Celestia: The Cursed Witch

xxvi

After talking to the farmers and fishermen, Kieran and Jeremiah went back home. As soon as they entered, Kieran saw Celestia talking with Flint in the living room. A strange feeling grew inside him. Without wasting a second, he walked straight to them and cleared his throat.

“Kieran!” Celestia said, surprised. “How was work?” she added.

Kieran didn’t answer right away. Something about seeing Flint near his mate made his chest feel tight.

“Excuse me,” Kieran said, reaching out and gently taking Celestia’s hand. “I’ll be taking my mate now,” he added.

Celestia didn’t resist. She stood up and followed him without a word. Kieran didn’t wait for Flint to speak—he just walked away with Celestia beside him, trying to calm the fire in his chest and passed by Jeremiah who was grinning widely while looking at them.

“Kieran, are you okay?” Celestia asked softly, looking up at him. Her voice pulled him back to reality. He stopped walking, took a deep breath, and turned to face her with a small smile.

“I’m sorry, darling,” he whispered. He was jealous, and he knew it. Kieran didn't want any other men lurking around his mate.

Celestia smiled gently.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” she said. “Flint was just saying thank you. He gave me these,” she said and reached into her pocket and showed him a small box with a pair of earrings inside. “He said they match the necklace you gave me. It was his way of apologizing,” she added harmlessly not knowing that Kieran's seething in jealousy.

Kieran looked at the earrings. He didn’t like it, but he stayed quiet. Instead, he pulled Celestia into his arms and held her close.

“If he ever tries to steal again,” Kieran said, his voice low, “I’ll be the one to punish him,” he added. Celestia looked up at him.

“He promised not to do it again,” she said. “I believe him,” she added. Kieran held her a little tighter.

“Just be careful. We still don’t fully know him,” Kieran whispered. “You’re too important to me,” he added, making Celestia blush. Her cheeks turned warm, and her thoughts flashed back to last night under the sky full of lanterns.

Kieran looked at her lips, then back into her eyes. Celestia swallowed nervously as he leaned in, slowly and gently.

“May I?” he whispered.

Celestia gave a small nod and closed her eyes. Kieran smiled softly, then kissed her. It was warm and tender, making her heart race.

Just as they pulled away, the front door opened. Adelaide stepped inside—along with Freya, giggling.

“Mother?” Flint said, wide-eyed as he came running out from the hallway hearing the familiar giggle of his mother. “What are you doing here?” he added.

Freya crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“What, I can’t visit my friends now?” she said. “I had a lot of thinking to do… and ale to drink,” she added with a little grin, then looked at Flint more seriously.

“You’re not a little boy anymore, Flint. I know that now. You don’t need me holding your hand in everything,” she said.

Flint blinked, surprised at her tone.

“I’m sorry for what I said,” Freya continued. “I didn’t mean those words. I was scared, and I let that fear speak for me,” she added and bowed her head.

Adelaide walked over to Celestia and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Celestia, this is my friend Freya, a great wish just like your aunt Renee,” she said. “I wasn't able to go home last night because I was talking to her," she added. Freya looked at her and smiled faintly.

“Nice to finally meet the marked one. If you’ll have me,” Freya said, now facing Celestia, “I’d like to teach you some tricks while you’re staying here. A few spells, some magic you might find useful. It’s the least I can do,” she added.

Celestia’s eyes widened.

“You’d really do that, Aunt Freya?” she asked. Freya gave a soft nod.

“Of course. If you’re going to be part of this fight, you better be ready,” she added.

Everyone in the room exchanged glances, a quiet understanding forming between them. No one spoke, but it felt like they all knew what needed to be done.

Flint quietly excused himself, and Freya followed him outside. They borrowed Jeremiah’s small garden to talk. It was quiet there, with only the soft sound of wind and birds. The stone benches were cool to the touch as they sat down across from each other.

Flint was the first to speak.

“Are you really sure about this, mother?” he asked, his eyes full of worry.

Freya didn’t answer right away. She looked up at the sky, watching the clouds move slowly above them. For a long time, she had avoided things like this—fights, missions, anything that could bring pain again. All she ever wanted was to live a quiet life with Flint. To see him smile, grow, and be safe until her last breath.

But maybe the Goddess had other plans. Maybe Flint was sent to her for this reason—to be part of something greater. And maybe it was also her role to help him and the marked one.

“I’m sure,” Freya finally said. Flint frowned a little.

“Why now? You were against it,” he said.

“Because I finally understand,” Freya said gently. “You’re not that scared little boy I saved years ago. You’re stronger now. And the world needs people like you. People who are willing to fight to prevent the coming of another tragedy,” she added. She reached out and placed a hand over his.

“And maybe… just maybe, it’s my job to make sure you don’t walk into that fight unprepared,” she said.

Flint nodded slowly, taking in her words.

“I’m glad you’re here, Mother,” he whispered. Freya smiled, her eyes a little wet.

Me too, Flint. Me too,” Freya said. “But do know that I’m going to be harsh with all of you,” she added with a grin, her heart finally at ease.