Chapter 24: Dark Witch

Chapter 24: Dark Witch

Valen and Edward remained silent as they watched Mia. Valen suddenly felt uneasy, thinking what Mia knew about what happened four years ago.

“I was the one behind the death of the healers in Yel!” Mia said straight and without hesitation. Both Valen and Edward eyes widened, confused with their emotion, surprised by the sudden firm confession.

“Bu-but it happened four years ago, and-and you mentioned before ...t-that you were drifted ashore somewhere in Perino just more than a-a year ago?” Valen asked which made Edward remembered that part.

Mia was caught by surprise with Valen’s question, she smiled. Both Valen and Edward eyes widened once more as they felt Mia’s smile this time was honest. Mia’s reaction changed automatically, after realizing the two’s reaction, from smile to scowl.

“That’s true, but remember, I also mentioned something when we started our little story telling...that” Mia was interrupted.

“That the stories you told to Lord James were mostly lies.” Valen remembered and finished the sentence for her. Mia smiled once again.

“You remembered! I would admit I am very glad you were really listening to me even before.  But, let me tell you, that part when I was found ashore in the northern part of Perino more than a year ago is true. The rest were lies. I was already in Perino five years ago. I disguised  myself as an ordinary brown-haired lady. I did visit Cellis from time to time. I was looking for my dear, lovely half-sister Elen, who left Milen more than twenty years ago after meeting and marrying a fine-looking but ordinary healer, Arthur, your father. Daveed, our father, did not accept it. He did not want Elen to marry an average one, as if he did not do it first. Well, of course he would not accept the ordinary healer since she and her husband will be the next ruler of Milen instead of me, a worthless older sister. But, with no doubt, Elen, and also Arthur was able to persuade him, both of them being compassionate and clever. What everyone did not know was that Elen did not want to rule - she wanted a simple life and build a family.” Mia walked towards the well-crafted chair and seated.

“For the first time, I had like her, she informed me that Arthur and she will be leaving and start a family life away from Milen and that she had always wanted me to rule the land. That me having this ability was not an issue in ruling Milen. The me who was strong in facing everyone was worth to rule Milen. Hm..but thinking about it, she was actually selfish...she might just be cajoling me, and not actually thinking that I was worth it.”

“Mother is never like that! She could probably be a bit selfish for abandoning Milen, but she would never say something she doesn’t mean!” Valen said loudly, defending her mother.

Mia laughed at Valen’s sudden outburst, but at the same time, she thought that Elen once again was being favored even in death. She tried to suppressed her hatred and continued her story.

“My father was furious for what Elen did, yet in the end, he forgave her! Though, the two never returned. I, on the other hand, did not still...get to be a queen! I was put aside...I was disregarded! “ Mia stood, her hatred seemed to be increasing as it felt radiating. Valen and Edward could feel darkness surrounding them.

“I was a daughter of a ruler! I live in a mansion, surrounded by healers and servants...but I always have been alone. As if I did something wrong...I never did anything wrong!” Tears dropped from Mia’s eyes, though it was blazing with hatred.

Then immediately, darkness filled the mansion as wind passed extinguishing some lit candles. It felt that it was already night outside when in fact, it should only have been late morning. A few candles remained lit giving the grand hall a bit of light.

“I learned that souls can be sold to darkness, in exchange for anything that one desires!.” Mia’s said in soft, low voice but can be heard clearly as it was the only thing that can be heard inside the grand hall. Edward held Valen to protect her for anything that may happen.

“I sold my soul to darkness - to give me courage, to give me power...to make everyone pay for what they did! And in exchange for power and greatness, I should kill every...single...one...black-haired healers.”

Valen and Edward were surprised. As Mia continued her story, every single revelation was getting heavier and heavier that Valen was having a hard time processing it all. The emotions she was feeling inside was mixed and unexplainable, it was overwhelming her...Mia still continued.

“I did not leave Milen because the food was scarce...no! It was because I already killed everyone of them...and there were still more healers in Cellis. I moved to Perino, for me to live a new life, disguised myself as a brown-haired lady at first to check on things and see which is the great land to rule! That was the first time I tried to usemy power to enhance gaprischo, I use them to a number of Perino knights. Though the gaprischo before was not as powerful as the one I used today and to Meredith, my power was not enough since there were still remaining healers alive.” Mia paused for a while, reliving her memories. Valen on the other hand, was just standing, still trying to grasp all the information they were hearing, while Edward was trying hard to control himself to attack Mia.

Mia suddenly laughed, it seemed that whatever it was that she was thinking amused her.

“Oh, please forgive me. I just remembered something...going back to what Valen said earlier, that you only saw and buried black-haired healers...” Mia laughed again.

“When the Perino knights were ready for me to control. I commanded them to dye their hair black and go to Yel...and I think you know what happened after that.” Mia laughed evilly.

Without any hesitation, Edward lunged directly at Mia with his sword, leaving Valen in shocked and motionless. Mia disappeared in darkness before Edward can reach her.

“Perino knights were skillful and strong, they actually finished all the healers in no time with just a minor lost on their part. After that, I commanded them to kill themselves!”

Edward attacked sideways as he saw a glimpsed of Mia appeared on his right but vanished once again in thin air.

“After killing the healers of Yel through my power, I have acquired more skills and powers. As you see, I just vanished right before your eyes Edward.” Mia spoke as he appeared somewhere on the right side of the grand hall. “These powers I have right now, no special healers have it. Only I has it! There is nothing you can do!”

“God knows how angry I am Mia. I am trying my best to be calmer as much as possible. What you did is unforgivable but maybe we can talk it through. Perhaps I really do not know how heavy the experiences you had been through, but I think it was too much for a revenge. You are already powerful enough,you already got what you wanted...you already got your great revenge.” Edward said with clenched left fist, trying his best to suppress his anger, he paused for a while to release the tension.

“I do not know what else to say to you to make you realize that you already did too much and it was enough! There are only two of you left...do you also wish to be the last healer standing?” Edward continued.

Silence filled the grand hall, wind passed, flickering  lit candles. Valen was still motionless and standing where Edward left her to attack Mia. Mia’s eyes were closed, Edward did not know what she was thinking or what was going to happen next. He was unsure if he can still protect not just Valen but the whole Cellis. He knew that Mia was capable of annihilating the entirety of it. Edward tightened his grip on his sword, prepared for any motion that may attack as he moved back to where Valen was standing.

“Yes, you do not have any idea how it felt to be in my spot. The hatred and resentment that piled up. Then the feeling I felt when I got powerful. I no longer need  any herbs for my ability to activate. I now have new powers...Though right now, it takes time to cast an attack, but perhaps, if I kill the last healer standing in front of me, it will just be a snap. However, do not fret Edward, you will not witness her death as you will be the first!” Mia exclaimed.

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A/N: Ei guys! I'm so sorry if it took me forever to update! Hope your're still with me and waiting for an update. I hope to finish  the story in March, if not this month. Please, please, please vote/comment! Thanks!

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