An Open Ally or a Hidden Foe?
1029 Words
Queen Cassandra's Pov:
A heavy unease settled over the King's Private Council. What had happened three days earlier had shaken the castle to its foundations.
"...We should be more concerned about how a witch managed to sneak into our palace and conceal her powers for months!" Elder Maxwell declared in his aged voice.
"But she was tested, and no powers were found," Elder Magnus countered.
"Only because the test was designed to identify a wolf," Elder Richard interjected. "Even after a second examination, no powers were detected because she has no wolf."
"Could she be one of the Gifted, like Prince Azravael?" Elder Magnus suggested.
"Oh, please!" ElderLucinda scoffed. "The Gifted are werewolves who manifest elemental abilities different from those of their parents through natural variation."
She continued, "Even after reading her mind, we found no inconsistencies in her story about her Type-A wizard father teaching her witchcraft. The real concern is that her memories before the age of six are fragmented and unclear. She has no true identity."
"Exactly my point!" Elder Maxwell slammed his palms on the table. "What if her powers evolve into those of a Type-B witch? She could be a dangerous weapon planted at the heart of our kingdom."
Their argument dragged on.
I glanced at the King, who remained quietly seated upon his throne, listening to every word.
Was he not going to speak?
"She saved my son." My voice echoed through the chamber, immediately silencing the council.
"The truth is that Prince Cassian's wolf was subdued by her flower magic. He destroyed the Binding Crystal around his neck, along with every spare crystal in the royal reserve simultaneously. His demon grows stronger and more resistant each day, yet all you can discuss is your hatred for a witch?"
The Elders lowered their heads.
"Right now, my son is the greater concern. If we fail to restrain his wolf, history may repeat itself, just as it did with the Second and Fifth Kings of Velmoria."
"That will not happen, My Queen." King Dominic finally broke his silence.
"Elder Augustus."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The elderly man rose from his seat.
"How long did the royal alchemist estimate the witch's flowers would last?"
"Seven days, Your Majesty. Her magic is not attuned to the surrounding energy flow, so its effects fade quickly."
He paused before continuing.
"However, after examining the Prince, the alchemist discovered that the flowers had already withered and had to be replaced by new ones created by the wolfless witch. It appears the Prince absorbs their power within only three days."
The King stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Word of Cassian's outburst has already reached Elder Shoshana," he said, his crimson eyes sweeping across the council.
"She recommends retrieving the Vaeloris Binding Crystal from the Resosa Mountains before the next full moon. We cannot be certain his beast will not become resistant to the witch's magic."
The council murmured in agreement.
Elder Valkary rose. "But, Your Majesty, how can the crystal be retrieved in less than three weeks?"
It was a reasonable concern.
"Octavian knows the Resosa region better than anyone," Elder Lucinda replied proudly. "As the son of Light Alpha Alpheus and guardian of that district, he is the obvious choice to lead the expedition."
"But his strength alone will not be enough," she continued. "None of us could carry the crystal over such a long distance in its unrefined state. Only Prince Cassian possesses the power to do so."
"Nonsense!" Elder Augustus snapped. "The Prince must not leave the castle in his current condition."
"I agree," Elder Maxwell added.
"Then let the witch accompany them," Elder Valkary said plainly. "Prince Azravael and Crowned Mate Adina should go as well."
"Do you intend to send them all to their deaths?" Elder Augustus demanded.
"Do you lack faith in the finest warriors of our kingdom?" Elder Valkary replied evenly.
"Tch." Elder Augustus dismissed him with a wave before sitting down.
"Elder Valkary is correct."
"Your Majesty?" Several Elders stared at the King in disbelief.
"Octavian will guide the expedition. Prince Cassian will carry and protect the Binding Crystal. The witch will accompany him. Prince Azravael will serve as their primary protector and return swiftly should anything go wrong, for he is our fastest warrior. Crowned Mate Adina will remain at Cassian's side to steady his mind throughout the journey."
The King's expression hardened. "But her principal duty will be to observe the witch and report every unusual action."
He looked around the chamber.
"An escort unit will accompany them as far as the terrain allows. They will remain the nearest line of support should assistance become necessary."
"A sound decision," Elder Lucinda agreed.
Suddenly, the grand doors burst open.
A young knight hurried inside and knelt before the throne.
"Forgive my interruption, Your Majesty," he said between breaths. "You instructed me to report the moment—"
"The Prince has awakened." I rose from my throne before he could finish.
~
Cassian's Pov:
I wandered slowly around my chamber, almost as though I were a stranger within it.
Someone had transformed the room.
Where darkness once ruled, clusters of pink, purple, and golden flowers now climbed the stone walls, their vines stretching toward the vaulted ceiling.
I stepped closer and gently plucked a single yellow blossom.
The moment I inhaled its fragrance— Memories flooded back.
The welcome ceremony… Pain exploded through my skull.
I staggered, clutching my head as fragments of my transformation flashed before my eyes.
The flower slipped from my fingers.
Then… The blossoms surrounding me began to glow. Tiny specks of luminous pollen drifted through the air.
Almost instantly, the raging storm inside me quieted.
‘She's here…’ A deep, monstrous voice echoed within my mind.
‘Who is?’
Can't you feel her? the beast growled impatiently. ‘The only soul capable of calming me.’
‘Be silent.’
I tried to force the beast back into the darkness. Yet deep inside… I knew something that had long lain dormant had finally awakened.
Beyond the darkness... Beyond the torment...
Two gentle fuchsia eyes shone before me like guiding stars.
She reached out her hand...
...and pulled me out of hell.
- Writer
