my knees, observing it one more time. What were you trying to tell me…? I keep staring at it for a long time as if something was going to happen. Nothing changes. I'm alone in a big, silent house, left to stare at this painting like a clueless idiot. No, I gotta do something. Nothing will happen this way, right?
Come on, Mara, don't stay on your ass. I get up and go to look around the kitchen, searching the cabinets for I don't know what. I find some cutlery, dishes, and that the water is still running, but my progress is zero. I sigh and walk over to get down on my knees and face the map again. It can't be a simple map. I am sure I missed something and it annoys me. So what now?
I light the fire in my hand, but nothing happens yet. If only I had my cat! I bet Spark would have found the trick long ago. I am surprised I couldn't find a magic circle. Unless...
The city is sort of shaped like a circle. It isn't regular, but it is still sort of a closed shape. Moreover, it isn't just a painting, it is on a thicker kind of fabric, something I can step on without damaging it. I ought to try. I put my cup down and run to the kitchen to grab a knife and return to that map. I take my shoes off and, with a deep breath, knife in hand, I step inside Silver City to sit. Nothing happens, but at least, I know what is the next step to try.
I use the knife to stab my finger, deep enough for some blood to appear. I hope I'm not doing something crazy, but I bleed on the map.
Damn, the colors are really changing, I knew it! It takes a few seconds, but instead of simply staining that map, the red drops run to different locations. What the heck is that supposed to mean…? One stops right on the cemetery, and a second one on the docks, I was almost expecting it. So Liam's hunch was right. What's next…? I follow three more drops, but one stays right here, on the spot of Sylviana's house. Is it because I'm there? The drops keep rolling around that spot, pretty useless.
"...Show me where Liam Black is," I say.
Immediately, they change directions, making me smile, satisfied. Damn, this thing is just amazing. The drops run straight toward the north, and they suddenly slow down but are still heading toward the north. So Liam is probably running there, and that is his position. Now I know where the idiot went. However, one of the drops goes ahead to stand on a different spot. What is that supposed to be? It's moving too. The other witch, outside? I glance at the tree. According to that thing, I have some blood in common with all the other witches anyway.
So now I know where he is headed. I hesitate a bit, but my decision is made quickly. I look around and find a bag to fold the map inside, along with that knife. I take several pictures of the Witches’ Ancestral Tree with my phone, and like a good girl, I even quickly text Kelsi about where I'm going. Better than having half the local population of werewolves looking for me... I don't wait for a reply, though, and put my shoes back on to go outside.
It's still raining, but I have Liam's jacket on and his helmet in hand. I suddenly come face to face with his bike.
...It can't be that complicated to drive, right?
I am not sure what's come over me. Liam left his bike here, his keys, and I can't forget that sensation from earlier. It was thrilling. That sensation of absolute freedom, the wind fighting us, and the power of the engine running anyway, stronger and faster. I just want to try again, and I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, waiting right outside that door.
I am playing with the keys in my hands, but now that I'm facing the beast, I can't help but weigh how wrong this could go... I have seen him start that bike, I can tell how it basically works. It's still theft, though, right? I take a deep breath and start by putting the helmet on. It feels a bit heavier, but I feel more legitimate once I have it covering my head. I keep Liam's jacket on, and I try to act normal. Not that I'm afraid anyone's going to call me out for riding this thing.
There is no one out in this kind of weather. The storm is getting worse above my head. I see lightning strike a bit further away, and although it looked okay from Sylviana's house, the downpour really isn't showing any sign of stopping soon.
The headache is back.
I wish I could pretend it isn't and I'm fine, but it's still there, pounding and painful. As if to remind me this is dangerous and I don't know what I am doing... I take a deep breath and get on the bike, mimicking Liam's gestures to the best of my abilities. Up until I turn the engine on and get the bike roaring, I am actually doing pretty good. I could get used to this sound... I take another deep breath and put both hands on the handles, determined. You can do this, Mara.
It takes me a couple of tries where the bike almost runs away without me, but after a few uneasy attempts, I get the hang of it. A little pressure and I get the engine purring like a kitten and ready to take me wherever I want. Could I possibly have a knack for this? That would be awesome... however, I don't have time for fun. I need to get to this bike's owner. Liam is always so adamant about leaving and staying away from me, but I am fed up with it this time.
