Celestia: The Cursed Witch

xxi

“Darling, you’re okay,” Kieran said gently as they arrived back at Jeremiah’s house. He held her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “Look at me,” he added.

Celestia’s hands were shaking, her breathing uneven.

“I heard it again,” she whispered, panic rising in her voice. “The voice... it came back when I was angry.” Tears welled up in her eyes. Kieran cupped her face in his hands, keeping her steady.

“Breathe, baby,” he whispered. “You have to breathe,” he added, cupping her face.

Celestia closed her eyes and followed his voice. Slowly, her breathing began to settle, the tension in her chest easing little by little. Kieran didn’t let go. He stayed right there, keeping her grounded, waiting until she opened her eyes again.

While Kieran comforted Celestia, Adelaide was walking through a narrow alley on the other side of the region. The sun was already high in the sky, but the road was dim, with only a few flickering lanterns lighting the way. Small houses lined the street, and a few humans stood nearby, watching her with cautious eyes. Anyone would immediately think this was the neglected part of the Northern region.

She walked with her head held high, ignoring the stares. Her long coat brushed the ground as she moved, confident and unbothered. She had done this before. Looking weak would only attract attackers, and she didn’t want to get into trouble, not when she was with Celestia.

Finally, she stopped in front of a small, worn-down house with a few plants growing in broken pots out front. Before she could knock, the door opened harshly.

“What now?! I told you I don't have the money—” The woman stopped mid-sentence. Her angry expression dropped into surprise. Adelaide raised an eyebrow, smiling a little.

“Hello, Freya. Still scaring people away?” she asked. Freya blinked, her jaw dropping.

“Adelaide?” Freya asked.

“In the flesh,” Adelaide replied.

Freya laughed, a short and surprised sound, before pulling Adelaide into a hug.

“It’s been years, witch. Come in,” she said. Adelaide stepped inside. Despite looking worn, the house was comfortable and cozy inside.

“I thought you were a moneylender,” Freya said with a small chuckle.

“Freya… how much do you owe them this time?” Adelaide asked, crossing her arms. She knew Freya well—especially her old gambling habits that always dragged her into trouble.

“Just a small amount. They just keep coming and it annoys the hell out of me,” Freya said, plopping down on a wooden chair. “So, why are you here? Another mission?”

“Just tell me,” Adelaide said, not wanting to waste time. “And yes, another mission,” she added. It had been years since Freya left her coven and became a lone witch. Adelaide first met her in the North, passed out drunk on a market bench, and helped her. They'd been friends ever since.

“Fifty golds,” Freya whispered.

“Fifty?! Freya! I told you to stop gambling, didn’t I?!” Adelaide exclaimed, wide-eyed.

“Oh, calm down! I didn’t gamble, okay?!” Freya replied quickly.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a boy about Celestia’s age walked in.

“Mother,” the boy greeted.

“Flint,” Freya said, then turned to Adelaide. “Come here and meet my friend.”

Adelaide’s jaw dropped. “A son?!”

Flint gave her a polite bow. “Nice to meet you,” he said softly.

“Flint, brew us some tea, hmm?” Freya said gently. Flint gave a nod and disappeared into the kitchen.

“I bought him years ago,” Freya said quietly. “They were going to kill the slaves who didn’t get sold, and Flint was one of the unlucky ones. No one wanted him. I couldn’t let him die.”

Adelaide sat down, still trying to take it in.

“Slave trading wasn’t illegal back then,” Freya continued. “But it was never encouraged either. When Jeremiah took over, he banned it and kicked the traders out of the North. Of course, some still sneak around in secret.” She sighed. “That’s the fifty gold I owe. I bought him from one of them,” she added.

Freya shifted in her seat and quickly changed the topic.

“So, what’s this mission you’re on?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. Adelaide leaned forward.

“Do you know anything about the Nightmare Wolf? I'm seeking information about it,” she asked. Freya’s playful expression faded.

“Why are you asking about that? That thing almost destroyed everything once. Why are you bringing it up now?” she asked.

“Because of the prophecy. Have you forgotten about it?” Adelaide said. “The prophecy is happening, Freya. I’m with the marked one,” she added. Adelaide knew the risk of telling Freya about Celestia but she needs her help.

Freya’s hands trembled slightly. She stood up, pushing her chair back.

“You… you brought her here?” she asked.

Adelaide stood too.

“She has to be ready. We need help,” she said.

But Freya didn’t listen. She rushed to the door, grabbed Adelaide’s arm, and pulled her toward it.

“Stop coming to my house with this,” Freya said, her voice shaking as she opened the door.

“Freya—” Adelaide called out.

But Freya didn’t answer. She slammed the door shut. Inside the kitchen, Flint peeked out, eyes wide, clearly having heard everything.

Adelaide kept calling Freya’s name, knocking on the closed door, hoping her friend would change her mind. But Freya never answered. It was clear her decision was final. With a heavy heart, Adelaide turned around and walked away back to Jeremiah's house.

When Adelaide arrived, she saw everyone gathered in the living room. The mood felt different—quieter, heavier. She spotted Celestia sitting close to Kieran, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

Adelaide’s brows furrowed with worry.

“What happened?” she asked, walking toward them. It was Dwayne who spoke first.

“Someone tried to steal the necklace Kieran gave her. She ran after him, and we caught up just in time. But… she almost lost control of her power,” he said. Adelaide turned to Celestia and gently sat beside her.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. Celestia gave a small nod.

“I’m better now. It’s just… I heard the voice again, Aunt. Like that night in the forest. I got so angry, and I felt it growing inside me,” she said. Adelaide pulled her into a warm hug.

“You did the right thing. You stopped yourself. That’s already a big step,” she said.

Celestia leaned against her, trying to calm the storm in her chest.

As the evening passed and everyone tried to settle down, Adelaide sat quietly in her room, thinking. Freya had refused to help, but something about her reaction didn’t sit right. She knew something. She was scared, and that fear could mean answers.

Adelaide stood up, grabbed her coat, and decided what she needed to do.

She would return to Freya’s house.