『Act I • Side A』

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

✨🌙🔮🌙✨

Juniper sits alone in her room. All the lights are off, save for the lamp on her desk and the sheen moonglow from her window. She knows it's not good practice to read in the dark, but with the dark turns her life has taken lately, June supposes it's alright. After the conversation with her parents and the periodical shudder she gets just by recalling it, her mother took June's hand and placed the thickest, oldest books she has ever seen. The hardcover of the book got dislocated from its interiors but Mitsuki still managed to keep it intact after God knows how many years that book has existed for. That was the first hint that until now, the book was safely secured in the antique room in their house. 

Holding the book, June realises how her family's secret that had been buried for centuries was what she just found out from her parents. 

June had dug open a grave of age-old secrets that she shouldn't have uncovered only to soon be buried under the same grave-- if the fables her parents narrated were true. The Goddess of the Moon, Selene. Her whole life June has felt like something was missing, and now she knows that's because she is a literal witch that can apparently control the moon? That makes sense of how she's felt drawn towards ever since she was a little girl. 

But that was that. The missing part was her not being in tune with her witch side. But now she knows, and so she can slowly fill that void. That's all. She's not the Witch Goddess her mother thinks she is, there is no way.

She shakes her head as if it can actually shake her thoughts away, it feels forbidden to even imagine herself as someone with inexplicable, sheer power. She tries to push her mind away from her obscured reality and into the Bestiary in her hands. In it lied every piece of information about any supernatural creature to ever exist-- including the Lunar Witches. Mitsuki gave it to June telling her that it will explain everything until she has no more questions. 

June's willowy fingers takes her to the Contents page, but before she can even read through it, a loud unwelcome honk invades her ears. June recognizes the sound of Stiles's jeep and furrows her eyebrows, walking to her window. 

Lo and behold, it is indeed Stiles Stilinski and his faded blue jeep in front of her house. Her best friend stands outside the jeep, jumps when he sees Juniper peer from her window and waves his hands in a full 180-degree angle to get her attention. June laughs at his eagerness before walking down towards the stairs. Considering that it's almost 10 P.M. right now, she knows it's some supernatural business. She can't help the excitement that tickles her as she reaches towards the door, but it immediately vanishes when she sees her parents stand there, looking at her with shocked eyes. 

Mitsuki just about steps towards June, but Haruto holds her wrist before she can take a full step. She looks at him and he shakes his head. That gesture alone seems to be like a whole conversation like the one they had that evening, because the look in Mitsuki's eyes turns from scared to determined. She looks back at June. 

"You're involved now, so we can't stop you," Mitsuki says. "But whatever it, promise me you'll be careful. Promise us."

June doesn't expect that and her back straightens. She looks at her father, who nods for confirmation and feels the gush in her stomach when she recognizes the pride in her mother's dark eyes. "Okay," June nods, a soft smile on her face. "I promise."

"Make sure to send us the tracking link to your phone, though," Haruto says, "That's my only condition. At all times. Once it's off, you're never going on these little adventures again."

June's smile widens. This was the kind of relationship she always wanted with her parents. "Okay, I will. At all times."

"And no werewolves." Mitsuki says, raising her eyebrows. She enunciates the next two words. "Promise me."

June tries to keep her face completely normal. "No werewolves."

━━☆⌒ . ⌒☆━━

Stiles's foot taps incessantly on the ground, looking at the Tanaka's front gates frustrated. "What's taking her so long?"

"Maybe because your loud ass honk woke her parents up, genius." Never has Stiles been more irritated by a person's voice than he has with Eliza Fawkes's. He takes a deep breath-- inhales and exhales-- until only 2% of his annoyance at her remained. 

"Wow, Eliza," Stiles plasters a smile. "Thank you so much for your wonderful insight."

"Guys." Scott speaks before Eliza can, because truthfully he doesn't need his heightened senses to know when his best friend and the blonde witch would start a never-ending verbal abuse. "Look." 

June walks out of her door. She scurries towards the jeep as they wait for her. 

"What happened?" June asks. 

"Lydia called," Stiles says, opening the door for her. June widens her eyes in surprise when she spots Scott in the passenger seat. She smiles at him sweetly, butterflies in her stomach. Scott smiles back, his eyes a little faraway but June doesn't need super-sight to see the soft pink on his cheeks.

"Hello? Are you listening?" Stiles voice cuts her thoughts. June didn't even realise that he already started the jeep and they started their journey to wherever they were heading. 

"Uh, no," It's Eliza who responds, and June raises her brows in shock. She hasn't realised that Eliza was with them too even though she's sitting next to June. What is Scott doing to her? "She and Wolfie are too busy making lovey eyes at each other."

