Mother Riven's POV
The day started with a bad dream for me. I was someone who never joked with any occurrence. My dreams were valid ones but the one I had that night was unclear. I had a feeling something had gone wrong and I was validated soon.
As I stood in front of the dark mirror of both bone and glass, I performed the ritual. It was usually simple and today was no exception. The end of it left me wondering what to do.
Selene's tether to the magic was gone. It must have been severed or displaced or hidden. The main issue was that I could find no trace of her again. It was as if she had disappeared into thin air.
I clenched my fists. I didn't spend centuries planning and shaping Selene only for her to disappear when my mission was almost finished. That would be a betrayal to me. I walked out of the room now that I knew what to do. Elira, one of the most trusted Witchborn, was waiting for me outside. She walked with me.
"Selene is gone! I can find no trace of her," I muttered, my voice filled with worry.
"I know, Mother," Elira replied. I turned towards her with questioning eyes. She understood that and continued talking, "I also tried to trace her this morning but I was unable. It seems the Eclipse Council did something to her."
"What?" I gasped.
"I was going to tell you later…" Elira said carefully. "A carrier pigeon came here this morning bearing a letter. It is still unconfirmed information but apparently, Selene fell into Alpha Kaiden's hands at first. The Eclipse council threatened him and he gave Selene to them."
I shook my head in the negative.
"The Eclipse council won't hurt Selene recklessly…" I muttered. There had to be something wrong. Something everyone didn't know. Elira said nothing as she waited for my orders. I turned towards her now, "Gather the Witchborn in the main hall."
It had been ages since I stepped out of our territory. However, I didn't mind doing it this time. Selene was mine to control. She belongs to me, not the Eclipse council or Alpha Kaiden. I didn't mind fighting all of them for her. My grand plan was centuries long, I wouldn't watch it shatter now. I wore my robe, ensuring I dressed elegantly. I got my wand and walked into the hall gracefully. The Witchborn were gathered, each dressed and prepared to follow my orders.
"Witchborn!" I shouted.
"Greetings, Great Mother," they replied at once. With a smile on my face, I stepped forward. The smile disappeared right after.
"All of you have been with me for a long time!" I began. "You all come with different stories and from different backgrounds. However, all of you were fated to be here. Some of you were sold into slavery by your incompetent parents, others were dedicated to the Witchborn to fulfill a prophecy, some of you were born here in the Witchborn due to mysterious circumstances. Still, fate brought you here."
I looked at them, watching them listen to my words attentively. It simply showcased how much power I held over them.
"The Witchborn has always been known to be sacred. There has always been conflict among packs and among territories. However, we have always remained neutral. Our power has never been contested by anybody, living or dead…" I took a deep breath. "However, a precious item of ours has been stolen. If the Witchborn watches without action, they would believe it is fine to mess with us. Shall we watch and do nothing?"
"No, Great Mother!" They exclaimed in unison.
"Right!" I shouted back at them. "Many of you watched Selene grow up. The gods have a plan for her life so we have molded and shaped her. However, she is now nowhere to be found. Evil has snatched her with an attempt to ruin our centuries-long plan. Now, the Witchborn must step up and show the world our power."
"Aye!" Elira shouted. The others joined her as they shouted incessantly.
"It has been ages since the Witchborn left their territory. Today, we shall repeat that history," I stared at them convincingly. "The mission is simple. Find Selene no matter what. Find her trace and bring her back."
"Mother…" Elira called. I looked at her now.
"Speak, my dearest Elira!" I gave my permission.
"The outside world is dangerous. I know this because I have been there. Wouldn't it be dangerous for all Witchborn to be outside at the same time? I believe only the few, experienced Witchborn are allowed to go and find Selene," Elira said calmly. I nodded in acceptance and immediately, preparations began. Elira selected only the experienced ones and I could hear the amateurish ones grumbling. They were all curious to see how the outside world was.
"You should stay back, mother," Elira told me discreetly. "If you are not here, who knows what the grumbling Witchborn will do? You are the one who keeps this place intact."
I sighed, "Selene can't be dead. If her trace can't be found, it means she has been hidden by a great power. I believe I am the only one that can unravel that mystery."
"I will do it instead, mother," Elira told me confidently. "I am your second-in-command and you have trained me for centuries. I promise I will bring Selene back by all means. Can you trust me to do this?"
I smiled. Elira was right about all she said. If we were attacked during my absence, it would be a true tragedy. I had to stay behind.
"I will trust you, Elira. Bring Selene back and protect the Witchborn!" I touched her shoulder, my eyes brimming in admiration.
Elira fell on her knees, tears in her eyes. She was glad and excited.
"I won't fail you, mother…" She told me convincingly. She was on her knees as she looked up, "Ple
ase give me your blessings. I shall bring Selene back safely."