The Devil's Cursed Witch

"Morpheus," Ember called, addressing him formally rather than using the affectionate short name. "I know you do not wish to see me and that you hate me. I apologize for being human and that my presence here is unwelcome. But I want you to hear me one last time."

There was no reply from inside the cave, but Ember knew he was listening.

"I want to apologise for being so weak and for not being able to control my own powers and anger, which have led us to this point. I have no one else to blame but myself. Everything about me was wrong from the start. I should not have been born, or my parents should not have thrown me away. They knew I would bring nothing but disaster.

Now that I think about it, I forgive my parents for abandoning me as all they wanted was to protect everyone from me.

"I should not have come to this kingdom; even if I was brought here out of pity, I should not have stayed. I should not have expected more. As the cursed one I am, I did nothing but bring disaster to this peaceful kingdom. Though I possess power, I am still human, and I understand why this kingdom hates humans. I realize my presence here will only bring more harm to all of you."

Draven stood quietly, his heart skipping beats as he sensed where Ember's words were leading. He swallowed hard, wanting to go to her and stop her from speaking further, but he held back, his fists clenched tightly. He had given her his word and felt obligated to keep it.

Aureus remained in his place as well, feeling the weight of her words and wondering what his uncle was waiting for or why he wasn't saying anything.

Ember continued, disregarding the emotions of those around her.

"As I am human and can cause harm to this kingdom, just as I did on the day of mourning, I have decided to return to where I came from."

"Ember," Draven couldn't hold back.

She turned to him, "Draven, I know what I'm saying hurts you, but you said you would respect my decision."

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Draven froze, his mouth opening to speak, but no words came out. Every muscle, ever blood vessel in his body tensed in a fear.

She turned back to face the entrance of the cave. "Before leaving, I wanted to apologize to you, Morpheus, for causing you harm and because of me, you are going to die. I am truly guilty, and nothing will ever make up for the sin I have committed. I won't ever let myself forget that my anger caused my friend to die and that I do not deserve to live among people.

I am better off on that dead mountain where I can harm no one."

There were still no words from Morpheus, and she didn't expect him to respond. "I do not expect you to accept my apology or forgive me, but I had to apologize anyway. I am leaving tomorrow morning, as I wish to spend some more time with my mate before I never see him again. Until then, you have to bear with my presence here and breathe the same air as this human. I apologize for that as well."

Draven's eyes filled with the emotions of loss, his body frozen by her words. He wished he could turn back time and prevent her from making such a decision. He had so many regrets now that he wished he could reverse the course of every regretful events, but...

Ember turned to Draven, her eyes moist. "I'm sorry. I know I'm hurting you, but I have to go away. Can you take me away from here now? I want to be with you today, maybe in the dandelion field."

Draven's eyes filled with emotion, and he felt choked by his own feelings. He nodded and disappeared with her.

Aureus immediately rushed inside the cave and knelt next to his uncle, who was staring at the ceiling, tears rolling down the corners of his eyes.

"Uncle, she's leaving," he said urgently, hoping to snap his uncle back to reality.

"She won't. Draven won't let her go. She is his mate," Morpheus replied.

"I don't think…"

"Don't worry. She's just trying to sway me from my decision. I told you she's stubborn and would do anything to make things go her way. She won't leave. Draven won't let his mate leave."

"Uncle…"

"Let me rest. It's already been painful enough. Let me experience being without pain until that torture returns again." Morpheus closed his eyes, not even having the strength to wipe away his own tears. All he desired at this moment was for death, which seemed to be playing hide and seek with him, to finally find him.

Helpless, Aureus sighed and sat next to his uncle.

Draven and Ember appeared at the dandelion field by the riverside. Ember smiled at him and said, "Let's sit on that rock like always." She walked ahead, but Draven didn't move.

She turned to look at him, suppressing all her emotions. All she wanted was to create happy memories with him, so she could spend her lonely time on that mountain with more of his memories.

"Can't you change your decision?" he asked.

"You are the one I expected to support my decision. I can't bring more harm to this kingdom. I have to go."

Draven inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for a moment to calm himself. "I will come with you."

"You can't. Your responsibility is to this kingdom. If both you and Morpheus are gone, what will happen here? I won't allow you to leave."

"Then, I will come visit you often. Don't say no to it," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He clearly understood what she meant when she said she wanted to spend time with him before leaving.

"I have to deny this request as well. It's my fate to live alone on that mountain, a fate I tried to change. But I've learned my lesson. I have to make everything right. Only then can no one be harmed."

He held her at shoulders. "You harmed no one, Ember."

"You know that's not true."