xvi
1138 Words
Circe stood outside her house after calling Kieran to give her answer.
“Am I doing this right, Lilith?” she asked as she looked up at the sky.
“I called you here because you need to know what is happening,” she said as the witches gathered around the yard.
“What is it, Grand Witch?” Ophelia asked.
“As you’ve all known, Celestia has decided to stay in the Shadowclaw Pack,” she began. “And the child wants to explore the world,” she added. Whispers filled the place.
“It’s too dangerous, Grand Witch,” Ophelia said, and the other witches agreed.
“She’s the child in the prophecy, Grand Witch. What if something happens to her? Our kind is at stake here,” Cynthia said.
“But that child is pitiful,” Merlyn said. “She stayed in the coven for twenty years,” she added.
“Because she’ll bring calamity once she’s out of control!” Ophelia exclaimed.
“If we continue to force Celestia to live the life we want for her, do you think the Goddess would approve of that?” Adelaide intervened, having just arrived from the mission with Renee. “I saw the child. She looked genuinely happy for the first time. Renee and I—we’ve been on missions and came back with two of our comrades dead because the Abyss Brotherhood is searching for her. Do you think she’ll be safe if we keep hiding her? More lives will be claimed by death! Celestia needs to fight for herself,” she added.
“Adelaide,” Circe whispered.
“If you’re all against her leaving, try being in her shoes,” Adelaide muttered, crossing her arms.
“What if we send a witch to join her on her journey?” Merlyn suggested.
“If that’s the case, I’m going,” Adelaide said. “I know enough about the Abyss Brotherhood,” she added.
“Would you be able to protect her, Adelaide?” Circe asked.
“Yes, Grand Witch,” she answered, and with that, Circe took a deep breath.
“I’ve come to a decision…” Circe looked at everyone and felt the wind brush against her skin. “I’m allowing Celestia to fulfill what she wants to do, and I’m sending Adelaide to accompany her,” she added.
“Grand Witch!”
“My decision is final. Adelaide, come follow me,” Circe said and walked away.
“Grand Witch,” Adelaide called. Circe snapped out of her thoughts and turned around.
“Adelaide, sit down,” she ordered.
Adelaide quietly sat on the wooden chair across from her, waiting as Circe watched her with a thoughtful gaze.
“How was your mission?” Circe finally asked.
Adelaide let out a deep sigh.
“They’re getting bolder, Grand Witch. They almost caught Renee, but we arrived just in time to pull her out,” she answered.
“Where is she now?” Circe asked, sitting down as well.
“She’s in the Shadowclaw Pack,” Adelaide answered. “She asked me to tell you that she plans to stay there for a month to help Celestia with her training,” she added.
Circe nodded slowly. Knowing Renee was with Celestia gave her a bit of comfort.
“Are you sure you want to join her, Adelaide?” she asked.
“I’m certain, Grand Witch,” she said without hesitation. “You can trust me to protect her,” she added. Circe gave a small smile.
“I hope I made the right decision, Adelaide. Contact the Shadowclaw Pack and let Kieran know my answer. You’ll return to the pack once Celestia’s training is finished. But be warned—you’ll undergo strict training yourself, and I’ll be watching over it. Is that clear?” she said.
“Yes, Grand Witch,” Adelaide replied, bowing her head respectfully.
Back in the Shadowclaw Pack, the news of the Grand Witch’s approval brought a wave of joy. The entire packhouse buzzed with energy, and to celebrate, Isabel prepared a delicious lunch for everyone.
The dining hall was filled with the scent of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and warm bread. Laughter echoed off the walls as the pack members gathered around the long table. Celestia sat between Renee and Kieran, still in disbelief.
“I really can’t believe she said yes,” Celestia said, eyes wide in wonder. “Grand Witch Circe—the strictest witch in the coven—actually agreed,” she added.
“You must’ve softened her heart, darling,” Kieran teased with a grin.
Renee chuckled, but her expression turned a bit serious as she gently placed a hand over Celestia’s.
“The world out there is beautiful, Celestia… but it’s not all kindness and wonder. There are cruel people too, and not everyone will wish you well,” she said. Celestia nodded quietly.
“I’ll be careful, Aunt,” she said.
“You better be,” Renee said, but her voice held warmth. “This freedom comes with a lot of responsibility,” she added.
“But where do you want to go?” Renee asked, making everyone pause and look at Celestia.
“Yes, child. Where do you want to go?” Solomon echoed gently.
Celestia bit her bottom lip and glanced at Kieran, who gave her a soft smile.
“Go on, darling,” Kieran said. “Wherever you go, it doesn’t matter—because I’ll be right there with you,” he added. Celestia took a breath.
“The Northern region,” she whispered.
“Humans,” Roxy said with a raised brow. “Klaudia’s there, right?” she added.
“Yes,” Solomon replied with a nod. “Maybe you’ll meet my daughter,” he added.
“Humans, huh?” Renee repeated, her tone cautious. “Don’t believe everything they say. Most of them are silver-tongued liars.” She grimaced at the memory.
“I made the mistake of trusting too easily when I first left the coven. Grand Witch Circe warned me, but I didn’t listen—and I ended up getting robbed of everything I had.” She shook her head.
“Luckily, a kind witch staying in the area helped me back then,” she said.
“I have a friend living there,” Kieran said. “We can stay with him for a while. He’s trustworthy,” he said.
Celestia looked around, overwhelmed by their support. Her chest felt full, her eyes a little misty.
“I promise I won’t slack off with my training. I’ll be careful,” she said with a wide grin.
As the group continued eating, the air was filled with laughter and chatter. They were still worried, specially Renee, but she chose to enjoy the moment of joy with Celestia.
- Writer
