Jabal hugged Ariana. "I have missed you" he cooed and Ariana chuckled.
"I have missed you too" Ariana cooed and Jamal scoffed.
"Can you two stop missing each other?"
Ariana chuckled. "You can miss your mate when she comes"
"I am missing her already," Jamal said in a sad voice.
While Jamal and Ariana chatted, Jasmine waved at Ryan who waved back at her. He walked up to her.
"You must be tired," he said and she smiled.
"Do you make some food for me?"
Ryan smiled. "Do you want me to?"
"Just joking," Jasmine said with a smile.
"Did you wear your coat? Ryan has been worried you might not" Jabal said.
"I made sure she did," Ariana said and Jasmine scoffed.
Ryan turned to see Kelvin staring at them. He could tell he was been stared at dangerously. "You should say hi to him," he said to Jasmine, pointing slightly at Kelvin. "He has been worried about you"
Jasmine shrugged. Why should he worry about her when he clearly, rejected her?
"I won't..."
"Please" Ryan muttered and Jasmine sighed.
She doesn't feel like going to say hi to him. She started to him and noticed he looked away quickly. Jasmine walked up to him.
"Why are you standing here? Alone?" she asked.
"Nothing" he muttered. "How was your journey?"
"It was fine" Jasmine answered.
There was an awkward silence between them. Jasmine tapped her foot on the floor slightly, hoping someone will call her name, so she will leave.
"Jasmine" Ryan called and she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do you want me to come?" she asked and he nodded.
"You should come over. Everyone is eager to know how your journey is"
Jasmine chuckled. "I am coming over". She turned to face Kelvin. "Do you want to come?" she asked pointing forward.
"No. I have something to do"
Jasmine shrugged. "Then I will get going"
She left Kelvin and joined the rest. They headed back to the room.
"Start talking. I am curious to know what happened" Jamal said, happily.
"Ariana said you brought the map," Jabal said and Jasmine smiled.
"We got the map" she boasted.
"I am so proud of you," Ryan said.
"Can I see the map?" Jamal said and Jasmine brought it out.
She kept the map on the floor and pointed to them where the seven rivers and seven mountains are located. She also explained their journey to them.
"It must be fun for you," Jamal said.
"It was" Jasmine answered sincerely.
"Where is Kelvin?" Jabal suddenly asked.
"Was he not with Jasmine?" Jamal said.
"Where is he?" Jabal asked Jasmine.
"I don't know. He said he has something to do" Jasmine answered.
"And you did not ask what?" Jabal asked.
"Am I supposed to?"
Ariana sighed. "I don't think he wants her to know"
"You think he doesn't?" Jabal asked.
"I think..."
The door opened and they turned quickly. They thought it could be Kelvin but Emerald and Ella walked in.
"Mother?" Jasmine and Ariana cooed at the same time.
"Never knew you both are back," Ella said.
"When did you get back?" Emerald asked.
"Just a few minutes ago" Jasmine answered.
"Is that the map?" Ella asked and Ariana nodded.
Ella moved closer to them and picked up the map. She smiled.
"It is the map leading to the cave that has the ever-burning fire"
Emerald walked closer to her and Ella handed over the map to her. She went through the map and handed it over to Ella.
"Where is Kelvin?" Emerald asked.
"He had something to do" Jasmine answered and Emerald sighed.
Emerald sat down and Ella sat down too. "You will have to pass this information to him," she said to them. "Stella said you must leave with the book in two days. Gather everything you think you might need and get all the rest you can have"
They nodded with excitement. They are happy they would be going on a journey and meeting new people. Ella could see the happiness on their faces.
"I wish you success," she said.
"Thanks, mother" Ariana muttered.
"Did she say something else?" Jasmine asked. "I mean Stella?"
Emerald stared at her, wondering what her daughter wanted to hear. "She did not say anything else " she answered and Jasmine sighed. Emerald could see the sadness in her eyes. "But," she said and Jasmine's eyes brightened up. "There is good news"
"What good news?" Ariana asked.