"Please don't call me Wolfie," Scott mutters, the pink on his cheeks two shades darker now. "And we were just greeting each other, that's it."

Eliza giggles. "Sure,"

"Guys!" Stiles shouts, "Focus! We might have gotten something on the Darach, there may have been another innocent murder in the name of sacrifice. I trust Lydia's intuition so just be ready for a fight. Okay?"

There are a few mutters of agreement. 

"I said okay?"

"Okay,"

"Yeah,"

"Jeez, Stiles."

They arrive at the school after fifteen minutes- Beacon Hills High School, the latest picnic spot for all things supernatural. 

Lydia and Allison are already there, Stiles rushes out to meet her and everyone else in the jeep follows him. "What is it?" He asks the redhead. 

Lydia shrugs, "It's the same thing as the pool. I got into the car heading somewhere totally different and ended up here." She sighs, "And you told me to call you if there's a dead body."

June gasps, "There's a dead body?"

"Not yet," Lydia shakes her head and the movement causes one strand of orange to fall over her face. 

"Not yet?" Stiles asks confusedly. "What do you mean 'not yet'?"

June narrows her eyes. "Can you... predict death? Is that your witch power?"

"I don't think a witch power like that exists." Eliza answers for Lydia.

"No, no it's not that-- I'm not a witch- Listen!" Lydia suddenly screams even though they were already listening to her. "There's not a dead body yet. But there will be. I don't know how I know it but I know it."

"Lydia," Stiles tries to reason with her. "You're supposed to call us after you find a dead body."

"No, no I'm not doing that again," Lydia shakes her head again, stepping backwards. "You find the dead body from now on."

Stiles raises his shoulders in defiance. "How are we supposed to find the dead body? You're always the one finding the dead body."

Scott moves away from the group, his nose catching the scent of fresh, metallic blood. "Guys." He calls, silencing everyone. "I found the dead body."

The werewolf hears a scurry of footsteps until everyone are beside him to look at the gruesome scene that unfolded in the school yard. Lydia gasps. Allison cringes. June is about to vomit. 

"Tara Graham?" Stiles asks, although June is pretty sure it was meant to be rhetoric. "She used to tutor me..."

Well, Deputy Graham is now draped over the school sign in a pool of her own blood.

━━☆⌒ . ⌒☆━━

The next day, June goes to school like nothing has happened. The school is filled with police vans and officers questioning a few staff members, and there was also a recital conducted in order to honour Deputy Graham. Other than that, school went on as if nothing has happened.

The rest of the school day went by in a blur. She didn't pay much attention to Miss Blake's lecture on idioms and metaphors, nor could she focus on physics which seemed pointless now that Harris wasn't here. The entire day, her head was elsewhere. She knew Lydia's mind kept wandering too, she drew trees once again aimlessly the whole day and even earned Miss Blake's praise for it, instead of reprimanding her for not paying attention. 

Stiles and Scott created a plan to confront Ethan and sought Lydia's help to keep Aiden distracted. The redhead complied, of course, and that got June wondering if her friend secretly enjoyed making out with a hothead like Aiden. 

For the first time ever since she found out about the existence of supernatural beings, she asked to be left in the dark about all the plans. The reality of the life she leads now is dawning on her in a slow, heart-crushing process. She just saw a dead body yesterday, she saw a woman with lifeless eyes, hanging by a pool of her own blood. June saw enough blood in one night than can keep her haunted for a lifetime. 

But this is her life now. She is a witch, one who was meant to kill creatures just like the ones she befriended, just like the one she's fallen for. June would never hurt anything, much less draw blood from anyone. If her mother was right and June is indeed this Selene Goddess, then she will be a terrible one. 

When the bell rings indicating the end of the school day, June sighs in relief. None of her friends are free for her to spend time with-- Lydia is distracting Aiden while Scott and Stiles are getting information out of Ethan, Allison took the day off and Isaac is... well, she never had a proper conversation with the blue eyed teenager, but she knows he's a werewolf too (yet another) and that Scott trusted him. She can trust him too, then. She'd rather not meet Eliza today and have another conversation about being a Lunar witch and there was still so much for June to learn. The black haired girl knows, but doesn't want to hear it from Eliza. 

June decides to go home directly, putting all her stuff in her bag before exiting the classroom. She supposes she can just go through the Bestiary and understand more about her powers, since her mother will be leaving Beacon Hills soon.

"Juniper?"

