The wedding day was quickly approaching, and Araz was set to marry Leo on the day of the full moon. I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and dread, unable to speak to anyone about the situation. Not Araz, not Evanora. I knew that if I attempted to make Araz back out of the wedding, Lannis would ensure that there were repercussions for me. As I realized this, my worries and fears continued to grow and I felt trapped in a situation with no clear escape.

I didn't know what to say to Evanora or Araz, as there weren't any questions, they could answer for me. I desperately hoped that my brother would reach out to me soon, as it would be in everyone's best interest if I left this life behind. It would be in Evanora's best interest as well, as it would remove her from the burden of taking care of me. However, my heart couldn't help but break at the thought of leaving them behind for good.

While everyone in the village was busy with wedding preparations, I felt the need to keep myself productive and practice my magic until the sun set on the mountains. I hoped that through these efforts, I could learn better control over my powers, and so I dedicated myself to the pursuit of this goal. The wedding day was quickly approaching, and I was determined to be better prepared for any unknown situations I might face during that time.

"Mind if I join?" I was engrossed in my practice of controlling my magic, when I heard a familiar voice suddenly. The flower that was becoming alive in my hands, abruptly died when no power was directed to it. I placed it back on the ground as I looked up at her. I wasn't necessarily expecting to see her, and I was unsure how to react to her sudden surprise visit.

"No, not at all." I said, scooting over to make room for Araz to sit. We remained quiet for a moment, just taking in the beauty of the setting sun as it cast a dark purple hue in the sky.

"So, um, what are you doing out here?" I asked nervously, unsure of how to start a conversation. As I looked at Araz, I noticed that she seemed deep in thought.

"I heard what happened and I love that you tried to do what's best for me. But as you know, sometimes when someone doesn't need help, its best to not help at all. Like me. Maybe I do need your help but I don't know how or what will happen, would it be better for me or worst." I listened carefully as she spoke, trying to decipher her meaning. It sounded as if she was confused as to why I tried to take care of her, and was unsure if I was doing the right thing. She spoke quickly and, in a rush, as if she was trying to say everything at once without time to think.

"I um, I know that when someone doesn't need help, it's best not to help at all, but I thought that your situation with your engagement needed some intervention." I replied, trying to clarify the reasoning behind my actions.

"I understand Arica, I do need help but I also know you can't provide me the help I want." I went silent, she was right. I was helpless myself.

"I'm sorry, that I can't give you what you need to help you." I admitted.

"No no no... It's totally fine, I am just happy you tried and what so ever happens would be for the best. I heard mother told you about the letter," I nodded as I thought more about the letter, a mix of emotions filled me.

"Yes, Evanora did tell me about the letter. It seems like there are a lot of secrets to be revealed here." I replied, referring to the letter.

"What will you be doing now then?" She asked, a question even I didn't know the answer off.

"I can't do anything but wait."

*********

As the day for Araz's wedding arrived, the food smelled amazing but the noise from the crowd was unbearable and the atmosphere felt stuffy and uncomfortable. To make matters worse, everyone had an unsettling, fake-looking smile plastered on their face since it was the 'Great Lannis's son's wedding'. Despite the excitement of the occasion, I felt the tension in the air and I could tell it was taking a toll on Araz. I had mixed feelings about the wedding, knowing that Araz was hesitant about the entire thing and that it would change her life forever.

As I stood at Araz's side, I watched the preparations for the wedding continued to unfold. The place was a flurry of activity, with everyone present from the village eagerly wanting to see the bride and the groom. Leo and Araz stood at the front of the crowd, greeting everyone as they arrived. Yet to say their vows, they stood patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin. They knew that the celebrations would last all day until dawn, when they would finally say their vows and part to their quarters to spend the next morning.

Araz looked exhausted and frustrated as the festivities continued, and she knew that she couldn't keep up with the party until dawn.

"It is yet for the sun to set and I am tired." She said, her tone weary and frustrated. As I looked at her, I could see the distress on her face and I felt bad for her as well. It was a harsh celebration, specially for the bride and the groom.

