Celestia: The Cursed Witch

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“Are you feeling better now?” Kieran asked as he saw Celestia walking toward him. After their conversation earlier, he had given her space to process everything on her own.

“A little bit,” she whispered, stopping beside him. “What are you doing?” she added.

“Me? I’m cooking,” Kieran said with a small smile. “I hope you’re hungry.”

As the aroma of the food reached her, Celestia’s stomach growled, and she blushed in embarrassment. Kieran chuckled, glancing at her warmly.

“You can sit, darling. It’ll be ready in a minute,” he said.

Her heart fluttered at the endearment, and she quickly sat down at the table, trying to hide her flustered expression. A few moments later, Kieran placed two clean plates on the table and served the food.

“Eat up, darling,” he said again, his voice gentle. Celestia hesitated, her gaze fixed on him.

“Is it really true?” she asked softly. Kieran paused, meeting her eyes.

“What is?” he said.

“That I’m your fated mate,” she said quietly.

Kieran’s expression softened. Who would’ve thought the ruthless Alpha feared by his enemies could wear such a tender smile?

“Yes,” he said, voice steady. “You are,” he added.

“But I’m a witch,” Celestia said, biting her bottom lip nervously.

“And?” Kieran replied, his brow lifting slightly. “What about it?” he added. Celestia looked away.

“Isn’t it... a bit odd? From what I’ve learned, wolves are only ever paired with other wolves,” she said.

Kieran gave a small chuckle, not out of mockery, but something warm—understanding.

“I won’t lie. I was surprised at first,” he said. It was the first in the history of Shadowclaw pack that a wolf has been paired to a witch. “But the moment I saw you, everything changed. My wolf recognized you, Celestia. Goddess Selene chose you for me, and she chose me for you. One thing I am certain was she doesn’t make mistakes,” he added.

Celestia’s heart skipped a beat.

“I don’t care if you’re a witch,” Kieran continued, gently reaching for her hand. “You’re mine. And I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he added. If this was Goddess Selene’s will, then Kieran would gladly lay down his life for Celestia.

“Let’s go back,” Celestia whispered. Every moment spent with Kieran made her heart pound so wildly, she thought it might give out.

“Alright. Let me clean this up first,” he said gently.

Celestia offered to help, but Kieran politely refused. After tidying up, he took her hand in his and led her out of the packhouse, heading back to the house where the meeting was being held.

As they entered, warriors bowed in respect to their young Alpha, their gazes lingering on the unfamiliar woman behind him, curiosity flickering in their eyes.

“They’re not done yet, Bill?” Kieran asked one of the warriors.

“Not yet, Alpha,” Bill replied. “But you may enter. We also just arrived after receiving their request to guard this place,” he added.

Kieran gave a small nod, then glanced back at Celestia.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked softly, his tender tone drawing surprised looks from the warriors around them.

“I’m sure,” Celestia whispered.

“Alright then,” Kieran said, and with that, he opened the door.

Everyone stopped talking and turned to face them. Kieran cleared his throat to draw their attention.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he said.

“Kieran, son, is everything alright?” Solomon asked, his gaze drifting to Celestia. “Ah, so the two of you have met,” he added.

“She’s my mate,” Kieran said, dropping the revelation as casually as he could.

Gasps filled the room, and all eyes shifted to Celestia, who blushed furiously, wishing the ground would just swallow her whole and hid behind Kieran.

“What are you talking about, child?” Circe said once she recovered from the shock. “How is that possible?” She looked at the Elders of the Shadowclaw Pack for an explanation.

“It’s not written anywhere in the history of the pack, Grand Witch,” one of the Elders replied, clearly bewildered.

“Are you absolutely sure, Kieran?” another Elder asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Son, this isn’t the time for your silly antics. Lives are at stake here,” Solomon snapped, frustration edging into his voice. He did not think Kieran would act this way.

“You think I’d lie about this?” Kieran said sharply. “My wolf has acknowledged her. She is my mate,” he insisted, unwavering.

“Celestia,” Renee called softly. Celestia looked at her but quickly dropped her gaze. She still couldn't believe her Aunt Renee knew about everything but decided not to tell it to her.

“If it’s true…” Circe whispered, her voice tinged with awe. “Then you are the guardian of the marked one.” She paused, eyes distant.

“The Goddess has spoken,” she said.

It wasn't in the prophecy like Lilith had said, but this familiar scene had touched a part of her memory. Her gaze lingered on the two of them. They were so young, so fated. It reminded her painfully of her sister, Lilith, and Adam who was the brave warrior of Shadowclaw who had died before her sister. Yet in his time, he’d stood as her protector, just as Kieran now stood beside Celestia.

“Grand Witch—”

“Solomon, remember our true goal,” Circe interrupted gently, making Solomon sigh heavily.

“If you're that certain, then fine,” he replied. “But what about Celestia? What are we going to do with her? She needs to learn how to control her powers,” he added as he crossed his arms.

“Celestia will return with us. Renee will guide her through everything,” Circe replied.

“Why are you making decisions for me, Grand Witch?” Celestia said, her voice breaking. “You drop all this on me, then expect me to just nod and go along with it?” Her hands trembled at her sides, her heart aching. Kieran placed a comforting hand on her back.

“Celestia, please try to understand,” Circe said softly. “I’m only trying to protect you. We can’t risk the Abyss Brotherhood getting their hands on you,” she added.

“Celestia,” Renee murmured. “I’m so sorry,” she added.

“I don’t want to go back,” Celestia said firmly, her voice laced with quiet defiance. “I’m staying here,” she added .Circe and Renee exchanged a glance.

“I’ll help train her,” Kieran stepped in. “Let her stay. I’ll protect her with everything I have. I won't let the Abyss touch her,” he added. Circe turned to Celestia.

“Is that truly what you want, child?” Circe asked.

Celestia met her gaze and gave a slow, determined nod.

“Very well,” Circe said after a moment of silence. “I’ll honor your choice,” she added. Seeing the relief wash over Celestia's face stirred something in her chest. She could only hope she hadn’t made a mistake by letting her stay.