Moon was blankly staring at the coffee machine.

Her hand still holding the mug while her mind drifted away. It’s been two days since she left the house after smelling blood outside. Gray has no idea about it, and they still haven’t spent more than five minutes together in that house, to her relief. At last, after much insistence, he let her work. 

Things were moving way too fast; though everyone around her thought it was normal, she hated it. She knew nothing about Gray, yet, it was expected from her to simply love him with all her heart, regardless of anything else.

― So it’s you. ― a female voice called her attention.

― Excuse me? ― she turned around to face the woman, someone she’d never met before.

― You’re the bitch who’s crashing at my man’s place.

― Your man? ― Ace asked, suddenly appearing by Moon’s side. ― Is she talking about Gray? Who the fuck is this? ― he tilted his head.

Moon just shrugged her shoulders.

― Uhm… May I help you with anything?

― Yeah. ― the woman nodded as if it was obvious the reason why she was there. ― I want you out of his place.

Ace bit both his lips, holding back his laugh. He then proceeded to do something he hated: telepathy.

― I think she’s your rival…

― Rival in what?

― Gray’s heart.

― Oh, fuck you…

― Come on, let’s have some fun. Be… you. It’ll piss her off.

― And then I’ll be the one in trouble later, not you.

― I have your back, don’t worry.

― So? ― the woman clicked her tongue. ― Did you understand?

― Oh, you’ll have to ask him that. ― Moon answered; though it seemed the answer didn’t satisfy the woman. ― I’m just following his orders. Literally.

Moon could hear Ace laughing hysterically.

― Are you blackmailing him?

Moon laughed.

― Oh, dear, no. I’m a witch, I don’t need his money.

― So that’s it. Did you cast a spell on him, you bitch? Made… some love potion, huh? ― the blonde woman’s voice started to sound high-pitched.

― Love… potion? ― Ace asked offended. ― Is that how people think we use our powers? For real? ― he then laughed. ― Listen, woman, on behalf of my friend, let me tell you this: you could be the last woman on earth, you could even be his mate, and Gray would still not want you.

― What the fuck did you say?

Moon held back a chuckle when she started to hold Ace back; luckily, Artur appeared, hurriedly coming to his friends’ direction.

― Bailey… What are you doing here?

― Trying to get rid of her, what else? ― Bailey turned to Moon. ― I’m coming tonight, and I don’t want to see you there.

― Bailey, right? If you have a problem with me being there, just talk to him. I can’t leave until he tells me to.

― Bailey, please, leave. ― Artur gently touched the woman’s arm. ― Trust me, you don’t wanna pick a fight here with her…

― You’re on her side? ― she looked shocked. ― You’re sure trying to get their money, huh?

― Their money? ― Moon started laughing out loud. ― Oh my God! Do you really think I want their money? Bitch, please… It’s clearly you who’s after their money. I got work to do, Artur… Get her out of here.

Ace now watched everything with an amused expression.

Bailey’s face reddened with anger, and in a sudden movement, a slap landed on Moon’s face.

― You, witches, are the worst type ever to exist. Either you leave on your own accord or I’ll throw you away from Berkshire.

Moon took deep breaths, trying to control the crescent urge to use her powers.

― You should know this about me: I always give back what I get. ― she then equally slapped Bailey. ― Go on. Get rid of me.

― Just wait. The council will throw you out of here… ― Bailey said and stomped her feet out of the pub.

The trio watched as she left.

Artur sighed.

― Moon, if this gets to the council, you’re a bit screwed.

― Why? ― Ace asked. ― What is the council?

― The town has a council formed with a member of each one of the influential families, you know, the ones who helped in rebuilding this place. They’re mostly dynamis. And most of them aren’t fond of witches…

― Great. ― Moon replied.

The next day, Moon got a little earlier to work.

Her uncle was still away, just texting her from time to time to let her know his whereabouts and what was happening; thus, she was still living under Gray’s roof.

Last night was the first time they spent some time together. Gray got home early and prepared dinner for them both; while at it, Moon cautiously told him about her meeting with Bailey, and the threat to call the council upon her.

― Be yourself. And tell them the truth. ― was all he said, calm as ever.

She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed; somehow, she expected a different reaction from him. Now, she was watching Ace staring intently at his phone.

― What’s the tea?

― Do you think there’s an age limit to begin something? Work-related…

― No. You’re never too old to try new things… Go new ways… Why?

― Well… I… ― Ace suddenly got serious. ― Don’t laugh.

Moon made a face at him; he knew she’d be the last person to laugh.

― Before meeting you, back in my hometown, I used to have a store. Kinda… Family business, ya know?

― Oh, that’s interesting… What did you guys sell?

― Cakes. Desserts in general. It was a pastry shop.

Moon stared at him blankly for a few minutes.

― Now that’s… surprising. ― she said. ― If you decide to open a store again, count me in. I’m grateful to Barlow, but you’re family.

Ace smiled and pulled her into a hug.

― This is why you’re the only one I love in this life.

― Ok, now you being sweet is quite concerning...

― It is, indeed, concerning. ― Gray’s voice made them jump. ― I’d very much like for you to let go of my mate.

― Jealous?

Ace tightens the hug, and Moon starts to freak out a little bit. She can his jealousy. And anger.

― Is that why you wanted so much to come back to work? ― Grays asks, glaring.

Moon sighs, and while Ace laughs, she pushes him aside and gets herself out of the hug.

― He’s teasing you. Why are you here?

