The Virtuous Dark Witch

Chapter 42

With serious matters settled, Thea smiled when she saw Elara still deep in thought. She pulled her to the table and sat down. "Try these. I made them all. The beef is well-done, there's a little salt on the bread, and black pepper noodles." She placed a piece of beef onto Elara's plate.

"Thank you, Auntie." Elara cut a small piece and tasted it, nodding repeatedly. "It's delicious." Looking at the appetizing spread, she could hardly believe her aunt had made it all. "How have you and Alexander been living outside?"

"Very well. He's stayed by my side and taken me to many places," Thea moved some black pepper noodles onto her own plate. "With his company and quiet support, I wasn't alone during those hardest early days."

Elara thought their friendship could keep growing. "After being turned all these years, you really don't crave blood?"

"No," Thea didn't hide anything from Elara. "Shortly after being turned, I was constantly hungry. I clearly lost my appetite for human food and became extremely sensitive to the smell of blood."

That made more sense. Elara frowned. It seemed her aunt's transformation was normal.

"Alexander was afraid I couldn't accept the change at first. He didn't dare give me blood right away. He just cooked beef, venison, and other meats rare. But even then, I didn't dare eat much—I feared losing control one day."

Thinking back, Thea no longer saw the world as so dark. "For those first few years, I was almost always hungry."

"Then you gave me the Heavenly Cycle Diagram. As I learned to sense qi, the hunger slowly faded. Once I successfully opened my lower dantian, I regained my appetite for human food and ate my fill. I ate so much that I scared Alexander."

Elara listened carefully and now had a general idea. "So you never actually drank blood after being turned?" Could that be what blocked her aunt's full Andros evolution?

"Mm." Thea picked two noodles, then put them down and looked at Elara. "My eye color changed after I opened my lower dantian and successfully recondensed my witchcraft."

"Also, even though I can't grow fangs, the powerful Andros healing ability didn't disappear—it only weakened slightly. But probably because of Alexander's bloodline, even weakened, my healing is still equal to an average Andros noble."

She'd kept the good parts and discarded the flaws? Elara frowned and smiled. "Don't overthink it. Just take it as a gift from Moon Goddess Selena, moved by your perseverance."

"It's not that simple," Thea sighed deeply and leaned back. "The Andros have strong bodies and incredible healing, but they cannot connect with or wield nature's power."

"Witches are the opposite. We can use nature's power, but our fragile bodies lack strong healing and long life. So few of us ever stand equal to the eight great Andros ancestor dukes or hold equal voice. Both sides desperately want to change—to grow stronger."

Elara understood the stakes well, but she wasn't one to wait passively. "Worrying is useless." Working hard to become stronger is the only way." And she suspected her aunt's success was closely tied to suppressing her bloodlust and blocking full transformation.

"You're right." Thea rolled up her sleeve and held out her left hand to Elara. "Check my Heavenly Cycle flow for me."

"Alright." Elara's pale, jade-like fingers covered her aunt's palm. She drew a wisp of witchcraft from her lower dantian and sent it into Thea's meridians. In barely ten minutes, she pulled her hand back. “Congratulations. You've made a wonderful start."

Hearing that, Thea breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you, dear."

"However… this is only the beginning." Elara explained the dangers and difficulty of opening the middle and upper dantians. "You can choose not to open the middle and upper—"

"No." Thea cut her off firmly. "Now that I've come this far, there's no turning back." That wasn't how a Dessey Witch behaved. Besides, Elara had already paved the way. Why would she stop?

Seeing her resolve, Elara supported her. "One more secret. When you practice, you can channel a little witchcraft into your Silverfrost Moon Staff. Once you open your upper dantian, you might be able to store the staff inside to nurture it."

After watching Elara fight Amy Miller, Thea had already suspected this. "Storing the staff in the upper dantian to nurture it—does that strengthen the bond between staff and master?"

"You could say that."

"I understand."

After dinner, Thea didn't return to Stirling Manor. She stayed on the third floor of the shop. After days of traveling, Elara took a comfortable bath that night. As soon as she finished, Cinderaven flew in.

Stretching her neck, Elara walked toward the bed and signaled Cinderaven, perched on the cabinet by the door, to close it.

Cinderaven flapped once; the door closed halfway. He sighed and flapped harder. The door shut with a thud.

Elara sat cross-legged on the bed. "I just heard something. Want to know?"

