Awakening A New Generation of Hunters

Zoe's P.O.V

The sharp beeping of the machines dragged me from the fog of unconsciousness. Blinking, I took in the sterile hospital room, the unfamiliar scent of antiseptic stinging my nostrils. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavy. Slowly, I turned my head and spotted Taylor slouched in a chair, asleep, his hand tightly clasping mine. 

For a moment, I felt a fragile sense of calm. He was here, and that made the suffocating weight in my chest a little easier to bear. 

I stretched for the water jug on the nightstand, my fingers brushing its smooth surface. Almost there… My hand slipped, tipping the glass precariously, but Taylor's reflexes were faster. His hand darted out to catch it before it shattered on the floor. 

"You've been awake this whole time?" His voice, a mix of relief and concern, was barely above a whisper. 

I shrugged weakly, watching as he poured water into a glass and handed it to me. I gulped it down, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. 

"How do you feel?" he asked, settling back into his chair. 

"My head hurts," I admitted, the words sticking in my throat. "Tay… What happened?" 

His face clouded, and for a second, he avoided my gaze. But I already knew. The memories came crashing down, sharp and unforgiving. My mother—her laugh, her touch, her love—was gone. 

"She didn't make it, did she?" My voice cracked, but I had to say it out loud, to face the truth. Taylor shook his head, his eyes filled with sorrow. Tears spilled down my cheeks, unstoppable. He pulled me into his arms as I sobbed, my grief pouring out in waves. 

"Your mother's family is here," he said quietly after a long moment. "The elder wants to speak to you when you're ready." 

I nodded, wiping my tears as Elder Asia entered the room. Her presence was magnetic. Draped in flowing robes and adorned with intricate, ancient jewelry, she radiated wisdom and power. The room seemed to brighten as she walked in. 

"Where are you taking her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"It is our tradition to lay her spirit to rest in a ceremony," she explained, her voice soothing. "She will be connected with the ancestors, her essence preserved in the life beyond this one." 

I didn't fully understand, but I nodded, trusting her. 

"Come with me to the coven," Asia said, her tone warm. "Hanna has been waiting to see you again." 

At the mention of Hanna, a small smile broke through my grief and I nodded. 

.

The coven was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Nestled deep in the forest, it was a hidden world of magic and wonder. The community thrived in harmony, their magic pure and untouched by darkness. This was not the Hollywood version of witches—it was real, raw, and breathtaking. 

The coven was like stepping into another world. Hidden deep in the forest, it felt alive with magic. The trees stretched high into the sky, their branches forming a natural roof, with sunlight peeking through in golden rays. Homes were built into the land itself, blending seamlessly with the nature around them. Everything here was peaceful, pure, and full of life—nothing like the dark stories of witches I'd grown up hearing. This was magic in its truest form.

Hanna came running toward me, her laughter bright and full of energy. Her dreadlocks bounced as she pulled me into a tight hug, her excitement radiating like sunlight. "Zoe!" she shouted, holding me like she never wanted to let go. Then her eyes caught Taylor, and her smile shifted. 

She studied him for a moment, her curiosity clear. Taylor, as calm as ever, gave her a small nod, his confidence steady and quiet. Hanna's interest was unmistakable, and for a second, I felt like an observer to some silent conversation between them. Whatever it was, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end here. 

"You brought your boyfriend?" she teased with a wicked grin. 

I groaned, shaking my head. "He's not my boyfriend." 

The coven buzzed with life and mystery, a stark contrast to Zoe's emotions.

"He's my friend—" Zoe began to say, but Taylor stepped forward, extending his hand with a calm, confident air.

"Taylor," he introduced himself, gripping Hanna's hand firmly.

"Hanna," she replied, her voice soft but layered with curiosity. Something about Taylor piqued her instincts, and Zoe noticed the brief, unspoken connection between them.

Asia, the elder, interrupted the moment. "Zoe, dear, you can head to your house. I'll find Taylor a place to stay for the night."

"No," Zoe blurted, her voice trembling slightly. The eyes of everyone present turned to her, and she quickly added, "Uh, Taylor can stay in the spare room at my place."

No one argued, and Zoe felt the tension in her shoulders ease. She spent the evening exploring the community, her wonder dulled only by the ache of her loss. Returning home, the empty house felt suffocating. Wrapping herself in her late mother's blouse, she cried herself to sleep, finding solace in the safety of her dreams.

The next morning, the smell of cooking roused her. Stretching, she headed to the kitchen to find Hanna and Taylor talking animatedly.

"Ah, get a room," Zoe teased, making her presence known. They jumped apart, laughter filling the air as she grabbed a plate of pancakes and coffee.

The trio spent the morning enjoying each other's company, though Zoe couldn't ignore the subtle spark between Taylor and Hanna. Later, Hanna pulled Zoe aside at the park.

"Are you sure you and Taylor are not a thing?" Hanna asked, her expression serious.

Zoe laughed, shaking her head. "No way. He's all yours."

Hanna let out a relieved sigh, and they fell into easy conversation, catching up on lost time. They laughed, cried, and shared stories, their bond strengthened by mutual loss and the promise of brighter days ahead.

As the day ended, they prepared for the funeral, the weight of tradition mingling with the fresh memories of friendship and connection.

.

She does not know what she was doing or looking for but her insomnia led her to something that looks important. I found an old leather-bound book in the side draw in her room. It was my mother's. The cover was embossed with strange runes, and as I flipped it open, the pages glowed faintly. 

Taylor appeared in the doorway, his brow furrowed. "What's that?" 

"I don't know," I said, my voice trembling. "It was hers." 

The book seemed alive, its pages turning on their own. Words formed in a language I didn't recognise, but somehow, I understood them: "The journey begins when the bloodline awakens— ancient spells."

Before I could process the message, the air in the room shifted. A chilling wind swept through, and shadows danced on the walls. 

Taylor growled low in his throat, his wolf instincts kicking in. "Zoe, step back." 

But I couldn't move. The book's glow intensified, and suddenly, they were surrounded by visions—images of battles to come, of ancient witches, and a towering figures cloaked in darkness. 

"What does this mean?" 

"This adventure is just beginning," she said shrugging as she is as uncertain as the wolf.

She reads through the book of spell and ancient runes with various characters.

"Okay. Let me see-" the moment he touched the book all the writing and magic vanished which made the once magical book look ordinary.

"Awesome. Guess your mom really wanted you to have this…" they both nod thinking of the implications of them leaving their mundane lives, and stepping into of uncertain potential."