Page 50 of His Blazing Witch (The Silver City #3)

"Ben, that's not funny! Mara, be careful, okay? I know you're more powerful now, but those witches are..."

"More experienced. I know. Don't worry, just focus on the professor, and text me when you're done at the university, okay? I will update Selena and Nora too. Ben, don't hesitate to ask for reinforcements if things look bad. We've already seen what can happen even with witches outside of the barrier..."

"Gotcha."

I quickly hug Kelsi, and we go our separate ways, Liam and I riding north while Ben, Kelsi, and Spark head toward the direction of the university to find out the truth.

¨ Did you update Nora and Selena? 〃

I almost jump, hearing Liam's voice in my head while we're on the highway. Damn, I need to get used to this.

¨ I will. 〃

I do so right away. As expected, it's as easy as picking a name on a list... I feel my connection to the two young women, and grab it to hold on. They are more used to it, so they are perfectly calm and probably continuing whatever they're doing while I coolly explain everything thatˇs happened so far.

¨ Wait, so you're headed north now? Alone with Liam? Mara, you should have asked for more back-up! 〃 protests Selena.

¨ You just got out of the hospital too 〃

¨ Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. Moreover, I just need to ask Ravena what she knows about the curse. More than confronting those witches, I think this should be our priority now. 〃

¨ Are you sure? Those witches want to get inside Silver City, and the barrier is almost gone 〃

¨ I... I have a feeling it's all connected actually. The witches' interest in Silver City, the curse, and me. Even your presence in Silver City... I'm sure there's something bigger we havenˇt grasped yet. But my gut tells me it's all linked, and maybe those other witches know more too. 〃

¨ If you manage to make them talk, that is. 〃

¨ I know, Selena, but I should at least try. It's obvious they aren't fond of werewolves. They don't like me either, but... maybe I'll find common ground for us to exchange info. 〃

¨ Oh, whatever. You're the witch, and it's not like you'll let us stop you anyway. 〃

¨ Alright, but stay with Liam, okay? ...I feel your new bond, I'm so happy for you two! 〃

¨ Thank you, Nora, 〃 I blush .

¨ We'll celebrate when those two come back alive from the border! I can't believe Liam found a more stubborn mate than him... You're the most reckless pair I know, and that's saying a lot. 〃

I chuckle, but basically, they gave me all their support, if I needed any. We keep chatting about the curse, what I found out, and how it correlates to their story. Nora agrees with my theory that Diane's children probably weren't as miraculous as having no father at all, but Selena is skeptical of Danica's role.

¨ In my opinion, it would have made even more sense that the betrayed one was Nephera's birth mother. She left her daughter to Danica, didn't she? I don't believe Danica would have raised a child that wasn't hers if something big hadn't happened. Moreover, she almost sent her away as soon as she could. 〃

¨ She sent her to Silver City, 〃 adds Nora. ¨ It would all come back around... and she would have sent Nephera away so she wasn't cursed by staying around? 〃

¨ That's a lot of ifs once again, but at least with that curse, a lot of things make more sense! 〃

¨ Even for my parents 〃

¨ Nora? 〃

¨ Nothing, Mara, don't worry. Thank you for sharing this information, though. I'll think on it a little, I feel like it might explain more than we think! 〃

¨ Don't think too much, Nora, I'd rather think about it in a more practical way. Let's see how it goes for Mara at the border before we agonize over a legend, okay? 〃

¨ I know, I know 〃

The two of them agree on asking me to be careful, but that's a given. I can't help but smile throughout our conversation. I feel like Iˇve gained two more older sisters, and it's rather nice... In the end, Selena still insists that she will put some of her wolves on standby near the northern border, and asks some to go to the university, just to accompany Kelsi and Ben if they need more backup. Strangely, I feel like there isn't an ounce of animosity left in her behavior toward me. Since the curse left my body, or at least hasn't made itself heard at all in my head, Selena seems to be ready to fully trust me. I feel it in her voice, she doesn't talk to me like a child, but more like a... younger sister. The same way Liam's older brothers address him, in a way, and I do understand we are the "young ones'' of their pack.

Still, I'm the only witch in Silver City right now. I am glad for the werewolf in me that links me to everyone else, but by now, I've learned that this isn't the only thing I need. No, even if I wasn't a werewolf it probably wouldn't matter much. I was Liam's mate before we even had any idea I might also be part werewolf. I felt a connection to Nora before that, and we didn't wait for my inner wolf before getting into some trouble either...

Liam finally brings us close to the border, and I realize there isn't much of a border anymore. It's like a spider web, full of holes and so fragile too. I could probably break it, with a lot of time and energy. Which makes me wonder why Ravena and the other witches haven't done so yet.

We get off the bike, and I feel a little boost of adrenaline kick in out of the blue. I hope Kelsi does well at the university, but I'm feeling pretty confident here... not overestimating myself, hopefully. I can feel the other witches too, and to my surprise, they are close, but not together. Do they not get along, or is it meant to be some sort of trap? Liam glances behind us, and I can tell some werewolves are hiding nearby, as Selena promised. Good, because I may not have time to worry much about my mate if things get bad...

We leave our helmets and jackets with the bike, and both start walking silently, getting past the border without any trouble. What a difference... It didn't feel much more than a tingle on my skin this time. It's nothing to be glad about, unfortunately. It just means trouble has gotten a lot closer...

"There she is!"

I glance to the side, and sure enough, Ravena appears, her arms crossed, a haughty smile on her lips.

"Someone has gotten a lot stronger without my guidance," she chuckles, tilting her head.

Once again, her appearance is atypical. She's wearing a different, long patterned dress, and her hair is held up by some wooden hair pins too. Her makeup is still as horrible, a thick dark burgundy layer on her lips and some dark eyeshadow that would make Kelsi cringe.

"I did my research," I retort.

It's so different from our first meeting. I feel my inner wolf growling and even without looking, I can tell exactly where Liam is standing, ready to shape-shift at any moment. Even Ravena looks different to me. Not just physically, but I can gauge her and... she's definitely weaker than I am. She doesn't let it show though. She has the mighty attitude of a witch who knows her spells and curses.

"That's too bad," she sighs. "I would have loved to groom a promising student like you..."

"That's funny. The other witch I met wasn't too fond of me or my power."

"Oh, I noticed her too. I don't know her, honestly, and I didn't feel like going near, she's been staying... out of reach."

I'm pretty sure Ravena knows more than she lets on about the other witch, but this is the least of the things I'm curious about right now. I step closer and to my surprise, she retreats, her smile fading a little. So I was right, she is cautious of me, more than before. She knows I'm no longer a child she can play around with. I haven't shown my flames yet, but she can probably tell... That's a good thing for me. She probably won't risk attacking, especially when I have a werewolf with me, but I could very likely handle her by myself. Even last time, she wasn't too keen on the idea of fighting directly... She's wary of me.

The one thing I'm worried about, though, is that the other witch is coming closer. Maybe that's also why Ravena is getting more tense, but the Fire Witch is in the area and, from the way I can feel her, getting closer.

"I still have some questions for you," I explain, hoping it won't be too long before I get my answers.

"Oh? Let me hear them."

"What do you know about the curse?"

Her smile falters for a second. She definitely knows... She knows something about it. She clears her throat, and regains her composure quickly.

"I wonder. What curse are you talking about?"

"You know exactly which one," I growl. "The curse that affects witches and their descendants. You even mentioned it, actually, didn't you? You said witches and wolves used to work together, but witches were now used to getting betrayed by werewolves."

Her eyes quickly go to Liam, who's begun growling softly behind me.

"I also mentioned I hate wolves. Did you have to bring that one? No... Oh, so my former hunch was actually right on the spot, was it? You're not just a witch..."

"I'm also a werewolf," I nod.

"Oh... You're even more interesting than I thought. Do I take it that you will not be claiming Silver City, then?"

"I am."

"You can't own a city dominated by werewolves, young lady."

"Why not? I am a werewolf too."

"Until they only remember you're a witch, and turn their backs on you. Trust me, this isn't just some old hag's saying. Do you have any idea how many times witches have been betrayed by werewolves?"

"Enough to make that curse stronger and stronger over the years," I growl. "I know. However, things are different for me. I am a werewolf and his fated mate. He cannot betray me now."

Ravena rolls her eyes.

"Lucky you, darling. However, what of our sisters and mothers? You're one exception, for sure. Still, it doesn't mean we should all be jumping and cheering for werewolves. Do you know why girls like you grow up without a mother to guide them? You should know Silver City's story by now, surely?"

"So you knew about Nephera..."

"Of course I knew. You have to do your homework before you take on a city like this. However, Nephera"

"She was my mother."

She leaves her mouth open, staring at me, dumbfounded.

"I'm surprised you didn't know," I chuckle. "The other witch is the one who had done her homework the best then. Mara was the name Nephera's stillborn child was given. I have her soul in me."

"You're... a Cursed One?"

"Yes. I am a Cursed One. An unborn girl's soul in a Cursed One's body. Mara wasn't born, but her soul wandered until it found a cursed girl and together, they fought off the curse, and I was born. So now, I want to know about this curse I was born upon, which attacked me no more than two days ago."

This time, Ravena is done smiling. She just stares at me, looking upset. I guess witches really can't stand Cursed Ones... even when they know the tragedy behind their birth. A patchwork of souls, and moreover, I am part werewolf too. I guess there is nothing a regular witch should like about this.

"I wondered why you were so powerful already... You foolish girl," she growls. "That curse is just going to wait until it consumes you slowly, like all the others!"

"No," I growl back. "I fought it once. It took over my body, but thanks to my werewolf side, I managed to fight it off! I"

She chuckles.

"You're so naive, aren't you? Do you think you can simply fight something like a curse? Without using your magic? It may be gone now, but it will come back. A Cursed One paired with a werewolf. There is no way this curse will let you off easy, child. You just wait. It will slowly consume you..."

Suddenly, I remember the nightmare. ...She's right. The curse did come back. I thought I'd be safe from it, but that nightmare was just plain horrible. I would have rather kept the voices. Don't tell me... It will happen again? How many times? I'm glad Liam was by my side to help me dissipate my doubts, but...

"I see," she chuckles. "It has begun already, hasnˇt it? ...See? This is what strong curses do, and why they are so powerful. They are as insidious as poison. They consume your mind before you even realize it's there, and slowly, we all go insane... It can take any form, but I'm sure you're not free from it yet, young girl."

"H-how do I fight this curse?" I growl, getting madder as she may be right.

She shrugs.

"I wonder. You're still bent on being with werewolves, so it won't be easy for you. It's a thousand-year-old curse, how would I know how to break it? However, if I were you, I'd have started working seriously on that question, girl. Your time is limited..."

"Enough!" growls Liam. "Tell us what you know!"

Ravena's eyes immediately shift to Liam, and she glares at him.

"Don't talk to me, dog!"

"You're the one who should watch your tongue while talking to my mate," I growl.

"See? You're their slave already, little girl! Did this wolf make you feel special? You're so foolish, like all the others. Just you wait. Werewolves and witches aren't meant to be together..."

"We are!" I retort, annoyed. "I am his fated mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself to be his pair. You may not like werewolves, but you should know enough about the Moon Goddess if you're any kind of witch!"

This time, I'm the one to be glared at by her angry green eyes, but Moon Goddess, I don't give a damn. I won't stand back, and I won't let her ridicule my bond with Liam or use it against me. We are both marked now, we just can't be separated. I don't know how I'd stand if I wasn't so sure of that fact, but I certainly feel stronger than before. I'm almost thankful for that nightmare, as it made Liam confirm our feelings for each other.

Ravena scoffs.

"There you go again... Don't you understand yet? If you keep going against the curse, it will consume you even faster! You were bound to be a victim; as a Cursed One, there is no escaping this. Struggle all you want, child, you are just going to try and buy some time. You may not even have much left before it consumes you. You'll never be free simply because you have this wolf, and we won't leave you alone either! A witch and a werewolf? This is one lame joke."

It's impossible that there haven't been any other cases of witches also being werewolves before. It can't be that the curse acted every single time...

"Tell me what you know about the curse before I get really mad," I growl.

This time, I'm done chit-chatting, and I'm done begging for answers. I light my fire in both my hands, letting her know I'm damn serious and she's going to get roasted if she doesn't spill the beans quickly. Her eyes go down to my hands, and she puts on a sour expression.

"Don't play with me, little witch. You may be uneducated like one of those dogs, but you should at least respect your elders..."

"The elder better start talking," I retort.

Liam growls too, and steps closer. Earth Witch or not, she probably won't like having to face both me and an Alpha werewolf much. She hesitates, slowly stepping back, keeping her eyes on the two of us.

"You're one annoying little... What do you want to know, anyway? You've already unveiled quite enough by yourself, haven't you?"

"I know of the original tale. The one about Luna, the witch and the werewolf..."

"Ah, that. Another example of how those annoying beasts claimed something that wasn't theirs, isnˇt it? They conveniently worshiped that she-wolf, and they let our ancestor fall into oblivion. This is why we need our magic: to remember. We keep our daughters and sisters close and teach them what we know, or what we can hold on to from the past. Yet, witches are bound to disappear because of them. Because of werewolves, growing in numbers like ants!"

I squint my eyes. I understand what she means, but... more than that, I can almost feel that fear in her eyes. Witches are scared to disappear, to be forgotten. They keep their enemies at bay, but they also keep themselves from the world. That's why they want to be in cities without any werewolves who can recognize them. Humans are generally clueless, and witches don't like to mingle with them, aside from making children...

"So you knew well about the curse and its origins."

"Of course I know," she retorts. "If you had been raised or taught by a real witch, you'd know too, and you would have kept away from werewolves..."

So this is also why witches don't want to associate themselves with wolves in the first place. To avoid the risk of being cursed like their ancestors... Moon Goddess, is that why even Sylviana was careful about Liam? I try not to glance his way, but... that would make sense. Maybe that's another reason why things never actually got serious between them.

"Well, too late for me," I sigh. "However, since we have now established that, can we move on? How do I undo this curse for real? You mentioned it before, but there's no way that thing is unbreakable, is it?"

She scoffs.

"Hear yourself, child. You're talking about a thousand-year-old curse. Do you think you're the first one to try? Or is it because you won a battle, you think you can win this war?"

"It would already be easier if you stopped acting like a conceited bitch and gave me some actual answers!" I shout, getting seriously annoyed at her attitude.

"...Let's see if the child can beat it."

I freeze and glance to the side just as Liam begins growling furiously.

Another witch appeared. The Fire Witch.

I increase the flames in my hands. She isn't like Ravena, this one is definitely stronger. She's already looking dead serious too, and quite intimidating at that. She's surprisingly young too. I had imagined her to be older, but she looks like she could be my age, definitely no older than thirty, unless she's using magic or something.

She's wearing a thick but cropped fur coat, and flashy clothes that show off her curves. Her hair is split into dozens of small little multicolored braids, and her skin is as dark as it can be. She looks like she just walked out of some fancy rapper music video, but from the mud on her shoes, probably not...

"A Fire Witch," she chuckles. "It's been a while since I have fought one of my peers..."

So she fights other witches for sport? What the hell? I steal a glance toward Ravena, but from her expression, she isn't fond of that woman either. She stepped farther away, and I can't blame her. Not only does the new one look really strong, but with two Fire Witches in the forest, this is not looking good at all...

¨ Maybe now would be time to call reinforcements 〃 mutters Liam in my head.

¨ Not yet. If more people get involved between us, it will make things worse. Ask them to wait nearby, but no one should approach, Liam. 〃

This is definitely about to get nasty. I wish I could tell whether the new witch is friendly and very willing to talk, but just like me, she immediately lights up her fire. Hers is strangely purple-ish, and from the way she's moving it around her fingers, she definitely knows how to wield it...

¨ Liam, stay behind me. 〃

"I don't think we've been introduced yet," I tell her loudly.

"I'm Ayesha," she scoffs. "I don't really care about your name, though."

"...What is it you want, then?"

She smiles.

"Just a bit of fun. And to teach you manners as well. After that, I'll happily train your dog too. He looks rather cute to me, he could be my new toy..."

Liam and I furiously growl in unison. Who the hell does that bitch think she is?! As if I was going to let her lay a single finger on my mate! I know she's deliberately trying to provoke me, but Moon Goddess, she succeeded! I increase the fire from my fists, and she raises a thin eyebrow.

"Oh, someone wants to play with fire. Feisty, of course. That's a Fire Witch thing..."

"Rather than trying so hard to piss me off, you could get the fuck away from here," I hiss.

"I don't think so. See, that old hag here isn't the only one interested in Silver City... I could use a new place to settle too. I don't think a little girl like you can really stop me, either, so I'll just..."

She steps forward, but this time, I'm not playing anymore. I increase the fire in my hands, and throw one fireball right to her face. I didn't curve it or anything, it flies in a straight arrow toward her.

However, she stops it. It happens so fast, I don't even breathe. She extends her hand, and opens it, as if she was receiving a mere ball. She chuckles at my baffled expression, and closes her fist, making my fireball vanish. That easily. Oh, Moon Goddess, that can't be easy...

"Here comes a little witch who knows nothing about fights between witches," she laughs. "Really? Attacking me with a simple fireball? What is this, kindergarten?"

"You should go easy on her," says Ravena. "She's basically self-taught..."

To my surprise, Ayesha glares at her.

"I don't like you either, old hag. You should just fuck off before I get on your case!"

So they don't work together... no, more than that, they don't get along. Ravena had mentioned the other two witches were probably not going to be as "nice" as she was, but I didn't suspect they would actually hate her as well... That's good to know, though. I turn to Ayesha.

"Fine, I don't know much about fighting another witch," I shout back, "however, shouldn't you learn to talk before attacking me?"

"I didn't come here to get a drink and become besties with ya, dearie."

"Well, I have questions anyway. What do you know about the curse? And what was that tattoo your lackey spread?"

She rolls her eyes.