His gut told him no, but curiosity won out. "What is it?"

"You know Roxane Mullin, don't you?" Elara found it rather funny. Years ago, when Fisher had possessed an Andros, he had nearly drained an entire Rozin village of three hundred people. Roxane Mullin must have seen it. Wasn't she afraid? Why would she show up in Andrea Capital, where Andros nobles gathered?

Cinderaven certainly knew Roxane Mullin. "The Rozin woman with Brett Hall." He thought for a moment and added, "A very, very weak Rozin woman. A strong wind could blow her away."

Good. Elara leaned forward, elbows on her knees, chin in her hands. "Duke Lisandra Stirling says Roxane Mullin looks at Brett Hall like she's searching for someone else."

"Lisandra has seen countless people. If she says it, it must be true." Cinderaven immediately frowned. "Who is Roxane Mullin looking for?"

"Think," Elara didn't deny she was enjoying this. "Roxane is a normal human, thirty years old. Brett Hall is an Andros ancestor duke. Why isn't she satisfied? Why won't she agree to be turned?"

Cinderaven suddenly felt a terrible premonition. He lifted a wing and pressed it to his spinning head. He couldn't think about this anymore. He looked at Elara. "Shouldn't you be practicing witchcraft?"

Elara pretended not to hear. "When Fisher woke up back then, Roxane Mullin and the Sunbright Stone must have been right beside him. Who do you think Roxane is looking for when she stares at Brett Hall?

Who? Cinderaven's eyes rolled back, and he fell off the cabinet. He wanted to die.

Elara laughed uncontrollably at the black crow lying on his back, eyes squeezed shut.

After a long while, Cinderaven suddenly revived like a dying man seeing light. He pushed himself up with his wings and flipped upright, extremely agitated. "Roxane Mullin is thirty years old. Twenty years ago, she was only ten! She couldn't have done anything to A–to Austin Corell! Austin Corell is still innocent!"

So he didn't want to die anymore? Elara stopped laughing. "Don't you think Roxane Mullin is beautiful?"

Beautiful, my foot! Cinderaven ruffled his wings. "Austin Corell is kind and upright, but he's not blind."

Did kindness have anything to do with eyesight? Elara smiled. "What about me? Am I beautiful?"

Could they please drop this? Cinderaven's small black eyes fixed on Elara's face. His tiny heart thumped wildly. He reminded himself not to say the wrong thing. "Duke Alexandra wrote a poem. Let me recite—"

"Stop." She had already seen Duke Alexandra's poetry. "Go to sleep. I'm starting today's practice."

"Wait!" Cinderaven flapped over to her. "When are we going back to West Sea Forest? I suddenly think Austin Corell's body is too dangerous out here." Without a soul, anyone could mess with it. He couldn't allow that…

Weren't they in no hurry? Elara laughed at his gloomy face. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Cinderaven hung his head. It was all because he hadn't thought of this earlier. "Let's take Austin Corell's body back to West Sea Forest and bury it next to West Sea's tomb." He wanted West Sea to rest uneasily in death, to feel guilty.

Elara laughed loudly. She was now curious: what kind of being was Austin Corell—the Andros ancestor whose soul now inhabited Cinderaven?

“Fine. I agree."

But Cinderaven was still worried. "After we sell those three iron rods, should we go back to Anastas City?" And retrieve his body along the way. "Anastas City and Luohe Plains have new owners. You have to let your people know who their lord is."

"That makes sense." After guessing why Roxane Mullin refused to be turned, Elara had already planned to find Austin Corell's body and bring him back to West Sea Forest. "Let's talk about the other hidden Andros force."

Cinderaven wanted to say he only cared about his body. "The other Andros branch is said to be hidden, but they're actually in plain sight. After ten thousand years, they've long blended into the eight great ancestors' territories." That was the most frustrating part.

"What about the vampires who left the Saporaya Mother Tree with you?"

"Some died, some are alive." Cinderaven's face darkened. "But because their eye color is noticeable, they rarely show themselves outside."

"I see." Elara sat upright and closed her eyes. "Once we sell all three divine staffs, we'll head back to Anastas City and look for Austin Corell's body."

Satisfied, Cinderaven nestled beside Elara. But before he could calm his anxiety, he started worrying that the staff wouldn't sell—given the Dessey Witches' history. "Is a million gold coins too expensive?"

