The wind was sighing and thrashing in the treetops as the boughs moaned. The moon was abnormally large and all the witches from Liyilia were mesmerised by its luminous glow. A full moon was enchanting for any witch. But, sadly, Irinixia Xenlisa was not a witch.

In fact, the young woman who was only a week shy of nineteen was nowhere near the fierce yet magical creature.

She usually found these ceremonies riveting, those days brought back some of the only happy memories of her childhood.

Today was the day she always knew would happen, yet dreaded the arrival of. Her stomach was hurting, so much it felt as though someone was jamming a knife in it, over and over again until the throbbing ache would dissipate leaving her lifeless body in its wake. Although in the couple of hours she'd been in this agony, she had not died.

Though she knew the consequences that would await her once someone in her clan caught a whiff of what was happening. It would be so bad that death would be a mercy.

She was having her first bleeding.

She was already well developed with creamy porcelain skin, generous curves and an unusually tall body.

Jealousy often sprung among the witches, most would probably kill for her beauty, yet no one could complain. She just got lucky. It was as simple as that.

The imposter's heart was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.

She looked around the room, paranoid. She couldn't leave yet, it had only been a mere five hours since the ceremony started. If she suddenly disappeared everyone would notice yet if she stayed, blood would certainly stain the bone white logs that were currently on the muddy terrain.

Irinixia decided on staying seated, but made sure not to look at any of the witches in the eyes and tried to calm down. All would be fine. As the ceremony continued, she didn't dare to draw attention to herself, her gaze fixed intently on the ground. The rhythmic chanting and the faint aroma of herbs in the air couldn't mask the persistent ache in her belly but as the hours went on, the ache dulled.

When the ceremony ended, the witches dispersed and the moon's gaze lingered, Irinixia gracefully rose, her movements still incredibly graceful. She navigated the muddy terrain to make her way toward the adjoining bathroom in her room which she shared with half a dozen other witchlings. Her steps quickened with a sense of urgency. Beyond the chamber's door awaited a sanctuary—a quiet space where she could tend to her body's needs.

Except, the girl didn't have time to do any of that since Hecate, the witch clan leader, burst into the bathroom, not caring about privacy.

"Fellow sister, I've had my suspicions on you ever since you came into my territory for the first time thirteen years ago. I mean, it is odd for a six year old witch not to be born inside our community. Even though we keep the identity of the mothers a secret from our witchlings, I have access to that information. Yet none match for the week you were born, and in the same month, the six little witchlings' mothers are accounted for.

In the years you've been here, I've paid close attention to you; even though you hold some of our characteristics, the answer behind your true identity can only be found when you attain your first bleeding and obtain your powers. I have reason to believe that tonight is that night.

So, Irinixia Xenlisa, tell me, are you a traitor or will you showcase me your apparent magic right here in this bathroom." Hecate said in a tone so terrifying that would push most people to cry.

"I- I'm sorry." Those were the only two words that Irinixia could mutter.

The clan leader stood before the traitor, her eyes filled with contempt and anger. The traitor had betrayed her trust and had endangered the safety of all the witches. For a moment, the queen considered ordering her immediate execution. However, a different idea occurred to her.

"Traitor," Hecate said, her voice cold and harsh. "I could have you executed for your treachery. But I have a better idea. You will go on a mission for me. You will travel to the elf kingdom and bring me back information about their military and political situation. You will also do so without the king ever knowing I sent you. If you succeed, you will earn your freedom. If you fail, you will face the consequences."

Irinixia was surprised by the leader's proposition. She had expected to be executed on the spot, but her leader's offer gave her a chance to redeem herself.

"I will do as you command, Your Majesty, except I don't know how to," the traitor said, her head bowed in shame.

"You will figure it out, you're a succubi are you not? Being in a kingdom full of men will work to your advantage, hopefully," Hecate mumbled, her expression softening slightly. "I hope you understand the gravity of your situation. You have a chance to make things right, but you must not fail me. If you do, you will face the full force of my wrath."

The traitor nodded, fully aware of the stakes. She left the bathroom, determined to complete her mission successfully and earn the witches forgiveness.

The leader watched her depart, her mind filled with doubt and uncertainty. Had she made the right decision? Was the traitor truly capable of redemption? Only time would tell. For now, the witch had to trust in her own judgement and hope that her decision would ultimately serve the greater good.

Hecate looked back, her deadly gaze looking upon the succubi one last time, "you leave tomorrow."

Irinixia's heart thumped in her chest like a drum, every beat sending shockwaves through her body. What was she going to do? Zarrum, the elf kingdom was an all male kingdom, a woman would surely be noticed.

She surely couldn't disguise herself as one, her generous curves would be hard to keep hidden. Right?

Tomorrow. Tomorrow she would figure it all out.