Celestia: The Cursed Witch

xl

Morning came, but it didn’t feel like a good one.

Celestia lay in her tent, eyes barely open. Her whole body felt heavy. Her head pounded like drums, and her chest felt tight. The air was warm, but she felt cold.

It was the side effect of using that rare magic—Freya’s healing magic. She had used it too much the day before, trying to save as many people as she could.

Now, her body was paying the price.

Kieran sat beside her, wiping her face gently with a cool cloth. His eyes were full of worry.

“Are you alright, darling?” he asked.

Celestia gave him a small smile.

“I’m okay,” she whispered.

But she wasn’t. Her head felt like it would explode any minute now. Her stomach turned every time she moved. The world spun when she tried to sit up.

Adelaide walked in with a warm drink made from herbs. She knelt beside Celestia and placed a hand on her forehead.

“She’s burning up,” Adelaide said softly. “She needs more rest. That kind of magic… it takes a lot from the body,” she added.

“I know,” Kieran said. “But she won’t stay in bed unless we stop her,” he added.

Celestia gave them both a look. “I want to see Maraño… I need to check if he’s okay,” she said, trying to sit up.

Kieran gently pushed her back down.

“No,” he said firmly. “You’re not healing anyone today. You’re barely standing,” he added.

“But—”

“I know what you want to do,” he said, brushing her hair back. “But not now. You used too much yesterday. You need to rest,” he added.

Leon entered the tent just in time to hear that.

“I agree,” he said. “You’re no use to anyone if you fall sick. Our leader is strong. He can wait,” he added.

Celestia looked between them. She hated feeling weak. But she also knew they were right.

“Fine,” she said softly. “I’ll rest,” she added defeated.

Celestia fell asleep soon after. Her dreams were strange—full of fire and shadow. She saw herself standing in a burning field, people crying out for help, and a voice whispering her name from the dark.

When she opened her eyes, it was almost night again. The sky outside her tent had turned orange, fading into purple. She could hear voices and movement—people working, talking, cooking. Life in the camp had gone on while she rested.

She sat up slowly. Her head still hurt, but not as bad as before.

The tent flap opened, and Kieran peeked in.

“You’re awake,” he said with a small smile. “You scared me, you know,” he added.

“I’m sorry,” Celestia said. “I really thought I could handle it,” she added.

“You did what you had to do,” he said, coming closer. “But next time… let someone else help too,” he added.

Celestia reached for his hand.

“Thank you,” she said. “For staying,” she added.

“Always.”

He helped her out of the tent. The night air was cool, and the stars were starting to shine. The camp looked a little better—fires were lit, guards were on watch, and some tents had been rebuilt.

Adelaide walked over with a bowl of soup.

“You need to eat,” she said. “No magic, no hero stuff. Just soup,” she added.

Celestia laughed a little and took the bowl.

“Okay. Just soup," she said. “Thanks, Aunt, she added.

As she ate slowly, Leon approached.

“Maraño is awake,” he said. “He asked for you—but I told him you were resting,” he added.

“I want to see him tonight,” Celestia said. “If I feel strong enough,” she added. Leon looked at her closely, then nodded.

“Only if Kieran says yes.”

Celestia gave Kieran a look. Kieran sighed.

“After you finish your soup,” he said.

Later that evening, after resting a bit more, Celestia finally went to see Maraño.

The clan leader was sitting up on his bed, his shoulder wrapped in thick cloth. He looked tired, but strong.

“You made it,” he said with a weak smile.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner,” Celestia said. “I used too much magic yesterday,” she added.

“I heard it. You saved lives,” Maraño said. “That’s more than enough,” he added. Celestia smiled.

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

Celestia sat by Maraño’s bed, her hands glowing softly with golden light. She placed them gently over his injured shoulder. The magic began to work—slow and steady. The wound started to close, and some of the pain left his face.

He didn’t speak at first. He only watched her, surprised by how warm and calm her power felt.

“You’re not like most magic users,” he said softly. “Your light… it’s different. It heals with care, not just power,” he added. Celestia gave a small smile.

“Freya taught me, she's my aunt's friend. She said rare magic should be used to help, not just to fight,” she said.

Maraño nodded, impressed. After a moment of silence, Celestia spoke again.

“Can I ask something?” she said.

“Go ahead,” Maraño replied.

“You mentioned something before… about the Nightmare Wolf,” she said. “What is it?" she added.

Maraño’s eyes darkened a little. He looked down at his healing shoulder, then called out to someone outside the tent.

“Lina,” he said. “Get the box under my bed,” he added.

A few seconds later, a servant entered—a young woman with a kind face. She bowed to Celestia, then walked over to the far side of the bed. She reached under and pulled out a small wooden box with silver edges and old carvings.

When Celestia finished the healing, the golden glow slowly faded from her hands. Maraño gently rolled his shoulder and let out a long breath.

“The pain is gone,” he said, surprised. “You truly have the gift.”

Celestia looked tired, but she nodded.

“I’m just glad it worked.”

Maraño sat up straighter and reached for the box. He opened it slowly, as if it held something sacred.

Inside was a dagger. Its blade was dark silver, and the handle was shaped like a wolf’s head—fierce and wild. The eyes of the wolf were small red stones that shimmered in the lantern light.

Celestia stared at it, her breath catching.

“This dagger will help you kill the Nightmare Wolf once you fail to contain it, but I know you will succeed," Maraño said.

Celestia held the dagger, her heart beating faster in her chest.

The fire outside the tent crackled softly.

But far away, in the South, another fire burned.

Azul sat in the ruins of an old tower. His face was calm, but his eyes were cold.

“She thinks she’s safe,” he said to the man beside him. “She’s not,” he added.

The wind howled as he looked out over the dark land.

“She doesn’t know what’s coming.”

And deep inside her heart, even under the stars, Celestia felt the same cold wind brush her skin.

Something was coming.

But she would be ready.