Celestia: The Cursed Witch

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Twigs snapped beneath Kieran's paws as he ran through the forest, chasing the rogues they had spotted in the border of the pack.

“Circle them! Don’t let them leave the pack!” he ordered. His warriors obeyed, quickly surrounding the rogues and cutting off every escape route. The rogues growled in defiance. With no way out, they were forced to fight and they weren’t going down without one.

One rogue lunged at Kieran, but a warrior intervened, intercepting the attack and with them ended up engaging in combat.

“You don’t need to get your hands dirty for this, Kier. We’ll handle it,” said a voice beside him. Kieran turned and saw Brody, his Beta, emerging from the trees.

“Are they part of the Abyss Brotherhood?” Kieran asked after the rogues had been killed.

“Definitely,” Brody replied.

Kieran shifted back to his human form and walked toward the bodies. He examined their wrists and saw the unmistakable mark.

“These bastards keep multiplying,” he muttered.

“Alpha, the witches from Nightshade Coven have arrived. They’re already in the house, speaking with your father,” one of the warriors reported.

“The prophecy must be true, then,” he said. He had learned about it since he was young—the past that almost wiped out their kind and the witches.

“Hang the bodies. Make sure these damn bastards know we’re not to be messed with,” Kieran ordered. “Brody, I’ll head back first. Take charge here,” he added.

Brody nodded and watched as Kieran made his way back to the pack grounds.

Kieran went back to the packhouse first, changed into more comfortable clothes, and then headed to the house where the meeting was being held.

He entered just as a woman came running out. She nearly fell, and he caught her. That’s when it hit him—his heart was beating erratically, and the scent of lily of the valley surrounded him. His fated mate.

“Witch,” he breathed—though the word held no scorn, only awe. She had stumbled into him, and in that instant, something within him shifted.

She looked up, startled, eyes wide, breath shallow. She was beautiful in a way that made time seem to still.

“What have you done to me?” he asked softly, not in blame, but in disbelief. Because whatever this was, it was good. Her voice trembled.

“I-I did nothing,” she whispered, clearly shaken.

And yet he couldn’t let go. His hands found her waist, drawn by a pull stronger than logic.

“Then why do I feel like I should never let you go?” he murmured, forehead nearly touching hers.

She didn’t answer, but her silence spoke volumes. Her heart raced—he could hear it. So did his.

“What are you?” he whispered, brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

“A witch, like what you said,” she replied making Kieran chuckle. He pulled her by the waist and smiled.

“What’s your name, gorgeous?” he asked.

“Celestia,” she replied, blushing.

“What a beautiful name,” Kieran said. “Now, what are you doing here, and why are you crying?” he added. Who had made his mate cry?

“Can you take me away from here? I can’t face them right now,” Celestia said. She didn’t know why, but she trusted the man in front of her to keep her safe.

“I’m Kieran, and as you wish we will leave this place,” he said, intertwining their fingers. They left the house, and he brought her to their packhouse—the only place he could think of where she could let out her emotions in peace.

They arrived, and Kieran let Celestia sit on the chair while he grabbed a glass of water for her and kneeled in front of her.

“Who made you cry?” Kieran asked.

“I found out something today,” she said. “I am the marked one,” she whispered.

“The marked one?” Kieran repeated, his brows arching. “The one in the prophecy?” he added. When Celestia nodded, he felt fear creeping into him. His mate is the marked one? If it was true, then Celestia was in danger.

“Are you sure?” Kieran asked.

“Yes, I heard the Grand Witch say it,” she added. “That’s the reason why I was never allowed to leave the coven,” she said, and tears began streaming down her cheeks. Kieran gently shushed her and held her hands.

“Don’t cry,” he said, his heart aching for his mate.

“W-Why are you so kind to me?” Celestia asked, stammering as she wiped her tears. Kieran took a deep breath.

“You know wolves have mates, right? The one they’re destined to be with until the day they die? You are my mate, Celestia. Can’t you feel the pull?” he asked. Celestia looked at him, confused.

“You are my destined mate, Celestia, and I will do everything in my power to protect you. Prophecy be damned—I will not let anyone hurt you,” he added and wiped Celestia's tears.

“I don't know...” she said softly.

“It's alright. Don’t push yourself. I know everything you’ve learned today is a lot to take in,” Kieran said, his gaze steady on hers. “But you can trust me,” he added.

Celestia bit her bottom lip, her eyes searching his, as a quiet silence settled between them.

“Grand Witch, can we really trust that child to fulfill her role in the prophecy?” Solomon asked. “We are risking everyone's lives here,” he added.

“I know that child. I watched her grow up. She will not succumb to the Nightmare Wolf's power,” Renee said firmly.

“Renee...” Circe called out, and Renee immediately looked at her and bowed her head.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, Grand Witch,” she said, taking a step back. Circe let out a sigh.

“Solomon, Renee is right. We can trust Celestia. That’s why I chose to let you meet her. The child needs to know the truth to prepare herself,” Circe said. Solomon and the Elders of the Shadowclaw Pack exchanged glances.

“Has something happened?” Solomon asked.

“She’s getting stronger... just like my sister, who sealed half of the Nightmare Wolf’s power within her. The Abyss Organization has been active and making moves lately. We can’t let them get to Celestia,” Circe said.

“Let her stay here,” one of the Elders suggested. “We will train her, Grand Witch. The Nightshade Coven and Shadowclaw Pack have been allies since the beginning.

Celestia’s safety is also our priority—she is the only one who can stop the Nightmare Wolf’s revival,” he added.

Circe and Renee looked at each other. Clasping her hands together, Circe nodded hed head.

“Let's do that.”