The Blind Witch
Chapter 18

They say that darkness consumes, but they forget fear does too. It is just as contagious. It takes hold and suffocates you. You were not meant to dwell on fear.

Back at Haerford Palace, Sybil was making her way through the corridors. In her hands was a stack of books. After years of traveling, her mind missed the knowledge that these old papers held. Reading also helped to pass the time until Ophelia and Clarissa returned.

She glanced into rooms as she walked down the corridor. But, as she passed one room, she stopped. It was a large, empty room, and inside was a woman sitting on the floor, meditating.

Sybil looked at the woman with a smile. She had raven black hair that shined in the morning light. As she walked into the room, she could feel small waves of heat hitting her. It was a witch that Sybil had walked in on. The radiating heat was from the witch focusing on her magic. Watching this woman summon magic was a beautiful site.

“Hello." Sybil's voice rang out and echoed in the quiet room. The witch opened her eyes, startled to hear someone else in the room. Her eyes darted up to Sybil as a hand went to her chest.

“I am sorry,” Sybil apologized as she placed the books on the floor. “I did not mean to startle you.”

“No need to apologize, Sister Sybil,” the witch smiled as she stood. She straightened her shirt, smoothing the fabric. “The adrenaline shall pass.”

“Well, how awkward,” Sybil chuckled as she approached the witch. “You seem to know me, but I don’t know you.”

“You share many resemblances with your mother,” the witch explained. “But I would not expect you to know who I am. I was not born until after you began traveling the world.”

“Oh, I see. So I am old, then?” Sybil teased as she put her hands behind her back. There was nothing old about her. Her face was free from wrinkles, and her eyes were still vivid and bright.

“Perhaps in age, but not in looks,” Vi smiled as she bowed slightly. “My name is Violette. But everyone calls me Vi.”

“Well, it is good to meet you, Vi,” Sybil replied as she eyed her. Vi was a beautiful woman, even when she wore a man's shirt and trousers. “What is it you do here? There are not many witches who reside at Haerford.”

“I teach the Prince and Princess magic.” She answered. “Though it seems I spend less and less time with the prince.”

“Is it because of Clarissa?” Sybil questioned curiously. “She has some interesting magic, don’t you agree? She and I had quite the introduction.”

“So I’ve heard,” Vi replied. She glanced at Sybil, but she averted her eyes quickly. Sybil was looking at her, her eyes almost piercing as she stared. “Is there something I can do for you, Sister Sybil?”

“No, I’m sorry,” Sybil answered as she picked her books back up. She had not realized she was making Vi uncomfortable. “I'm really terrible at these things."

"Terrible at what?" Vi questioned.

"Meeting women, flirting, whatever you would call this," Sybil said as she clutched the books to her chest. "I'm sorry. You would think being 172 would help. But no, I still fumble at these things. Just... forget this happened. Please?"

Sybil gave a deep exhale and turned to leave. She felt embarrassed. It was a mistake to come in here and talk to the beautiful witch.

"No, wait," Vi said as she reached for Sybil's arm. But when she tried to touch her, Sybil's magic barrier shocked her hand. She recoiled, gripping her hand with a loud hiss.

Sybil whipped around quickly. She bit her lip, realizing what Vi had tried to do.

"I'm sorry!" Sybil said as she reached out, making sure to drop her barrier. Her hand touched Vi's. She rubbed her thumb on her palm.

"No, it is my fault," Vi winced as Sybil gently soothed her palm. "I knew you had your barrier. I momentarily forgot."

Sybil set her books back down so she could look at Vi's hand. There was a small, radiating scar across the soft flesh. Sybil put both of her hands around Vi's, holding it firmly. She whispered several words before light began to shine. Once done, she inspected her work. The scar had healed.

"There," she said softly. "All gone."

"Perhaps a kiss to make it all better?" Aiden said from the doorway. It caused the women to jump back.

"Why are you out of bed!?" Sybil demanded angrily. He startled her and interrupted them; she was furious, but it was not enough to mask the blushing across her cheeks.

"Lady Ophelia said I needed to rest for one day, and I rested two." He answered as he crossed his arms. "I came out searching for Vi."

"What can I do for you, my prince?" Vi asked sweetly as she pulled away from Sybil.

"I want to try and replicate what Clarissa did to me a few days ago," he explained as he walked towards them. "I want you to put an incantation on me and try to set me on fire."

"Do you think it wise to set yourself on fire?" Sybil questioned. "Why would you wish to repeat it?"

"I need to know if only Clarissa could do it." He replied as he looked at his aunt. "When was the last time you have heard of a wolf being on fire and living? Do you realize how much of an advantage we would have if we fought against vampires as flaming wolves?"

