Chapter 37: The Grand Witch Arrives
Ruby’s POV
The air shifted as the grand witches from the Tower of Magic set foot in the Ravenhold Pack, Leading the front line was Nora Lee, the Deputy Head of the Tower of Magic, her presence exuding power–impossible to ignore. Her strength radiated from her in waves, an unspoken warning that she was not to be underestimated. Beside her, several other witches followed, their expressions unreadable as they mirrored their leader’s every step.
I was the first to welcome them, my heart both relieved and wary,
Nora had certainly kept her promise to make a grand entrance. There was absolutely no need for an entire group of witches just to handle this matter. I sighed. This was undoubtedly her way of irritating Nathaniel–my so–called father had despised witches for as long as I could remember.
Grinning broadly, I stepped forward as the first to greet her.
“Welcome, Nora.”
She mirrored my expression, though her emerald eyes gleamed with mischief.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, my friend,” she replied in a voice as smooth as silk, as if she hadn’t just walked into a den of wolves who would rather see her kind burned at the stake.
“But there’s no need for such formalities. It’s not like we only met yesterday, huh?” she added, her earlier air of wisdom vanishing in an instant.
I held back an eye roll.
“Formal greetings are the first step in welcoming a guest,” I answered, pulling her into a friendly embrace. “I’m glad you actually came.”
Nathaniel’s displeasure was immediately evident. His jaw clenched, his lips pressed into a thin line as his gaze flickered toward the witches, barely concealing his disgust. But it was Nora who offended him the most–especially her choice of attire.
She had deliberately chosen an outrageous outfit for the occasion, no doubt just to provoke him. A sheer black robe embroidered with gold clung to her figure, revealing a tightly fitted corset underneath that barely covered what needed to be covered. High slits ran along both sides of her legs, offering teasing glimpses of her toned thighs as she moved. A thick gold necklace adorned her neck, matching the cuffs wrapped around her wrists. She looked like a force both powerful and untamed.
Camilla, who had always been the devoted wife, stood faithfully by Dominic’s side, her hands resting on her growing belly. She cast a nervous glance at her husband as Nora approached, but Nora barely spared her a glance before turning her attention to Dominic.
“Alpha Dominic,” Nora greeted with feigned politeness, tilting her head slightly. “How kind of you to invite me.”
Dominic’s expression remained cold as he shot me a brief glance before returning his gaze to Nora. “You don’t even know why you’re here.”
Nora’s sweet smile widened. “Oh, but I do! I’d just rather hear it from you directly.”
If there were a translator for people’s smiles, then Nora’s would have meant, Arrogant and utterly shameless bastard. Dominic’s jaw tightened, but he had no choice. Gritting his teeth, he recounted the details of his disastrous wedding, his arm tightening protectively around Camilla as she clung to his side with a dramatic sniffle.
When he was done, he demanded, “Find out who did this. They will be punished.”
Nora sighed, feigning regret. “I would have been more helpful if I had attended the wedding. Such a shame I missed it.”
Her tone was light, but I could see how she barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. It was just an excuse. The moment the invitations were sent out, she had burned hers immediately. I only hoped Nora wouldn’t push things too far, especially since Dominic was already targeting her. He knew how close we were and had likely concocted some wild theory that we were conspiring to expose his sordid affair with Camilla.
I don’t want that to happen because it’s not true. However, someone needs to be the scapegoat to save some embarrassment.
“It’s okay, Nora. I understand how demanding a witch’s duties be Camila interjected.
Successfully unlocked!
Nora’s jaw visibly tensed. She did not appreciate Camilla daning to use her first name without permission. “Thank you for your understanding, Camilla.”
Suddenly, she straightened up and clapped her hands together.
“But! I did bring a wedding gift,” she declared cheerfully.
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Chapter 37: The Grand Witch Arrives
With a snap of her fingers, a large box wrapped in deep crimson fabric materialized before us.
I tensed
However, Camilla immediately stopped sulking the moment she saw the gift. Her eyes widened with delight, sparkling with excitement. I prayed to whatever god was willing to listen–hopefully, the gift was an actual gift. Nora always had a creative way of dealing with things she despised.
“Oh, Nora! You’re so kind!” She stepped forward, arms outstretched to embrace Nora.
But before she could, Nora gracefully sidestepped her.
“Ah, my apologies,” she said, feigning regret. “I don’t like hugs. I’m not the affectionate type.”
Liar.
I had seen her tangled in the arms of many lovers, whispering sweet nothings into their ears while stealing their breath away. That woman was a master of romance in all its forms.
“Thank you for your gift and your sincere concern for my sister, Camilla said warmly.
Nora scoffed. “It’s no big deal. My friend’s sister is my friend too. No need to make a fuss.”
On the other hand, Dominic’s face darkened at Nora’s behavior, his possessive hand pulling Camilla back behind him.
Before any more unnecessary pleasantries could be exchanged, Nathaniel spoke up. “Enough, Get to work.”
Unimpressed, Nora waved a dismissive hand. “I work when I receive proper compensation.”
Nathaniel’s eye twitched. A vein bulged at his temple.
“How much?” he ground out through clenched teeth.
Nora’s sweet smile widened. “A medium–sized chest of gold.”
His fury spiked instantly. “Are you out of your mind!?”
“That’s already a cheap price. Or shall I call it a ‘friendly discount‘?” She pulled me closer, draping an arm around me as she affectionately patted my arm. “This is because of my friendship with Ruby, Lord Lucienne.”
“No! I will not agree to this! That price is outrageous for something so trivial!” he roared in anger.
Nora released me and shrugged.
“Well, suit yourself. You’re the ones who need me, not the other way around,” she replied indifferently.
I took a deep breath as the argument continued, already dreading what was about to happen. Reluctantly, I stepped forward.
“Perhaps we can negotiate,” I said, playing the role of mediator despite my unwillingness.
But Nora remained firm. “No negotiations. That’s the price. And as I said, it’s already cheap–considering our history, Ruby.”
This time, it was Camilla who stepped in.
“Father,” she whispered, placing her delicate hand on Nathaniel’s arm. “We need this.”
Oh, this blonde fool.
Nathaniel clenched his jaw, glaring at Nora for a long moment before finally relenting. With a sharp nod, he barked at his secretary to retrieve the payment.
Nora’s triumphant smirk made me want to both laugh and scold her. The truth was, this deal affected me as well–I was still part of this pack, after all.
Once the gold was in her hands, Nora casually pulled out her kiseru, inhaling deeply before exhaling a slow stream of
smoke.
“Ah, well then,” she called out across the courtyard, her voice commanding everyone’s attention. “Show me the magic stone from the celebration. I’ll examine it. And-”
Turning back to the group of witches who had accompanied her, she ordered, “Search the entire area. Spiritual traces aren’t that easy to erase. Even the faintest remnant could be useful.”
“Yes, Grand Witch Nora!” they responded in unison.
I cut in from the side. “Would you like some of our pack members to assist you? They can act as guides, considering the layout of the pack.”
“Don’t underestimate my people, Ruby. They’re not lost chicks in need of a mother hen.” She smirked, puffing out her chest. “I was just offering help,” I muttered in annoyance.
As my family and I led Nora to a more private area to inspect the recording magic stone, a cold dread settled in my chest.
Nora was incredibly skilled in magic–her talents were renowned across the continent.
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Chapter 37: The Grand Witch Arrives
It would be a disaster if she managed to detect the spiritual traces lingering on that magic stone.
But then, Killian’s words from the night before echoed in my mind.
“Don’t worry. She won’t find anything.”
I prayed he was right.
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