IT WAS ALREADY dawn when Alinta and the rest reached the Tower of Priestess Morrigan. It was like a village, with one huge tower situated in the middle. And below the tower was the wide, menacing arena, which Alinta guessed would be the place for the competition.
"I knew you would come!"
Alinta looked up and saw Morrigan standing at the open gate. Her eyes were twinkling, and if not for minding her appearance, she would've probably dashed towards Atara.
"Well," Atara pursed her lips in displeasure, "I can't let the others think I'm afraid of them, can I?"
"Oh, you jest!" Morrigan gently slapped Atara's arms, "Who would dare think of such a thought?" She linked her arms to Atara's and proceeded to lead the way, "Everyone knew how powerful you are. Even if you didn't come, all of us would only think that you're bored and too lazy to attend."
Alinta, who was following the two women from behind, nodded her head in agreement.
"To be honest," Morrigan added with a sigh, "I thought you would ignore my invitation. This kind of thing is something you're not really fond of is what I think."
Atara sneered. "It only proves you don't know me too well." Competitions always made Atara's blood boil. Regardless of whether she would join the fight or not, she always had her mind about winning. Losing was never an option. "Anyway," she said, changing the topic, "How is your mutt?"
"Mutt?" Morrigan asked, seemingly blanked out for a moment. Then, she suddenly remembered her son and finally understood who Atara was talking about. Her face turned even more gleeful as she said, "He's now a full-grown man! I'm thinking about choosing a mate for him!"
"Oh? A mate?" Atara gave her granddaughter a side glance.
"....." said Alinta. What was that look about?
"Yes!" Morrigan answered enthusiastically. Then, her tone suddenly turned bitter, "But that kid's too choosy. I can't understand his standard." She shook her head in disappointment upon remembering how many women her son mocked and looked at with disgust. "No one seemed to reach those invisible standards of his."
"It only means the one he'll choose in the future will be someone great."
So, should Alinta feel proud?
"Anyway, is everyone here?" Atara asked. Her eyes turned cold as she remembered a certain king who dared to attack his coven.
Morrigan didn't seem to notice the decreasing temperature as she said enthusiastically, "Yes! You're the last one to come. That brat Luna was looking for you, and Vladimir kept on asking about you too," Her expression turned curious and odd as she added, "I never thought that you and Vladimir have a good friendship."
Atara smiled.
Morrigan couldn't help but shiver when she saw the smile that didn't look like a smile at all. Is this woman thinking of massacring someone's tribe? She internally lit up a candle for that unlucky one.
It didn't take long before they finally reach the temple. Morrigan immediately told the servants to help the others to their rooms. As for Atara and her part-time disciple, Morrigan decided to accompany the two. What could she say? Atara was a VIP!
"You really held this part-time disciple of yours highly! You even want to share a room with her. Luna can't even have this special treatment!" said Morrigan in surprise. If Luna learned about this, she would surely vomit a mouthful of blood or maybe die from envy.
"When did I even give Luna a good treatment?"
Morrigan was speechless. It seemed.. that was really the case. It was just heartbroken to hear those words right from Atara's mouth.
Then, she looked over her shoulder to look at the part-timer who hadn't uttered a single word ever since stepping into the temple. Morrigan still didn't know her name, but she really wanted to know more about this girl.
"Little girl," said Morrigan softly.
Alinta raised her eyes to look at the priestess in curiosity.
"Which tribe did you come from? We hadn't managed to talk when I saw you back in Atara's territory."
Alinta gazed briefly at her ancestor, and seeing the other's nonchalant expression, she shrugged and decided to tell a tale. "I am an orphan, Milady," she sighed sadly, "I was thrown into the woods as early as I was born. But thanks to my ability, despite having some irresponsible parents around, I survived the ferocious beasts."
Morrigan gasped. "How could your parents do such a thing!" Thinking about her son having the same experience, her heart bleeds.
Alinta showed a painful smile. "It's alright now, milady. Lady Atara soon came into my life, and I couldn't ask for more!" Then, she gazed at her ancestor with full of reverence. "She saved my life and taught me magic. So, I don't blame my birth parents for abandoning me. In fact, I thank them for doing so. Maybe, if they didn't, I won't meet Lady Atara!"
Morrigan's eyes softened. Her gaze was motherly as she uttered, "That's right. Who cares about those parents who abandoned such a beautiful and magnificent girl like you? At the very least, Atara, the number one witch in the world, somewhat became your parent." She liked the girl's positivity. "But how come I didn't see you in the past?"
Alinta forced out a blush as she said, shyly, "Lady Atara put me in a training camp. After several years, I finally managed to get out." Then, she sighed, "I'm not powerful enough. I didn't get out of the training camp earlier as to my good beloved parent's disappointment." She wanted to hide her face in her palms but thought that doing so was overboard.
Morrigan snorted. "Atara's training was vicious," she comforted, "The very fact that you managed to stay alive was proof of your capability itself."
Alinta smiled gratefully, "Thank you, milady."
"There's no need to thank me," said Morrigan, waving her hand, "You helped me with my predicament the last time we met each other. And I haven't forgotten my promise of inviting you to my son's coming-of-age ceremony." She suddenly took an invitation card out of nowhere and happily presented it to Alinta, "The ceremony will be held on tomorrow night before the competition starts. You have to come!"
Alinta didn't manage to decline as Morrigan immediately shoved it into her hands and ran away.
"It seems like I'm not invited," Atara said, looking at the invitation on Alinta's hand cooly.
Alinta clicked her tongue. "Jealous?"
Atara didn't bother answering such a stupid question.
"But there's nothing for you to be jealous about, dearest grandma," said Alinta after opening the card, "Your name's pasted on this card while stating for you to come with your part-time disciple. She still loves you more."
Atara's face contorted in disgust. She then turned to her side and quickly opened the door.
---
Once they were done settling down their things, Alinta decided to roam around the area. After roaming around, there was nothing more to see, hence, she decided to look for a restaurant. Fortunately, there was one that offered good-looking dishes. Unfortunately, the people inside weren't good.
"Hey, isn't this girl under Atara?"
Alinta looked at the girl who spoke. And she wasn't surprised to see the vampire who attacked them the other night. That woman was sitting beside a round table and she was surrounded by fierce-looking men. Alinta couldn't help but smile as she said, "It's nice to see you again, miss."
The woman giggled. Her fangs elongated as her gaze toward Alinta became... ridiculous. Alinta felt she was food on a platter--- or a walking blood. In any case, she felt like the woman was interested in having a taste of her. Unfortunately, Alinta didn't have such a fetish.
"You," the woman stood up; and licking her lips, she added, "look tasty."