"That's the price of a divine staff." She wouldn't lower it unless someone bought all three.

"I have a money-making idea," Cinderaven was desperate. "Once Anastas City is rebuilt, don't let West Sea Forest's resources rot in the woods. Gather them and ship them to Anastas City."

He truly couldn't understand why the Dessey Witches guarded such a huge forest yet remained dirt poor. West Sea Forest was more than ten times the size of Anastas City. Selling anything from the woods would pour gold into the clan's hands.

"That's exactly what I plan to do." After all, humans were the most populous race in this world.

In the study of the central castle at Stirling Manor, Duke Alexandra Stirling sat behind a long glass table, looking down at the yellowed animal skin spread before him. It was the land seal deed for Anastas City, just brought from Ana. He would have to hand it over tomorrow.

"Stop looking," Lisandra Stirling entered the study with a bottle of blood and two glass cups. "No matter how much you stare, you still have to stamp it with the Saporaya Mother Tree flower seal."

"Lisandra," Duke Alexandra took the cup from his wife and sighed deeply. "Do you remember the days we lived in the Saporaya Mother Tree forest?"

Duke Lisandra took a small sip of blood and swallowed with a smile. "How could I forget?"

Back then, the eight of them stuck together, trusting each other completely. They'd only had one wish: to survive. Sadly, things were different now. With overwhelming power and wealth, their desires had changed.

"Alex, I think having a strong lord in West Sea Forest isn't a bad thing for us."

"I know." Duke Alexandra set down his cup and took out a blood-red seal the size of a child's palm. He stamped the seven-petaled blood flower onto the Anastas City land deed. "Lisandra, I have a feeling this Lord Elara will surpass the West Sea."

Duke Lisandra took the deed and held it closer. "To be precise, she already has. West Sea's eyes were dark brown at thirty."

The next morning, after finishing her practice, Elara took out black mandala seeds. Just as she had in Anastas City, she planted them on the shop's outer walls. Then she laid out the items for sale at the door with clear prices.

When Thea finished breakfast and stepped outside, she felt instantly cheered. Three Light Divine Staffs had been taken out of the Nether Boxes and lined against the wall, with paper signs showing their prices. On the other side of the door hung a large notice.

This shop sells deer—male and female, strong and healthy. All deer are bred from the mounts of the Light Witch Clan's priestesses, Talina Larissa and Sophia Larissa, mother and daughter. Top quality guaranteed. Duke Becky Cotton, Andros Ancestor, has already pre-ordered two. Limited stock. Order soon!

After reading the notice, Thea thought West Sea Forest was finally catching up to the times.

"Hasn't Duke Becky Cotton paid yet?" Alexander appeared beside Thea, gently wrapping an arm around her waist and bending to kiss her. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't coming home last night? I would have come with you."

"This is my home." Thea tilted her head and kissed his chin. "Where is it?" She slipped a hand into his pocket. "Not here."

Feeling her hand moving, Alexander's eyes darkened. "Here." He brought his right hand forward, holding a golden box that glinted in the morning sun. "My mother sent this to me last night."

Thea called into the shop. "Elara! Come out!"

"Can't you come in?" Elara's voice came from the second floor. "Is there something outside worth staring at?" It was still early, but nearby shops were opening. Was it proper for them to stand in the street being affectionate?

Alexander looked up. "You're just jealous." But he obeyed and pulled Thea inside.

Tap… tap…

Elara came down from the second floor. They hadn't spoken much yesterday due to their positions, but today they could relax.

Alexander whistled playfully at the black crow on his shoulder. "Can't you get a prettier bird?"

Cinderaven glared at the fool and turned his head away. He didn't want to look at him, lest he lose control and peck his eyes out.

As a friend, Elara kindly warned him. "Don't look down on Cinderaven. Don't insult him, or you'll regret it someday."

"Oh yeah?" Alexander didn't believe it. He reached to tease Cinderaven. For the sake of her aunt's future, Elara said plainly, "Those black crows yesterday? He summoned them."

Alexander immediately pulled his hand back. "I still hear cawing in my head." He held out the item.

“See? He's not to be underestimated." Elara took the golden box and opened it. She pulled out the yellowed animal skin and confirmed it was the Anastas City land deed. "Have you eaten? We're about to have breakfast."

"I already have." Alexander let go of Thea and opened his arms. "Little one, can we have a hug?"

