Athena Laurent

Fate is a curious phenomenon. Some people say that all events are coincidental; some say they've been written since the beginning of time. For Athena, the meaning of Fate is clear. It's a load of utterly wrong and manipulative bullshit that has been screwing with her life for as long as she can remember.

It wasn't difficult to figure out Fate had decided Athena was meant to be alone. Why else was she forced to run away? Why else would she be kicked out of her coven years later? If she could, Athena would punch Fate in the face to teach it not to mess with someone's life. But how do you defy Fate when you don't know what was meant to be and what wasn't? How can you be unpredictable when you don't know what parts are already set in stone?

Athena's restless legs are shaking on the floor of a small coffee shop located in the streets of London. She has been sitting there for almost twenty minutes, waiting for the Enchantress of London. That name is almost as ridiculous as this meeting, she thinks grimly while taking a sip from her coffee. Damn, it's cold again. She quickly whispers a spell, until the vapour becomes visible above the cup again.

Her thoughts have been all over the place since Alexis Price, leader of the coven in the United Kingdom had asked to meet her, Athena Laurent, a former member of that same coven for coffee. She couldn't say no to Alexis, she has never been able to. Even though the coven decided to kick her out, she knew Alexis never agreed to let her go.

They've kept in touch these past two years, even when Athena was travelling around the world. It was Alexis who told her to find a new home somewhere else, and yet, she's also the one who told her to come back. It was both a relief and an annoyance to return. No place she visited in the world made her feel at home. She knows she is the problem, not any place, she just hoped she could convince herself to be happy somewhere. When she came to London, she thought she had found that place, but even in the heart of England, she never felt like she truly belonged. Among the witches, she felt like a stranger, even though they were kind to her. For years, she tried to fit in, making the best of an unwanted situation, until they decided it wasn't enough anymore. Now she knows, finding a safe place, a home isn't written in the stars for her. It just isn't meant to be.

When Athena arrived in London yesterday, after two years of absence, she didn't want to stay in a hotel. Instead, she rented a small place in the city. When the landlord asked how long she would be staying, she bewitched him. It all depends on what Alexis has to say. Part of her wants to leave this place, another part wants a second chance within the coven. But that is never going to happen. They know too much to ever let her in their inner circle again, not even for a friendly tea party.

If you're a witch without a coven in the United Kingdom, you're almost forced to live among the humans. Almost every inch of the country belongs to someone in the supernatural world. In the United Kingdom, the werewolves rule a great part of the land. They're practically invisible to humans and still, they are able to live their lives happily. Athena isn't allowed in their territory; she knows if she takes one step in it, they wouldn't think twice about throwing her in the dungeon to die. Athena's will to live is too strong to have herself killed by some brainless, idiotic Alpha. It is a miracle she even landed in neutral territory when she first arrived in England, or maybe it was Fate making sure she didn't die that day because then her destiny of being alone forever would have been cut short.

The human world is strange when you're not born into it. When she ran away seven years ago, she had never talked to a human before, let alone tried to be one. When she discovered she was a witch and became part of the coven in London, she was forced to be close to them. Before London, she lived in the woods, and before that... the memory is a blur. The woods were her home for so long, she thought she would never get used to the city and its crowded appearance, but now, she enjoyed the liveliness of London, the daily walk in the park, and the city lights at night.

"Alone with your depressed thoughts again?" Athena calmly looks up, smiling a little, not even a little bit surprised her former leader is standing in front of her. "Never again, Alexis, you taught me that," she says, still smiling. She stands up and bows her head a little towards the enchantress out of respect for the woman she considers a mentor and her only friend. Alexis simply takes her hand and squeezes it softly, her way of an informal greeting.

"Alexis, how have you been?" Athena asks. The enchantress smiles only brightly at her, visibly relieved and happy to see her old student in front of her again. She doesn't look a day older than 45, but looks are deceiving in the supernatural world. Alexis has been on Earth far longer than any other coven member in the United Kingdom, maybe even the world.

"You look good. Healthy," Alexis states while her eyes inspect every inch of Athena's body. The witch gestures to the chairs and they both sit down. "I feel good, Alexis. Good and healthy," Athena says, repeating the words Alexis described her with. She was considering saying she felt great, but that would have been a lie, and Alexis always knows when she's lying.

"Are you tempted to...?"

"No. Never. "

"Good."

"I invited you here to ask you something," she says, gazing her purple-blue eyes directly in Athena's green ones. Whenever she does that, Athena is unable to look away; it's a powerful move not many witches are able to pull, and even fewer can repel it.

"Shoot," Athena says uncomfortably, causing Alexis to frown at her.

"There is a difficult time approaching for the supernatural world. Our coven has sensed it and even the packs, clans, and covens all over the world have a feeling something is coming."

"What is this danger? Do we fight it?" Athena asks, but Alexis shakes her head. "We don't know what or who we would be fighting yet. There is friction between the different species in the world, there has been for years, but it is close to becoming a war now. Fighting might not be the answer this time." Athena ignores the urge to roll her eyes. Why does she always have to be so cryptic? She thinks irritated. "So, what is the answer?"

"You are."

"I'm sorry?"

"There is a pack in the North, not only for werewolves but for all supernatural creatures. One pack for everyone; they are the first step to a new world. They can show everyone how to live side by side in peace. It may be our only hope."

