Chapter 7: The Witch’s Curse
1484 Words
Chapter 7: The Witch’s Curse
I approached the fountain, pretending to touch the water, quietly communicating with the mermaid in my mind.
“What are you doing?” Zane asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
“I want to feel the water,” I said with a smile.
The moment my fingers grazed the surface, I felt a surge of information flood into my mind. I didn’t even need to ask questions; it all came to me.
“It’s indeed a beautiful fountain,” I said aloud, smiling as I waved at the mermaid. Then, I turned to face Zane.
‘We need to find the others,’ I told him through telepathy.
‘What did you do there?’ He asked, following me closely.
‘This place belongs to them. That giant mermaid stone? That’s the Queen of the mermaids. A wicked witch tormented her, turning her into that giant statue,’ I explained, my eyes scanning the area as if I were admiring the surroundings.
“How did you know that?” Zane furrowed his brow, clearly intrigued but skeptical.
‘Shut your mouth. The witches are everywhere. The mermaid I spoke with said they’re probably eating in our hotel suite.
‘What’s with the food here, anyway?’
‘They’ve put something in it that causes people to forget their identities. The crows’ figurines in every corner of our suite—same deal as in the restaurant. There are witches in every suite completing the ceremony, abducting people.’
“Damn!” Zane cursed, frustration clear on his face.
I glanced at him and noticed his deep concern for his friends etched on his features. I took a deep breath, focusing my gaze on the path ahead.
“We need to hurry to the hotel and eat. I’m starving, too,” I said, spotting a black witch walking past us.
“Okay,” he replied, subconsciously reaching for my hand.
When we arrived at the hotel suite, the food ordered by our friends had already been delivered. Zane and I exchanged a silent glance—we both understood what needed to be done.
‘I need to go to the bathroom and find some water. I want to try something. Don’t give them the food until I come out,’ I told Zane, slipping away into the bathroom.
I ignored Diomedes’ greeting as I walked past him and made my way inside. Once the door was shut, I closed my eyes and checked for any hidden companies. Feeling safe, I turned on the shower, using my mermaid technique. I removed the gem from my hand, concentrating on its contained water element. After all, water despises fire, representing the witches’ power.
The water ceased to flow normally and began to form into a protective shield. I focused hard, envisioning an image that would appear to the black witches watching us. Once I was satisfied, I exited the bathroom.
My companions stared in awe at the illusion I had created.
“We’re safe,” I declared, walking over to the dishes next to Zane.
“You did this?” Zane asked, astonished.
I nodded. “I’m not sure how long the illusion will last, but it should be enough for us to execute our plan.”
“What are you saying? We came here to enjoy the island. Don’t tell me you have other plans we don’t know about?” Morgana raised an eyebrow, a smug look on her face.
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, about that...” I quickly moved next to Morgana and restored her memory. Then I followed the memories of the others in our group.
“Is it safe?” Zane asked, clearly concerned.
“Yeah, the gem’s strong. I modified it, remember?” I reassured him.
Morgana sighed violently. “Thief-imitator btch.”
“I didn’t steal anything from you. You’re just too foolish to understand the instructions,” I shot back, folding my arms.
“b***h!” Morgana growled under her breath.
“Be careful what you say, Morgana,” Zane interjected. “Don’t forget that you owe her your second life—and for the third time, she saved your life again, as well as the rest of us.”
“What do you mean?” Morgana asked, confused.
“Look around you,” Zane motioned. “Yexa created an illusion to deceive the black witches watching us. That’s how she brought back your memories without much trouble.”
“Wait, did you say ‘we’? What about you?” Asther asked Zane.
I didn’t engage with them further and focused my attention on the food. Something felt off about it—I needed to know why it caused people to forget who they were. I took a deep breath and reached for a spoon, preparing to taste it. That was the only way I could think of to uncover the mystery. I know it’s some kind of poison, but I need to know what it is. Poison has no effect on me, so it’s better for me to test it.
Just as I was about to eat, a soft voice called my name. I motioned for everyone to be quiet.
“What?” Zane asked, looking around in confusion.
“Did you hear something?” I asked them, my senses on high alert.
They all shook their heads.
I listened closely to the faint voice, my eyes drifting toward the bathroom door.
“We don’t hear anything, Yexa,” Diomedes said, looking concerned.
Slowly, I stepped into the bathroom, with the others following behind me.
I opened the door, and we were stunned to see a breathtaking image.
A woman with long, bluish hair floated in the air. She wore a crown made of various pearls, and her eyes, as clear as the ocean, were filled with sorrow.
“Help me regain my kingdom,” the Queen pleaded, her voice echoing in the room.
“How can we help you?” I asked, stepping closer to her.
“Do you know who she is?” Geof asked, standing beside me.
“I am Queen Mystique, and beneath this island lies my kingdom,” the Queen introduced herself.
“How did you end up here?” I asked, unable to mask my curiosity.
“The technique you used came from me. When you employed it, you released my spirit. I knew you were one of the powerful beings with strange powers,” the Queen explained.
“What do you mean?” I asked, utterly confused. Strange powers? What was she talking about?
“I’ll explain everything you wish to know, but my energy is limited. Please understand that I must put my kingdom and my people first,” the Queen apologized.
“How can we trust that you’re not deceiving us?” Morgana asked sharply, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“The Jewel of Nature will prove the truth of my words. As the owner of the powerful gem, don’t you know how to use it in situations like this?” the Queen responded.
I watched as Morgana was taken aback, unsure what to make of the Queen’s words.
“The power of the gem is to balance nature. It consists of four elements—air, earth, water, and fire. Each element possesses unique abilities, and only the holder can fully understand them,” the Queen continued.
“Yexa used the water element to create an illusion and shield that protected you from the witches’ eyes. This is proof that the gem’s power resides in its holder. I’m glad it was entrusted to a mighty creature like you.”
“The gem she holds is a fake. I have the real one!” Morgana whispered, pulling a diamond from her palm.
“Don’t!” the Queen cried out, but it was too late. The moment Morgana revealed the gem, the Queen’s image faded, and a sharp pain struck my head.
“What’s happening?” Diomedes asked, his voice filled with alarm.
“Morgana, put it away, now!” I shouted, barely able to endure the pain that was overwhelming me.
“Why should I do what you say? So you can show off to the Queen?” Morgana scoffed. “I have the real gem, so I deserve to know everything.”
“Damn it!” I gritted my teeth, unable to hold back. I grabbed the gem from Morgana’s hand, forcing it from her palm. My sharp nails cut into her skin.
Morgana screamed in pain, and Zane immediately tried to help, but I quickly created a barrier, ensuring no one could approach.
“What are you doing, b***h?!” Morgana yelled, clutching her bleeding palm.
“Taking this from you before you ruin everything!” I growled, securing the gem.
- Writer
