Raias returned after planning the arrangements with the kitchen staff. The staff removed the banquet table and replaced them with several shorter tables, all arranged in a U shape.

The Magna, Jacard, Alara, and Raias sat at the head table. A few of the other coven members attended.

Jacard noticed Neferita was not among them and said, “Either she did not want to come or was not invited. Either way, that is not promising. She may make trouble for us.”

Two additional coven members wheeled in a grand mirror and parked it at the end of the hall.

Jacard whispered to Alara. “What is that for?”

“We use it for transportation. It makes it easier than opening a portal with raw magic.”

The Magna stood up and waved her hand toward the mirror.

Jacard noticed that something, a sparkle? infinitesimally small left her hand and traveled to the mirror. When it touched, the mirror became watery, and on the other side were Roc and Elef, sleeping.

Whispering to Alara once more, he asked, “What was that? That flew out of Mili’s hand and hit the mirror?”

The Magna answered. “That, Jacard, was magical energy that no one besides yourself and I could have possibly seen. You are showing more promise each time I see you. Very good! Very good indeed.”

Raias went through the mirror and retrieved the two guests. Elef hesitated before coming. Jacard’s eye and his locked, and he stepped through.

Once through, Elef ran to the left to get to Jacard.

Two coven members stepped from the sides, crossing the spears in front of Elef and barring his way.

Elef stopped. “What? What’s the problem?”

The Magna laughed. “Please forgive them; they are just ensuring our safety. It is a habit. You can allow him through. Might want to walk a little slower. We are not used to having guests, and some of us may be a little on edge. We would hate to have a guest get hurt.”

Roc and Raias stood at the mirror. Raias led him down the right side to their seats.

Elef, walking slower, came around to the left.

Jacard got up and met him halfway.

They each gave the other an enormous hug.

Moisture formed in Elef’s eyes. “I thought I may never see you again.”

“I am here, Elef. The coven has taken excellent care of me. They saved my life and more.” Jacard glanced at Alara and smiled.

Elef followed Jacard’s eyes and looked back at Jacard. “Are you? Are the two of you, together, like as in a couple?”

“Yes, that is one way of saying it. Elef, I will not be returning with you. I have finally found my place. It is here and at Alara’s side. Please be happy for me.”

Elef took a moment before responding. He stepped back from Jacard. “It has only been a few days. You will leave everything you know behind?”

“It is not like I will never see you again. We have tonight, and I am sure we can visit in the future.” Jacard looked at Mili for approval.

Mili nodded in agreement.

Taken aback, Elef shook his head. “You have changed, Jacard. Your happiness is the important thing.”

The rest of the evening progressed happily. Jacard and Elef caught each other up. Jacard laughed wholeheartedly when he heard the part of Roc picking him up. They ate, drank, and some even danced. A few musicians had played music for them for entertainment. Elef caught the eye of several coven members. They did not get the chance to meet an available male often. Elef spent most of his time talking and dancing with coven members wanting to know more about him.

To Jacard it was obvious his friend was enjoying himself. Elef had never been so popular and was smiling the entire time.

Raias and Roc disappeared for a while and returned several hours later.

Everyone was having a good time.

Neferita walked in with a look of surprise on her face. She did not say a word. She turned around and left.

The night waned down. Raias opened the mirror portal for Roc and Elef.

Elef nodded, hugged Jacard. With a surprised look on her face, Elef hugged Alara too.

The Magna walked up. “Hold on a second.” She gave Jacard a medallion. “Have Elef take one side and you the other.” They did as directed. The Magna placed her hand on both of theirs and hummed a quick tune. “Now both of you pull.”

Each held half of the medallion.

“This is just like Raias and Roc’s,” said Elef.

The Magna looked into Elef’s eyes. “You are a good friend to Jacard. Do not let distance belittle that feeling. You already know how to use the coin. Use it only when you have to.” The Magna turned and wished everyone goodnight.

“Thank you,” Elef said just before the Magna left.

Jacard said to Elef. “This is not goodbye, but more of a ‘see you later.’”

Elef and Roc entered the mirror and left.

My life has drastically changed over the past few days. I tried to be a member of the pack. They tolerated me, but I was never truly one of them. I could not become a wolf. Sure, I ran with them, but I was not one of them. I was always on the outside looking in.

It took me almost dying to realize I would never be one of the pack. The coven rescuing me from death by freezing was the best thing that could have ever happened to me and…

Alara. She risked everything to save me. She knew somewhere deep inside of her we would be together. It was cliche’, and yet when I opened my eyes and saw her for the first time, I knew too. I didn’t believe it at first. When she kissed me, that was it. I was hers from that moment on. She had become my family, my life, the reason I take each breath. She became my world.

I gained a mother too. Mili has taken me in, and she is going to teach me magic. Me? Magic? I just hope I can live up to her expectations.

Jacard smiled.

Alara noticed and walked closer. “What was that smile about? You looked so happy.”

“I am. I have the most amazing woman with me and I have never been better.”

Their eyes locked as they embraced each other. Each kissed the other deeply as they closed their eyes.

The next morning, Jacard reported to Mili’s chamber as promised.

The Magna answered the door. “Good morning. I hope you are well-rested. You will need every ounce of strength you have. Time to begin your training.”