I wasn't sure what to expect from my time here. Mingling amongst royalty and beings far above me both in stature and importance. My first few days, I didn't care much about where I was and who I was talking to. I only had one thing on my mind.

Unfortunately, the person I was trying to see most escaped me like mist between cramped fingers.

Days had passed and no word or glimmer from the man I have been wanting to feast my eyes onto. Instead I've been hounded and harangued by the King and Queen who are rather nice but don't enjoy seeing a witch sleep. There's another woman whom I don't like much. She seems rather nice but something about her screams to be wary of her.

It could be that she's a Mage. Not a true witch but more like someone who reads fairy tales and believes she could be one of us. As if. It's not her gummy smile which I mean literally since no teeth line her gums, only skin falling into the escape of her mouth as she grins at every passerby like she knows each and every one of their secrets.

Rui visited me on a regular basis and her mate was always nearby lurking. The only person with half a brain seems to be the War General.

Why on Earth would I attack someone or do some other treasonous act when I could be dead within seconds afterwards?

"Have you found a special lady friend? Guy friend? I'm not judging," I muse to my familiar who looks at me through disgruntled eyes.

My mind drifts to the creatures of the forest. Little fae's who are as robust as they are flaming but also equal parts viscous. I've woken up to one trying to bite the tip of my finger just because it didn't like the way I looked at it.

Glancing down at the slight scare running from the tip of my finger, starting just underneath my nail before vanishing not long after. The little fucker had sharp teeth.

Perusing my surroundings, I grin as I think of the days prior when my little familiar came bounding at me. Chuffs of inappropriate laughter resounded from his chest. I couldn't gain much from what he was trying to say but the feeling overtaking me let me know it had something to do with that mate of mine.

The person I am utterly convinced of now. He is my mate and as much as he tries to deny it, nothing will change that.

Running my hands over the bumps and grains of the taffeta white walls, I take in the sight of a couple sitting upright on a sofa that doesn't look the least bit comfortable. They're like night and day from the man's thin greying hair, flecks of blonde still apparent and deep green eyes, startling. The woman's hair as thick as night and not a colour of grey to be seen, eyes a deep brown, almost black as she sits poised with her shoulders thrown back and posture straight.

Ah, the previous King and Queen.

I wonder where they've been holded up?

Probably in hiding after all those attempted murders.

My steps are languid as I take a nice stroll, peeking in through different rooms to take in the caring decor and to see if anything is valuable enough for me to borrow.

My kitsune lets out a soft purr, agreeing with my thought process. Probably thinking how he could take his little girlfriends out on dates.

"This is the life. Imagine us just spending our days here," I say softly to my furry companion.

Although the both of us know we'd dread it. Being a witch makes me naturally inclined to being surrounded by flora and fauna alike. The constant urge to dig my bare feet into soft squelching soil, the smell of rain absorbed into the very ground and the sounds of wildlife penetrating my ears like a siren calling me to my very being.

Thick walls and wooden flooring feels foreign along with the decoration of vases and chairs randomly strewn about. I need my space, surrounded by flowers and greenery.

I wonder if my wolf man likes the same. Constrained by the prison that many call a luxury. It's okay. I can make sacrifices for him if he does like the whole shabang of having a house.

With thoughts of my mate and I having a quaint cottage deep in the woods, I lose myself in my surroundings with a silly grin on my face, letting my fox guide me with soft brushes of his bushy tail to keep me in line.

I could live in this fantasy forevermore and die with a smile on my lips and stars in my eyes.

*****

I barely realise how much time has passed as I sit on the ground, beside a chair that is propped next to the window sill. The window wide open as the drops splatter onto my face, the water absorbing into me and its essence reinvigorating me once more.

A gentle knock rouses me from my staring and I straighten myself out, waiting for the people to come in. My fox cuddled up near my feet on the floor, peeking with one eye open.

I'm not surprised to see the Queen stepping in, my body facing the opposite direction but aware of the King pacing the hall a few feet away.

"Excuse me, Althea."

