Celestia: The Cursed Witch

xii

Celestia’s day started off normally, as if she hadn’t been attacked or injured just the day before. She began reciting her spells, just as her Aunt Renee and Ophelia had taught her. Although she disliked Ophelia for constantly picking on her, she couldn’t deny that the woman was a great teacher and an excellent source of knowledge.

“Ventus parvus, audi vocem meam,” she whispered, and a small gust of wind began spiraling in her palm.

“What are you doing, darling?” Kieran asked from behind, making her jump in her seat.

“Kieran! You scared me,” she said, glaring at him. Kieran chuckled and sat beside her.

“So, what are you doing?” Kieran asked again.

“Practicing my spells,” she replied. Roxy had postponed her training for the day, so she decided to focus on her magic instead. “Look,” she added, raising her palm.

“Ventus parvus, audi vocem meam,” Celestia whispered once more.

Kieran smiled, watching how deeply immersed she was in what she loved.

“You really love magic,” he said.

“I do,” she replied. “It’s the one thing I enjoy the most—learning through magic,” she added.

“Do you want to go back to your coven?” Kieran asked, and almost immediately regretted it. A part of him feared she would say yes—that she would leave, and he wouldn’t be able to follow immediately.

“Not yet,” Celestia replied, and Kieran quietly let out a breath of relief. “I’ve spent my entire life in the coven. I want to know how vast the world is. I want to explore it, to see what's out there beyond the magic and rules I’ve always known,” she added.

“That’s what you really want?” Kieran asked, his voice soft but sincere. “Then I’ll drop everything and be with you—on your new adventure,” he added, eyes never leaving hers.

“Kieran…”

“But,” he said. “Let’s finish your training first. Everything else will follow in time. I don’t want you stepping out into the world without knowing how to defend yourself or understanding just how dangerous it can be,” he added. His mate is still the child in the prophecy. She’s bound to face danger, but Kieran will do everything he can to keep her safe.

Overwhelmed by his support and warmth, Celestia threw her arms around him, holding him close.

“Thank you, Kieran,” she whispered, burying her face in his shoulder, her heart feeling a little lighter than it did moments ago.

After the conversation Kieran went to his father's house. He knew what he should do about Celestia's dream. The servants greeted him as he walked to the office.

“Father,” Kieran said as he knocked on the door. “I have something I would like to request,” he added.

“Come inside,” Solomon replied.

Kieran pushed the door open and saw his father reading a book.

“What is it?” Solomon asked.

“Let me talk to the witches—the Grand Witch specifically,” he said.

Solomon’s brow furrowed, making Kieran sigh. “It’s for Celestia,” he added.

“Alright,” Solomon said and opened the bottom-most drawer to retrieve the crystal ball the witches had given him as a form of communication. It was only used twice a month because it consumed a large amount of power.

“Solomon? What happened? Why did you use the crystal ball?” Circe asked. Solomon looked at his son and clasped his hands together.

“Kieran wanted to talk to you, Grand Witch,” Solomon said.

“Kieran’s there? What is this about? Is Celestia hurt?” Circe asked, worry evident in her voice. Solomon nodded at his son, signaling him to take over.

“Grand Witch,” Kieran greeted. “Celestia’s not in danger, but I have something to say to you,” he added.

“Celestia wants to see the world, and I’m planning on taking her after she completes her month of training in the pack,” he said.

“What?! You can’t do that, Kieran. Celestia is the child mentioned in the prophecy. Letting her go and explore the world would put her in danger! I cannot allow that,” Circe said, her tone firm and unyielding.

“It would also kill her inside, Grand Witch,” Kieran replied. “When should we be ready? When it’s already too late? All her life she stayed in the coven, obeyed every rule without question. But now that she wants something for herself, I want to help her have that freedom,” he added.

Circe fell into thoughtful silence.

“Do you think keeping her locked away will truly protect her from the Nightmare Wolf and its followers?” Kieran continued. “Please, reconsider, Grand Witch,” he added.

“I will speak to the coven about this,” Circe finally said.

“Thank you, Grand Witch,” Kieran said, and the crystal ball’s light slowly faded, indicating the conversation had ended.

“Are you sure about your decision, Kieran?” Solomon asked. “Because honestly, I don’t want you to go either—not just because you’re the current Alpha of our pack, but because I know the dangers lurking in every region. I don’t want to lose my son,” he added.

“You won’t lose me, Father,” Kieran said, his voice steady with resolve.

—

Far beyond the safety of the pack, in a part of the forest where the sun barely touched the ground, something deadly moved in silence. A group cloaked in black left behind a trail of blood and dozens of rogue wolves lay dead, their bodies broken and twisted.

Each one had the same marking on their wrists— a symbols known to man.

“They were marked,” one figure muttered, crouching beside a corpse. His voice was quiet, controlled. “They’ve been sent to test the boundaries,” he said.

Another stepped forward, brushing blood off his blade.

“We must keep looking. The woman's close, I could feel it. The prophecy has begun to stir. We must know if she's a threat or an ally to mankind,” he said.

Without another word, they disappeared into the darkness, swift and silent.

—

Meanwhile, back in the pack, the air had softened into late afternoon warmth. Kieran found Celestia in the garden, quietly tending to a few plants. The bruises from yesterday’s attack had faded, but the look in her eyes told him the fear hadn’t fully left her.

“Hey,” he said gently. “Can I take you out for a bit? I know a good spot,” he added.

Celestia looked up and nodded, brushing off her hands. She smiled a little and followed Kieran. They reached a quiet lake tucked between tall trees. The water sparkled under the sunlight, still and peaceful.

“It’s beautiful here,” she said softly. "I didn't see this when I'm with Roxy," she added.

Kieran smiled.

“I thought you’d like it and the cemetery's on the other side of the pack, that's why,” he said.

They sat on a flat rock by the shore, listening to the soft rustle of leaves. Kieran rubbed the back of his neck, took a breath, and finally spoke.

“I talked to the Grand Witch.” Celestia blinked.

“What?”

“I told her about what you want—to explore, to see the world outside the coven and this pack,” he said. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled... but she said she’d speak with the coven,” he added. Celestia stared at him for a moment, stunned.

“You really did that?” she asked.

“I did,” Kieran nodded. “I meant what I said. If this is what you want, I’ll stand with you. I’ll go wherever you go,” he added. She didn’t know what to say at first. Her heart felt heavy and full at the same time.

“Thank you, Kieran. No one’s ever done something like this for me,” she whispered.

“I’d do it again,” he said with a small smile. “As many times as you need,” he added. Celestia leaned against him, eyes fixed on the still water.

“I’m just scared,” she admitted. “Of what’s waiting for me out there. Of what’s already coming,” she added.

“You’re not alone,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Whatever comes next—we’ll face it together.”