"Someone will be joining you on the journey"
They stared at her, wondering who it could be. "Do you know who it is?" Jabal asked and she nodded.
"Pearl" Emerald announced and their eyes widened in shock.
"P-Pearl?" Jamal chuckled.
"Isn't Pearl Jamal's mate?" Ryan asked.
Emerald smiled but said nothing. "Yes, she is" Ella answered instead.
"Yes!" Jamal said almost in a yell.
He will finally be seeing his mate after so many months.
"I am happy for you, man," Ryan said happily.
Emerald stood up after a while. "Jasmine and Ariana must be tired. You guys must be tired too. You should get some rest. Make sure you pass the information to Kelvin" she said.
"We will," Jasmine said.
Emerald gestured to Ella. "Ella, let's go," she said and Ella stood up.
"Good night, kids," Ella said and they waved at her, muttering goodbyes
After Emerald and Ella left, everyone gathered around Jamal to know how he is feeling knowing that his mate is coming over tomorrow.
"How are you feeling right now?" Jabal asked with a smirk.
"Isn't it obvious?" Jasmine answered with a smile. "It is obvious he is so happy"
"I think he is blushing" Ryan teased.
"You must be very happy," Ariana said.
"I wonder what Ryan's reaction will be when he finally meets his mate," Jabal said looking dreamily at Ryan.
"I should be happy right?" Ryan asked.
"You should feel a sparkle that will make your wolf want to jump out" Ariana explained.
"You are not a werewolf. How do you know that?" Ryan asked.
"I read it from a book" she replied.
"Have you been reading books on werewolves?" Jabal asked, smiling.
"I wasn't interested in it at first. But I got lost in it at some point"
"Then you must know how a werewolf feels when he meets his mate," Ryan said and Ariana nodded.
"Do you want me to tell you?"
"I don't think you should," Jabal said. "Jasmine's reaction is not a good one"
Jasmine scoffed. "What are you saying? My reaction is not a good one. Huh?"
"It's obvious you are getting jealous of Ryan's not known mate already," Jabal said.
Jasmine frowned. "Why should I do..."
"Come to think of it," Ariana said, drawing everyone's attention and cutting Jasmine's short. Jasmine stared at her, also curious to know what Ariana wants to say. "Come to think of it," she said again. "I thought Jasmine was Ryan's mate"
"I thought I was the only one. There was this connection they have" Jabal said.
"I have always rooted for Ryan, you know," Jamal said and Jasmine found herself blushing.
Shw concealed it quickly, knowing Jabal will tease her if he sees it. "What are you guys saying," she said pretending to be angry.
Somehow she loved the conversation they were having. Ryan on the other hand was feeling comfortable about it. He was worried Kelvin might walk in again and hear them talking about it. He might get angry and refuse to accept Jasmine back as his mate.
"You shouldn't be talking about this," he said. "Jasmine has a mate. Don't you think it is not nice trying to join someone else's mate with me?"
Jasmine felt bad hearing Ryan said so words. Not that she felt bad, it was more like a disappointment.
"He is right" she muttered. "His mate won't feel happy either"
Jabal chuckled. "Am I the only one who senses disappointment?"
Jamal stared at Jasmine. He could see the disappointment in her eyes as she tries to hide it. He looked at Ryan and though he showed no expression he could tell he is sad. He felt bad for them too. How they fight their feelings for each other.
"Isn't this conversation supposes to be about me and my mate?" he asked and Ariana nodded quickly.
"I think we should get back to the real reason we started the conversation"
She has also sensed the awkwardness between Jasmine and Ryan. She also felt bad for them that they love each other but can not be together.
"Are you trying to..."
She poked Jabal for not reading the room.
"What do you plan to do when she comes, Jamal? I mean Pearl" she said, changing the topic.
"I haven't thought about that," Jamal said.
"Do you want me to help..."
"Don't tell me you guys are still here" Kelvin said walking in.