The pitch black room takes the woman off guard. The absolute dead quiet doesn't help matters either as my fox and I stay quiet. Resuming the silence that lingered before the Queen walked in.

Queen Fie fumbles for the light switch, a sharp intake of air following after as she catches sight of me.

I guess it can be unnerving to some people.

The giant star symbol drawn in with chalk should be no worries since it fades right out. The center fits my body perfectly as I sit in the middle with my skirt pooling around me. The flames from the candles at each point flickering dangerously with Fie's interruption.

With a muffled sigh, I chant the last verse, wrapping up my connection that I so desperately wanted to make. The words coil off my tongue like mist over water, my lips making no sound even as I say them loud and clear but falling on no one's ears.

"Althea. I'm going to give you a fair warning and benefit of the doubt," The Queen speaks clearly, slightly hesitant and weary of me and what I can potentially do. I can sense the King nearing the doorway, but not yet entering.

My Kitsune chuffs out, diverting my attention as the last of the chant escapes me with a murmur. Opening my eyes, I pin the Queen with an inviting stare. As inviting as dead eyes can be that is.

"Good evening, my Queen. I apologise for the mess," I chirp as I stare back at her, watching the woman's hesitance grow.

"Um. What were you doing?" She asks timidly, afraid of offending me.

My penetrating gaze causes her eyes to flicker to the floor and then back at me. As if it's obvious.

"The smoke? The symbol on the floor? All the incantations?" Her seriousness causes giggles to erupt from me and I finally realise how odd I must seem.

"Oh silly Althea," I chastise myself. "I'm so used to being around witches, I forget that others don't catch on as quickly and that this isn't normal. Don't worry. The symbol will wash out. It's chalk."

Foraging through the folds of my skirt, I brandish the chalk with a smile, hoping now I'm the one that didn't offend her by scribbling on her floor.

"Why were you doing witchy things?"

Another burst of laughter escapes me as I shake my head vehemently, my familiar sitting up as I wave some smoke around.

"Oh, I guess it might have looked rather odd. Hmm. Yes. Very odd. I must say. I was doing a simple spell since you see, witches tend to take energy out of living organisms and I didn't want all the flowers in the castle dying. I hate when any living thing dies. It's so sad."

My heart thrums in my chest at the possible lives lost. The communication cut off before I could reach out to the little critters. Hopefully the Queen will move along soon and I can get back to it.

The Queen eases up at my explanation, more comfortable as she waves off her prior suspicion.

"Listen Althea. I know we said we'll wait for the rest and have a meeting but I'd like to have a talk right now instead. If you don't mind, I'd like to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible and resolve this matter even faster."

Standing up from my comfortable spot on the floor, I sit up on the chair and motion for Fie to sit in the one opposite. My familiar doesn't take long jumping up to my lap. The both of us entirely focused on her.

That is until I glance at the door, the words dying on the tip of my tongue as the Queen catches on, blushing at the unspoken.

"You may tell him to come inside."

I watch as Fie's mate walks in, unperturbed as if I didn't catch him trying to lurk outside my room. The snarky comment dies on my tongue as my eyes focus on him.

The all too familiar panic seized me entirely, my body in flight mode as adrenaline rushed through me. My head starts shaking in denial as if it has a mind of its own, only worried about one thing.

The black ball of fur nearly swallowed by the large burly King, his hand cradling a tiny creature that has me almost catatonic from the fear gripping me.

"Don't worry. She's just a kitten. She's harmless I swear."
The terror is still ever present but I try to relax myself, only slightly aware of how my kitsune stands in front of me, perched low to the ground and eyes trained on the beast before us.

"She's with Malleus, don't worry. I won't let her come near you," I nod at the Queen's words although taking more comfort in my protector than anyone else. Still stiff as a board, I force myself to sit back down, alert on whatever that may come my way.

"We made an agreement," Malleus chimes in, taking a seat next to Fie while still cradling the beast. "We want to know about the black magic in the forest. Remember what we said before you came with us. I upheld my end of the deal. Now it's your turn. Please."

