Chapter 52: Let The Search Begin

Charles' POV: "Florida? Why there? I can't think of any reason why Jade would want to go there Charles!" Elizabeth said. I started pacing around the room and replied, "Think about it. There's a lot of big cities in Florida, along with isolated areas for witches, including many places werewolves would like to hide out at. I remember last night before Jade and I went to bed she was going on and on about how when she's better that she wants to visit different places where she could find other people like her. There aren't any heretics alive besides her, that means she's either finding witches, or she's looking for people who knew about heretics. Witches talk, the minute heretics became popularized among the supernatural species they became more angry and easily set off, I remember Ariana telling me a couple centuries back that there were witches long ago who tried helping the heretics by casting a spell on them, it relieved them of all their stress and anger. The only problem was that the witches weren't powerful enough, it wasn't enough power to heal them completely. This means that Jade would want to find a place flooding with witches that could take out the dark magic, and heal all of her other 'problems' for good, right?" Elizabeth stayed silent for nearly ten minutes until she blurted out, "Actually...that is possible. I used to run with a coven of witches back in the early 1800's down in Georgia. I didn't remember until now how they would always say that there was a place where they'd be accepted, a place of freedom...Florida. They said that the people were open-minded and would not discriminate or kill them for their powers. So they'd tell all their witch friends of the land and migrate East to Florida! Surely Talia or someone else in contact with Jade would tell her about these witches if she asked." I replied, "Or maybe she has someone else looking for her, not Talia..." Elizabeth waves her hand, signaling for me to continue, "Jade's best friend, Ashton! She tells him everything, she told him about everything she's ever done, the good and the bad. He knows her better than any of us do! If we go to him we'll be able to find out what part of Florida Jade's going to, or if she's even going to Florida at all..."

1 HOUR LATER

Jade's POV: I hate driving. After leaving the lake house I threw Rosie into the nearest car and drive both of us to Ashtons house. I locked her in there with a spell so I'm the only one who can get in and out of the car. When I went in I explained everything to Ashton and asked if he'd do some research for me about where I could find the largest amount of witches with the best power. He agreed and I also called Talia for some help, I know it's risky exposing my plan to all these people, but I have to or else I'll get nowhere. Once I quickly explained everything I jumped back into the car and started driving, on the road was when I called Talia. She also agreed to my plan. I decided I'd start heading down East where there's more exposed land to search. But not to exposed, cities nearby so I can hide if the Sulimans come for me somehow. I'm also forcing Rosie to tell me where all of these werewolves are at. I'd love to know just Incase she decides to be difficult so I'll have leverage. After about fifteen minutes of driving I got a call from Ashton with all my information I'll need. Talia followed up on that and explained the best places to meet these powerful witches. Guess who's heading to Florida...

Charles' POV: Elizabeth agreed to come with me to find Jade and Rosie. On the way to Ashtons house I had Elizabeth call Ariana so follow up on that story, to make sure everything was clear. It was. Once we got to Ashtons house I knocked on the door and when he opened it he immediately tried shutting it again. I said to him, "I'm not going to hurt you, so long as you behave yourself. I'm already invited in, would you invite my dear sister in?" Before he could say anything two people appeared at the door next to him. His parents I assumed. The woman asked, "Ashton, do you know these people?" He put on the fakest smile I've ever seen and replied, "Yes ma. Just some friends from school, they're Sulimans." The man smiled widely and cut in, "Well what are you two doing out there, come on in." Elizabeth smiled widely and said, "Gladly. Oh and, not to misuse our welcome, but do you have anything to eat? I'm starving." Ashtons eyes grew widely and he quickly stopped their conversation and said, "They're just kidding. Come on guys, let's go talk in the other room." We got the hint and followed Ashton to the living room. His parents followed behind us but that wasn't a bother, I can just compel them before we leave. I asked Ashton, "Do you know where Jade is?" Without thinking he quickly answered, "Nope!" I knew he was lying so I grabbed his wrist and pulled off the vervain bracelet he was wearing and stared into his eye. I asked again, "Where is Jade going?" He stared back and answered, "She's going to Miami, Florida." "Why?" I asked. Ashton replied, "To meet two different covens of witches." "Why is she looking for witches?" "She's trying to fix herself. Jade doesn't want to be a burden to your family or cause any trouble so she asked Talia and I to track witches down and get them to meet with her to take all the dark magic out of her." I turned to Elizabeth and said, "Why would she think that? We all love Jade, she's never be a problem or a burden." Ashton wasn't under compulsion when he said, "She's gonna kill me for this. But there's something else you need to know." Elizabeth asked, "What is it?" Ashton continued, "Jade said that if she couldn't get fixed by even 24 witches then she's going to ask them to kill her. She said that she loves you, Charles, and your family, but if being alive means hurting or even killing innocent people then she doesn't want to live anymore. Not even for you..."