CHAPTER 92: 92. REVEALING SECRETS

Mr. Frederick leaned back in his chair as he calmly asked Elijah Simons, "What makes you think now is the best time to attack?"

Elijah’s voice on the phone was steady. "Because they’re unsettled, Frederick. All their focus is on the safety of the girl. She means a lot to them."

"Maria? How does she mean so much to them?" Mr. Frederick frowned. "The Gilberts have never been fans of the Jackson family."

Elijah let out a small laugh. "There’s a staff of authority that I want... and they want it too. Whoever holds that staff is the rightful leader of the Blue Moon Pack. But Maria... Maria is the only one who can pass it on to whoever she chooses."

Mr. Frederick sat up, intrigued. "This is the first I’m hearing of this. So tell me, what exactly will attacking the Gilberts now gain you?"

Elijah’s voice hardened. "The Gilberts are the only ones standing in my way of becoming Alpha. If I wipe them out, Maria will hand the staff over to me, and I will rise as the new Alpha."

Mr. Frederick thought for a moment, his brows furrowed. "I’ve heard you, Simons. But we won’t act just yet. I need my men to come back with full details. Once I know it’s the right time for war... then we move."

"Alright, Frederick. I’ll wait for your call. But don’t take too long." Elijah’s voice faded as the call ended.

Mr. Frederick sighed deeply, his mind spinning. Why is Elijah so desperate for war now? We need to move carefully. We can’t afford reckless decisions.

---

Back at Celtic Hospital, Cassandra sat anxiously in the reception area, waiting for Bernard. Minutes later, Bernard strode into the building, his eyes quickly landing on her. Without hesitation, he walked straight to her.

Cassandra looked up the moment she heard his footsteps. "Bernard, you’re finally here."

"How are you holding up?" he asked, offering a faint smile.

"I’m not okay, Bernard," she confessed, tears instantly filling her eyes. "Maria is in there fighting for her life, and the doctor says if she stays like this for too long, she might die." Her voice trembled as the tears spilled over.

"Shhh... Calm down, Cassandra. Maria will not die," Bernard said firmly, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug. "She’s strong. Whatever battle she’s facing, she will win. You know Maria—she doesn’t give up."

"I can’t believe she was fighting something so huge and I didn’t even notice," Cassandra sobbed into his shoulder. "I should’ve seen the signs. I should’ve been there."

"You’ve always been there for her," Bernard whispered, gently wiping her tears with his handkerchief. "You’ve done your best as a friend. Let’s believe together—she’s going to pull through."

His words slowly soothed her, and Cassandra wiped the last of her tears. "So... what can we do to help her?"

"I’ve contacted a doctor in China," Bernard explained. "He promised to get back to me this evening. Let’s wait for his call. There’s hope, Cassandra. We just need to hold on."

***

Miles away, Laura had arrived at Mrs. Spencer’s house to report what she’d seen at the hospital. When she entered, she found Mrs. Spencer sitting on the couch, sifting through some files.

"Good afternoon, ma’am," Laura greeted.

"Hello, Laura. Please, have a seat," Mrs. Spencer responded kindly, smiling warmly. "I hope you’ve brought me good news?"

Laura’s face dropped. "I’m afraid not, ma’am. Maria is still in a coma, and something strange is happening. Tears are falling from her closed eyes. It’s like... she’s crying even though she’s unconscious."

"Tears?" Mrs. Spencer’s expression twisted with concern. "What does that mean?"

"The doctor said it’s dangerous. He believes the tears are from the pain she’s been battling alone. And if she stays in that state too long, she might not make it," Laura explained, her voice heavy with worry.

"This is serious. I think I know who to call," Mrs. Spencer said, grabbing her phone immediately.

Laura leaned forward. "Who are you calling, ma’am?"

"I’m reaching out to someone who might help save Maria," Mrs. Spencer said as she dialed a number.

Laura couldn’t hear the conversation, but she watched Mrs. Spencer closely, hoping for some positive news.

When the call ended, Laura’s eyes eagerly searched Mrs. Spencer’s face. "Please, what did they say?"

"Relax, Laura," Mrs. Spencer smiled. "I called Dr. Hadizah. She’s a gifted witch from Africa. She’s coming tomorrow. She might not need to enter the hospital, but she can still help Maria from wherever she is."

"A witch? I thought witches were just fairy tales!" Laura’s eyes widened in surprise.

Mrs. Spencer chuckled softly. "They’re very real, Laura. Just as you are. Haven’t you ever wondered why you can’t read my mind, even though you can hear other people’s thoughts?"

"I’ve thought about it, ma’am," Laura admitted. "I figured maybe I just hadn’t tried hard enough."

"That’s not the reason," Mrs. Spencer said gently. "I come from the descendants of the pure Ethanol breed. We’re gifted with special powers. We’re known for doing good. People like me—we can’t be read."

"Ethanol?" Laura echoed, confused. "I’ve never heard of them."

"We don’t live in the open. Most people don’t even believe we exist," Mrs. Spencer explained. "We keep to ourselves. We rarely go to war, but if we ever do, defeating us is almost impossible."

Laura’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So... why can’t you heal Maria?"

"We aren’t healers. But we can support witches like Hadizah in their healing rituals," Mrs. Spencer answered.

"Oh, I see. That’s why she’s coming," Laura said, finally understanding.

"Exactly. But Laura," Mrs. Spencer’s voice softened, "I’m growing older. My powers are fading. I don’t know how much longer I have, but I want to do as much good as I can before my time comes."

Mrs. Spencer stood slowly, looking tired. "I’ll retire to my room now. Be careful out there, Laura."

Laura watched her walk away, her heart heavy. Once Mrs. Spencer disappeared into her room, Laura quietly left the house.

---

Meanwhile, Maria was drifting in and out of an unknown place. She stood in a strange yet familiar setting, watching a version of herself laughing joyfully, heavily pregnant, with Bernard by her side.

She called out to them, desperate to get their attention, but no one heard her. No one saw her.

Why can’t they see me? Maria wondered, panic rising in her chest.

Determined to follow them, she trailed behind as they walked toward a building. When they entered an office, Maria gasped in shock.

Her parents were there, waiting inside.

Confused and overwhelmed, she watched as a man in a suit addressed Bernard and the pregnant version of herself.

"Where are the groom’s parents?" the man asked.

"They’re on their way. They’ll be here soon," Bernard replied, his face lit with excitement.

They’re about to get married? Is this real? Maria’s mind raced, struggling to understand.

Minutes later, Beta Gilbert and Victoria arrived, apologizing for their lateness. They took their seats beside Maria’s parents.

Both mothers looked unhappy, but the fathers didn’t seem to care...