A chuffing sound deep at the back of my throat escapes me. A noise that I need comfort, a familial presence, something that grounds me and releases me from my almost catatonic state.

My fox jumps into my arms, relaxing me to a great extent as he nuzzles into my fingers. It's almost as if the animal casts a spell, my body going lax as a familiar grin takes over my lips.

"I know of the black magic in the forest," I start out with a firm nod of my head. "In fact, it was my mother who is the cause behind it."

"Why would your mother do something like that? Did she have a personal motive with someone? This isn't only affecting one person in particular but it's sporadic, clinging to people at random."

I ponder over the Queen's words, processing what she said, and then speak up after a few moments of silence. "I can't really tell you the motive behind my mother's actions although I would if I could."

"Why can't you tell us?" Malleus asks with a raise of his brow and I can already tell he thinks this is just some witch's ploy to protect her mother.

I'm not particularly phased as another giggle slips out. I tilt my head to the side as my black hair frames my face. "Isn't it obvious? Silly me, I thought it was common knowledge. I forget only witches know of these things. My mother killed herself." The grin tugging at my lips offset my words completely.

"A witch has to be strong to cast such a spell. Black magic deteriorates the user's health immensely and the more powerful the magic, the worse the side effects are. Considering the depth of the magic used and how it's still in effect, I'd say this is what took the life out of here." I muse with puckered brows, considering the possibility.

"I'm so sorry for your loss." Fie awkwardly utters.

I casually wave my hand in the air, unbothered.

"No worries. I wasn't really a fan of hers. She kicked me out of the coven so she was dead to me ages ago."

"May I ask why she kicked you out?" The King asks now, pausing briefly and assessing how I'll react.

I could almost sigh in content.

Nodding my head, I smile at the thought of my head popping right off! I wonder if I could do that. Just nod and nod and then POP!

"My mother was the head of the coven and considering I was her daughter, it was supposed to go to me once I got a proper hold of my powers, but that woman was as psychotic if there ever was one. She didn't want me to take over her position. She didn't want anyone to, so she made an example out of me. Put a false blame onto me and then exiled me with threats of stripping me of my powers if I ever came back. She had her way for a good few years but then she performed that spell, trying to show off most likely in order to not let the other coven members try to get rid of her."

"Little good it did her because she ended up killing herself instead. Karma." I end with a slight grin on my face.

"We need a plan," Malleus says after a moment of silence.

"That magic needs to be dealt with immediately. First Fie's previous Luna was affected, then Fie herself and now a few other wolves who still haven't recovered fully and are regaining their energy as we speak. Even the wildlife in the forest is deteriorating at a fast pace."

Considering his words briefly, I nod once more. No popping!

"I assume our agreement still stands?" I muse once more, getting a curt nod from Malleus.

"You will have a place to stay even within this very castle if you so wish."

Taking a deep breath, I glance down at my companion before deciding. Pretending as if I was considering it all and not like I had orchestrated this in its entirety.

Oh how fun.

"Very well. I will request permission for the rest of my coven to come. We can do it near the outskirts of the forest if you wish for it to not happen too close to the city. I would do it on my own but I fear if this magic took the life of my mother, it won't be easy for just me to do."

"Coven? Didn't you say you were kicked out of it?" The Queen questions.

"Oh yes, but now that my mother has died, I am once more the rightful heir to be the head witch. I was actually in the middle of talking it out with my previous members when Malleus and the other wolves came into our territory." I nod.

I've decided I like to nod.

Malleus sighs and gets up after another moment "I cannot allow all your coven to come this close to my city and my mate for security reasons. I will allow two more members at max and they will have to go through a screening as well as yourself by my Head Mage. I am sure you understand."

I nod quickly, mimicking the Queen and King as they stand up but scooting to the other end of the room.

Bad kitty.

"Of course. I understand. Will tomorrow at dawn be okay? I would like to sort this matter out as soon as possible, just as much as you do," I rebut. Malleus and I exchange a few more words before they're out of my hair. Each step is accentuated with a nod before I'm free.