― We need to go now. Follow me. ― her mate’s voice sounded deeper than ever.

― I… ― Moon stuttered, trying to understand what was happening; she glanced at Ace, who was feeling as confused as her. She had to run to reach him. ― What’s going on?

― Just come with me. You’ll know it soon.

Gray then opens his car door to let her in.

The ride was, unsurprisingly, quiet.

Fifteen minutes later, Moon’s door was opened by a valet, right in front of the huge and luxurious Atlantis Hotel.

― Atlantis Hotel… ― Moon frowned. ― What are we doing here? ― she asked after following him inside.

There was this feeling… Overwhelming magic all around her; there was something strong going on inside that place. But she couldn’t pinpoint what exactly.

Moon looked at her surroundings.

― It sure makes me feel poor...

Gray chuckled and shook his head.

When the lift came, they were the only ones inside. Gray leaned back, both hands in his pockets, as he fought the urge to hold her hand, tightly, to ensure she’d be fine. He had his head low, trying not to stare too much at her; he knew she hated when he did it.

She didn’t notice any of that. Not even how bright their thread was shining.

― You know, you should at least pay me dinner first. Guess chivalry is dead… ― she spurted, and instantly regretted.

― I’ve cooked for you already. Even made you some dessert… ― Gray tilted his head to look at her.

― You’ve never tried to touch me, though.

― Do you want me to?

She hesitated for a split second.

― No.

― Then I won’t do it. ― he took a deep breath. ― I’ll never do anything you don’t want me to.

As the doors opened, revealing quite a dark atmosphere on the sixth floor, Gray asked her to follow him, again. The place had black walls everywhere with no decorations other than paintings of old people; the dim lights were enough to let you know where to go.

Gray then turned to the left and opened a double massive wooden door.

Moon knew, that moment, she screwed up.

Badly.

― Welcome to the council of Berkshire, Miss Bexley. Please, take a seat. ― an old woman, wearing a dark red suit, guided her gently to a chair, placed in front of three rows full of senior people.

The woman then walked to a high chair, right in front of her, with all the others behind.

― We’ll soon start. ― the woman said in a cold, firm voice.

Moon cracked her fingers, as a way to calm herself down.

― I’m Susan Byrd and I’ll be conducting your case. Ready? ― the woman said, without even looking at her while rearranging some papers.

Moon nodded, stuck with the familiarity of the surname.

― Please state your name, age, and address for the record. ― Susan says.

― Moon Bexley. Thirty years old. Thesrose Forest, on the border of Berkshire and Montserrat. ― Moon hesitated and glanced at Gray.

He just nodded.

― Good. Now please answer our questions shortly and objectively. ― Susan flips some papers and lifts her eyes to her. ― Do you work at a place named Barlows?

― Yes.

― Since when?

― Three years already.

― What is your position there? 

― I work there as a cashier, sometimes as a waiter, and I often help Ace in the kitchen.

― So you interact directly with the customers? ― Susan asked.

― Yes.

― Is it within the policy of the establishment to retort and offend a customer?

― What? For real? ― Moon looked at Gray, his stoic face facing the big window across the room. ― No. We must always be polite, regardless of what or who the customer is.

― Then you do admit that what you did was against-

― I do admit that I slapped that woman, Bailey, isn’t it? Judging by the surname, must be your daughter. I did slap her… After she slapped me. ― Moon saw how Susan, for a fraction of a second, glanced toward Gray. The murmurs of the seniors filled the room in a few seconds. ― If you don’t believe in me, ask Barlow for the footage. We have cameras in every single corner of the pub.

Upon the silence that followed, Moon took it as a cue to keep going.

― As a citizen of Berkshire, I understand that there is a hierarchy to be respected. But I also understand that, according to this council, every single person matters. Then why, is your daughter, not following this statement? I’m a witch, I know things. As I remember clearly, she said with her mouth how we, witches, are the worst type to ever exist. She also gave me two options: either leave this city on my own accord or be thrown away. Is that what a ‘respectful’ member of an influential family should do? ― Moon’s speech was like an ice blade cutting each one of their throats, making them unable to gather an answer.

― I doubt it that Bailey would behave like that.

― Your eyes tell me otherwise. Your daughter is not a good person. You know that.

― Listen here, you little piece of- ― the woman was already up, red from anger.

― Susan. ― Mr. Sutherland stood by the door, with his serious and intimidating aura, and a younger man walked by his side. ― You shouldn’t be part of this. Not when you’re involved with one of the parties.

― But, Brock-

― Now. ― he waved for the younger man to come in. ― Members, please get rid of this motion against my daughter-in-law. ― he handed one of the members a light blue folder. ― It came to my acknowledgment that Gus Rothery was attacked a few nights ago and that, if it wasn’t for this woman’s bravery, we’d be mourning his loss by now.

― Daughter-in-law? ― Moon stared, surprised.

― How come we didn’t hear any of this? ― the member asked, looking through the sheets and photos.

― I intended to keep it a secret, to not panic our fellow citizens. So, I’m humbly asking for this matter involving Moon to be forgiven, and forgotten. We all know by now that Bailey can be quite… hot-tempered. I guarantee that Moon intended no harm. Right?

― I was only defending myself. If she stays quiet, for sure it won’t happen again…

― Good. Come on, dear, let’s go.

Moon got up, with all members approving the dismissal, as well as apologizing for the situation.

She halted her steps.

― I’m gonna say this, though: I don’t accept being treated like trash. So, if something like this ever happens again, I won’t be using my hands, but my powers.