June turns around at the call of her name and is surprised to find her honey haired teacher. Miss Blake adjusts her spectacles and indicates June to enter her office. The black haired girl nods in confusion and follows the rhythmic clinks of Miss Blake's heels. She peers into the office from the gap in the door awkwardly and the teacher laughs, waving her to come in. She shuffles inside uncomfortably, the brief silence eating her anxiously.

"You're not in trouble, if that's what you're wondering." Miss Blake chuckles. 

June sighs in relief. "Oh thank God," She says, taking a seat as her teacher gestured. "What is it, then?"

The honey haired woman grins wider. "This is actually about last week's assignment," There's a sound of papers shuffling as she scours her desk and places June's paper in front of her. "I needed to personally praise your work, because your essay is one of the best ones I've ever read. It didn't even feel like an essay, in fact... It felt a story, the words just fit. The way you describe things-- brilliant."

June blushes at the rays of compliments her teacher threw at her without pause. "Thank you," The raven haired girl smiles wide. "No one has ever complimented my writing before."

"Well, then they have no sense of appreciating literary art." Miss Blake declares, her silver eyes twinkling. She reaches out and squeezes June's hand comfortingly. "I want you to keep writing, will you promise?"

June meekly smiles and bobs her head, her cheeks dusted pink. 

"Have you ever written anything else?"

June shakes her head. "No, just my diary."

Miss Blake smiles. "I see," She studies her carefully and June may be mistaken, but something shifted in her teacher's silver eyes. It's almost indiscernible, but she caught the flash.

"There is only one God, Juniper. Only one person can be on top of the food chain." She leans closer to June, a smirk playing on her lips. "If you want to be on the top, you'll have to fight others who are more deserving than you. It may be very hard to win, Juniper, but I have faith you'll fight well."

June's shoulder's stiffen. There is something off about Miss Blake, her words, the meaning behind them. There is only one God. June's mind takes her back to what Mistuki told her about the Selene.

"I don't follow," June says discreetly to her teacher, brown eyes narrowing.

In an instant, Miss Blake's demeanor shifts back to normal and she smiles. "I just mean it's very hard to become an established writer. Lot of competition."

June nods slowly, not quite believing Miss Blake. "Oh, okay. Although I'm not that keen on being a writer either, it's more a hobby."

"Oh," Miss Blake shrugs. "What a waste of good talent. Will you be showing up tonight for the recital?"

"Uh..." Honestly, June hasn't given it a thought yet. But she knows Miss Blake is the one who was organizing it, so it would be rude to say no. "Yeah," June says. "I'll be there."

Miss Blake smiles so wide, it almost creeps June out. "Great. I hope you have a memorable time."

━━☆⌒ . ⌒☆━━

The last few minutes preceding the recital was a mess. Apparently another teacher has gone missing, and it was Lydia who alerted everyone- she screamed, actually, and went on trying to explain to Miss Blake about all the sacrifices and claimed she was a psychic to her teacher. 

Obviously, that didn't go well. 

A final teacher is going to be kidnaped tonight, as per what Scott and Stiles found out from Allison. The huntress came with Isaac Lahey a few minutes ago in a rush, with more information than anyone expected to find. Seemed like Allison had suspected her own father on being the Darach, but instead he was hunting it, and almost caught him if not for Allison's intrusion. 

It'll be okay, though. They'll find the Darach and get hold of him. Just like how she did to Ethan and while saving Deaton, she'll use her witch powers and purple eyes to do some damage. She doesn't know how to unleash her full potential, but she knows she's powerful, especially with a whole team having her back. For now, that is enough. 

June stands next to Scott at the back, watching the anxious students get ready for the concert and the seats slowly getting filled. She breaks their silence, "I spoke to my parents."

Scott turns to her, eyebrows raised. "About the witch thing?"

June nods. "About the witch thing."

Scott waits for her to tell her more, but senses her hesitation. "...And?" He prompts. 

The black haired witch smiles at him, causing his heart to flutter. "And it went well. They told me... theories about this supposed strongest Lunar witch to exist."

Worry and fear greets Scott at what she said, but he tries his best not to show it on his face. Ever since his dreams about her began, ever since he found out what she is, Deaton's words have been echoing in his head. 

She is living and breathing wolfsbane.

The conversation with Gerard Argent didn't help either. The former hunter didn't tell Scott anything he didn't already know, except promise him that June will kill Scott.

"What kind of theories?" Scott asks, his expression grim, dark eyes studying her expressions.

It doesn't escape Scott's notice how she hesitates before saying, "Nothing important."