I quite like them, I must admit.

******

Waking up at three in the morning is normal now. The witching hour always makes me giggle but I love scaring humans by lurking in places where they'd least suspect me.

The fear that would creep up on them as they saw my shadow spilling forth would always send a tingle of excitement down my spine. Absolute happiness seeping out of my pores when they'd scream.

My mother would always tell me to get a life. Ha! Funny coming from her considering she's the one six feet under.

She needs to take a page out of her own book.
Taking a bath and freshening up, I enter the room and glance at my Familiar already perched at the door and waiting for me to open it. He could always jump out the window but he's so proper.

He'd rather take the stairs.

Cracking my neck from side to side, I revel in the pooping sound that escapes.

I wonder if my mother had her neck popped.

POP!

Humming to myself, I open the door, letting the critter run out while I take my time. Soon enough, I'm traversing the giant castle, taking in the beauty of it all with everyone as dead as a doornail.

An intense urge overtakes me suddenly. From the tips of my toes to the soles of my feet, I practically vibrate with the need to step onto fresh grass, connecting with Mother Earth.

My humming grows louder, the gentle tune now turning more erratic the closer seconds tick by and the outside world looms closer.

"I wonder if-"

There it is again.

One would have almost missed it if not for the spikes jutting out. The hair all on end as if it was shocked by a jolt of electricity.

Meow.

Shivers rack down my body. My toes curl as my body stills.

One step.

That's all it takes for me to lose myself completely. Last time it was easier because I knew Fie and Malleus were there. The beast trapped in the arms of the King. My kitsune brought me greater comfort, protecting me with his life.

Now I'm alone.

A muffled sound rises up and it takes me a second to realise it bursted out from me. Tears well up in my eyes and another sob escapes me as the beast takes another step forward.

All consuming fear rips at my chest and I feel my breath starting to shorten as my heart hammers painfully in my chest.

"H-help."

My voice is silent, a mere whisper traveling through ghost filled halls. Even I barely hear my voice reaching my ears.

Another sob slips passed me and now I'm shaking on the spot, trembling like a leaf as the black beast stalks its prey; me.

I'm sure my body is seconds away from giving out. Lying there for the beast of hell to consume me flesh, bones and all.

Stunned, I don't move a single muscle but that doesn't deter the animal.

Instead, it seeks glee in my torment as it bounds towards me, each step like a nail in my coffin.

One moment I'm seeing my ultimate demise racing towards me. The next, I see a black canvas as I get shoved back, away from the beast.

Blinking rapidly, my mind and body are at a disconnect so it takes me a while to focus.

My mate stands a short ways away from me. Cloak removed but standing there in all black regardless. In his leather glove covered hands, he holds a kitten. Meowing away as if commanding the man to let him go.

Shame flares in me. Embarrassment coating my cheeks as my mate stands in front of me. Far enough away that my heart calms down at the cat being at a distance but pounding at the sight of our soulmate.

I go to speak, trying to pretend as if my heart wasn't about to give out over a creature others fawn over. The embarrassment almost caused me to feel sick. Until I catch his eyes.

He holds no mirth. No haughtiness at my expense.

Instead, he stands there with the kitten cradled to his chest, hiding the animal from my view while staring at me with an expression I'd almost describe as soft.

His face is entirely stoic. Not a single muscle showing any sort of consolation but not holding the same hard facade as usual. The man merely lowers his eyes, as if showing that he doesn't judge and rather, understands.

The gesture only lasts a few seconds before he's stalking off again. Beast in tow.

Only then and there do I get the confirmation I need.

The man didn't act. Nor does he strike me as the type to act in such a situation. But he has a heart.

Not only that, but I could read him like a book. Which says a lot since I can't read.

He's my destined.

-----

AN: Hello! Long chapter which I loved writing lool.

Anyone find a certain excerpt familiar? 👀

Question: What is your dream job? Anything you could do no matter how wild?

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