The crowd was brimming with colourful outfits worn by the witches, their clothing being the perfect way for them to show off their wealth. I myself wore a light blue gown with a shade of dark blue scarf wrapped around my arms, as Evanora had forced me to do so. I was Araz's close friend and knew that she wanted me to look my best for her. However, I felt conflicted as the day progressed, the dress started to feel a bit tight.

"Let them drink, soon many will leave and we can ease a bit." Leo spoke as I rolled my eyes in response, still not wanting to talk to him or even be here.

The night progressed and Leo had been right, as the guests slowly started leaving and were only coming back when things got more serious. As I was walking around, I grabbed a plate with food and feed myself. After a while I started to head back to Araz, when suddenly Evanora stopped me. She had a huge smile on her face, blocking my path. She must've had something important to say, especially since she was smiling, I thought to myself.

"Have you eaten?" I nodded. "Good because I want to talk to you right now, with all the chaos I couldn't talk to you properly." Evanora said, smiling at me. I was appreciative of her caring nature, and was curious as to what she needed to say now that the noise had settled.

I followed Evanora a little bit away from the wedding tent, as the clutter and noise was starting to die down due to the departure of the guests.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Sit down" I obliged and waited as she took a seat on the tree trunk.

"I wanted to tell you how I meet your brother, I wanted no secrets between us. I came off as really blunt last time, I want to do this right." She said, sitting down on the other side of the tree trunk. "You have been an amazing person and I always considered you a part of our family. Its just you were sudden and I didn't know how to handle you. You were a chaotic child, determined and a great responsibility upon me." She continued, her tone shifting to a more emotional one.

As she explained, a sense of empathy filled me, as I could also relate to her feelings of being overwhelmed at times. I could tell that she was trying to do the right thing and wanted to reveal everything to me.

"Your brother is the king of the divided realm, Acacious. You are the lone princess born with magic, you are special and to protect you he sent you here. I wish I could tell you more but its most definitely not my place." She paused, sounding as if she had more to say but was hesitant to speak out about it. I was taken aback by this shocking revelation, and I couldn't help but feel intrigued to learn how she knew all of this. I couldn't speak and she continued.

"I asked your brother to help me when my husband died and the village was in decline. One, night, I tried to contact the queen telepathically, but it was your brother who showed up. He was impressed by our use of herbs, and we helped each other. He got us the resources we needed and I secretly got your brother the herbs he needed as well. It was a breach, a deal with the enemy, but it was the only way to save themselves." A pause as she explained, the gravity of the situation finally settling in for me. I felt both shocked by the weight of the situation as well as curious to learn more. The gravity of it had finally set in and I couldn't help but feel intrigued by this whole revelation and the secrets that it held.

"Do you regret it?" I asked the only words I could think off.

"Never. We ended over agreement over you and no one knows of our secret. I indeed to keep it this way. This is all I know and all I could tell you." She finished, staring at me with her eyes sparkling, her words were still making my heart beat and replaying it over and over in my head. As I continued to process the information that I had just received, a part of me felt relieved, yet another felt confused by it. I wasn't sure what to say or do that will make me feel better. She was sincere to me, as a mother cat to her kitten.

"I love you," I choked out, with tears rapidly ushering out of my eyes.

"I love you too my darling." She stood up and hastily hugged me with her all might. I melted into her as my heart felt warm. My brother left me here for whatsoever the reason but she single-handedly took care of me as her own. She had always been there for me, a beacon of light in the darkest of times. Taking me into her care, when she had no obligation to. Helping me with my magic and watching my back. Always present with her warmth and love, no matter how rough the seas became. There, ready to pull me out of the depths of despair and guide me out of the storm. I appreciated her every single moment, because I knew that without her, I might not be as happy as I was. I want to wish to do the same for her.

"There is another thing I can do for you; I can contact your brother for you." She said, immediately bringing a bright smile to my face. I couldn't believe what was happening. My heart jumped with joy, knowing that I was finally going to be able to speak to my brother.

"I would love that." I replied, feeling a mixture of emotions as tears started to fall down my cheeks again. As someone who had never had a mother, I had found a nurturing presence and loving family in Evanora's arms. She had gone way above and beyond to take care of me and help guide me through life. I knew that I would miss her very much, yet the memories and lessons that she had taught me would remain dear to me forever.