"Where have you been?" Jabal asked.
"I had a little thing to take care of" he answered.
Jasmine stood up. "I should get going. Ariana, are you leaving now or not?"
Ariana shook her head. "I do not..."
"She is leaving with you," Jabal said and Ariana frowned at him. "You had a long journey. You should get some rest"
Ariana sighed. "I guess I should" she muttered standing up.
"I should be going to sleep too," Jamal said and stand up.
Ryan smiled. "Tomorrow is going to be a very long day"
"I guess it will be"
"I should go to sleep too," Ryan said.
"Jabal do you mind telling Kelvin about the information"
"What information?" Kelvin asked furrowing his brows.
"I explain to you when we get to the room" Jabal answered.
"You don't have to worry. I will tell him"
Every one of them returned to their various room and were soon fast asleep except for Jamal who kept turning. The night was so long it seems like morning wasn't coming forth. He had been opening his eyes and looking at the window at every chance he got. And when it is not morning yet, he groaned slightly, closing his eyes. Ryan who was sleeping beside him noticed and sat up.
"Jamal?" he cooed and he turned to face him.
"You are not sleeping?" Jamal asked.
"You do not seem to be able to sleep either," Ryan said and Jamal said up.
"I can sleep"
"Do you feel anxious?" Ryan asked and he nodded.
"I feel so anxious, I can not sleep" he replied.
When Stella first mentioned that Pearl will be joining them on their way to destroy the book, he had become anxious and worried at the same time. He thought about it so many times what Pearl's reaction will be when they finally meet. He also wondered if she misses him just like he does. These thoughts had clouded his mind and he was unable to sleep that night. But by the next day, he was feeling way better, since he already made up his mind not to think about it and just wait until he sees her.
His mind had thought less about it until Emerald mention her coming again. This time, it was nearer than he can imagine and he couldn't help but worry.
"Do you mind sharing what you are worried and anxious about?" Ryan asked.
Jamal sighed. "I am anxious to see her after so many months, but I am worried she might not miss me as I miss her"
Ryan patted his shoulder. "I believe Pearl misses you as much as you do"
Jamal stared at him. "You think she does?"
Ryan nodded. "If she loves you, she will"
Ryan's words assured Jamal and that kept his mind at rest. He smiled. "Thanks, Ryan"
**
Jamal waited impatiently by the gate. Others were there too to welcome Pearl. Everyone teased him for feeling so anxious. Just a few hours ago, he had worried about what he should do to welcome her and Ariana had offered to help. Jasmine and Ryan helped out too. Kelvin and Jabal were not available to help because Emerald sent them to the red-haired witches' coven. By the time they returned, most of the things were done.
"Do you think she will be here?" Jabal asked.
"Of course, she will. Stella assured our mother" Jasmine answered. Though she knew Jabal was only trying to tease Jamal she wasn't ready to tease him too.
"But no one knows what time she will show up," Kelvin said.
"We've been here for thirty minutes already. She should be here soon" Ariana said.
"I am so anxious right now," Jamal said.
"You don't have to feel anxious. Everything is ready. Everything will go smoothly" Ryan said.
"Should we take a stroll to ease you up?" Kelvin suggested.
"I think that is a good idea," Ariana said.
She thought all of them going on a stroll will ease up the tense atmosphere among them.
"I don't think I want to leave this place. You guys can go. I will stay right here" Jamalsaud.
"We can as well stay back but if there is anyone who wants to go on a stroll, you are free to," Jasmine said. They stared at each other with no one attempting to move. Jasmine sighed. "Then I guess we are all staying back"
They found a bench to sit on while waiting for Pearl's arrival. While waiting they decided to play some games. Jamal agreed to it and that helped them a lot. They were so engrossed in what they were doing that they did not notice someone was coming. Ryan noticed first.
"She is here" he cooed, pointing forward. "Pearl is here". Everyone looked in the direction of his hand and standing before them was Pearl.
