hocus pocus → quil ateara

four.

The wind blew Circe's dark chocolate curls as Nemean and her walked a trail back to the beach. She gazed at the dense green forest with a small smile.

"It's beautiful."  She stated, her eyes darting to Nemean, who looked at the forest through human eyes. He lifted a pale hand and ran it along the bark of an old oak tree. The former lion fixed his gaze on the witch in front of him. An invisible bond connected the two at heart. Nemean smiled softly, "It truly is."

Circe smiled at the pale boy who gazed off into the distance, his blue eyes fixated on the sky. "Come on, Nem." Nemean's eyes lit up at the nickname, a smile formed on his face.

The lion followed the witch through the dense forest of La Push, Washington. He'd follow her to hell and back if it meant she was safe and happy. Circe led the lion to the beach, her hair blew in the salty breeze.

Circe dropped to her knees in the sand, her hands digging into it. "I know it's here." She muttered to herself, Nemean appeared by her side, his eye brows furrowed in confusion. "I left it right here."

Nemean stared at the witch in curiosity, his head titled like that of a confused puppy. "Master-"

"Don't call me that, Nem. I'm simply Circe." The witch cut him off. Nemean bowed his head in response, his platinum curls falling in his face. "Circe ." The lion said curiously, his gazed fixed on the witch, who simply smiled in response.

"Ah ha!" She excitedly cried out, her hands swiping the sand from the cover of manuel. "Oh mannnny." The book of spells opened its eye, and relaxed into her hands. "I need a place to stay."

The book blinked at the girl who let out a soft sigh. "The enchantment didn't work on the woman. She knew it was witchcraft Manny." Nemean watched the short, ancient witch with a look of concern. "I can't return to Salem Manny. Not without my sisters. I just can't."

"Circe-"

"Still talking to a book, I see" A deep voice cut through the air. Circe looked up, a frown etched on her face. "Oh Paul. Hi!" Nemean stepped in front of his witch in a protective manner. A low growl began to rumble in his throat.

"Nem, it's okay. He's a friend." Circle turned her attention back to Paul. "And what about it Paulie?"

"You're a strange one aren't you?" Paul chuckled before turning his head upward in distaste. " And don't call me that."

Circe let out a soft laugh, her grip tightened on the book. "We'll see."

"How bout you come stay with me? Just until you find a place. Your friend can come as well." Paul offered.

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a burden, Paul."

"Nonsense Circe. I can't leave you out here. It's dangerous."

Circe hummed, "Only if you're sure. Thank you." She stood and looked at Nemean. "Shall we Nemean?"

"After you m'lady"

The duo followed after the tan boy as he lead them through a trail. Circe couldn't help but feel like she was one step closer to something bigger. Something greater than even she could handle on her own. But whatever it was, it was barely about to begin.