Elara smiled brightly and hugged him. "Thank you for taking care of my aunt. I'm so happy you're both happy."

"And thank you and Lord Kelly for trusting me and giving me a chance." Alexander patted Elara's back. "You were so small when you were little. I thought West Sea Forest would have a tiny witch. But twenty years later, you're even taller than your aunt."

Elara let go. "Just goes to show little chubby kids have great potential."

"I really don't get how you two became friends." Thea crossed one arm and touched her chin, glancing between Alexander and Elara.

"Because we're both kind."

"Because of the Blood Crystal Card."

They spoke at the same time, saying completely different things. Alexander felt deeply hurt. Staring at Elara's smiling face, he searched for the little chubby girl who'd acted mature. "Do you deserve my pure friendship?"

Thea couldn't hold back. "Alright, alright. Let's eat breakfast." We have things to do later."

Elara flipped her right hand, and a small Nether Box appeared in her palm. She folded the land deed and placed it inside, then flicked her wrist. The box returned to its hidden place.

Andrea Capital was still lively that day. But perhaps due to the wrong atmosphere, ninety percent of passersby walked around the Dessey shop. By late afternoon, not a single customer had entered.

Thea was used to this. Years ago, when she and her sister opened a shop in Maroni Central East City, they often went ten or fifteen days without a customer. Business was about waiting—until you lost patience and closed.

But Elara couldn't stand the silence. "Cinderaven, go check if the Dessey shop is beautiful."

"I've checked twenty-eight times." Cinderaven slumped on the counter, eyes half-closed. "The black mandalas are beautiful and growing well." The problem was the goods were too boring—only iron rods and deer that didn't even exist yet.

"Then why—" Elara broke off and looked up at Benelli, who suddenly appeared at the door. She immediately perked up and smiled. "Are you buying all three divine staffs, or just one?"

Benelli glanced disdainfully at the staff and shook his head. "I'm not here to buy staff…"

"Then to buy deer?" Elara persisted. Benelli shook his head again. “No.”

"Then what are you doing here?" Looking for trouble?

Benelli saw Elara's face fall but didn't care. "I'm here to see you."

"See me?" Elara twirled the Life Ring lightly. "What about?" Should she teach Benelli a lesson about prosperity and ruin?

"Nothing much." Benelli stepped inside and approached the counter. "I just wanted to tell you the Light Witch Clan will soon have a new Light Priestess. You don't have to worry about not selling the staffs."

Elara narrowed her eyes. "The new Light Priestess isn't you?"

"No." He was male; the women would never let him be a priestess. Besides, he wasn't interested. "Tomorrow, Sevier Larissa, the new head of the Larissa Family, will buy the Sunfire Divine Staff. Your price is fair."

This was good news. Elara smiled and thanked him.

"You don't need to thank me." Benelli looked at Elara. "This is a trade. Shouldn't you tell me something useful in return?"

What was he talking about? Elara looked at Cinderaven. Had he said anything useful? Cinderaven blinked. Elara had no idea what he meant, but she had a question. "Where is Fisher?"

"I don't know. He's been gone a long time."

"I know where he is." Elara met Benelli's dark eyes and asked what she really wanted to know. "How did you know the Twin Spirit Curse always comes in pairs?"

Benelli spoke plainly. "I can feel it. My mother is one. I am the other. But because I'm a merged twin, the curse doesn't affect me. My mother, though… it's eroding her badly—body and soul."

Elara nodded. "Brett Hall." Benelli tried to turn around immediately, but Elara stopped him. "Don't make a move."

"I know." Benelli smirked slightly. "Don't worry. Until I lift the curse from my mother, I won't disturb him." But he would still take precautions. Luckily, Brett Hall had a woman he loved.

"Goodbye." Elara let him go after getting confirmation. "Wish me good business."

Benelli glanced at the empty shop. "I think you should consider selling the shop too. You might actually get customers then."

"Thanks for the idea. The shop's not for sale." Elara ushered him out. "If you're not buying anything, leave. You're bothering my business."

"You don't have to sell the shop." Benelli tapped the counter. "You have a customer." He warned her and left.

Elara turned to see who it was—and wanted to close the door.

Duke Becky Cotton read the notice carefully, then walked in and stood at the counter. "I saw my name on your sign. Shouldn't you give me something? Like those two deer for free?"

"I can give you two black crows," Elara said seriously. "Or one male and two females."