Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 58

**(Mature themes and explicit content ahead)**

Before Estrella could dwell on the situation further, a small group of witches approached them, including the woman Kai had been talking to earlier.

As they neared, Kai immediately tensed, his protectiveness flaring as he subtly shifted to stand slightly in front of Estrella, shielding her from the newcomers.

The woman at the front, Veronica, offered a gentle smile.

"So, this is the famous Estrella Salvatore," she said warmly, her eyes studying Estrella with interest.

Veronica stepped forward, extending her hand with a polite smile. "Veronica Linh," she introduced herself.

Kai smirked, his tone light and teasing. "The slightly oldest member of the council, if I'm not mistaken."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sarcastic grin.

"Speak for yourself, Kai," she retorted, a hint of irritation in her voice.

She gestured to the others. "And they are Derek, Rachel, and Mags," she continued, nodding toward each of them in turn.

Estrella smiled, though her gaze lingered on Veronica for a moment longer.

She couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity, wondering if there was any history between Kai and Veronica.

As she looked at her, a flicker of recognition crossed her mind.

Suddenly, she remembered where she had seen her before-she was the little girl from Kai's memories, the one who had been hurt when he siphoned her magic as a child.

The realization startled her momentarily, but she quickly composed herself.

Rachel, chimed in with a smooth but pointed tone. "The one who rescued our leader and, if the rumors are true, a powerful witch in her own right."

Estrella narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing the challenge in Rachel's words.

"That's right," she replied calmly, her gaze unwavering.

Derek, a blonde witch with icy blue eyes, snorted dismissively.

"Powerful witch? How so, with just a few hair color tricks?" His tone was laced with disdain.

Kai's gaze flicked to him, unimpressed. "Jealous, Derek? Not everyone can pull off multiple shades."

A brunette, Mags, with a curious smile spoke up, though there was an underlying distaste in her voice.

"They say you're a defier of Nature. And are you some kind of reincarnated witch?" she asked, her tone almost mocking.

Derek added with a sarcastic edge, "Also, how can they call you a witch if you can't really perform spells?" He smirked, clearly enjoying the moment.

"No wonder you sympathize with our leader. Birds of a feather and all that," he muttered under his breath.

Veronica took a breath and then, with a firm yet calm voice, spoke up. "Guys, stop it. Read the room."

Estrella felt a flush of anger rising in her cheeks.

Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "If you really want to test it, I'd be happy to give you a demonstration. I just hope you have good health insurance."

Her voice was sharp, and she added with a slight smile, "Besides, I find wit and intelligence more efficient than spells. But I wouldn't expect that much from you, kid."