"And what if we cannot replicate it? What if you get hurt in the process? I can hear my mother scolding me now as I think about it!"

"You are more than welcome to leave and not be a part of this," Aiden retorted. "I told you that I came looking for Vi, not you."

"You have quite the attitude, prince," Sybil frowned. "But no, I shall stay. Perhaps your death will make for a good show."

Sybil walked over to the edge of the room as Aiden glared at her. She sat on the floor, leaning back against the wall. She looked at him impatiently. Aiden turned back to Vi.

"Do you oppose?"

"I can hear the proscription coming for me," she sighed in reply as she rubbed her temple. "I am only saying yes because I am also curious."

"Werelia Inttum," Aiden whispered as he walked away.

He stretched his arms. He could feel Cyrus was anxious within his soul. He needed a chance to stretch his legs, a chance to be free. His skin grew hot as he prepared to shift. Within a few seconds, his bones began to break and reshape until he was no longer Aiden but Cyrus.

Vi stood waiting, watching as Cyrus shook out his stiff muscles. His back was still sore from his injury. Though the bones had been healed, his muscles felt bruised. A small price to pay, considering he could have died. When Cyrus settled down, she walked to him.

"Luiasis Parairum Tasaetora," Vi said as she waved her hand over him. She could feel bits of magic leaving her fingers and palm as it passed onto Cyrus.

To verify that he would be safe against fire, Vi created a small flame and held it against his fur. He did not burn, but the flames did not spread across him. Once she was sure he wouldn't be hurt, Vi took both of her hands and held them over his back. She closed her eyes, concentrating as she summoned her magic. Fire shot from her palms onto Cyrus. But nothing happened. The fire did not cling to him; it did not spread, nothing.

When her magic did not work, Vi grabbed a candle from the nearby wall. She brought it to him, attempting to light him on fire. But that didn't work. After several more attempts of using her magic and real fire, she had Aiden shift back. His fire penetrated Clarissa's walls, so perhaps his magic was similar. She had him light a candle, then shift back. She repeated the incantations over him before bringing the tiny flame to him. The results were the same as the rest. Cyrus was not able to become a flaming wolf with any of the fires that they could create.

Aiden shifted and laid back on the cold floor. His muscles were beginning to spasm with the shifting. He winced as he looked over to Sybil.

"I didn't die," he stated happily.

"But you couldn't catch fire, either," she retorted.

"Clarissa's fire has to be different," Vi sighed as she sat near Sybil. "There are still scorch marks on the ground where Aiden and the witch were. The fire had to be excruciatingly hot to be near."

Sybil leaned her head back against the wall. Her eyes stayed on Aiden as she thought to herself. Clarissa was different. But part of her felt that Clarissa being in the palace would limit her. She needed to be with witches. She needed the chance to learn, to train the magic that she had. She did not need to be at the palace; she did not need to be the Queen of Queens. Being here was dangerous. Being with Aiden was dangerous.

"I think you should reject Clarissa," Sybil blurted out, filling the room's silence.

Aiden's eyes went dark as he looked at his aunt. He growled as he sat up, ignoring the pains in his back. He wanted to strangle her, but he knew her barrier protected her. And she was his aunt, of his own flesh and blood. Why would she suggest something that would tear apart his very soul?

"It would not hurt her," Sybil continued. "She is not a wolf. You would not have to worry about that."

"Why do you keep speaking?" He demanded as he stood. "How dare you suggest such a thing?!"

"Because I am thinking of her safety and future," Sybil answered as she rose to her feet.

"And you think I don't?!" He growled.

"Aiden, how many times have you been attacked in your life?" Sybil questioned as her voice remained calm. Aiden paused. He knew instantly what she meant by the question. "You are 16 years of age. I can count nine times that you have been attacked, and she was here for two of those!"

"I can keep her safe," Aiden insisted, his voice beginning to crack as he held back his tears. "She can fight!"

"Someone was with her for both attacks," she countered. "She was not alone; she did not fight alone."

"But she can learn! She has gotten so strong in the months she has been here!" He argued as he wiped his eyes.

"Why put Clarissa at risk? She is a strong witch, I agree. Her magic is unique. She has such a long life ahead of her. You? Perhaps 200 years. Why shorten her life because of this mate bond? She can go to Lode Star and be safe under their watch. Aiden, please, think about it. You are old enough to see that something is coming for you, for your uncle. Whether it be a battle or an all-out war, I don't know. But she cannot fight in a battle. She cannot see like we do. If you love her, you should let her go."

Aiden stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him. How dare she suggest he kill part of himself! Sending away Clarissa would kill him. It would break her heart. But, as he walked, he could not help but consider that Sybil was right. If Clarissa stayed, she would be at risk. She has so much potential. But perhaps there was something else he could do.

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