𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬

Chapter 66

I was scared, so utterly scared.

Why wouldn't I be?

I haven't used magic since that witch broke me. She completely showed me the gap in our abilities as a dark witch and a normal witch. Sure, I was the princess, and I was trained by only the best of the best, but I was never trained to battle against one with dark magic, I never even knew such magic existed if my sister didn't tell me. I had no chance against her, I knew that. If I went ahead with tomorrow as the Willow that I was today, I'll lose, and I'll probably die too. With how I was now, I won't even be able to touch a single strand of that witch's hair, that's how weak I was, as of the moment. Not to mention, Mallory has only just turned into a succubus, she hasn't explored her powers and strength yet. Out of the three of us, only Gaia held the power to defeat the witch, and this fact scared me to my core.. because I couldn't just depend on her, I couldn't.

I knew I was still too weak to fight, of course I knew.

But I couldn't just sit here and wait anymore. That witch.. she took a life, an innocent life. She took it, and there's no getting it back, Monica was gone forever, and it was all because of me, because I let that witch live for way too long. If I didn't fight now, who knows when her next move will be? Who will her next victim be? It could be anyone, it could be a citizen, a child, a friend, a sister, or a mate. The fact that it could be anyone scared me, because everyone was important to me, and I didn't want to endanger an innocent life again, no. Whether I was strong or not, whether I was ready or not, that witch was not going to wait for me. She's going to do whatever she wants, she's going to take whatever life she desires, and I can't let that happen. Not again.

While I still have time before tomorrow strikes, I'll try to practice my magic again... It's been awhile since I've connected with nature, and although the best option would be to practice outside, I had a different idea.. an idea that I couldn't exactly tell my mates and especially not my sister. I was already taking a risk with fighting that witch tomorrow, taking another risk wasn't that big of a deal anymore.

"Little one?"

"We asked if you wanted to train." Mallory continued, her eyes soft as she looked down at me.

I cleared my throat and nodded, "Yes, yes, I will, but I'll do it on my own." I didn't want them to know, I didn't want anyone to know. If they knew what I was planning to do, they'll try to stop me, and that can't happen no matter what.

Gaia's brows were raised in surprise, and her lips formed a frown as she gave a worried expression, "Why? There is no reason for you to train alone."

"I don't like the thought of leaving you alone either." Mallory added, nodding her head in agreement with Gaia's statement.

I understood that they were only worried for my safety, after all, they were my mates, my protectors, but if I stayed with them, I wouldn't be able to do what I needed to. Thus, with a deep sigh, I crossed my arms and shook my head, "Both of you need to relax. I'm not a baby, I can take care of myself."

I had to seem confident, like it wasn't a big deal, even though in reality, my legs were slightly shaking, my palms were getting sweaty, and my heart was pounding against my chest. Yet, I somehow remained calm as I continued talking, "I'll be alright, you two don't have to worry too much, and besides, I have no plans on leaving the castle."

My succubus raised her brow, "You're not leaving the castle?"

"Yes, that's what I said."

"Why?"

"If I let you do whatever kink you want on me, will that stop you from asking?" It wasn't exactly an ideal offer, but I wasn't exactly opposed to sex either so I'd say this deal was a win-win on both sides. Not to mention, Mallory was a succubus, she won't be able to say no.