Chapter 478 A deal with witches (3)

"I appreciate your concern, Talia.", Axel said. "But Evanora said it will be of equal value and I am ready for it. As an Alpha, you learn that sometimes you need to make tough decisions, but this was not one of those."

Talia's chin shivered. "Oh, Axel…" She choked a sob. "It's not fair that I got a brother, and you already need to give up things for me. How will I ever repay you?"

Axel chuckled. "No wonder Damon clung to you like that. He knew you will be an amazing Luna. Always thinking about others first." He took her hand into his and gave her a squeeze. "Fight for what's yours and be happy, Talia. That's how you will repay me. And when the time comes for me to pay the fee, if you don't agree, fight for me as well."

Evanora cackled. "That's not how it works."

Axel lifted his chin defiantly. "But that's exactly how it works. The deal is that I will pay you equal value, and I will. There is nothing I can do if my sister comes to take that back."

Evanora blinked and regarded Axel seriously. "You are a smart man, but don't think I will make it easy for you."

"I'm sure that my awesome sister will find a way. She won't allow me to suffer."

Talia was touched. "Thank you for believing in me."

Evanora snorted. "How touching. But we should leave sentimental stuff for later. We have work to do, and I believe you mentioned you are in a hurry…"

The priestesses trickled in one by one making the large office space appear cramped.

To Axel's horror, they were all topless and close. Too close. He was sweating. What the heck was this place? His personal hell?

"Do you mind if I sit on the side?", Axel asked. He didn't want to leave Talia unprotected, but the only one in danger was him because this was too much. Without waiting for a response, he took his chair and sat in the far corner.

"I believe that most of us are here.", Cornelia said while looking at the women present. "A few sisters just woke up, and they will come a bit later."

"Alright. We can start.", Evanora announced. "Here is what we are facing…"

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Talia and Cassandra both listened carefully to Evanora explaining the situation to the women in the room. She used some unknown words and Cassandra was writing down things like she knew what Evanora was talking about.

After Evanora was done, the women quickly divided tasks with Cornelia taking the lead. They needed to make potions and create chants, and they also discussed how and where to perform the spell.

"It will be the best if you do it.", Evanora said to Talia.

Talia was sure that Evanora was talking to someone else. But everyone was looking at her, so she had to ask, "Me?"

Evanora confirmed. "The spell removed you from his mind and heart. It's best if you are the one to remove black magic." Seeing that Talia didn't respond, Evanora continued, "The effect will be strongest under the light that dispels the darkness. Full Moon."

Talia's brows came together. If her calculations were right, the full moon in the human realm was still several days away, and here, that would be several months! Can she stay that long without Damon?

The idea of Damon spending a few days out there with Marcy while not remembering Talia was making her heart tighten.

"Do I need to wait until then?", Talia pleaded.

"If you do it earlier, the chance of failure will increase.", Evanora said.

Cornelia got an idea. "We can make a suppressing potion. Its effect is temporary, but it will negate the runes."

The other priestesses murmured in agreement.

Evanora's lips lifted into a smile, and she looked at Talia. "That will cost you extra."

"I will pay for it!", Cassandra exclaimed, surprising everyone. She cleared her throat and stepped in front of Evanora. "Allow me to participate in making the potion. Or at least to watch, and I will pay."

Cassandra was not stupid. She knew that this might be a double-edged sword, but her desire to learn magic was overwhelming. She was prideful because she was the only Oracle in the pack, the only one with knowledge of this ancient magic while others could either serve as assistants or watch. How wonderful it will be if she can learn from the witches!

"Are you asking to pay the fee, or to be taken in as an apprentice?", Evanora asked dryly.

"I know what I did was wrong.", Cassandra said. "My ignorance is not an excuse. However, now that I've met you, I realized that I barely scratched the surface. In my desire for magic, I took shortcuts while disregarding consequences, and I hope that you can show me the way. I promise to follow your orders. I will pay the fee for the potion and stay here to clean or assist with whatever you need until you tell me that it's enough. You won't regret it."

Seeing that Evanora didn't react to Cassandra's speech, Cornelia stepped forward. "We never refuse a child who wants to learn. I will be in charge of the potion, so I will make the deal with you."

Cornelia extended her hand, and Cassandra quickly clasped it. White light flashed when their hands connected and Cornelia said, "It's done."

Cornelia's lips lifted in a wicked smile. "I hope you won't regret this."

Cassandra's hair stood on ends and she wondered if she made a mistake.

Talia had no idea how to react to this second deal and even though she knew that Cassandra did it for selfish reasons, Talia was grateful.

The door opened silently, and Talia glanced to see a young woman slipping through the crack. She had shoulder-length blonde hair and light blue eyes that sparkled. A silky white fabric covered her crotch area, and otherwise, her slender body was revealed, matching the appearance of other priestesses.

"Yasmin", Evanora called. "How nice of you to join us."

Yasmin stopped in her tracks. "I apologize, mother, for running late. I was sleeping when Cornelia called and I had difficulty waking up."

"Well, you are awake now when the work is done.", Evanora said with disapproval in her voice and mumbled under her breath, "When will you learn responsibility?"

Talia suppressed a smile. Evanora was respected and powerful, yet this little woman was pushing her buttons. It was evident that Yasmin being late was not the first time.

Talia glanced at Yasmin and her eyebrows shot up when she saw the girl looking intently toward the corner.

Talia turned in slow motion to see Axel standing there and staring at Yasmin like she was the only woman in the room.

It took Talia one long second to recognize that look. Mates.

Yasmin moved toward Axel, and Axel moved toward her, and the priestesses moved so that the newly mated couple can meet in the middle of the room.

By now, all women were looking at them, and Evanora frowned while trying to figure out what was going on.

"I'm Axel…", he said, and she responded with a dreamy smile, "Yasmin."

Axel reached for Yasmin's hand and they both jerked upon contact.

"No!", Evanora exclaimed, and Talia got a start, unsure why Evanora would react this way.

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See pic of Evanora and Yasmin in the comments.

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