SELENE

I reside in a quaint town known as Southbridge, Massachusetts. Recently, I discovered that I belong to a formidable union of witches and sorcerers. This alliance, akin to any regular group, comprises allied witches and sorcerers along with their offspring. When a witch and a sorcerer unite, their destinies become intertwined. This connection is beyond marriage; it binds them for life. If one perishes, so does the other. I go by the name Luna within this alliance. At birth, those under the covenant bear an eternally marked symbol, magically etched onto their skin.

This unique bond is referred to as Luna, symbolized by the crescent moon adorning the right shoulder.

Lately, we've encountered assaults from werewolves, and banshees roam, taking lives. A task was assigned to eliminate a banshee, yet she declined to go unaccompanied. My identity is Laura Marshall, a witch for around a year, and seemingly for life. I've concluded that existence wasn't created; it's an innate human state. It appears my parents abandoned me to spare me from a life steeped in demons, death, and the nocturnal unknowns. My ongoing debates with my manager invariably result in my triumph, save for this instance.

"You insisted on staying uninvolved! Why provoke an argument, Laura?" We capture potential informants, torture them for information, and then eliminate them.

"I'm not dragging you into this. I merely seek company. Being a novice, I can't manage it alone. Come, Daisy, I stand as a lone banshee." Can you confront this alone without risking your life? Banshees were witches who transformed due to their pain; they scream as they feed, killing through agony.

"Firstly, Laura, you won't die; becoming one is possible, though death is improbable. Secondly, I can't. Allow Clarisse to confront the demon she faced; my personal demons need tending. Although new to this realm, I'm eager to fight, a sentiment not shared by all, given their upbringing. Daisy, the decision-maker, assigns tasks. She favors me for confronting the Banshee alone.

"Still hoping for James' transformation? He was bitten; change is inevitable. His current behavior is peculiar. Restraining him won't halt his transformation. Our cages aren't for Weres; they're for the demons we apprehend. Weres is our term for werewolves. This cage isn't robust enough; they're stronger than metal.

"Why remind me, Laura? I'm bound; I can't abandon him until his true nature is certain." Not all Weres are malevolent. Perhaps he could assist in our demon eradication. He's a wizard; his conscience might guide him, and his pleasant demeanor might endure beyond the initial change. I'm devoted to him, Laura, I can't let go. James was bitten last month during an encounter with inner-city packs, burdening Daisy with guilt. He invited her along, but she was preoccupied with my knowledge. Their leader Raphael attacked him, and the consequences were deliberate.

We meet Raphael's challenge. Turning the leader into a werewolf altered the balance, granting him the upper hand. James and Daisy are formidable; together, they're invincible. Approaching his cell, though against his wishes, we comprehend the bigger purpose. Our mission: halt the Banshee's deadly spree. Although Daisy prefers James' company, my need for Clarisse's assistance trumps personal preferences. "Laura, I can't. Banshees thrive on pain; currently, I'm tormented. Reach out to Clarisse; after attending to James, I'll assist with potions if needed.

James' cell, dim and windowless, houses an uncomfortable bed. Distinctively, I've provided warmth with a blanket and books. These books detail ancestral history. Seeking information on witches and their transformations, James' endeavor remains unsuccessful. Observing his reading during dinner, I discern transformation signs. His once blue eyes shift to yellow, reminiscent of a wolf. Muscles accentuate, enhancing his form. His handsome features remain, though his curls cascade longer, perfect for tanning. Love blossoms as we embrace; and affectionate greetings are exchanged.

"How's James? Transformation's impact is apparent; do you feel different?"

"Daisy, I'm sturdy, yet a primal urge threatens to shatter my confinement. Enhanced strength abounds, but my frame endures."

"Even if you can't see it, you'll still laugh. I'd like to believe he doesn't get angry, but I have no evidence to support that. I say, 'This is fantastic news! I'm so scared of losing you forever that I can't bear the idea of being your eternal adversary.' I'm shedding tears now. Over the past month, I've worked so hard to appear strong that allowing myself to cry now feels incredibly relieving. He embraced me, rubbed my back, and attentively listened to everything I wanted to achieve: training Laura, maintaining our connection, and taking care of him. 'I'm sorry I just lost, but without you, it's been extremely difficult. You're my cornerstone; I can't face this alone. Without you, I'm utterly powerless. How can we preserve this bond?'

