Chapter 260: _The Vein
"What?" Aunt Althea asked with furrowed eyebrows the next morning when I brought up the nightmare to her.
We were both in the mansion’s garden, sitting around a round white wooden table, each of us holding a mug of warm tea.
Caroline was staring at some flowers and picking some at a corner as my aunt and I had our conversation, but she listened in once in a while.
This was a conversation for witches after all.
"Yes, Aunt. A black vortex of... Chaotic magic." I whispered, looking around as I remembered the images in the nightmare.
I wasn’t able to sleep after that nightmare, even with Kaelos cuddling me and planting kisses on my face each time he turned on the bed.
He even slept in later than usual this morning to stay with me longer... But alas, it did little to drive away the chaos in my mind.
Althea blinked at me for a few seconds before shaking her head. "And you mentioned a deep voice talking about awakening chaotic magic from underneath the continent?"
I nodded, taking a sip from the hot tea.
It had a slightly bitter taste but it was otherwise herbal, bringing a soothing feeling that began in my throat before spreading all around my body and my mind.
I sighed with satisfaction, parting aside some strands of my hair when a familiar voice chimed in my head.
’You’re chugging that tea like it’s a lifeline.’ Sirena muttered with a snigger.
I didn’t even flinch as I responded. ’Maybe it is. It seems to be the only thing calming my nerves since the nightmare.’
She suddenly gasped dramatically. ’A tea calmed you and not our mate? Talk about a sick burn, girl.’
I felt like rolling my eyes but Althea’s voice stopped that thought.
"If this... Vision holds any true substance... And let’s be honest, it most likely does." She began, drumming her fingers on the table. "Then I think I know what this chaotic magic beneath the continent is."
My eyes widened as I set the tea aside, leaning closer like she was going to escape without telling me.
"What is it, Aunt Althea?"
She hesitated for a few seconds, clasping her hands together as she glanced briefly at Caroline behind me.
Then...
"It’s been called a few names by witches and werewolves alike for millennia. But it’s popularly known as... The Vein."
I blinked, a small frown spreading on my face.
The Vein?
"What’s... That? And why haven’t I heard about it all this while?" I queried, arching an eyebrow.
She clenched her jaw, showing more hesitation as she shook her head. "You haven’t heard about it because it’s information we don’t pass lightly among young, inexperienced witches who might be foolish enough to seek its power. No offence."
I didn’t react to that, nodding for her to continue.
And she did just that.
"Underneath North America, there’s a vast pool of ancient chaotic magic. No one is sure of its origin. Some say it’s the remains of a dark god. Others say it’s the blood of witches from throughout the centuries that formed it... Numerous theories."
I subconsciously held my breath, peaking my ears in anticipation.
She clicked her tongue, swirling her tea around. "When this chaotic magic was discovered, witches obviously wanted to tap into it. Imagine a vast pool of endless chaotic magic just lying underneath the continent without any use? Sadly... That didn’t end well."
Her voice became solemn now.
"Centuries passed and several witches tried to control the Vein or even a fraction of its power. Each one had far worse fates than the last. Death was the most merciful outcome. Others ran mad or got corrupted into twisted and chaotic forms. That’s when the high covens of the planet came together and banned all witches from tapping into the Vein."
I glanced back at Caroline and realised she had stopped plucking the tulips at a corner and now stared at us with interest in her eyes.
Althea didn’t seem to mind that.
"Some still defied the laws of the high covens and tried to control the Vein. One witch managed to create chaotic creatures said to have dominion over the night and drain life force, using magic from the Vein. She was sealed into the it but the damage was already done..."
"That’s how the global war between werewolves and witches began..." Caroline whispered just then, forcing me and my aunt to turn our gazes to her.
She scratched her head awkwardly. "My grandmother used to tell me stories. Not many people know how the war between the witches and wolves started but the catalyst is said to be the ancient witch who created those creatures of the night centuries ago."
How could I be a part of one of the most powerful witch bloodlines on the continent and know so little about our history?
"I’m lost though..." I finally found the strength to speak, shaking my head. "What does this... Vein has to do with me? Who was the voice in my dreams and how did he gain access to my mind?"
Althea blinked, her eyebrows crumpling as she seemingly went into thought.
A few seconds later, she snapped her fingers.
"Mexico City... Your battle against the raven witch. Was there anything... Odd you noticed?"
I tilted my head slightly, thinking deeply.
Odd?
Other than the fact that she had been a crazed fanatic working for the lord of the North while experimenting on wolves?
’Think, Odessa...’ Sirena whispered in my mind. ’We’re missing something. Something vital... The runes. The magic formations in the pocket dimension that day. Her dark spells... Her taunting you to use your powers.’
The more Sirena spoke, the wider my eyes became, my breath hitching in my throat.
At a point, I was certain a dark entity shrouded in smoke had flown out of me during my battle with the raven witch... But the memory was blurry.
I had no doubts about what I concluded next.
"The Lord of the North..." I swallowed hard, my breathing heavy and my voice shaking. "He’s... He’s in my head. Isn’t he?"
Althea’s jaw tightened, her eyes glinting with a plethora of emotions. "If he’s in your head... then we might be too late."