She was dressed in black leather pants and a jacket, different from the Pearl they knew. She had a black veil across her face. The veil covered half of her face and if not for the fact that they knew her before and were familiar with her aura, they would not have accepted her. They stared silently at each other, different thoughts running through their minds. Pearl looked around for Jamal who had been staring aimlessly at her. He was far lost in thought and could not take a step.
"Jamal?" she cooed when her eyes finally landed on him.
Just like Jamal, she had worried Jamal might not recognize her and even if he does, he might not love her as he did in Alaska Arias. She also thought that their relationship might not be able to work seeing how long they had stayed away from each other.
Jamal blinked when he heard her voice. She was the one. The same pearl she has been waiting for. He ran up to her and hugged her.
"P-Pearl" he cooed.
She sighed. He recognized her and his love for her had not changed. He kept his promise to her. The promise that he will wait for her no matter what, and just like she had promised to come and look for him when she gets the chance to leave Alaska Arias.
"Jamal" she cooed holding him tightly.
Jasmine sniffed. She had cried. She cried seeing Jamal cry. Arians were in tears too. Tears of seeing two lost lovers find themselves again.
"The joy of having a mate," Ariana said and Jasmine nodded. "I wish Ryan meets his mate soon. I really, wish and can be happy"
Jasmine sniffed. Maybe she has been selfish. Maybe she has been selfish wanting Ryan for herself when she has a mate. She stared at Ryan who has a smile on, watching the union between Jamal and Pearl. She looked at Kelvin who was also staring at them and sighed. Her heart longs for Ryan more than it did before. And she loves Ryan more than she loves Kelvin but she can't have Ryan because he will be meeting his mate soon. She decided that after the book has been destroyed and Ryan has gotten his mate, she will accept Kelvin again.
**
Anna's visit to the earth witches coven was a result of Emerald's message to her through Jabal and Kekvin. When she got to the earth witches' coven, Emerald and Ella were in the office. They were telling each other about their worries and fears on the journey the children are about to embark on. Unlike the battle with Rose, which involves just her and her warriors, this involves so many powerful people. These people are people, they do not know who they are or what powers they carry. Not only do they not know them, but they are also people that had used their powers so that ong they already master them. Because of their worry, was the reason Anna was sent for. They told her what their worries were and sat down to listen to what she had to say.
"I am surprised you are worried, Emerald," Anna said. "You should know that the kid will succeed"
Emerald knew they will succeed and she does not doubt that. What she worries more about is the changed fate of her twins. She had tried to understand what Amaya meant but she couldn't. Stella would not explain to her either. When she asked Stella about it, she only sighed.
"I wish I could tell you but I can't. It is against me to tell you what their fate is"
"I am very worried Stella. I worry more for Jasmine"
"How about you talk to Anna? She might tell you what it meant"
"Can she?" Emerald had asked hopefully and Stella nodded, assuring her.
It was Stella's advice that made her send for Anna.
"I am not worried about them succeeding or not because I know they would. I am worried about their fate. I am worried about Jasmine"
Anna smiled. "Jasmine will be fine. Though she might lose a thing, she will get another. Jabal will willingly, forfeit a thing to help them destroy the book and Jamal is the key to the cave"
"Do you know what Jasmine is going to lose?" Emerald asked.
"A mate" Anna answered.
**
Emerald spoke to the children again just like Anna had said. She gave a clear warning just like Stella did.
"Do not desire the book" she told them for the last time.
They were ready with their things and ready to leave but just as Srella told her to warn them again for the last time, she did. "The book will try to lure you into wanting it for yourself. People will try to convince you to take the book. You have to be careful"
They promised her that they will be careful and destroy the book just like the prophecy has said. Ella abd Emerald hugged them goodbye.
"This is your last task. You must succeed and return peace to this world" Ella told them.
"I wish you well," Emerald said.
Picking up their things, they headed out on their journey to the mysterious cave where the great book of the witches will be destroyed completely.