Celestia: The Cursed Witch

vii

“Celestia,” Renee called gently after the meeting ended. Kieran glanced at Celestia, then back at Renee, whom he recognized from her past visits to the pack during their joint efforts against the Abyss Brotherhood.

“I’ll be waiting outside,” Kieran said quietly, releasing Celestia’s hand. From her reaction earlier, it was clear Renee held an important place in her life.

Celestia bit her bottom lip and avoided Renee’s gaze.

“Celestia… I’m so sorry for keeping the truth from you,” Renee murmured. “I promised Faye I’d protect you, to keep you safe… but now I’m one of the people who hurt you.” Her voice cracked as tears slipped down her cheeks.

“Believe me, it was never my intention to hurt you,” Renee said softly. “I truly thought that keeping the truth from you was the right thing to do… that it would protect you,” she added.

Celestia wiped the tears from her eyes, then stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Renee. Despite everything, she couldn’t bring herself to resent the woman who raised her like a daughter after she was orphaned at birth.

“I wasn’t angry, just… disappointed, Aunt,” she whispered.

Renee held her close, sniffling as she returned the embrace.

“I’m so sorry, Celestia,” Renee murmured. “And about Grand Witch Circe—please don’t hate her. She’s always done her best to keep the coven safe,” she added.

Celestia gave a small nod. Yes, the Grand Witch had always been strict with her, but deep down, she’d felt her care and her support.

“Okay, Aunt,” she said softly. Renee pulled back slightly, brushing a strand of hair from Celestia’s face.

“How are you feeling? I know it’s a lot to take in, but we’ll help you through it. You’re not alone,” she asked.

“It’s scary,” Celestia admitted in a whisper. Her voice trembled as she glanced down. “Aunt… do you think what happened in the coven is connected to all this? Was it… the Nightmare Wolf calling out to me?” A chill ran down her spine at the thought.

“Celestia, no matter what happens, don’t follow it. Don’t let it take control of you,” Renee said, her voice laced with worry.

“Why does it have to be me, Aunt?” Celestia asked, her eyes searching for answers. Renee gently took both of her hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze.

“The Goddess chose you as the marked one for a reason, Celestia. She sees something in you. She believes you can defeat the Nightmare Wolf,” Renee said firmly.

“But… what if she was wrong?” Celestia whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

“Don’t think like that,” Renee replied gently. “You have to believe in yourself, even when it’s hard,” she added.

Celestia lowered her head, doubt clouding her thoughts. How was she supposed to believe in herself when everything felt so overwhelming?

“I’m going to miss you,” Renee said softly.

Celestia felt a pang of regret twist in her chest. The thought of not seeing her aunt every day, of being away from the coven and the witches she’d grown up with made her heart ache.

“Aunt…”

“Don’t worry, Celestia. I respect your decision to stay here,” Renee said softly. Deep down, she knew she had a part in why Celestia chose to remain. “But if Kieran ever hurts you, tell me, alright? I’ll deal with him myself,” she added, a flash of protectiveness in her eyes.

“Aunt, thank you… for taking care of me,” Celestia said, her voice trembling. “I know it must’ve been so much harder for you… raising someone who wasn’t even your own daughter,” she whispered.

Renee’s expression softened as she stepped closer.

“But you are my daughter,” Renee said gently, her words wrapping around Celestia like a warm embrace. “You may not be of my blood, but in every way that matters, you are mine,” she added.

“Aunt… I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to call you ‘mother,’” Celestia murmured. She looked into Renee’s eyes. “Mother,” she whispered.

Renee sniffled, a tear slipping down her cheek as a quiet sob escaped her lips.

After the two spoke, it was Circe’s turn to have a conversation with Celestia.

“Grand Witch,” Celestia said and bowed her head.

“Take care,” Circe said simply, then turned and walked away.

Celestia watched her retreating back. It was just a simple take care, but the weight of those words sank deeply into her chest. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the house, only to see Kieran leaning against the wall, waiting for her.

“Are you done talking to them?” Kieran asked as he approached.

“Yes,” she replied softly.

“Shall we go?” he asked.

“I have something to say,” she said. Kieran paused and turned to face her.

“I... I don’t know how this mate thing works, but... I’m willing to try,” Celestia admitted, blushing.

Kieran grinned and gently pulled her closer by the waist.

“Thank you,” he said warmly. “I won’t disappoint you,” he added.

Celestia looked away, her heart pounding so loudly she feared Kieran might hear it. Embarrassed, she took a small step back.

“Where am I going to stay?” she asked.

“At the packhouse. It the same house I brought you to earlier,” he said. “There’s a guest room there. I’ll have it cleaned up so we can put your things in it,” he added.

“Are you also staying there?” she asked.

“Yes,” he replied. “I’m the current Alpha of the pack. That’s where I live, along with my sister, who’s currently out on a mission,” he added.

“My parents have their own house,” Kieran added.

“Alright,” she whispered.

“Once everything is settled, I’ll give you a tour around the pack,” Kieran said. Celestia clasped her hands together, uncertainty creeping into her thoughts. What would happen to her while she’s here?

Noticing her silence, Kieran stopped walking.

“You don’t need to worry. The members of the Shadowclaw Pack will love you,” he said reassuringly. “No one will hurt you here because they’d have to go through me first,” he added.

“Thank you, Kieran,” she whispered.

When they arrived at the packhouse, they immediately went to the guest room.

“I’ll leave you here, darling. I have matters to attend to, but you can call Isabel downstairs, she’s our housemaid,” Kieran said. Celestia nodded and watched as Kieran left the room.

She looked around and sat on the bed. The revelations today had really shaken her, from learning she was the marked one to discovering she was Kieran’s mate. She lay down on the soft mattress and closed her eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep.