The Devil's Cursed Witch

All the council members left the council hall, feeling helpless about the situation.

Draven returned to Ember after taking care of matters following the council meeting. As usual, Ember was sitting quietly in her chamber, lost and hurt.

He sat next to her and waited before speaking. "What happened today is not your fault. It's what he chose for himself. All you have to do is accept his decision."

Ember remained silent for a while, then finally spoke, "Does he hate me so much for being human that he would rather choose to die than accept me as his mate? Did he never consider me his friend? Have I been imposing on him all the time and following him around while he despised me for being born human? Even if I have powers, he sees me as the kind he has been hating for so long."

Draven knew Morpheus had not held back from hurting her and now he could feel the extent of hurt his words has brought to Ember. Anyone in her place would feel the same.

"Do you think so?" Draven asked.

"Am I wrong, then?"

"If you know him well and think about everything, you will find the answer."

Ember stayed quiet.

"You look tired; you should rest," Draven offered.

Ember didn't resist and allowed him to lay her down in the bed and cover her with a blanket. She closed her eyes, unable to think about anything anymore.

Draven watched her quietly. Seeing her sad and hurt was painful for him as well.

-----

Cornelia arrived at the healing chamber after leaving the council hall, only to find what she expected—Morpheus was not there.

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She felt frustrated. He didn't want to be Ember's mate, and by leaving the healing chamber, he was choosing to die sooner. She walked inside the empty chamber and sat at the edge of the bed, her head lowered as she accepted her defeat in trying to save him. She had done all she could, but he didn't want to be saved.

"You did everything you could. You don't need to feel bad," Evanthe said as she entered the chamber and saw helpless Cornelia.

Cornelia didn't reply, her emotions choking her at the thought of losing him once more, knowing she might never see him again.

Evanthe walked over and placed her hand on Cornelia's drooping shoulder.

After a moment of silence, Cornelia spoke, "Your Eminence, you were close to the commander, and you're the only person he ever listened to. Why didn't you try to convince him this time? He would have listened to you like he always did. Don't you want to save him? Don't you consider him your friend anymore?"

"If you know I'm close to him, then you should also know I understand him," Evanthe said, sitting next to Cornelia. "In the past, it was different, but now it's about the woman he has given his heart to, a woman he wants to protect and would never wish to hurt. He wouldn't have listened to me. Moreover, as his friend, I should respect his wishes rather than impose anything on him.

He has always respected my wishes and decisions, so I shall do the same."

Tears finally rolled down Cornelia's cheeks. "Everything is over now."

Evanthe could only sit by her side in silence, her own eyes moist at the thought of losing her dear friend and knowing she could do nothing to protect him.

----

After an hour of sleep, Ember woke up to find Draven still by her side, wide awake, keeping an eye on her restless form. She stared at the ceiling wordlessly.

Draven stood up and fetched water for her. Without asking what she was thinking, he helped her sit up and offered her the water. Ember took a few sips, and Draven put the glass away.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, noticing her lowered head.

She nodded and looked at him, her eyes filled with a sea of emotions. "Draven."

"Hmm?"

"You said you would respect whatever decision I make," she said.

Draven hummed in agreement.

"Is it still valid after the council meeting is over and no one is pressuring me to decide?"

Draven hummed again, "I will always respect any of your decisions."

"Then, I have decided something about myself."

"What is it?"

Ember felt her heart sink, unable to speak further.

He placed his hand on hers, his usually cold eyes softening. "What do you want to say?"

"Can you take me to him? I want to talk to him one last time," she asked, not revealing what she had decided.

"Alright," he said, gently fixing her hair with his fingers. His own heart was restless, anxious about what she intended to do. He kept himself composed, ready to face whatever decision she had made. This time, his heart didn't race out of love for her but out of anxiety over what she might be planning.

Draven took her from her chamber, and they appeared at the top of the mountain where Morpheus had his cave.

Aureus was standing by the cliff. Just a while ago, his uncle had stopped screaming in heart-wrenching pain, and Aureus felt he could not bear the agony Morpheus was enduring. He had used the potion Evanthe provided to offer more divine energy to Morpheus to help alleviate the pain caused by the darkness from hell. Though it wasn't enough, it eased his pain a little.

Seeing Draven and Ember there, Aureus was surprised. He bowed to the king and heard him ask, "Where is he?"

"Resting inside the cave," Aureus answered, not questioning their presence. "I will check if he is awake."

Draven nodded. As Aureus was about to enter the cave, he heard his uncle's voice, "Send them back. I do not want to see anyone."

Morpheus had already sensed their presence and immediately rejected them. Aureus turned to look at Draven and Ember.

"It's alright," Ember said, walking toward the cave.

Aureus stepped aside, and Ember stood in front of the cave, without intending to go inside.