"The pack in the North? That's a myth, nobody has ever seen that pack or their alpha. Besides, a pack full of supernatural creatures, that's impossible. They'll kill each other first before joining a pack together." Athena scoffs, did she really come back to London for a fairy-tale? She didn't think Alexis would believe in this nonsense; let alone call it their only hope.

"They are not a myth, Athena. The pack and their alpha are very real, and I want you to find them."

"Me? Why?"

"Because I need you to give the Alpha something."

"What"

"A scroll with a spell, the spell."

Athena stiffens unintentionally. She had only heard once of the spell Alexis is referring to and she was never meant to know about it in the first place. The magic of that spell is so powerful it could make the world an impenetrable paradise or destroy everything and everyone in it within seconds.

"Why? Why on earth would you bring that spell into the world? It would be better to destroy it."

"We can't destroy it, you know that. No one can. We could only keep it safe until we are meant to use it. That time has come, Athena, the Goddess has spoken to us, the pack of the North will become a sanctuary for the supernatural world."

This is nuts, Athena thinks. In the wrong hands, this spell could make a weak man invincible; a bad person immune to all kinds of powers, or even worse, it can wipe out an entire species. She's overwhelmed, just the thought of that spell makes her nervous beyond compare, and now Alexis, her old leader - who was there when the witches voted her out - is saying that she wants her to bring the most dangerous thing that ever existed on earth to an Alpha who probably doesn't even exist? Athena can tell the witch is not fooling her, she is actually serious about this crazy plan.

Why would Alexis even trust her with this great responsibility? After everything that happened? Maybe because she knows Athena would never use it for herself. After everything, having power over something or someone is the last thing she wishes. Something as powerful as this spell shouldn't exist. Nobody can handle that much power and nobody ever should.

"Why me?" Athena asks again.

"Because you are the greatest enchantress I've ever taught, Athena. You can protect it."

"I'm sure many witches can protect it, why don't you send them? They are actually still under your command. I'm not!"

"I know, you know how I feel about that, Athena."

"Yes, I know." She gritted her teeth, the anger has decreased in two years, but it still hurts to think about the day she was banished.

"Do you think I am really that good?"

"Yes, I do. You can do things most witches, or even I can only dream of. Just now, you could have refused to look at me." Athena raises her eyebrow, reviewing the memories from a few minutes ago.

"Huh, what do you mean? I couldn't deny your gaze," she responds confused. Alexis smiles warmly. "The only reason I was able to lock your eyes at me is that you let me, Athena. That makes you an exceptional enchantress. No one can make you do something you don't want to do." Alexis sighs, and Athena can tell the enchantress is exhausted. But why?

"There will be people looking for you, so you have to be smart and careful. There are some powerful witches who didn't agree with our choice and there are Alpha's and vampires who would kill for that kind of power. When they learn about the spell, and they will, you must be prepared. Your powers will allow you to become almost invisible, but you have to take your time. Every supernatural move you make is traceable. Try to be human until you have to fight. Nobody can have that scroll."

"I already have a target on my back, why would I make it even bigger by going on this doubtful mission?" Athena is irritated by the burden her friend is placing on her. Why should she be the one? There are countless others.

"Because this is bigger than you and me." The vampires and werewolves are tired of living in the shadows, what if they decide one day to reveal themselves? What do you think happens then? Humans will never accept that there are stronger creatures out there, how many lives do you think it will cost before they give up and accept their fate; accepting that they are inferior to the supernatural creatures walking amongst them? Too many. Athena bites her lip, knowing her mentor is right.

"Am I supposed to do this alone?" she asks, surprised she's even thinking about it. She's been alone for two years, never felt a strong connection to people, never felt at home. Why would she be afraid to do this alone?

"No, you're not. But you will start alone." Alexis replies. Athena frowns, waiting for more information on the subject, but her friend doesn't continue. "When will I meet them?"

"That depends on you, dear. Trust your head, but don't forget to listen to your heart, it might tell you exactly what you need to know."

Does she know something I don't? Athena always has that feeling whenever Alexis tells her vague stuff like this. Alexis is a powerful witch; she's had many visions in the past before and many of them came true. Athena will never get used to Alexis's predictions or whatever they are. It's frustrating her so-called friend doesn't just tell her what she needs to know. She always acts like she is the smartest witch in the room, the all-knowing enchantress, which she, unfortunately, is. Most of the time.

"Alexis, I am about to risk my life for this mission of yours, you have to tell me everything you know!"

"There is nothing left to tell, Athena. I simply told you what the Moon Goddess told me. Let Fate guide your journey and you'll find what you are looking for." Athena was in this moment very glad she had learned to control her powers, otherwise, this coffee place might have gone up in flames. Her blood starts to boil and her fingers start to shake in anger. This is why she didn't want to meet with Alexis today, she should have known something like this was going to happen. Stuck in some fairy-tale quest with Fate as a tour guide. Great.

"Meet me in our old house in twelve hours, don't be late," Alexis says suddenly and she rises up from her chair. She nudges Athena to embrace her and a little reluctantly, Athena stands up too, placing her hands awkwardly on Alexis's shoulders. Her mentor mirrors her movements and bends forwards until her lips touch Athena's ear, causing her body to stiffen. It has been such a long time she felt someone's touch on her body. She has missed the warmth it creates. "The pack in the North is real, Athena, and when you find it, you might find the place where you truly belong. You might even find people like you."