Meanwhile, Mrs. Spencer and Hadizah, the witch, were seated in the living room, both of them clearly satisfied with how their plan had turned out.
"I’m so happy and relieved now," Mrs. Spencer said, though a hint of concern still lingered in her voice. "But I keep wondering—what exactly happened to Maria to make her fall into a coma just like that?"
Hadizah’s face turned serious. "There are things hidden from the ordinary eyes. Maria journeyed to a land with no end. If we hadn’t intervened and spoken with the spirits, she would have been stuck there forever."
"What do you think happens on the other side?" Mrs. Spencer asked, her curiosity evident.
"My father told me before he died that whatever is troubling you or causing you confusion is sometimes revealed to you there. But if things go wrong, you may never return," Hadizah explained calmly.
"So Maria must have seen things over there. Will she remember them?" Mrs. Spencer asked with a thoughtful expression.
"She must have seen things, but whether she remembers them is another matter. Some people return with full memories, others forget but start showing signs—new traits they picked up from the other side," Hadizah explained further.
"I just pray she remembers everything because she has suffered so much already," Mrs. Spencer said softly, worry clouding her eyes.
Hadizah sighed. "We should not only pray that she remembers but also that she made the right choice. Whatever decision she made there will shape who she becomes here. And her choice can either be good or bad."
Mrs. Spencer sat up, alarmed. "What are you saying? Are you suggesting she’s now a different person?"
"She’s surely changed," Hadizah said firmly. "We bent the rules of nature to bring her back. That alone is enough to change someone. We rushed her return, not knowing if she had finished her journey there or made a decision. We have to watch her closely."
Mrs. Spencer’s worry deepened. "I pray the spirits guide her to do what’s right. Because if she chose the wrong path, the world may be facing something it has never seen before."
"What do you mean by that?" Hadizah asked, now deeply intrigued.
"Maria’s birth was tied to an ancient prophecy," Mrs. Spencer revealed. "Though everything seemed fine at first, her birth quickly turned into a disaster. Many believed all the children born that day were killed. But Maria survived. She carries a destiny too great to waste—she’s the only child of the then Alpha."
Hadizah’s eyes widened. "So what’s the danger her existence brings?"
"If she turns out to be the true child of the Blue Moon... then a beast is about to awaken. A force like a volcano on the verge of eruption," Mrs. Spencer said, fear etched on her face.
"Then why have you been protecting her?" Hadizah asked, clearly baffled.
"Because Maria isn’t just a good girl," Mrs. Spencer said softly. "I have a mandate to protect her with all I have—my power, my connections. One day, you’ll understand why. For now, we can only hope she made the right choice."
Hadizah sighed. "I truly hope everything turns out well. I’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning."
"I can’t thank you enough, my friend. May the spirits always bless and protect you," Mrs. Spencer said as she leaned back on the sofa, finally closing her eyes to rest.
***
At the Gilbert residence, Bernard and his parents had just returned home after visiting Maria in the hospital. Maria had eaten the food Luna Victoria prepared and had spent time with her friends.
In the living room, Luna Victoria stood up first, exhausted and ready to retire to her room.
Bernard sat quietly across from his father, a deep frown on his face. He looked troubled, his mind far away.
Beta Gilbert quickly noticed his son’s unease. He turned to him, concern sharp in his gaze. "Son, look me in the eyes and tell me the truth. What’s bothering you?"
Bernard hesitated at first, unsure if he should speak. But his father’s unrelenting stare left him with no choice.
"My problem is Laura," Bernard finally said, his voice tight with frustration.
"Who exactly is Laura?" Beta Gilbert asked, curiosity in his tone.
"She’s the lady who showed up at the hospital today—when you and mom stepped out to get food for Maria," Bernard explained.
"That lady again?" Beta Gilbert growled, anger flashing in his eyes as his jaw clenched.
Bernard was startled by his father’s fierce reaction. He turned sharply to look at him, confusion written all over his face...