Angel Blackwood(68)

“He’s gone. Have a seat Phoenix, I wanted to speak to you both,” Noelle says. Phoenix sits down on the sofa and crosses her legs Indian style, facing us eagerly.

Noelle turns to face me. “Phoenix is one of the strongest young witches around here, Angel.” I look to Phoenix and she nods her head enthusiastically.

“It’s true,” she says smiling. I can’t help but laugh at her honesty.

Noelle continues, “She helps a lot of the teens to grasp and find their basic magic. I think we need to teach you the same way. I’m not sure to what depth your magic goes or what you’re able to do. I know you have healing abilities, maybe Phoenix should start on that. But Phee…” Her concerned eyes find Phoenix’s. “…if you think you’re unable to protect yourself or if you can’t help her control the magic, you run and you find me right away. Okay?”

Phoenix nods, but I can feel the nervousness now coming from her.

“I know you wouldn’t try to hurt Phoenix purposely, but we don’t know how well you can control that magic of yours. I think it’s best we all be careful until we know you can control it for certain.” Noelle speaks to both of us.

“When do we start?” I ask them.

“Tomorrow evening? I think it’s best you find somewhere you can both meet in the evenings. Fabian already has a problem with Angel coming here. I don’t think the other witches will be too happy if they learn that we’re teaching a wolf our magic secrets either, so let’s keep it between the three of us.”

I look at Noelle confused. “Most of the witches have already seen me around here, they saw me when I nearly killed Phoenix, they must figure something strange is up? Have they not said anything already? They clearly know I’m a werewolf or… well… part werewolf I guess.”

“You got through the spell we cast to keep the wolves away, so no, they don’t think that you’re a full blooded werewolf. They’ve only seen you in your human state, and all they saw was someone with powerful magic. You were also being carried away by a wolf. For all they know, the reason you smelt like a wolf was because you were hanging out with one. Witches tend to stick to themselves and although I’ve heard some of them talking and asking questions, none are jumping to conclusions about what and who you are yet. We don’t want to raise more questions, so let’s keeps things quiet until you’ve gained control over your magic.” Noelle gets up. “I’m off to bed, you two better get some sleep, you’ll need all your energy for tomorrow evening, Angel.”

Phoenix walks me out and towards the tree that I use to climb over. We don’t use the main gate because that means walking past all the cottages. I’d basically be announcing my presence and I don’t want that; I like being in the shadows anyway.

Phoenix climbs up and sits on the wall alongside me. She’s a light, tiny thing and manages to climb the tree like a monkey, even in her gypsy skirt.

“What happened tonight? Are you okay?” she asks quietly, looking concerned.

It takes me a few seconds to respond, but eventually I do. “Yeah, I’m okay. I just ran into the twins and told them a few home truths. I just let everything tumble out and then got angry… like really angry. I was afraid I’d hurt them if I didn’t get away.” I look down at my nails as I speak.

“That was a really good decision to come here, Angel. You knew they wouldn’t be able to come near the camp with the warning spell we have. As far as speaking your mind, good for you. From what you’ve already told me about them, you don’t deserve the way they treat you. We’ll get your magic under control though, so don’t worry about that. I swear we’ll will get it sorted.” She throws her arms around me and leans her head onto my shoulder.

I pat her hand awkwardly. I’m still getting used to the affection she shows me so freely, even though we’ve only known each other for a little while.

“I better get going.” I let out a deep breath as she removes her head and arms from me.

“I’ll do that cloaking spell for you. Here take my hand.” She takes one of my hands in hers then reaches into her coat and pulls out a little spray bottle. She sprays it into my palm and the smell of lavender invades my senses.

“You didn’t spray me with anything last time?” I ask curiously.

“I sprayed the paper with my cell phone number on,” she smiles.

“You need to teach me how to do that spell. It could save me from a lot of arguments in the future.” I smile.

She giggles. “It’s one of the complicated spells, but I can certainly try. We’ll get to it but not tomorrow, tomorrow we start on the basics of the Wicca world.”