The concert begins. Scott and June's backs stiffen, eyes swerving through the back of various heads. Any of these teachers here could be kidnaped next. Any of them could be sacrificed. But they won't let the Dark Druid get away with another murder, that's why they're all here, ready for a fight. 

Lydia stands next to them, observing the crowd. "I don't know why I am the one who keeps finding the bodies but maybe if I just stop trying to fight it, I'd find them before it happens. Maybe with enough time for someone like you to do something about it."

Scott nods at her, his expression wears the weight of a promise. "You get me the time and I'll do something about it. I swear to God I will."

Lydia's bubblegum lips curve into a smile and she holds Scott's hand for gratitude and comfort. She turns to the black haired girl then, "I thought you weren't coming," 

June just shakes her head. "I'm in too deep now."

Her eyes spot the Steiner twins in the crowd. One of them-- Aiden-- turns around, boring his eyes into Lydia, causing the redhead to sigh. She looks at her phone when it chimes for a notification. 

Lydia groans, and June can't help herself. It's not ethical, but her reaction got June curious so she peers at the text. Her dark eyes widen when she sees that it's from Aiden. 

AIDEN: I need to see you right now.

AIDEN: It's life or death 

"This better be good," Lydia says mostly to herself before leaving the cafeteria. The choir starts chanting something and it almost sounds ominous. The weight of what might happen if they meet the Darach falls on June suddenly, and her heart starts beating louder. On the surface, her demeanor is calm, dull. 

June looks back at Aiden with confused eyebrows when she finds him fidgeting in his seat. He searches his pockets and looks around his chair, clearly looking for something that must have slipped. Ethan asks him something, and Aiden replies annoyed. 

Whatever it is, it doesn't seem good. "What are they saying?" She asks Scott.

The werewolf follows her line of sight. "The twins?" 

June bobs her head in confirmation. Stiles and Eliza enter at the same time that Scott says, "Aiden lost his phone."

Her agate eyes widen. "Shit!" She screeches, rushing out of the cafeteria. The three look at each other confusedly before following her . "June? June." Stiles holds her arm. "Calm down and tell us what's wrong."

"Lydia is in trouble." June says out-of-breath. "Aiden texted her saying that he needed to see her urgently and that it was life or death and she left. But if Aiden didn't have his phone with him-"

"-someone's luring her." Eliza finishes, azure eyes wide. "But why?"

"That doesn't matter," Stiles starts running towards the block where all the classrooms are. "We have to find her, now. She has to be somewhere in school."

A hand holds June's and she looks up to see Scott. "Stay here in case anything happens. We'll call you if there's anything," He glances to Eliza and back at her. "If something happens, don't hesitate to use the full extent of your powers- I mean it."

They witches nod in agreement. Scott bids a soft good luck before following his best friend. The witches return to the choir to keep an eye out for any strange kidnappings as the boys search for Lydia. Eliza suddenly snickers. "Look at Scott giving orders. He'd make a good Alpha."

June can swear her heart has stopped for a second. Scott as an Alpha... it has been a long time since she had that recurring nightmare about him, and she hasn't even thought of his raging red eyes for a long time. 

The blonde witch turns to face June completely. "So, you speak to your parents yet?"

June sighs. "Yes," She says. "Made everything a lot more clear, I just need to know how to use my powers."

Eliza smirks, azure eyes twinkling. "I can help you out with that."

She can't help the hope that fills her chest as her eyes widens. "Really?"

Eliza geekily nods and puts an arm around June's shoulder, pulling her closer. "I might not know specific Lunar powers, but I can help you out with other spells. The basic ones. The powerful ones."

June smiles. "Thank you, Eliza."

The blonde chuckles, "Don't mention it."

The orchestra continues as per schedule and much to June's relief, there was nothing out of the ordinary. She watches the show peacefully, some bits even help soothe her as her anxiety slowly vanishes. It's all okay, nothing was going to go wrong. All that's left is for Scott and Stiles to find Lydia safely-- she hasn't gotten any notification from the werewolf as of yet.

"Well, looks like everything ran smoothly." Eliza says towards the end, her voice laced with relief. June is about to say something in agreement, but a shrill, horrified shriek catches her off-guard.

Eliza groans. "Spoke too soon."

The pianist lied dead on the floor, her throat slit by a piano string that just snapped. Everyone in the audience is running around, panic-stricken. Allison and Isaac rush towards the dead girl. June just stands there, intolerable to all the injustices happening around her. 

In less than twenty-four hours, June managed to see another dead woman soaked in her own blood. If June doesn't learn to control her powers soon, she'll die as the girl who knew too less. 

She'll end up like them. This is her life now.