'Daisy, can't you perceive the consequences when I wasn't at your side? Even though your comrades were captured and slowly transformed into monsters, you remained the most resilient in our group and you remained with me. I'm guiding my people. I'm confident everyone has abandoned me. Except you. That's why I love you.'

'You won't become a monster. I won't allow you to become one of them. I won't permit Raphael to triumph. I refuse.' I turned away from him and began to toy with the threads of my sweater. Since it was early spring, it remained chilly, and the basement was even cooler. I gazed at James once more and observed his expression. His golden eyes frightened me, yet they still conveyed the same kindness they had in the past. I needed him profoundly. His unwavering encouragement, strength, and affection sustained me and guided our people. I would have been entirely lost without him. 'What strengths do you possess? Can you still sense them?'

'Yes, I can perceive them. Just as being bitten by a werewolf enhances my power as a Warlock, it also heightens my strength.' He seemed concerned about this. However, he presented a strong façade as if he cherished me. I knew he desired a smooth transition for both of us, but I preferred honesty over falsehood. Despite the potential discomfort, I played along. We needed to ease the transition for him as well. 'Is that beneficial? I mean, you appear to be gaining more strength and physical prowess. Does this imply you won't deteriorate?'

'Perhaps, but keep in mind that the transformation will make it definitive. I hope not.' He gazed at me thoughtfully for a moment, then stated, 'Enough about me; how are you? How's Laura's training progressing, and how is the alliance faring?'

'They're well, concerned for both you and me, but overall, they're fine. I'm stressed and chasing demons. We've located Raphael; now we need to extricate him without causing trouble. Laura is excelling. She and Clarisse are pursuing a banshee. Hopefully, they encounter no difficulties. There have been interactions with the vampire clan. We found the corpse of a young girl with minimal blood not far away. Fred is investigating to identify the culprit. 'My powers have evolved; I can cast spells with a mere whisper. I conceived a spell when Alec, Ashley, and I were cornered by two Daeva Devils. Daeva demons wreak havoc wherever they go. They shapeshift and wreak deadly havoc; deaths occur every week. We've traced their movements, though we believe there's only one. We can handle it.' I urged myself to ensure it was effective, and suddenly, one of them burst. So, I repeated it louder, and the second one exploded. The twins looked at me in astonishment; I didn't blame them—I was shocked as well.'

'Really? That's promising news. It might be connected to my bite. Our bond is strengthening, and consequently, my powers are intensifying, which likely applies to yours as well. That's the only explanation I can think of. The twins didn't join you in chanting the hymn, yet you prevailed against them?.

"No, it's just me. But if what you're saying is true, what if I turn mean because of you? Or does it mean you won't be bad because I'm too strong to be bad, and you're tied to me? We'll figure it out. I'm getting ahead of myself, but anything to keep me motivated enough to keep going, so I'll start. I need to believe he won't turn his back, because without him, I'd die too. Living without a companion is hard, and I can't go on alone.

"I understand, Daisy. We will. Tonight is the change. Do you want me to stay in this cage while it happens? You know it won't hold me back."

I examined the cell as if for the first time. It truly couldn't contain a werewolf. The cell was fortified with spells and incantations aimed at keeping demons inside, not a werewolf. "I know, and I don't want you locked up. I thought it was all a dream. I'll find Raphael and make him pay, even if it means I have to die. Hold on, an idea just occurred to me. Maybe we can build you a cage to keep you in. It just requires money, right? We could make a silver one to hold you back. I don't know why I didn't think of it before." I stood up, turned, and walked to the door. "I'll be back with Jake and Peter. We'll find a suitable cell for you. After tonight, we'll know if you'll stay here forever or roam free with us. I love you, James." With that, I turned and let him lock the door behind me.